Category: Minor League Reports

Yankees MILB 6/2: Isaias Castillo (16) Homers in Professional Debut

Notes:

If you missed it yesterday (it was a late addition to my report), 1B/OF Dominic Smith exercised his opt-out clause. Given how the season has played out, there wasn’t a path to MLB for Smith with the Yankees. He is hoping to convert his hot May into an MLB contract somewhere.

Injury Log

Scranton (25-29)

Day off

Somerset (24-26)

Day off

Hudson Valley (31-19)

Day off

Tampa (26-23)

Day off

FCL (11-11) (Swept a doubleheader against the Phillies. Brando Mayea, who left the game the other day due to some sort of injury, did not play)

Game 1 (Won, 8-7)

RF Isael Arias: 1-for-4, 2 R, 3 SB (7), 2 K
SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-1, 3 R, SB (4), 3 BB
Sometimes, pitchers in the rookie leagues can be incredibly wild. In this game, however, Peralta drew the only three walks.
C Ediel Rivera: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, 3 R, HBP
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (2), 3 RBI
3B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-3, 2 SB (11)
11 stolen bases in 19 games.

LHP Ben Shields: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
One of the Yankees’ most surprising prospects in 2024 is on a rehab stint. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023, Shields pitched at three levels in his 2024 debut season (Hudson Valley, Somerset, Scranton (one start)). Combined, he went 5-5 with a 3.48 ERA (3.23 FIP) over 106 innings with a 31.1% K and 7.5% BB. His numbers were solid, yet skewed negatively by that one emergency Scranton appearance (1.2 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 7 ER).
RHP Sunayro Martina (W, 2-3): 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Alexis Paulino (S, 1): 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Not all saves are pretty.

Game 2 (Won, 7-1)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-3, 2 R, HBP, K
C Manuel Palencia: 4-for-4, 2 2B (6), 3B (1), HR (1), 5 RBI, R
It finally happened! Palencia hits his first career home run in his 150th game. Yes, it’s one of those baseball things that he hits his first career home run on a day he falls a single short of the cycle (he hit a double in his final at-bat. Jeff Frye would have stopped at first base). He is 22 years old and has played only as high as Low-A, but this is a nice moment of him.
DH Ediel Rivera: 1-for-3, 2B (4), SF, 2 RBI, K
.296/.400/.426 in 65 PA. A solid start to his professional career.

RHP Greysen Carter (W, 2-0): 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
His control struggles are well-documented, so this is good to see.

DSL Yankees (0-1) (Lost to the Rockies, 13-6. The Rockies should promote all these guys to the MLB club immediately)

SS Mani Cedeno: 1-for-5, R, 3 K
Their most hyped DSL prospect earns his first professional hit. Want to feel old? Cedeno is 16 and was born in 2008.
CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
As I said the other day, this is a huge year for the bonus baby. Ideally, he would have crushed this league in 2024 and would be in the FCL right now. That didn’t happen, so he has to crush this league now.
2B Carlos Bello: 1-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Nothing like getting that first professional home run out of the way in your first professional game. Bello signed for $350,000.
3B Richard Matic: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
Matic hits his first professional home run. Matic signed for $850,000. Like Vilorio, he struggled here in 2024 (.196/.333/.248 in 186 PA)
C Justin Capellan: 2-for-4, 2B (1), R
The 18-year-old hit .242/.365/.359 with 12 doubles in 41 games at this level in 2024. The Yankees used money acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates for Billy McKinney to sign Capellan. “Why didn’t the Pirates simply use that money for international prospects instead of trading it for a retread like McKinney?”  Do you even need to ask?
DH Carlos Villarroel: 0-for-4, K
Villarroel returns coming off of an impressive .299/.390/.410 campaign in 2024. Last season, he split time between catcher and first base.
LF Isaias Castillo: 2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, K
A 16-year-old launching a home run in his professional debut is impressive. Castillo was a $750,000 investment during the 2025 signing period. He is a right-handed bat.
RF Angel Ventura: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI
The 19-year-old hit .245/.336/.276 in 113 plate appearances here in 2024.
1B Diego Flores: 2-for-3, 2B (1), BB, K
Flores compiles his first career extra-base hit (the 18-year-old played in 15 games at this level in 2024)

RHP Manuel Cruz (L, 0-1): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Cruz (19) makes his professional debut.
RHP Anthony Mena: 1 IP, 2 H, 6 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 0 K
Crazy pitching lines aren’t abnormal in the DSL!
LHP Luis Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
He’s already 20, but this was his professional debut.
RHP Varis Villarreal: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The 19-year-old pitched in 17 games at this level last year, compiling a 4.43 ERA and 20/11 K/BB over 22.1 innings.
RHP Jesus Guerrero: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The 18-year-old’s professional debut. Interestingly, his debut is on the hill even though he is listed as a catcher. Don’t ask me, folks. I just report what I see.

DSL Bombers (1-0) (Defeated Rangers Blue, 10-8, in a crazy game that featured a walk-off 3-run home run for Browm Martinez. This came after the Rangers scored three runs in the top of the 9th to take the lead)

CF Ruben Castillo: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
Castillo was a $875,000 signing.
SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-3, 3 R, SB (1), BB
Impressive professional debut for the 17-year-old. The Yankees gave Marinez a $1.65 million signing bonus near the end of the 2024 signing period (Cedeno, who received $2.5 million, was part of the 2025 class)
C Queni Pineda: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
I remember Pineda from last year, and it isn’t because of his unique first name. He hit .254/.434/.438 in 44 games with nine doubles and five home runs. He drew an impressive 41 walks in 173 PA (23.7%).  He signed for $350,000 in 2024.
DH David Carrera: 0-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
The 18-year-old played well down here in 2024 (.278/.402/.418). When it comes to kids who don’t get the extreme signing bonuses, they just need to put their heads down and keep performing to get noticed. Not the same situation, but Andy Pettitte always talked about needing to prove himself every step of the way.
2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-4, R, SB (1), BB, 3 K
Reyes signed for $100,000 in 2024. Last year, as a 16-year-old, he hit .250/.346/.314 in 179 plate appearances.
RF Browm Martinez: 2-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 SB (2)
You may as well make your first professional home run a memorable one. Martinez is coming off a solid 2024 (.278/.386/.313 with 21 stolen bases in 27 attempts). He is an 18-year-old right-handed batter.
1B Leni Done: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
Done’s professional debut. There isn’t any information I can find on his signing bonus (which means he signed for little)
3B Juan Torres: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, CS (1), 2 K
Torres’s professional debut. Like with Done, no information on what he signed for.
LF Eddinson Charles: 0-for-4, 4 K
Not the debut the 6’4″ 17-year-old wanted, but it can only get better from here. He was a $300,000 signing.

RHP Randy Angomas: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Angomas (17) makes his professional debut.
RHP Luis Burgos: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
The 19-year-old pitched in 14 games here last season.
LHP Ronald Tejada: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Tough day today, but he was good in last year’s debut season (1.75 ERA and 24/12 K/BB over 25.2 IP).
RHP Josue Silvestre (W, 1-0): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Silvestre’s first professional win.

Yankees MILB 6/1: Cam Schlittler Tosses 5 Shutout Innings

Notes:

RHP Jake Woodford triggered his May 31st opt-out and is now a free agent. Most veteran players include various opt-out clauses in their spring training and minor league deals. The opt-outs are a way to force the MLB team to either add them to the 26-man roster or let them go. On occasion, the player may renegotiate their minor league deal for a higher salary.

A veteran of five seasons with the Cardinals, White Sox, and Pirates, Woodford pitched to a 4.54 ERA (5.09 FIP) over 39.2 innings for Scranton. He owned a 9.4% BB, 21.5% K, and 42.4% GB.

With Woodford likely gone, the Yankees’ veteran minor league pitching depth (with MLB experience) consists of Allan Winans, Anthony DeSclafani, and Brandon Leibrandt. Carlos Carrasco was called up to the big club today as an extra arm and will need to go through the DFA process again.

After a hot May, 1B/OF Dominic Smith also exercised his opt-out clause. Given how the season has played out, there wasn’t a path to MLB for Smith.

Injury Log

Scranton (25-29) (Lost to Worcester, 7-4)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-2, 2B (7), R, 2 BB, K
.362/.443/.461 in 167 PA. I will reiterate what I have been saying all year: If there were any plans on deploying Rodriguez at 3B in MLB, they would be playing him there more often than they are. It’s not coming soon. With Chisholm Jr. almost back and the insistence that DJ LeMahieu has something to offer, there isn’t room anyway.
LF Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, R, CS (1), BB, 2 K
.275/.380/.517 in 142 PA. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 3-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, R, K
For De La Cruz to have any value, he has to hit home runs. It’s what he does. He has three in 22 games since joining Scranton.
2B Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, K
DH Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-4
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, SB (14), BB, K
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-2, R, HBP, K

RHP Sean Boyle: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
4.72 ERA (55.1 IP, 47 H, 33 R, 29 ER, 8 HR, 20 BB, 57 K). The Yankees could have summoned Boyle to Los Angeles instead of Carrasco, but it isn’t surprising they went with the disposable veteran over their minor league depth.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
I don’t know if it was strategy or not, but taking Reyzelman out of the game after recording a strikeout (and stranding a runner) wasn’t a bad idea. Let him build some confidence.
RHP Scott Effross: (L, 0-1)  1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Effross has allowed eight runs in three innings since moving to Scranton. It is possible that his injuries won’t be overcome, which would be a sad outcome. I would argue we aren’t there yet.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (24-26) (Defeated Akron, 3-0)

DH Jazz Chisholm Jr.: 0-for-3, K
The Yankees have yet to let him play a full game in the field. I believe that’s coming, and he will be activated soon.
   DH Max Burt: 0-for-1
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, R, CS (2), 2 BB, 2 K
Lombard Jr. continues to try to find his stroke. The good news is that the walks keep coming (20 in 23 games). Today is the last day we can call him a teenage prospect. Happy 20th Birthday tomorrow, George! 
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, R, 2 K
.240/.382/.550 in 123 PA (4 doubles, 9 HR, 17 RBI, 24 R, 7-for-9 SB, 17.9% BB, 36.6% K).
   CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-0, BB
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (11), 3 RBI, R, K
Flores’s 3-run homer in the first was all the scoring they needed. He leads the Eastern League in homers and is tied for second in RBI (37).
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, HBP, K
.274/.335/.469 in 191 PA. Jasso hit .260/.311/.385 in May after a .303/.369/.592 April.
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-3, BB
Davis is 6-for-26 with a pair of homers, eight walks, and nine strikeouts.
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, 2B (9), BB
.231/.339/.442 in 184 PA. 17 of his 36 hits have gone for extra bases (9 doubles, 8 HR). Over his career, 55 of his 111 hits have gone for extra bases.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3

RHP Cam Schlittler (W, 4-5): 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
2.38 ERA (53 IP, 47 H, 19 R, 14 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 64 K). Schlittler has been among the best pitchers in the Eastern League. He entered today as the league leader in FIP and is in the top five in strikeouts and K-BB%. The only bad thing in his profile is something that is hard for him to control: An elevated BABIP (.357 after today’s game).
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.41 ERA (18.2 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 26 K)
RHP Kelly Austin (S, 3): 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
1.69 ERA (16 IP, 13 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 16 K)
Trying to figure out which relief prospects are legitimate is a tough exercise. We’ve seen pitchers like Brooks Kriske dominate in the minors, only to struggle once in MLB. By the way, in case you are wondering, Kriske is still out there. He recently tossed two scoreless innings for the Cubs but has since been designated for assignment.

Hudson Valley (31-19) (Defeated Wilmington, 2-1, in ten innings)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, BB, 3 K
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, 2 SB (23), CS (4), 3 BB, K
Jones is 41-for-45 (91.1%) stealing bases in 68 minor league games. He was 70-for-77 (90.9%) in college.
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, RBI, 2B (13), 2 BB
Avina’s walked it off with a … walk. He has 13 doubles in 40 games (8 doubles in 17 May games).
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-4, K
3B Parks Harber: 0-for-4, K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, 2 K
Martinez slowed down after an insane hot stretch but still finished May at .293/.424/.533 with five home runs.
SS Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 3B (1), R, BB
Colmenares tripled with one out in the 9th. He scored the tying run on a wild pitch.
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, 3 K
  PR Luis Durango: 0-for-0, R

LHP Griffin Herring: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Herring is dominant in his High-A debut. He has my full attention.
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Between here and Tampa: 17.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 24 K. Impressive.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
0.79 ERA (22.2 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 29 K). Pure dominance. This is the first time he didn’t strike out a batter in his professional career (33rd game).
RHP Huey Morrill (W, 3-1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (26-23) (Lost a heartbreaker to Fort Myers, 3-2. They had a 2-1 lead entering the 9th)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, SF, RBI, SB (11), K
Sanchez has seven multi-hit efforts in his last nine games. He is hitting .286/.341/.445 in 132 PA (4 doubles, 20 RBI, 10 R, 11-for-14 SB). 
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, K
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, HBP, K
.212/.346/.341 in 208 PA. Urena has shown flashes of the power he is known for, but it hasn’t been consistent. Not surprising for a 20-year-old playing in Low-A. 
LF Cam Eden: 1-for-3, BB
RF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
The raking continues. He is hitting .250/.323/.477 in 195 PA (9 doubles, 2 triples, 9 HR, 29 RBI, 33 R, 13-for-14 SB, 9.2% BB, 28.2% K). 
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, K
1B Hans Montero: 2-for-4, RBI

LHP Xavier Rivas: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Rivas’s Low-A debut (he tossed 15.2 innings in the FCL before his promotion). The 22-year-old was another SEC draft pick last year, nabbed in the 16th round out of Ole Miss. There is no StatCast data available today, so the information is limited. He generated 9 whiffs and hit the low 90s with his 4-seam fastball and sinker. His arsenal also includes a changeup and slider.
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Stevens’ rehab assignment was moved here from the FCL.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
This is Coleman’s fourth rehab appearance. It likely won’t be long before he is in Scranton’s bullpen. Perhaps Somerset.
RHP Sean Hermann: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
1.35 ERA (20 IP, 15 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 32 K). Veach hasn’t allowed a run since April 27th. He has ten straight scoreless appearances (10.2 IP).
RHP Brady Kirtner (L, 2-2): 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Kirtner has been strong in his debut season. Today wasn’t his day. Season: 2.67 ERA (27 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 31 K)

FCL (9-11)

Day off. They have a doubleheader scheduled against the Phillies tomorrow.

DSL Yankees (0-0)

Their season begins on Monday.

DSL Bombers (0-0)

Their season begins on Monday.

My coverage of the DSL is even lighter than my FCL coverage. I will probably write a report tomorrow since it is Opening Day.

Yankees MILB 5/31: Dillon Lewis’ Hot May Ends with a Homer

Notes:

A lot of roster assignments in the DSL today in anticipation of their openers on Monday. I say openers because the Yankees have two Dominican Summer League (DSL) teams. If you are new to this, they do play each other during the season.

One unique feature of the DSL is that the rosters do not count towards the organizational limit. If you look at their rosters, you will often see a zillion pitchers, a million catchers, and several hundred thousand infielders who are labeled as “shortstops” (every outfielder is a center fielder, also!).

SS Mani Cedeno is one of the most highly touted prospects. The 16-year-old signed for $2.5 million in January. One of his teammates is 18-year-old OF Francisco Vilorio. Vilorio, signed for $1.75M in 2024, struggled in his first taste of professional ball last year. He hit .196/.294/.345 with four homers and eight stolen bases in 42 games. 2025 is already a big year for his prospect status. I doubt many top players struggled in back-to-back DSL seasons.

Now for the reality: Many of the best players who come out of the DSL signed for much less than the bonus babies.  I won’t get into the entire list, but Mariano Rivera famously signed for $2,500 in 1990. It was a different system and bonus structure, but that is one of the biggest international bargains in history. Who do I think will be those “surprise” players in the DSL? A moment of honesty: I don’t know who 99% of these players are, never mind trying to project their futures.

Injury Log

Scranton (25-28) (Defeated Worcester, 3-0)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2B (6), R, SB (9), K
Since promotion: .360/.436/.453 in 163 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 27 R, 9-for-13 SB, 12.3% BB, 14.1% K). In his last five games, in order: 3B, 3B, C, C, DH. He compiled 34 hits in 23 May games.
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-2, HR (8), 2 RBI, R, SB (4), BB
The veteran had an outstanding May: .317/.389/.622 with 7 homers and 22 RBI in 23 games.
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, RBI, K
.302/.387/.604 in 111 PA (8 HR, 28 RBI, 21 runs in 26 games). He has never hit in MLB, but he is valuable as a #3 catcher.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, SB (4), BB
Rumfield in May: .343/.422/.486 with four doubles and a pair of home runs. 
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, 2B (2)
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-4, CS (4), K
2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-2, SB (13), BB
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-2, R, BB, K

RHP Allan Winans (W, 4-0): 5.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
0.27 ERA (33.1 IP, 23 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 39 K). You see numbers like these, and your first instinct may be “What about that BABIP?” In Winans’ case, it is normal: .280.  Anyway, Winans needs to be precise because he doesn’t throw hard. His 4-seamer maxed at 89.7 MPH (sinker reached 89.8).
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Beeeter reached 96.4 MPH with his 4-seamer. Season: 1.13 ERA (8 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 8 BB, 12 K)
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K
Four walks and three strikeouts in an inning of work (his outing spanned two innings). Now for the good stuff: Rodriguez reached 99.3 MPH with his 4-seamer, and his cutter reached 98.9. If you are skeptical of that number, so am I. It is possible that it was a misread 4-seam fastball. Either way, those readings keep teams interested. Season: 4.42 ERA (18.1 IP, 14 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 27 K).
RHP Colten Brewer (S, 3): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.98 ERA (20.1 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 3 HR, 12 BB, 26 K)

Somerset (23-26) (Lost to Akron, 10-5. The game ended on a triple play with the bases loaded)

3B Jazz Chisholm Jr.: 1-for-3, SB (1)
I doubt he will be down here much longer. The Yankees typically want a player to play a full game in the field before they consider activation.
   3B Max Burt: 0-for-2, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 3 K
We all have bad days. At this level, he is hitting .200 (15-for-75) with a double and a triple. He has 18 walks (18.8%) and 21 strikeouts (21.9%). The Yankees knew there would be struggles. They feel that he can handle them.
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2B (13), R
In April, Flores hit seven doubles and five homers. In May, he compiled six doubles and five homers. He played more games in May, but he has been consistent.
2B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4
CF Garrett Martin: 2-for-3, 2 HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (9), BB
This is Martin’s third career 2-HR game. He has 31 doubles, 20 homers, and 26 stolen bases in 149 career games. 
LF Brennen Davis: 0-for-3, RBI, R, BB, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4
RF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-4, HR (3), RBI, R, K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Bailey Dees: (L, 1-4)  4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 6 BB, 7 K, HR
5.02 ERA (43 IP, 43 H, 25 R, 24 ER, 6 HR, 25 BB, 52 K)
RHP Baron Stuart: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
5.00 ERA (27 IP, 17 H, 17 R, 15 ER, 3 HR, 20 BB, 27 K)
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR

Hudson Valley (30-19) (Lost to Wilmington, 5-1. The Renegades flew out of the gate but haven’t played as well lately. They have fallen into third place behind Brooklyn (34-15) and Greensboro (33-15).)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
.265/.438/.618 in 89 PA. Including 2024, Riggio is hitting .227/.363/.429 in 569 PA at this level with 17 homers, 62 RBI, 90 runs, 15.8% BB, 20.4% K, and a 29-for-39 stolen base rate. 
LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, SB (21), BB, K
Jones finished May a perfect 10-for-10 stealing bases. After showing some pop in April (.238/.347/.425), it disappeared in May (.239/.339/.315). I’m not concerned.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Parks Harber: 1-for-4, RBI
.323/.380/.515 in 108 PA since his promotion. His 53 total hits are tied for second with Jesus Rodriguez (the organizational leader is Rafael Flores, who has 55)
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, 3 K
.225/.323/.344 in 186 PA. Castillo slumped in May (.186/.286/.286) after a strong April (.275/.370/.420). 
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, HBP, K
SS Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, CS (2), 2 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, 2B (10), BB, 2 K
RF Luis Durango: 1-for-4, CS (1), K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (L, 3-2): 5.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
3.38 ERA (48 IP, 31 H, 20 R, 18 ER, 0 HR, 22 BB, 57 K).  A lot of groundballs, zero home runs allowed (9 allowed in 231.1 career innings), and a high strikeout rate. A 21-year-old doing this in High-A is impressive, even if there are a few warts.
RHP Chris Kean: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.00 ERA (21 IP, 18 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 19 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Tampa (26-23) (Lost to Fort Myers, 11-1)

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, 3 K
Maybe I am being harsh, but we all see the reality here, right?
DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, HBP
CF Cam Eden: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, HR (9), RBI, R, K
Lewis doesn’t want May to end, as he finished the month 29-for-94 (.309) with 15 extra-base hits (5 doubles, 2 triples, 8 HR), 26 RBI, 24 runs, and a 7-for-7 stolen base rate. He entered tonight in a 5-way tie for first place in the league home run race. I don’t know if anyone else hit their 9th, nor do I care. 
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, K
.291/.362/.358. He finishes May 30-for-96 (.313) with 13 RBI, 15 runs, and a 10-for-13 stolen base rate.
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, SB (6), BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, SB (8), BB, 3 K

LHP Brock Selvidge (L, 0-1): 2.2 IP, 1 H, 5 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
This is only his third rehab appearance. 
RHP Gus Hughes: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP J.T. Etheridge: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
6.00 ERA (9 IP, 8 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 10 K)
RHP Cade Austin: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR

FCL (9-11)

Their game against the Phillies was postponed. They will try to play two on Monday.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/29: Spencer Jones Returns

Notes:

OF Spencer Jones, out since May 3rd due to an “intercostal injury,” returned to the Somerset lineup tonight. He joined Jazz Chisholm Jr., who is in Somerset on a rehab stint.

Unfortunately, when someone comes off the injured list, someone has to go. The Yankees have released OF Grant Richardson. Drafted in the 17th round in 2021 out of Indiana, Richardson struggled between Somerset/Scranton this year, hitting .198/.288/.363 with three homers and a stolen base in 32 games. In 2022 and 2023, he accomplished a double-double in home runs and stolen bases. Last season, he just missed, hitting 9 homers while stealing 16 bases. Hopefully, he finds work elsewhere.

Injury Log

Scranton (23-28) (Lost to Worcester, 3-2)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-5, 2 RBI
He was looking at a 0-for until his 2-run single in the 9th.  He is hitting .366/.445/.458 at this level.
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-5, 2 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, K
DH Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, 2 K
2B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, R, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-4, R
CF Ismael Munguia: 2-for-4, 2 SB (13)
Munguia is well within a career best for stolen bases (18, set in 2023 and 2024).
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, SB (12)
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Erick Leal:(L, 1-6)  4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, HR
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
If the Yankees unlock him, he could be a bullpen threat in the big leagues. It’s all about those walks.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Reyzelman cannot find a groove….
RHP Zach Messinger: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Messinger as a reliever can be interesting. In his first three games in the role: 8 IP, 6 R, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K. It is possible they placed him in the bullpen temporarily to reset him as a starter, where he has struggled this year.

Somerset (23-24) (Destroyed Akron, 12-0)

3B Jazz Chisholm Jr.: 2-for-3, 2 R, BB
It’s hilarious that this franchise, adamant about moving Chisholm Jr. back to his natural position, may move him to third to accommodate the remnants of DJ LeMahieu. We would be laughing if the Colorado Rockies did something like this.
   3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-1
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, 3B (1), RBI
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, R, SB (7), CS (2)
Good to see Jones running in his first game back (plus, they played him in center field, a good sign they think he is fully healed). 
   CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, K
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-4, HR (6), RBI, 2 R
.221/.329/.393 in 171 PA. 
LF Brennen Davis: 2-for-2, HR (2), 2 RBI, 3 R, HBP, BB
4-for-15 with two home runs and six runs scored. Davis has 167 games of Triple-A experience, and I assume he will get back there. It might be a roster space game more than anything else.
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
DH Tyler Hardman: 3-for-3, 2 HR (6), 6 RBI, 2 R, BB
Hardman’s first multi-HR game since 2023 (he had five such games that season, including a 3-HR effort). He has 15 RBI in 19 May games.
2B Max Burt: 1-for-4, K

RHP JT Brubaker: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Solid start for Brubaker, who has a ticking clock that the Yankees will eventually need to decide on.
RHP Brendan Beck (W, 4-1): 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.33 ERA (38.2 IP, 25 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 40 K). Beck has been impressive and healthy. Let’s hope he keeps it going.

Hudson Valley (30-16) (Lost to Wilmington, 7-6, in ten innings)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-5, HR (6), RBI, 2 R, K
Riggio has six home runs in 17 games (7 HR in 19 games if you want to include his FCL rehab stint)
LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-5, 2 K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, 2B (12), 2 R, 2 BB
Avina 12 doubles and four homers in 38 games. He has 20 RBI and 28 runs scored (15.3% BB).
DH Parks Harber: 1-for-5, 2B (8), RBI, R, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 3B (1), 3 RBI, R
Castillo is hitting .230/.331/.355 with 11 doubles, a triple, and a pair of home runs. He has 29 RBI in 39 games (he is 17-for-52 (.327) with RISP)
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
  PR Luis Durango: 0-for-0
   C Tomas Frick: 0-for-0, BB
3B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-5, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, HBP, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Ben Hess: 4.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 7 K
4.05 ERA (40 IP, 27 H, 22 R, 18 ER, 1 HR, 24 BB, 59 K). Not giving up home runs and striking out 59 in 40 innings is good. The walks are the biggest issue he will need to work on.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Warrecker has been outstanding all year, but it’s fair to point out that he allowed two of Hess’ runs to score tonight (he entered the game with the bases loaded and one out).  Season: 0.83 ERA (21.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 29 K).
RHP Hayden Merda: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
3.22 ERA (22.1 IP, 16 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 32 K). Merda has a 1.38 ERA in May (5.79 in April)
RHP Huey Morrill: (L, 2-1): 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (25-22) (Split two games with Lakeland)

Game 1 (Won, 2-0, in the completion of yesterday’s game)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-1, 2 BB
CF Cam Eden: 1-for-2
His rehab was moved to Tampa.
   PH-CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-1
DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-2, BB, K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3
RF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-2, BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-3, R, K
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, K
2B Austin Green: 1-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3

RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Coleman’s rehab was moved here from the FCL.
RHP Andrew Landry: (W, 2-3)  3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
6.43 ERA (35 IP, 49 H, 30 R, 25 ER, 4 HR, 15 BB, 37 K). 
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
5.11 ERA (24.2 IP, 27 H, 18 R, 14 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 20 K)
RHP Brady Kirtner (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.08 ERA (26 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 30 K). A call to Hudson Valley may not be far off.

Game 2 (Lost, 3-1)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 K
The struggle is real.
CF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-2, K
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-2, BB
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3
RF Cam Eden: 0-for-2, BB
LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, R
.290/.355/.359 in 169 PA (10 doubles, 23 RBI, 20 R, 12-for-17 SB, 10.7% BB, 22.5% K). Matheus is doing a solid job adjusting to full-season ball, but is a cautionary tale about taking K/BB rates seriously in the rookie leagues (he compiled 84 walks and 76 strikeouts in 104 rookie league games)
1B Tyler Wilson: 1-for-2, 2B (5), BB
2B Owen Cobb: 2-for-2
.391/.429/.667 in 78 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 19 R, 8-for-10 SB, 6.4% BB, 19.2% K). 
  PH Austin Green: 0-for-1, K
Unless the idea was that Green would get an AB in Game 2 (weird) or Cobb was injured, I don’t get the idea of pinch-hitting for a kid hitting .391 with two outs and nobody on.

RHP Brandon Decker: (L, 1-1)  2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
2.14 ERA (21 IP, 18 H, 10 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 21 K). This is his second straight start. I am not sure if they are starting to stretch him out but it would make sense.
LHP Tanner Bauman: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Sean Hermann: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
1.54 ERA (23.1 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 19 BB, 22 K). His BB rate has come down considerably in May.

FCL (8-11) (Lost to the Tigers, 3-0)

LF Brando Mayea: 0-for-3, HBP
.288/.366/.493 in 83 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 19 R, 4-for-7 SB)
C Ediel Rivera: 2-for-4, CS (2), K
.283/.400/.413 in 55 PA (3 doubles, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 7 R, 4-for-6 SB)
2B Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-2, 3B (1), BB, K
Terrero has a double, triple, and homer in ten games this season.
RF Santiago Gomez: 0-for-2, 2 SB (8), HBP

RHP Omar Gonzalez (L, 0-2): 4 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 5 K
RHP Mariano Salomon: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
0.68 ERA (13.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 15 K). Salomon has impressed in his career, throwing to a 2.67 ERA in 104.1 innings with a 131/24 K/BB.
RHP Chance Nolan: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The former collegiate quarterback has yet to allow an earned run (5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 3 K)

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/28: Carlos Lagrange’s Big Effort

Notes:

Early-season standout Griffin Herring was promoted from Tampa to Hudson Valley.

The Yankees went heavy on SEC pitchers in the 2024 draft, and the left-handed Herring was no exception. Out of LSU, the Yankees drafted him in the 6th round and signed him to an overslot bonus (as a draft-eligible sophomore, he had leverage). He was an instant sensation for Tampa, pitching to a 0.39 ERA in his four April starts.

While no pitcher at any level can keep up that pace forever, Herring came close. In eight starts, he went 4-1 with a 1.21 ERA (2.87 FIP) over 44.2 innings with a 33.3% K and 9.2% BB. The K rate matches what he did for LSU in 2024. As you may suspect from a pitcher with his numbers, there is some luck involved. He owned a whopping 89% strand rate.

At any rate, he joins fellow 2024 SEC draftees Bryce Cunningham (Vanderbilt) and Ben Hess (Alabama) in the Hudson Valley rotation. The rotation also includes Carlos Lagrange, Kyle Carr, Josh Grosz, and Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz. Amongst this group, only Grosz (who has talent) isn’t on the MLB Pipeline Top 30 Yankees Prospects list.

No, I don’t expect them to go with a 7-man rotation. They will either do some piggybacking, or someone is on their way to Somerset.

Injury Log

Scranton (23-27) (Lost to Worcester, 5-4)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, SF, RBI
Is he receiving more time at 3B?  Four of his last six games have been at third base, including back-to-back games. Before this stretch, he caught three straight games. The not-so-fulfilling answer is that I don’t know, but one thing is showing up this year: They haven’t asked him to play 1B/2B/OF at all (second base was never likely to happen, and he doesn’t really *need* to play first base regularly). I think they want him to get comfortable at third base while showing other organizations what he can do behind the plate. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, 2 BB
.297/.392/.493 in 176 PA. Rumfield is 23-for-61 (.377) with four doubles and a pair of homers in May. He will likely go down the path of Dermis Garcia, Andres Chaparro, and Eric Wagaman – eventually making MLB on squads that can afford them the opportunity. 
DH Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, 2 RBI
The long May layoff interrupted what was a good month (.255/.406/.617 with a double and 6 home runs).
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-5, K
C Ronaldo Hernandez: 2-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
This is Hernandez’s first game since May 7th. If you want to get on the “Rodriguez is playing more 3B!” train, perhaps adding Hernandez back to the roster is a sign for you (the other catcher is Alex Jackson). 
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3, R, HBP
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-1, R, HBP, 2 BB, K

LHP Brandon Leibrandt: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Effross has a 27.00 ERA for Scranton (2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 3 K).
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.57 ERA (21 IP, 23 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 22 K). It may be hard to remember that Hartlieb was amongst the final spring training cuts.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (L, 1-2)  1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR

Somerset (22-24) (Lost to Akron, 1-0. The Patriots have scored one run in their last two games.

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, 2 K
When the leadoff hitter gets five plate appearances in a shutout loss, you know there was some annoyance. In this case, Somerset left ten runners on base and went 1-for-12 with RISP. As for Lombard Jr., I know we have been waiting for the power to show up, and it hasn’t. Patience.  He went on an extra-base hit splurge just before his promotion here.
DH Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
Flores is having a strong season (.300/.355/.533), but it is reasonable to worry about those darn strikeouts (28.9%). You can live with that if a player mashes, but it could limit his upside. By the way, watching the Yankees-Angels last night gave me an interesting comparison: Logan O’Hoppe. 
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-2, HBP, BB
2B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 2 K
.286/.339/.497 in 174 PA. 
LF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-3, SB (10), BB, K
Gabrielson can take walks (.351 career OBP) and steal bases (28-for-35 in 138 career games) but the rest of the tools haven’t shown up (.225/.351/.335 career triple slash).
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-2, SB (9), HBP, K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
His stay on the inactive list was a short one. Season: 3.19 ERA (36.2 IP, 20 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 47 K)
RHP Danny Watson: (L, 1-2)  1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.55 ERA (17.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 24 K). Cohen has been steady since entering the organization in 2023, compiling a 2.79 ERA over 96.2 IP with only 66 hits allowed and a 120/44 K/BB.
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.80 ERA (15 IP, 11 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 16 K). He needed a boost to the strikeout rate, and today provided that!

Hudson Valley (30-16) (Defeated Wilmington, 7-1. I love baseball – Somerset turned over the lineup for a fifth time while being shut out. Hudson Valley? Three of their hitters didn’t get to the plate four times in a 7-run effort!)

DH Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, CS (4), BB, 2 K
.246/.434/.614 in 76 PA. He came out of his rehab stint smoking but has settled down (0-for-10 in his last three games). He is 2-for-6 stealing bases after going 27-for-33 in 2024.
CF Jace Avina: 3-for-4, 2 2B (11), HR (4), 2 RBI, 3 R, K
.296/.418/.480 in 158 PA (11 doubles, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 26 R, 14.6% BB, 25.3% K). This is his 4th 3-hit effort this season (the other three were in consecutive games from 4/26 – 4/29).
RF Coby Morales: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (8), 2 K
1B Parks Harber: 0-for-4, K
Since promotion: .333/.389/.540 in 95 PA. He has been feast-or-famine lately (in his last 9 games, he has two 4-hit efforts, one 3-hit effort, one 1-hit effort, and five no-hit efforts)
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, HR (3), RBI, 2 R
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, 2B (9), RBI
LF Luis Durango: 1-for-3, R, K
Durango is 5-for-13 since returning from his rehab stint (3-for-3 SB)
2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-3, RBI, R, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange (W, 4-2): 6.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, HR
4.10 ERA (41.2 IP, 31 H, 20 R, 19 ER, 4 HR, 12 BB, 64 K). Other than the hiccup (4 BB in 3.2 innings) in his last start, Lagrange continues to show tremendous growth in that department. 
RHP Chris Kean: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.26 ERA (19.1 IP, 18 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 18 K)
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 9 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 10 K. Overall: 16.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 22 K

Tampa (24-21) (Tried to play a doubleheader, but rain got in the way. Game 1 was suspended. Game 2 was canceled and will not be made up)

Game 1 (Lead, 2-0, in the 5th inning)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-1, BB
CF Cam Eden: 1-for-2
His rehab was moved to Tampa.
DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-1, BB, K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-2
RF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-2, K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-2, R, K
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-2, K
2B Austin Green: 1-for-2, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2

RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Coleman’s rehab was moved here from the FCL.
RHP Andrew Landry: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

FCL (8-10)

Day off.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/27: Jesus Rodriguez Swats 3 Hits

Notes:

Nothing that would interest you.

Injury Log

Scranton (23-26) (Knocked off Worcester, 11-6)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, RBI
Rodriguez has seven 3-hit efforts since his promotion (32 games) and has 31 hits in 19 May games. This is incredible to watch, no matter what one thinks of his prospect status.
LF Dominic Smith: 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
DH Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, R, SB (5), BB, 2 K
Pereira seems to disappear out of nowhere, only to reappear out of nowhere days later. We need him to stay on the field.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, 2B (11), 2 R
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-5, R, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, RBI, R, SB (1), 3 K
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, 2 R, SB (4), 3 BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 3-for-5, 2B (6), HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 3-for-5, 4 RBI, 2 SB (11), CS (3)
The bottom of the order showed up tonight!

RHP Sean Boyle: 5 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
4.71 ERA (49.2 IP, 42 H, 30 R, 26 ER, 8 HR, 19 BB, 53 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
We need Reyzelman to start displaying better control. Maybe tonight is the start of that.
RHP Clayton Beeter: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
1.29 ERA (7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 10 K). The control isn’t there yet (and it has been a weakness in his career).
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Colten Brewer: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (22-23) (Lost to Akron, 6-1)

2B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2B (8), R, BB, 2 K
Position breakdown: First base: 6 games; Second base: 15; Third base: 16.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, K
Since promotion: .207/.377/.224 in 77 PA, with more walks (16) than strikeouts (15). He is 6-for-7 stealing bases.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, K
Flores has a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-21). Overall, he is hitting .305/.358/.542 in 193 PA. Including last year at this level, he is at .287/.358/.529 in 466 PA (26 doubles, 25 HR, 67 RBI, 66 R).
RF Brennen Davis: 0-for-4
Davis is 2-for-13 with a homer since returning from his rehab stint.
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, HBP, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3

RHP Cam Schlittler: (L, 3-5)  4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Schlittler needed 83 pitches to record 13 outs. Overall, I would call this a bend-don’t-break performance. Season: 2.63 ERA (48 IP, 43 H, 19 R, 14 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 58 K). His numbers are mostly in line with his 2024 campaign, though he has reduced his walk rate. 
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.60 ERA (10 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 7 K)
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Brian has allowed two runs in two appearances this year. In his other ten appearances, he’s allowed zero runs.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (29-16) (Lost to Wilmington, 6-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, BB, K
CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, SB (20), 2 K
.242/.346/.379 in 191 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 35 R, 20-for-23 SB, 13.1% BB, 17.8% K). He is 9-for-9 stealing bases in May.
DH Parks Harber: 1-for-4, 2B (7), 2 K
Harber has followed up a .325/.435/.584 April with a .333/.390/.533 May. He spent most of April in Low-A and all of May in High-A.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, HBP
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
SS Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, K

LHP Kyle Carr (L, 0-3): 6.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
4.14 ERA (37 IP, 31 H, 19 R, 17 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 25 K). I wish he were missing more bats.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.45 ERA (15.2 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 21 K). Yulie is pitching well in his first full season as a reliever.
RHP Matt Keating: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR

Tampa (24-21) 

Their game against Lakeland was postponed.

FCL (8-10) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 15-4)

DH Cam Eden: 2-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, R, BB
One has to assume this rehab stint is almost over.
CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-5, R
.300/.372/.514 in 79 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 19 R, 4-for-7 SB). He ranks second in the FCL in runs scored.
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-5, RBI
3B Santiago Gomez: 3-for-4, 2B (1), 2 R, 3 SB (6), K
.300/.351/.320 in 57 plate appearances.
SS Kevin Verde: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 SB (2), BB, K

LHP Xavier Rivas: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 1 K
Rivas’s first rough outing (he didn’t allow any runs in his first three appearances, covering 13.1 innings). He owns a 1.15 ERA in 15.2 innings with a 22/9 K/BB.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/25: George Lombard Jr. Reaches Base 4 Times

Notes:

The Yankees elected not to add Cooper Hummel to the 26-man roster.  He is now a free agent.

LHP Brock Selvidge‘s rehab was moved from the FCL to Tampa.

Injury Log

Scranton (22-26)

Their game against Nashville was cancelled and won’t be made up. T.J. Rumfield homered before the rain started, but it won’t count.

Somerset (22-22) (Lost to New Hampshire, 7-5)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-3, 3 R, 2 SB (6), 2 BB
Lombard Jr.’s second multi-hit game since his promotion. He is 7-for-26 (.269) in his last eight games (1 double, 3 RBI, 8 R, 8 BB, 3-for-4 SB). Has the adjustment begun?  Since I haven’t shown it in a while, here are his combined numbers: .287/.457/.390 in 184 PA (9 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 35 R, 17-for-20 SB, 21.2% BB, 19.6% K).
DH Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, 2B (12), RBI, SB (5), BB, K
Flores is 8-for-17 in his last four games (2 doubles, 1 HR). He is the organizational leader in doubles (12), homers (10), and hits (53). He is second in RBI (34) to veteran Jose Rojas. He is one of only three qualified Yankees’ prospects hitting over .300 (Parks Harber and Jesus Rodriguez are the others).
3B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-5, HR (8), 3 RBI, R
.286/.337/.500 in 166 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 23 R, 0-for-2 SB, 5.4% BB, 19.3% K). His walk rate is down (9.8% in 2024), but it comes with a reduced strikeout rate (24.4% in 2024). He is a right-handed bat who can play 1B/2B/3B, which is something this organization can use. Whether or not he is MLB material, we’ll see.
   PR Alexander Vargas: 0-for-0, SB (8)
LF Brennen Davis: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-5, 3 K
.213/.316/.375 in 159 PA
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-5, K
It’s possible that Hardman’s insane run in 2023 (26 HR in 77 games, though it came with a lot of strikeouts) was his peak. However, I continue to wonder if the injury he suffered that year sapped his offense because it has been nothing close to that since.
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, 2B (2), 2 K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-4, K
Since promotion: .177/.241/.215 in 88 PA. They are giving him plenty of playing time, but the bat hasn’t responded.
2B Max Burt: 1-for-4, R, 2 K

RHP Bailey Dees: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
4.46 ERA (38.1 IP, 37 H, 20 R, 19 ER, 5 HR, 19 BB, 45 K). Dees will end May with a 2.70 ERA and 24/6 K/BB over 20 innings.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
2.87 ERA (15.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 21 K)
RHP Jordany Ventura (L, 2-1): 1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
For a relief pitcher, an outing like this can kill your season. He’s had a few such appearances, explaining his 9.24 ERA.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (29-15) (Defeated Winston-Salem, 5-4)

LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-5, 2 R, SB (18)
It feels as if Jones will run every time second base is open. That is what I want prospects to do. He leads the organization in stolen bases and is tied with Lombard Jr. for first in runs scored (35).  He grounded into a double play today. It was only the second time he has done that in his 63-game career.
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, 2 K
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4, RBI, R, SB (7)
1B Parks Harber: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, 2 K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, SF, RBI K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 3-for-3, RBI, R, BB
Frick’s third career 3-hit effort.

RHP Bryce Warrecker:  2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Did they need an arm for today’s start, or are they building him up for a return to the rotation? Warrecker has been a dominant force out of the pen this year (0.50 ERA in 18 IP with a 24/3 K/BB). Last year, as a starter, he posted a 5.79 ERA in 19 starts with a 46/30 K/BB over 65.1 innings.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3.54 ERA (20.1 IP, 16 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 28 K). Like Warrecker, Merda has pitched well in the bullpen after spending his first season in the rotation (Merda’s first season was 2023 – he missed 2024). 
RHP Huey Morrill: (W, 2-0)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
0.57 ERA (15.2 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 11 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia: (S, 1)  1.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (24-21) (Defeated Dunedin, 9-5. The Tarpons have, remarkably, caught the Blue Jays in the standings, and are in a three-way tie for second (Clearwater is the other team). The three squads are chasing Lakeland.)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, SB (11), BB, 2 K
It’s more of the same from Arias. Season: .165/.330/.282 in 106 PA (7 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 12 R, 11-for-13 SB, 18.9% BB, 29.2% K). After hitting .222/.291/.253 vs. LHP last year, he is 1-for-17 this year. Not that he is lighting up the scoreboard against RHP this year. I don’t give up on 20-year-olds, but the red flags are serious.
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, BB, K
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, 2B (11), R, 2 K
Sanchez has 11 doubles in 26 games (34 doubles, 12 triples, 4 HR in 108 career games).
  CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-1
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, R, SB (5), 2 BB, K
RF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, HR (8), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
.241/.318/.475 in 176 PA (9 doubles, 2 triples, 8 HR, 26 RBI, 30 R, 11-for-12 SB, 9.7% BB, 27.8% K). He owns a 6-game hitting streak and is hitting .313/.389/.688 in May (5 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 22 R). He has turned it up several notches.
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, 2B (10), R, BB, K
Matheus has 100 RBI, 93 runs, 107 walks, and 50 stolen bases in 149 career games. 
LF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-3, HR (4), RBI, 2 R, SB (10), BB
2B Austin Green: 1-for-4, HR (2), 4 RBI, R, K
Green’s grand slam turned a 4-2 deficit into a 6-4 lead.
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, CS (3), BB, K

LHP Brock Selvidge: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Selvidge’s second rehab appearance. Since he is in Low-A now, we have some Savant data: He reached 94.2 MPH with his 4-seamer (averaged 92.4) and generated five whiffs on his slider (17 pitches).
RHP J.T. Etheridge (W, 1-0): 4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
Etheridge generated 14 whiffs (5 with his 4-seamer, 5 with his slider, 3 with his changeup, and 1 with his curve).
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
1.50 ERA (18 IP, 13 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 29 K). Average velocity on sinker: 92.4 MPH. Average velocity on change-up: 75.1 MPH. I like the differential, at least.
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.16 ERA (25 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 28 K)

FCL (8-8)

Day off.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/24: Rafael Flores Hits 10th HR

Notes:

Nothing to see here.

Injury Log

Scranton (22-26) (Lost to Nashville, 12-5)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, BB, K
Rodriguez’s hitting streak is snapped at 13. He is now hitting only .376 with a .943 OPS at this level.
1B Dominic Smith: 3-for-5, 3B (1), 2 R, 2 SB (3), K
DH Alex Jackson: 0-for-4, K
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, RBI, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, R, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, 2 R
2B Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 2-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, SB (9), K
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Anthony DeSclafani: (L, 0-1)  2.1 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Jake Woodford: 4.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Not a good night for a pair of veterans trying to get on the depth chart.
RHP Colten Brewer: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR

Somerset (22-21) (Swept a doubleheader against New Hampshire. The Patriots have dug themselves out of a hole and are three games behind Binghamton and Portland for the first-half crown)

Game 1 (Won, 7-1. The Patriots scored 7 runs on 11 singles, two walks, and a HBP)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, R, BB
DH Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, R
Flores has 13 multi-hit games this season (including six 3-hit efforts)
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, R, SB (8), K
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 R
Hardman has 8 RBI in his last three games.
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, RBI
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-0, HBP
He stayed in the game to run, but was replaced in the field.
   LF Grant Richardson: 2-for-3, RBI, SB (1)
Enter the game, play well. How often do we see that happen?  Perceived answer: All the time!  Reality: Not nearly as often as you think!
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
2B Max Burt: 0-for-3, K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Only his second start since returning from his rehab stint. This is the first time in his professional career where he didn’t strike a batter out.
RHP Danny Watson (W, 1-1): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
After a rough start to the season (understatement), Watson has five straight scoreless outings (4 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 3 K)
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Game 2 (Won, 6-3)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
Since promotion: .196/.368/.216 in 68 PA with ten runs scored. He has a 20.6% BB and 20.6% K.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, HR (10), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
Flores breaks the tie with Spencer Jones and Everson Pereira to become the first Yankees’ farmhand to reach 10 home runs this year. Additionally, he leads the Eastern League in homers and is hitting an impressive .302/.353/.544 in 184 PA (11 doubles, 10 HR, 33 RBI, 26 R)
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, CI
2B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RBI, R, K
.275/.329/.477 in 161 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 22 R, 5.6% BB, 19.9% K)
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-2, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, K
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-2, RBI, SB (2), BB

RHP Baron Stuart: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
LHP Will Brian:(W, 2-0)  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 1.38 ERA (13 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 17 K). Overall, he owns a 0.90 ERA in 20 innings with a 29/4 K/BB.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
1.93 ERA (14 IP, 11 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 13 K)
RHP Mason Vinyard: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR

Hudson Valley (28-15) (Allowed five runs in the 9th (yikes) to lose to Winston-Salem, 5-4)

DH Roc Riggio: 0-for-2, R, HBP, 2 BB
.275/.456/.686 in 68 PA. His walk percentage in 22.1. He spent all of April on the injured list so I don’t mind him being here. Eventually, they will need to consider Somerset.
RF Brendan Jones: 2-for-5, HR (4), RBI, R, K
.237/.346/.382 in 182 PA. Jones hit three home runs in a 5-game period in April before going on a 24-game homerless streak. Baseball!
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, R, SB (6), 2 BB, K
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, 2 K
.284/.411/.440 in 146 PA (9 doubles, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 22 R)
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 3B (1), R, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, K
2B Duncan Pastore: 2-for-3, 2B (3), 2 CS (2), BB

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz  6.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K
2.74 ERA (42.2 IP, 25 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 0 HR, 21 BB, 47 K). The walks are a little high but he is offsetting that with solid strikeout and ground ball rates (52.9% GB entering tonight)
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 8 K. Overall: 15.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 20 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Kean: (L, 2-1): 0.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Kean was having a solid year until tonight. We all have bad days.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (23-21) (Held off Dunedin, 4-3)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-5, 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 3-for-5, 2B (7), HR (5), RBI, 2 R, K
Urena follows up a 4-hit game with a 3-hit effort. His power potential comes out from time to time, and he has three doubles and a homer in his last two games.  Season: .232/.359/.377 in 184 PA (7 doubles, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 30 R, 14.1% BB, 19.6% K). 
CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, BB
.234/.310/.455 in 171 PA (9 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 28 R, 11-for-12 SB, 9.4% BB, 28.1% K). Lewis is on  a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-21; 2 doubles, 2 HR, 6 RBI) and has 13 extra-base hits in 19 May games (5 doubles, 2 triples, 6 HR). 
SS Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, 2 K
After an insane hot streak, Matheus is 0-for-11 in his last three games. He is hitting .281/.348/.348 in 158 plate appearances.
LF Tyler Wilson: 3-for-4, R, CS (4)
Wilson follows up a 4-hit game with a 3-hit effort. In his last four games, he is 10-for-17, raising his triple slash from .224/.307/.261 to .265/.339/.351. 
RF Austin Green: 0-for-2, HBP, BB
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Owen Cobb: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
The video game numbers have predictably dwindled, though he is still hitting .373/.413/.657 in 76 PA. 
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Gage Ziehl: (W, 1-2)  5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
Ziehl’s first professional win. The seven strikeouts are a personal best.
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Cade Austin: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Sean Hermann (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Hermann’s first career save as his transition to the bullpen continues to pay dividends: 1.61 ERA (22.1 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 18 BB, 22 K). This was his 8th straight scoreless appearance. The walk rate is high, but most of that was in April. In May, he has allowed three walks over 10 innings.

FCL (8-8) (Pulverized the Phillies again, 15-3. They have outscored the Phillies 30-3 the last two days)

LF Brando Mayea: 2-for-5, 2B (4), 2 RBI, 3 R, BB, K
.295/.377/.541 in 70 PA. Mayea is second in the FCL with 17 runs.
CF Cam Eden: 4-for-6, 2 2B (3), 5 RBI, 2 R, K
Tick tock. Get him to Scranton already.
RF Isael Arias: 1-for-4, R, SB (4), BB
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, R, SB (4), 2 BB, K
Always pay attention to the catchers in the Yankees system.
SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-5, RBI, 2 K
Peralta received a $500,000 signing bonus during the 2024 international signing period. He is 2-for-20 so far this year after hitting .219/.320/.325 with 26 stolen bases in 30 attempts in 46 DSL games last year.
1B Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 R, K
2B Luis Escudero: 2-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 R
Escudero’s first HR since July 16, 2024. The 19-year-old is hitting .267/.353/.400 with more walks (6) than strikeouts (5) in his first taste of the FCL.
3B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-3, 3 R, 2 BB, K

RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Stevens is here on a rehab assignment. The 27-year-old pitched to a 2.54 ERA in 39 innings for Somerset last season (56/16 K/BB). Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Stevens was invited to spring training this year, pitching a scoreless inning.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Coleman’s second rehab appearance.
RHP Greysen Carter (W, 1-0): 3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 8 BB, 1 K
I wish I could put “Yikes!” in big, bold, red, flashing font. But he gets the win!
RHP Jose Martinez: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Martinez (20) now has a 79/13 K/BB in 69 career innings.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/23: An Offensive Explosion

Notes:

Nothing to see here.

Injury Log

Scranton (22-25) (Doubled up Nashville, 10-5)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-4, RBI, SB (8), CS (4), BB, K
Rodriguez extends his hitting streak to 13 (seven multi-hit efforts).  He is hitting .389 with a .970 OPS since his promotion (44 hits in 30 games). All he does is hit, hit, hit (I seem to type that often, eh?)
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-5, HR (7), 3 RBI, R, K
Smith has six homers in 18 May games.
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-3, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Jackson has a 1.115 OPS in 21 games.
1B Jose Rojas: 3-for-4, 2 2B (12), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, R, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-5, 2 K
2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, RBI, R, SAC, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-4, R
3B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-4, R, SB (2), K

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 3-0)  5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Winans finally allows an earned run. Season: 0.32 ERA (28 IP, 20 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 36 K)
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jon Olsen: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
I wonder when Beeter will get the call to MLB. The Yankees seem to like Yerry De los Santos, but Beeter has more upside.

Somerset (20-21) (Defeated New Hampshire, 9-6)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, 2B (1), R, BB, 3 K
Lombard Jr. earns his first Double-A extra-base hit. 
C Rafael Flores: 3-for-6, 2B (11), RBI, 2 R
.296/.347/.531 in 176 PA (11 doubles, 9 HR, 31 RBI, 23 R, 4-for-4 SB, 6.8% BB, 28.98% K). Keith Law’s opinion of Flores sees him as a platoon bat in MLB. He doesn’t see a full-time catcher, but the Yankees are stubborn about keeping players behind the plate for as long as possible. Some of that is definitely for trade value purposes.
CF Garrett Martin: 2-for-3, HR (5), 2 RBI, 4 R, HBP, BB
Martin ends his 18-game homerless streak. He has 30 doubles, 17 homers, and 24 stolen bases (27 attempts) in 141 career games.
DH Brennen Davis: 1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, SB (1), 2 BB, K
Davis’s rehab is over, and he was assigned here. A no-risk flyer on a once highly-regarded kid. We’ll see how it goes.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, K
  LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-2, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 3-for-5, 2 2B (9), 2 RBI, K
Hardman’s third straight multi-hit effort.
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, BB
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, CS (2), 2 BB, 2 K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-4, R, 2 SB (5), BB

RHP JT Brubaker: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Brubaker’s rehab was moved here today. Your reminder that, unlike with Scott Effross and Clayton Beeter, Brubaker doesn’t have any options left.
RHP Brendan Beck (W, 3-1): 5.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 2 HR
2.67 ERA (33.2 IP, 24 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 37 K).  Beck’s appearances are widely spread out (first time we’ve seen him since 5/15).  Given his history of injuries, this makes sense.
RHP Indigo Diaz (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (28-14) (Walloped Winston-Salem, 10-1. Hudson Valley has outscored them 23-3 over the last two nights)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, 2B (4), 2 R, BB, K
Riggio has a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-27). He has three doubles, a triple, and four home runs during the streak.
CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (6), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (17), 2 BB
.231/.345/.361 in 177 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 32 R, 17-for-20 SB, 14.1% BB, 17.5% K). There is an interesting prospect bubbling under the surface here.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-6, RBI, R, 2 K
DH Parks Harber: 4-for-5, 2B (6), 4 RBI, R, BB
Harber is hitting better here than in Low-A, though with fewer walks. He is hitting .368/.422/.592 in 83 PA here after hitting .304/.422/.551 in 83 PA for Tampa. He has three 3+ hit efforts in his last five games, including a pair of 4-hit efforts. I am not here to spread bullcrap – he is doing what you want college bats to do at the lower levels and it could be meaningless. However, it isn’t meaningless for him as this will get him to Double-A.
LF Jace Avina: 2-for-2, 2B (8), SF, RBI, 3 BB
.288/.418/.441 in 141 PA.
SS Jose Colmenares: 0-for-6
Colmenares is simply saving his hits for when the team needs them.
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 R, HBP, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, 2 R, BB, 2 K

RHP Josh Grosz: (W, 3-2)  7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K, HR
Grosz was efficient tonight, needing only 88 pitches to record 21 outs. Season: 3.60 ERA (35 IP, 28 H, 18 R, 14 ER, 3 HR, 12 BB, 45 K). Last three starts: 18.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 23 K.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.64 ERA (11 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 12 K). He hasn’t allowed a run in seven straight appearances.
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.25 ERA (12 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 9 K)

Tampa (22-21) (Lost a slugfest to Dunedin, 13-9)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, R, SB (10), BB, 3 K
.173/.337/.296 in 101 PA (7 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 12 R, 10-for-12 SB, 18.8% BB, 28.7% K).
C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-5, R
Perez is 19-for-69 (.275; 3 doubles, 8 RBI, 11 R, 14 BB, 14 K) in May. He is hitting .232/.391/.264 in 161 PA.
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, K
Sanchez’s first game since May 10th.
  CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-2, R, K
DH Engelth Urena: 4-for-5, 2 2B (6), RBI, 3 R
This is his second career 4-hit effort. Known as an intriguing bat prospect, Urena has struggled this year. Hopefully, this gets him going. Season: .219/.352/.342 in 179 PA (6 doubles, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 28 R, 4-for-5 SB, 14.5% BB, 19.6% K). 
LF Dillon Lewis: 3-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (11), K
Lewis is 22-for-73 (.301; 5 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 19 R, 5-for-5 SB) in May.  Overall, he is hitting .232/.305/.437 in 167 PA.
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-5, RBI, K
RF Tyler Wilson: 4-for-5, 2B (4), HR (3), 4 RBI, R, K
Wilson’s first career 4-hit game. Last year’s 8th-round pick is hitting .252/.329/.340 in 164 PA. 
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Brandon Decker: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Decker’s first career start. I don’t know if this is the start of a transition to the rotation or if they wanted him to open the game for some other reason. In college, he was used as a starter and reliever.  Season: 1.93 ERA (18.2 IP, 16 H, 9 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 20 K)
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, HR
LHP Tanner Bauman: (L, 1-4)  2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
RHP Jack Sokol: 1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.25 ERA (24 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 27 K)

FCL (7-8) (Phlasted the Phillies, 15-0. The 4-team division that keeps playing each other is ruled by the Tigers and Blue Jays, with the Yankees in striking range. The Phillies are 4-11 with the division’s lone negative run differential)

DH Cam Eden: 1-for-4, 2B (1), 3 RBI, SB (3), BB, 2 K
Eden is only 3-for-20 on his rehab stint, but how long does a 27-year-old need to be here?
CF Brando Mayea: 2-for-5, 3B (1), 2 R, SB (4), 2 K
.286/.365/.536 in 64 PA (7.8% BB; 25% K).
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, K
C Ediel Rivera: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 3 R, K
Rivera’s first professional home run. The 19-year-old is 9-for-35 with three doubles and a home run.
3B Luis Escudero: 2-for-5, RBI, 3 R, SB (4)
SS Kevin Verde: 2-for-4, SF, 3 RBI, R, K
1B John Cristino: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, R, SB (1), HBP, K
4-for-11 with three walks and two strikeouts.
2B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, R

RHP Edinzo Marquez: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
The 20-year-old owns a 4.05 ERA. (13.1 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 11 K)
RHP Mariano Salomon (W, 3-0): 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
0.87 ERA (10.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 12 K). Any reliever with the first name “Mariano” gets my eyes.
RHP Chance Nolan: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Alexis Paulino: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Control has been an issue for the 22-year-old (84 in 90 career innings). This season, he owns a 14/3 K/BB over 7.2 IP. Progress!

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/22: Griffin Herring Dazzles (6 IP, 0 H, 10 K)

Notes:

Cooper Hummel has exercised an opt-out clause in his contract and will become a free agent if the Yankees don’t add him to their 26-man roster. I find that unlikely, as his MLB career (.159/.255/.275 in 82 games) hardly inspires confidence. Furthermore, he is primarily an outfielder, which the Yankees don’t need.

I wouldn’t cry if he replaced Pablo Reyes, but that bar is hardly high.

Injury Log

Scranton (21-25) (Lost to Nashville, 7-6, in 11 innings. I just noticed that former Yankees’ prospect Anthony Seigler plays for Nashville. He is hitting .282 with a .946 OPS in 150 plate appearances. The first-round pick in the 2018 draft reached minor league free agency last winter and signed with the Brewers.)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-6, R, SB (7), K
Not his best effort during the streak, but Rodriguez’s hitting streak reaches 12. He has 25 hits in 16 May games.
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-6, R, K
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-4, 2 HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (1), BB
The alternating home run streak continues!  Jackson has homered in five of his last nine games (HR, no HR, HR, no HR, HR, no HR, HR, no HR, 2 HR). 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
   2B Braden Shewmake: 0-for-1, SB (4)
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, R, SB (3), BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-5, R, SB (11), 2 K
2B-1B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, SAC, BB, 2 K
One thing Gatewood has done well in his minor league career is hit home runs. This season, he has only two in 33 games.
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-5, 2B (5), 2 RBI, 2 K

RHP Erick Leal: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
4.26 ERA (19 IP, 9 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 21 BB, 20 K). He may be hard to hit (38 hits/98 strikeouts in 69.1 career innings), but those darn walks (47).
RHP Scott Effross: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
If I didn’t mention it, Effross is no longer on a rehab stint. The Yankees officially optioned him to Scranton.
RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 0-3) 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Back-to-back relief outings for Messinger. He hit 95 MPH with his 4-seam fastball. A story to watch if this is a permanent move, though he was given a starter’s workload here.

Somerset (19-21)

Their game against New Hampshire was postponed. They will attempt to make it up on Saturday.

Hudson Valley (27-14) (Trounced Winston-Salem, 13-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, 3 R, HBP, BB, K
Riggio is scorching (.295/.456/.750; 3 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R in 12 games). He has homered in back-to-back games and has four home runs in his last four games.
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, 2 R, 2 BB, K
RF Coby Morales: 4-for-5, 2 2B (7), HR (4), 3 RBI, 3 R, BB, K
Morales earns his first career 4-hit effort. He went 3-for-19 in his brief Somerset stay. If he continues to rake here, he’ll get a longer stay.
1B Parks Harber: 3-for-6, 2 2B (5), 2 RBI, 2 R, K
Since promotion: .338/.390/.563 in 77 PA with three 3+ hit efforts. As an undrafted college bat, you won’t see Harber high on any organizational prospect lists. Nobody will care if he keeps raking as he moves up the chain.
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2 2B (11), 2 RBI, R
Castillo continues a recent surge, collecting multiple hits for the third time in his last five games. That has increased his triple slash from .216/.328/336 to .235/.334/.360. As you know, as sample sizes get larger, brief surges don’t increase your numbers significantly.
SS Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, R, SB (5), 2 BB, K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, RBI, HBP, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2, R, HBP, 2 BB, K

RHP Ben Hess (W, 4-2): 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 K
3.28 ERA (35.2 IP, 20 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 20 BB, 52 K). I love the strikeouts. The walk rate needs work. That is why they have the minor leagues.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.50 ERA (18 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 24 K). If the plan is to keep him in the bullpen permanently, a trip to Somerset may not be far off.

Tampa (22-20) (Their hot streak continues, courtesy of a 3-1 win over Dunedin. Dunedin entered this series as one of the top dogs in the division. They are now in second place. Tampa is in 4th place, but only 2.5 games behind first-place Lakeland.)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, 2 BB
.225/.391/.258 in 156 PA. Perez has 31 walks (19.9%). 
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, BB
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, R, 3 K
.219/.296/.425 in 162 PA (8 doubles, 2 triples, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 25 R, 9-for-10 SB, 9.3% BB, 29% K). His power/speed combination is enticing, and he has hit better overall in May (.279/.355/.618 with five homers and 17 RBI)
SS Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, R, SB (12), 2 BB
The hitting streak is over, but he still contributed. He is hitting .302/.369/.373 in 149 PA. Scouting reports are scarce, but Fangraphs ranked him 26th in the organization, touting his versatility (shortstop should remain part of that profile) and bat-to-ball skills. Power? Not likely to be one of his strengths.
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-4, 2 K
His hitting streak comes to an end. He is hitting .417/.455/.733 in 67 PA while playing 2B/SS/3B.
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 3B (4), R
.305/.400/.453 in 110 PA. 
1B Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-4, K

LHP Griffin Herring (W, 4-1): 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K
I said earlier this week that Bryce Cunningham has been the most impressive 2024 draftee. Given the level difference, I still believe that, but Herring has made a case. He owns a 1.21 ERA in 44.2 IP (24 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 58 K). He leads the Florida State League in strikeouts and batting average against (second in ERA and WHIP).
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach (S, 3): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.59 ERA (17 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 29 K)

FCL (6-8) (Lost to the Tigers, 6-4)

LF Brando Mayea: 0-for-4
CF Cam Eden: 0-for-3, SF, RBI
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-2, 2 SB (2), BB
The left-handed hitting outfielder (20) was drafted out of high school in the 17th round in 2023. This was only his 25th career game.
3B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-3, SB (3), BB, K
.297/.325/.297 in 40 plate appearances.
2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB, K

RHP Stanly Alcantara: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Alcantara has allowed five walks in ten innings. Before this season, he walked 56 in 38.1 innings. Progress!

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.