Yankees MILB 9/19: Ben Rice Homers Again

News:

I have nothing to offer.


Scranton (86-60) (Defeated Buffalo, 4-1. I have been mistaken lately. Like most sane people, I thought divisions mattered in the International League, but they don’t. It’s first-half champion vs. second-half champion in the entire league, even though you don’t get to play everyone. Weird. Divisions don’t matter. Scranton is 86-60 (the second-best team to Omaha) and won’t make the playoffs. That needs to be fixed because it’s freaking stupid. Why do they do this? Time. They expanded the season, so the playoffs took a hit. Instead of a 2-series format, they go straight to a best-of-3 championship. After that concludes, the International League winner plays the Pacific Coast League winner in a 1-game “winner-take-all.” Interestingly, they came up with a format that I 100% hate. I like nothing about it. I don’t care about IL vs. PCL. I care more about deserving squads making it)

LF-3B Caleb Durbin1-for-5, RBI
Even during his slump, Durbin hasn’t been striking out (6 in 12 September games). He is hitting .284/.396/.466 in 360 PA at this level (12.8% BB, 9.7% K)
2B Jorbit Vivas0-for-3, RS, BB
1B Ben Rice1-for-4, HR (10), 2 RBI, RS
Rice has 7 HR in his last 14 games and is hitting .302/.444/.656 in 124 PA at this level. It is easy to forget how little Triple-A experience he had before his call-up.
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-3, BB, K
DH T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, HR (14), RBI, RS, BB
At this level: .293/.367/.458 in 466 PA (26 doubles, 14 HR, 70 RBI, 71 R, 9.2% BB, 16.5% K). He is talked about in online fan circles but I haven’t seen much about him beyond that. Is he a serious prospect? I wish I could answer that.
C Carlos Narvaez0-for-4
RF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-4, 2B (20), K
3B J.C. Escarra: 2-for-3, 2 2B (14), RS, BB
In addition to catching, Escarra can play the four corners (1B, 3B, LF, RF). He will turn 30 next April and has yet to make his MLB debut. He would be a fun story if he made it to MLB.  He is hitting .293/.398/.524 in 196 PA at this level.
   PR-LF Duke Ellis0-for-0, SB (4)
CF Cam Eden0-for-4, K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Gomez is on the 40-man roster, but I doubt he would be Jake Cousins‘ replacement. He isn’t a short reliever + he won’t be available for several days.
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: (W, 7-1)  0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Cody Morris1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Morris’ first appearance since July 20th. If you don’t recall, he was acquired for Estevan Florial. After hitting poorly in MLB (.173/.264/.367), Florial hasn’t been his usual minor-league self (.221/.329/.376 in 213 plate appearances). 
RHP JT Brubaker 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Beeter threw eight 4-seamers (topped out at 97.6) and six sliders. Could he be an option if Cousins isn’t available? He would be an intriguing choice. Cody Poteet is another option (perhaps the most likely one).
RHP Yerry De Los Santos (S, 3): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Somerset (2-0) (Defeated Hartford, 4-3, in ten innings to advance to the championship series. The series begins on Sunday against either Akron or Erie. Erie leads that series, 1-0. In tonight’s game, Akron has the lead in the 10th inning)

CF Spencer Jones2-for-5, RBI, K
Jones’ single in the top of the 10th provided the winning run. He is 5-for-10 in the playoffs.
C Rafael Flores2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, BB, K
Flores’ power surge continues. He hit .279/.379/.495 in 506 PA between here and Hudson Valley in the regular season (31 doubles, 21 homers).
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-5, K
2B Anthony Seigler0-for-3, RS, SB (1), 2 BB
DH Elijah Dunham0-for-4, 2 K
LF Grant Richardson1-for-4, RS, K
RF Jared Wegner0-for-3, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-4, RBI, K
3B Max Burt0-for-4, RS, 2 K

RHP Zach Messinger6.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, HR
Messinger dominated through six and left the game with a 3-2 lead in the 7th. Unfortunately, the inherited runner scored. If this is his final start in 2024 (Game 2 of the championship series is next Tuesday, so it may not be), he can go into the offseason with his head held high. He is Rule 5 eligible but I would put him on the “definite” list for protection (or trade). 
LHP Ryan Anderson0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (W, 1-0)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K


Hudson Valley (73-58 (regular season); 3-3 (playoffs))

Their season is over.


Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.


DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/18: Will Warren Tosses 5 Strong Innings

News:

I have nothing to offer.


Scranton (85-60) (Lost to Buffalo, 7-6, in 10 innings. Worcester allowed three runs in the bottom of the 9th to lose, 4-3. Hence, they remain tied with four games left. Scranton holds the tie-breaker (better head-to-head record in the second half))

2B Caleb Durbin0-for-4, BB
Durbin is down to .285 thanks to an 8-for-43 September.
3B Jorbit Vivas1-for-4, RBI, HBP, K
1B Ben Rice: 1-for-4, 2B (4), SF, RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-4, SF, RBI, K
DH T.J. Rumfield0-for-2, RS, HBP, BB, K
   PR-DH-RF Duke Ellis0-for-1, 2 SB (3)
RF-LF Taylor Trammell0-for-3, RS, SB (19), 2 BB, K
C J.C. Escarra1-for-4, RBI, K
LF Jahmai Jones0-for-0, RS, HBP
Jones stayed in the game (and scored) after the HBP but left in the next inning.
  LF Cam Eden0-for-1
  PH-RF-P Oscar Gonzalez0-for-2, SB (6), K
CF Greg Allen1-for-4, RBI, RS, K

RHP Will Warren5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Final Triple-A numbers: 5.91 ERA (109.2 IP, 114 H, 79 R, 72 ER, 19 HR, 39 BB, 136 K)
RHP Nick Burdi1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz0.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 2 HR
RHP Scott Effross1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Oscar Gonzalez (L, 0-1): 0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
Yeah, in a game with major playoff implications, Scranton ran out of pitchers. They needed to use Gonzalez in an attempt to lock down a 6-5 lead in the bottom of the 10th. I love MILB.


Somerset (1-0)

Scheduled day off (travel day to Hartford). They resume the best-of-3 series tomorrow night.


Hudson Valley (3-3) (Lost to Bowling Green, 4-1, to lose the best-of-3 series 2-1. Bowling Green’s absurd pitching (allowed 10 hits in three games) leads them to the promised land. The Renegades had a strong season and should be proud of all they accomplished)

2B Roc Riggio0-for-3, CS (1), BB, 2 K
Riggio is an infield prospect without any doubt where his future lies as he didn’t play any position other than second base. I expect him to start 2025 in Somerset.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, BB, K
Including the playoffs, Lombard Jr. hit 12 doubles in his final 18 games.
1B Josh Moylan0-for-4, 4 K
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-4, 2B (2)
DH Omar Martinez0-for-4, 2 K
Martinez’s grand slam in Game 2 was the only mistake the Bowling Green pitching staff made in the series. The Yankees have moved him up one level per season. If that trend continues, he will be in Somerset to start 2025.
LF Jackson Castillo0-for-3, K
3B Dylan Jasso0-for-3, 2 K
CF Brendan Jones1-for-3, RS
After a hot start, Jones’s numbers normalized down the stretch. I expect him to begin 2025 at this level.
C Antonio Gomez1-for-3, 2 K

RHP Trent Sellers: (L, 0-1)  5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Full season (including playoffs): 2.23 ERA (92.2 IP, 50 H, 31 R, 23 ER, 42 BB, 113 K).  Sellers wasn’t asked to stretch out much in 2024 but was outstanding. Signed as an undrafted free agent last year, Sellers will be 25 in October. There is zero doubt he will begin 2025 in Somerset.
RHP Harrison Cohen1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
At this level (including playoffs): 24 IP, 11 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 27 K.
RHP Huey Morrill1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Matt Keating1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.


DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/17: Spencer Jones Homers, Collects 3 Hits

News:

The Yankees recently released LHP Victor Gonzalez, who was toiling in Triple-A after mediocre results in MLB earlier this season. Seen as a potential Wandy Peralta replacement, Gonzalez was never able to get into a consistent groove. The trade with the Dodgers comes down to how the two prospects (Trey Sweeney (now with Detroit) and Jorbit Vivas) perform.


Scranton (85-59) (Defeated Buffalo, 10-5, in 12 innings. Worcester won, so the two teams remain tied with five games to play. If they finish tied, Scranton wins the tiebreaker)

2B Caleb Durbin0-for-6, RS, K
Durbin has 19 games this season with 5+ AB. He earned at least one hit in the previous 18 games.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, HR (8), RBI, 2 RS, SB (19), 2 BB, K
Vivas has 8 extra-base hits (5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR) in 14 September games. 
1B Ben Rice: 2-for-3, HR (9), 2 RBI, RS, HBP, 2 BB
Rice has 6 HR in 14 September games.
  PR-CF Cam Eden0-for-0, RS
SS Oswald Peraza1-for-4, RS, 2 SB (22), HBP, BB, K
Peraza, who will be out of options, will be a fun story to watch over the winter and into next spring (if he is still in the organization)
CF-LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-5, 3B (2), 3 RBI, RS, HBP, 4 K
Trammell’s 3-run triple in the 12th was the big blow in the game.
DH Carlos Narvaez0-for-5, 2 K
   PR-DH Duke Ellis0-for-0, RS
   PH-DH T.J. Rumfield0-for-0, RS, BB
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-6, 2B (12), K
Escarra has 30 doubles between here and Somerset.
RF Oscar Gonzalez2-for-6, HR (8), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
Gonzalez’s 3-run HR in the 12th was the dagger that put the game out of reach.
LF-1B Jahmai Jones2-for-5, SF, RBI, K

RHP Cody Poteet3.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
RHP Alex Mauricio1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Clayton Beeter1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Beeter topped out at 95.8 MPH (94.6 average)
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Joey Gerber : 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Phil Bickford: (W, 4-4)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K


Somerset (1-0) (Defeated Hartford, 3-2, to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-3 series. The series shifts to Hartford, starting on Thursday)

CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-5, HR (1), RBI, RS, SB (1)
Jones has eight 3+ hit efforts during the regular season.  A lot has been written about his 200-strikeout season. Nobody denies that the strikeout rate has to come down (if they are, they are in denial). However, there is (obviously) a lot of talent to tap into. Will the Yankees be patient or cash in one of their biggest chips?
C Rafael Flores0-for-3, BB, K
2B Anthony Seigler0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
RF Elijah Dunham1-for-4, RS, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
Hardman’s RBI single in the bottom of the 8th tied the game at 2.
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-2, CS (1), BB, K
DH Jared Wegner0-for-2, BB, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas2-for-4, RBI, CS (1), K
Vargas’ RBI single in the bottom of the 8th broke the 2-2 tie.
3B Max Burt1-for-4, K

RHP Bailey Dees6.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, HR
Dees pitched strongly down the stretch and it continued into tonight’s playoff start. He could factor into the Yankees’ 2025 plans at some point, though he is Rule 5 eligible. It is either protect him or trade him. I cannot imagine them leaving him exposed.
RHP Danny Watson: (W, 1-0)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Watson also pitched well down the stretch (8 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 9 K in his last seven appearances). Like Dees, he is Rule 5 eligible this winter.
RHP Eric Reyzelman (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
I can’t guarantee that the Yankees will hold onto Reyzelman, but he has high-leverage reliever potential.


Hudson Valley (3-2) (Defeated Bowling Green, 6-2, to tie the best-of-3 series at 1-1. They will play for the title tomorrow night)

2B Roc Riggio0-for-3, RS, BB, K
Riggio is 6-for-19 (.316) with a double and homer during the postseason.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
Lombard is 5-for-18 (.278) with three doubles and three walks during the postseason.
1B Josh Moylan0-for-4, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin1-for-3, 2B (1), RS, HBP
DH Omar Martinez1-for-3, HR (1), 4 RBI, RS, BB, K
Martinez’s grand slam broke a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the 5th.
LF Jackson Castillo0-for-3, SF, RBI
3B Dylan Jasso0-for-4, K
CF Brendan Jones0-for-1, RS, 2 BB, K
C Antonio Gomez1-for-2, RBI, RS, BB, K

RHP Josh Grosz: 3.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Grosz was one of the best pitchers in the minors from June 28th through the end of the season. Tonight, he was in “bend, don’t break” mode. He limited the damage nicely.
RHP Indigo Diaz1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Austin was impressive after being acquired for Caleb Ferguson


Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.


DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/15: Caleb Durbin, Spencer Jones, Roc Riggio: Leadoff Homers

News:

Nothing


Scranton (84-59) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 5-4. Worcester won, so the two teams will enter the final week tied for first place in the second-half title chase)

SS Caleb Durbin: 1-for-2, HR (10), RBI, 3 RS, SB (28), HBP, BB, K
Durbin hits a leadoff home run (the beginning of a trend today?). Durbin’s first double-digit HR campaign. He is hitting .295/.409/.488 in 344 PA at this level (20 doubles, 2 triples, 10 HR, 57 RBI, 54 R, 28-for-30 SB, 13.1% BB, 9.9% K). He also has 11 HBP this season and 43 in 275 career games.
2B Jorbit Vivas1-for-4, 2B (18), 2 RBI
.231/.354/.364 in 393 plate appearances. Vivas is 12-for-50 with seven extra-base hits (5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR) in September.
3B Oswald Peraza1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
1B Ben Rice2-for-4, RBI, K
Rice is hitting .294/.440/.612 in 109 Triple-A plate appearances. Triple-A isn’t a problem. So, we’ll see if he can be a productive MLB player.
CF Taylor Trammell1-for-4, K
DH Carlos Narvaez0-for-4, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra1-for-4, RS
RF Oscar Gonzalez0-for-3
LF Jahmai Jones0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Josh Maciejewski5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
RHP JT Brubaker1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Brubaker will be a 2025 rotation/bullpen/swingman option – assuming he is healthy.
RHP Phil Bickford0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 6-1)  0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Effross will have an offseason to work on getting back to the pitcher he was before his injuries.
RHP Nick Burdi0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio (S, 8): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Somerset (75-62) (Defeated New Hampshire, 5-1, to win the second-half title. Portland lost, so they were covered both ways. The first round starts on Tuesday, when Hartford comes in for a visit. There is a tropical rainstorm that might impact the area that night)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (30), HR (17), RBI, 2 RS
Jones hits a leadoff home run (sense a trend?). Final stats: .259/.336/.452 in 544 PA (30 doubles, 6 triples, 17 HR, 78 RBI, 73 R, 25-for-34 SB (73.5%), 54 BB (9.9%), 200 K (36.8%)). I agree: 200 strikeouts at Double-A is not ideal and a .401 BABIP benefited him. However, he also displayed the power/speed combination that tantalizes scouts. He is one of the most interesting prospects I have ever covered. And that is saying something.
C Rafael Flores0-for-3, BB
Final Somerset numbers: .274/.359/.519 in 273 PA. Overall, he hit .279/.379/.495 in 506 PA with 31 doubles and 21 home runs. He is a breakout prospect in 2024.
1B Tyler Hardman2-for-4, RBI
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-3, RS, SB (29), HBP, K
.234/.350/.398 in 433 PA (24 doubles, 12 HR, 49 RBI, 61 R, 29-for-32 SB). I am happy that Seigler played in 118 games (his previous high was 97) and contributed to the team’s success. It’s been a grind for the kid.
DH Elijah Dunham2-for-4, HR (15), RBI, RS, SB (19)
Dunham played a big role this week. He has homered four times in his last five games.
LF Grant Richardson1-for-3, HR (9), RBI, RS, CS (6), BB
Last season, Richardson hit 7 doubles and 18 home runs. This season, he hit 25 doubles and 9 home runs. He just missed his third consecutive double-digit HR/SB campaign.
RF Jared Wegner0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-3, 2 K
Vargas hit .254/.293/.375 in 256 PA after his promotion.
3B Max Burt0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling (W, 13-7): 5.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
4.58 ERA (147.1 IP, 140 H, 79 R, 75 ER, 13 HR, 46 BB, 132 K). In his first professional season, the Yankees shipped Vrieling directly to Somerset which is highly unusual. He had ups and downs but finished very strongly (2.23 ERA in 40.1 August/September innings). He can be in the conversation for MLB innings as early as mid-2025.
RHP Sean Boyle1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
At this level: 3.18 ERA (22.2 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 28 K). If Pestana can stay healthy, he has potential as a relief pitcher. However, health has been a concern.
RHP Eric Reyzelman1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Since I talk him up often, it is fair to comment on a flaw: Reyzelman’s walk rate isn’t ideal (14 BB in 23.1 innings for Somerset). He doesn’t have to improve it by much if his ability to miss bats translates to MLB.


Hudson Valley (2-2) (Lost to Bowling Green, 5-1. They are down 1-0 in the best-of-3 series, which will continue on Tuesday in Hudson Valley)

2B Roc Riggio1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, RS, BB, K
Riggio hits a lead-off homer (yes, there was a trend). However, this was Hudson Valley’s lone hit.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
1B Josh Moylan0-for-4, 3 K
RF Garrett Martin0-for-4
DH Omar Martinez0-for-3, BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo0-for-3
3B Dylan Jasso0-for-3
CF Brendan Jones0-for-3, K
C Antonio Gomez0-for-2, 2 K
  PH Coby Morales0-for-1, K

RHP Baron Stuart: (L, 0-1)  2.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Harrison Cohen1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Cohen continues to dominate High-A hitters.
LHP Joel Valdez0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Yorlin Calderon2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Blane Abeyta1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.


DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/14: Ben Rice Homers Twice

News:

Nothing


Scranton (82-59) (Mauled Lehigh Valley, 10-1. Worcester lost, so the division is tied with seven games to play)

SS Caleb Durbin2-for-4, SF, RBI, RS, SB (27), K
.294/.405/.477 in 340 PA (20 doubles, 2 triples, 9 HR, 56 RBI, 51 R, 27-for-29 SB). I don’t know what the Yankees plan to do with their infield next year, but Durbin will be in the spring training mix.
2B Jorbit Vivas0-for-3, 2 RS, 2 SB (18), 2 BB, K
Don’t discount Vivas being in that mix.
3B Oswald Peraza3-for-5, 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
Speaking of being in the mix, Peraza has more prospect history than any of their options. He is hitting .241/.338/.372 in 374 PA with 20 stolen bases in 27 attempts.
C Ben Rice3-for-3, 2 HR (8), 3 RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB
I like that the Yankees are still giving him catching reps. This is his third multi-HR game this season (including the 3-HR game in MLB). 
DH T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, 2 BB
LF Taylor Trammell1-for-3, HR (18), 2 RBI, RS, HBP, BB
Trammell is a year too late. Last year, he likely gets 50+ games in the MLB outfield.
RF J.C. Escarra0-for-3, BB, 2 K
  RF Cam Eden0-for-1, K
1B Jahmai Jones2-for-4, 2 RS, SB (8)
CF Greg Allen1-for-3, SAC

LHP Edgar Barclay4 IP, 4 H. 1 R. 1 ER. 4 BB. 4 K, HR
RHP Joey Gerber (W, 1-1): 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Clayton Beeter2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
I think Beeter has a reliever written all over him. That is where they will extract the most value out of him long-term, though I understand why you want to keep a kid in the rotation for as long as possible.
RHP Yerry De Los Santos1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Somerset (73-62) (Defeated New Hampshire, 3-1. Portland won again. The Patriots own a 0.5-game lead with one game to play. It all comes down to tomorrow)

CF Spencer Jones0-for-2, RS, CS (9), 2 BB, K
Jones reaches the 200-strikeout barrier. It doesn’t surprise me, given his profile and the work still needed to make him a viable MLB player. 
C Rafael Flores1-for-4, 2B (14), K
There was some buzz surrounding Flores but I never expected this kind of extra-base hit explosion (31 doubles, 21 home runs in 502 PA)
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-3, 3 K
2B Anthony Seigler0-for-0, SF, RBI, RS, 3 BB
Seigler has a 14.9% BB and 17.7% K. 
DH Grant Richardson0-for-3, 2 K
LF Elijah Dunham1-for-2, HR (14), 2 RBI, RS, 2 SB (18), BB, K
Dunham has homered three times in his last four games.
RF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-2, 2 SB (3), BB
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-3
3B Max Burt0-for-3, K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 2-4)  5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
Overall season (Hudson Valley, Somerset, spot start with Scranton): 3.36 ERA (120.2 IP, 98 H, 58 R, 45 ER, 10 HR, 55 BB, 154 K). Nice job.
RHP Matt Sauer2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Sauer continues his late surge (14 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 17 K in his last 10 games). In a “Baseball is fun” twist, Sauer earns a ring if the Royals win the championship but does not if the Yankees do.
RHP Luis Velasquez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Danny Watson (S, 4): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Hudson Valley (2-1)

The championship series against Bowling Green starts on Sunday. It is a best-of-3 series.


Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.


DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/13: Zach Messinger Tosses 6 Shutout Innings

News:

Nothing


Scranton (82-59) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 6-5, in 11 innings. Worcester finally lost, so the Railriders are within one game. The season ends next Sunday)

2B Jorbit Vivas2-for-5
3B Caleb Durbin0-for-4, HBP, BB (intentional)
Durbin is in a little slump (5-for-27 in September) but has only three strikeouts. 
1B Ben Rice0-for-3, RBI, 3 BB
Walk-off RBI walk.
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-5, K
CF-LF Taylor Trammell1-for-3, BB, K
  PR-LF Cam Eden0-for-1, RS, SB (32), K
DH Carlos Narvaez1-for-2, 2 BB
   PR-CF Greg Allen0-for-1, SB (13), K
C J.C. Escarra2-for-4, RS, BB, K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-4, SF, 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
LF Jahmai Jones: 2-for-2, HR (4), 2 RBI, RS, HBP
   PR-CF Duke Ellis0-for-0, SB (1)
At all levels, including the majors, Ellis is 57-for-61 stealing bases this season.
   PH T.J. Rumfield0-for-1
   P Oddanier Mosqueda0-for-0
   P Scott Effross0-for-0
   PH Josh Maciejewski0-for-1, K
A pitcher pinch-hitting for a pitcher in a league where pitchers don’t hit. I love it.

LHP Thomas Pannone5.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Alex Mauricio1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.08 ERA (47.2 IP, 35 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 3 HR, 26 BB, 52 K). I don’t think the Yankees have treated him “poorly,” but I hope he earns an MLB opportunity at some point somewhere. 
RHP Lou Trivino1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Trivino’s rehab clock was about to run out and he is out of options. The Yankees asked for an extension today and were granted one. Hence, he can stay here for the remainder of the Triple-A season, if needed. FYI: The Yankees have a 2025 option that I think they will pick up (unless they think he is fried)
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Scott Effross (W, 5-1): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K


Somerset (73-62) (Defeated New Hampshire, 3-0. Portland also won. Somerset owns a 0.5-game lead with two games left. Keep winning and nothing else matters)

CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, RS
He is hitting .258/.334/.445 in 536 PA (29 doubles, 6 triples, 16 HR, 77 RBI, 70 R, 52 BB (9.7%), 199 K (37.1%), 25-for-33 SB)
1B Rafael Flores2-for-4, RS, K
.278/.362/.526 in 265 PA. Don’t count him out in the first baseman discussion. The Yankees must figure out first base in 2025 and beyond. It is tough to get a read on how they view their minor league options.
DH Tyler Hardman0-for-3, BB
RF Elijah Dunham1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (16), K
LF Grant Richardson1-for-3, RBI, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 SB (28)
Seigler’s previous best for stolen bases was 16. He was always known as an athletic catcher. The move to 2B has likely allowed him to save his legs and run more. I have said it all year: I won’t convince you that he is suddenly a prospect again. It is just fun to watch him have a healthy year at a new position.
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-3, K
3B Kiko Romero0-for-3, 2 K
C Juan Crisp0-for-2, K

RHP Zach Messinger: (W, 7-8)  6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
Messinger finishes the regular season with a 3.06 ERA in 150 innings (114 H, 68 R, 51 ER, 9 HR, 52 BB, 136 K). Organizational Pitcher of the Year? Perhaps. The Yankees didn’t have a great minor league season but some of their pitching prospects surged down the stretch (Messinger, Cade Smith, Josh Grosz, Bailey Dees, Trystan Vrieling, Kyle Carr, Trent Sellers, Ben Shields.  Also, Cam Schlittler pitched well enough after his promotion to Somerset)
LHP Ryan Anderson1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Luis Pacheco1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo (S, 3): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K


Hudson Valley (1-1) (Defeated Greensboro, 4-1, to take the best-of-3 series. They will face Bowling Green in the championship series, starting on Sunday)

2B Roc Riggio3-for-4, RBI
Riggio is 5-for-13 with a double in the playoffs. I look forward to seeing him in Somerset next season (I fully expect him to start 2025 in Double-A)
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
DH Omar Martinez0-for-4, K
LF Jackson Castillo1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, K
Castillo hit a big 2-run HR in the top of the 9th to extend a 2-1 lead to 4-1.
3B Dylan Jasso0-for-4, 2 K
CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RS, BB
C Antonio Gomez0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K

LHP Kyle Carr4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Carr has the potential to be a force in 2025. 
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 1-0)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Kelly Austin (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Austin has pitched well since being acquired from the Astros organization.


Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.


DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/12: Ben Shields Ks 10

News:

Nothing


Scranton (80-59) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 3-1. Worcester refuses to lose (5 straight wins; 9-1 in their last 10 games) so their lead over Scranton remains 2 games. Rochester has fallen out of it)

2B Jorbit Vivas1-for-3, 2B (17), BB, K
In his last 12 games, Vivas has 5 doubles, a triple, and a pair of home runs. In his previous 15 games, Vivas had one extra-base hit (double). I mentioned before this streak that I was disappointed in his power output. You’re welcome.
3B Caleb Durbin0-for-4, K
Durbin is 5-for-23 with a pair of home runs since coming off the injured list.
1B Ben Rice0-for-3, RS, BB, K
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-2, RS, HBP, BB, K
DH T.J. Rumfield1-for-4, HR (13), 3 RBI, RS, K
At this level: .295/.361/.455 in 451 PA. As I stated last week, he is Rule 5 eligible. Do the Yankees value him as a prospect? I honestly do not know.
CF Taylor Trammell1-for-2, SB (18), BB
C J.C. Escarra0-for-3
LF Jahmai Jones0-for-2, HBP, K
RF Greg Allen1-for-3, SB (12)

RHP Will Warren: (W, 6-5)  5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
6.11 ERA (104.2 IP, 109 H, 78 R, 71 ER, 19 HR, 37 BB, 130 K). Call me an optimist but Warren can still help this franchise next year. His trade value doesn’t figure to be high.
LHP Victor Gonzalez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Nick Burdi1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Burdi cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton. He had the right to decline the outright and become a free agent but decided not to (he has declined outright assignments in the past)
RHP Phil Bickford1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio (S, 7): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Somerset (72-61) (Lost to New Hampshire, 5-3. Portland lost, so Somerset maintains a half-game lead with 3 games to play)

DH Spencer Jones1-for-4
C Rafael Flores1-for-3, 2B (13), RS, BB, K
At this level: .274/.360/.526 in 261 PA. He has 30 doubles and 21 home runs in 119 games between here and Hudson Valley. Impressive.
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
2B Anthony Seigler0-for-4, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson2-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
LF Jared Wegner0-for-4
CF Cole Gabrielson0-for-3
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-3, RBI, K
3B Max Burt1-for-2, RS, BB

LHP Ben Shields4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
Shields sets a personal best for strikeouts in his final appearance of the regular season. Since his promotion: 3.12 ERA in 52 IP (41 H, 21 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 21 BB, 65 K). Overall: 3.48 ERA in 106 IP (84 H, 49 R, 41 ER, 9 HR, 33 BB, 137 K). 
RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 3-1)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Colby White0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
At this level: 2.01 ERA (22.1 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 37 K). He could be an option as early as next Opening Day.


Hudson Valley (1-1) (Lost to Greensboro, 3-1. The series is tied at 1 and will go to a deciding third game tomorrow night)

2B Roc Riggio0-for-4, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4
1B Josh Moylan1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, K
Moylan homers in the 9th to avoid the shutout.
RF Garrett Martin0-for-4, 3 K
DH Omar Martinez1-for-3, K
CF Jackson Castillo0-for-3, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso0-for-1, 2 BB
LF Coby Morales2-for-3, K
C Antonio Gomez0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Brian Hendry2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Including the regular season, Hendry has allowed 4 runs (1 earned) over 20.2 IP with a 27/11 K/BB. He missed most of the campaign due to injury.
RHP Harrison Cohen2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Cohen is too good for this level (to put it mildly)
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Huey Morrill0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Sebastian Keane0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K


Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.


DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/11: Caleb Durbin Homers

News:

RHP Tanner Myatt was released from his contract.

Since being drafted in the 11th round of the 2018 draft out of Florence-Darlington Technical College, injuries limited Myatt to 203.2 innings. He posted a 3.71 ERA and 246/153 K/BB (10.9 K/9; 6.8 BB/9). He allowed only 13 home runs and 5.2 hits/9.

Myatt had a massive upside at the time of his draft. Standing 6’7″, he reportedly hit 101 MPH with his fastball. The Yankees gave him a bonus slightly over the $125,000 cap (at the time) for a player in the 11th round or later ($147,500).

A pitcher with his raw talent is worth taking a shot with. It didn’t work out.


Scranton (79-59) (Split a doubleheader with Lehigh Valley. Worcester won, yet again.  Worcester is 39-26. Scranton is 37-28. Remember: The Triple-A season doesn’t end until 9/22)

Game 1 (Lost, 3-1. This wasn’t the best offensive performance in history)

3B Jorbit Vivas0-for-3, K
2B Caleb Durbin0-for-3
1B Ben Rice0-for-3, K
SS Oswald Peraza1-for-3, 2B (12)
DH T.J. Rumfield0-for-3
C Carlos Narvaez0-for-2
RF Oscar Gonzalez0-for-2
LF Jahmai Jones0-for-2, K
CF Cam Eden1-for-2, HR (8), RBI, RS
Eden’s first home run since joining the Yankees organization.

RHP Yoendrys Gomez4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
3.76 ERA (79 IP, 54 H, 35 R, 33 ER, 12 HR, 38 BB, 88 K)
RHP Yerry De Los Santos (L, 2-2): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Joey Gerber1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Game 2 (Won, 4-2)

3B Jorbit Vivas1-for-3, 2B (16), RS, 2 K
In his last 11 games, Vivas has 4 doubles, a triple, and a pair of home runs. In his previous 15 games, Vivas had one extra-base hit (double).
2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-2, HR (9), RBI, RS, SAC, SB (26), BB
Durbin sets a new best for HR in a season (9 in 80 games this year; 8 in 105 games in 2022). He is hitting .300 with a .902 OPS at this level. 
DH Ben Rice0-for-3, RS, HBP, 2 K
SS Oswald Peraza1-for-4, RBI, 3 K
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, K
RF Taylor Trammell0-for-1, RS, 2 BB, K
C J.C. Escarra0-for-2, BB, K
LF Greg Allen1-for-3, 3B (3), RBI, K
CF Duke Ellis0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Cody Poteet4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
Poteet is likely good to go if the Yankees see a need for him.
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 4-1)  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio (S, 6): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K


Somerset (72-61) (Defeated New Hampshire, 8-2. Portland lost, so Somerset takes a half-game lead with four games to play)

CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, RS, K
Jones is up to 199 strikeouts. Season: .259/.335/.449 in 528 PA. Last season: .267/.336/.444 in 537 PA.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
At this level: .273/.358/.524 in 257 PA. An impressive first run through Double-A for the 23-year-old.
1B Tyler Hardman1-for-4, RBI, RS, K
2B Anthony Seigler1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Seigler is 10-for-32 (.313) in September with more walks (7) than strikeouts (6). 
LF Grant Richardson1-for-4, 2B (25), RS
RF Jared Wegner: 2-for-3, 2B (15), 3 RBI, RS, BB
Last season’s 9th-round pick is hitting .215/.320/.350 in 350 plate appearances. 
DH Elijah Dunham1-for-3, RS, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-4, K
3B Max Burt1-for-4, 2 RBI, CS (2), K

RHP Bailey Dees: (W, 7-7) 5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
4.25 ERA (137.2 IP, 118 H, 71 R, 65 ER, 19 HR, 54 BB, 145 K). This was his first year as a starter and he performed well. Importantly, he ended the season strongly (22.2 IP, 13 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 10 BB, 29 K).
RHP Cole Ayers1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 9 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 11 K. He allowed four of those runs in 0.2 innings during one appearance.
RHP Matt Sauer: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
At this level: 2.86 ERA (22 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 3 BB, 19 K)
RHP Danny Watson1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Last 6 appearances: 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K. Has Watson found his groove?


Hudson Valley (1-0)

Day off. They lead the best-of-3 semi-final series, 1-0, against Greensboro. The series resumes tomorrow in Greensboro.


Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.


DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/10: George Lombard Jr.: 3 Doubles, 3 RBI

News:

Nothing


Scranton (79-58) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 5-3. Worcester swept two games against Syracuse, so this was a bad night. Worcester is 38-26. Scranton is 36-27)

3B Jorbit Vivas0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
2B Caleb Durbin0-for-4
.298/.410/.481 in 318 PA at this level.
DH Ben Rice0-for-3, RS, BB, 3 K
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-4, K
CF Taylor Trammell0-for-4, 2 K
1B J.C. Escarra0-for-4, K
C Carlos Narvaez: 3-for-4, 2B (20), RS, K
.271/.387/.442 in 375 PA. 
  PR Cam Eden0-for-0
RF Oscar Gonzalez1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
LF Jahmai Jones1-for-2, BB

LHP Josh Maciejewski4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 5 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: (L, 4-2)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
LHP Victor Gonzalez0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Lou Trivino1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
The rehab clock is closing in on zero…
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Somerset (71-61) (Defeated New Hampshire, 8-2. Portland lost, so the Patriots are 0.5 games out in the race for the second-half title with five games to play. No effort is made to ensure teams play an equal amount of games, so the half-game is important. By the way, New Hampshire is not having a good year. They are destined to finish in last place in both halves)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-3, 3B (6), RBI, SB (25), BB, K
Jones has a .786 OPS. Can he get to .800? It will take a strong week. That said, his OPS in 2024 is higher than 2023 (.780). In 117 games last year, Jones swatted 29 doubles, 4 triples and 16 home runs. In 117 games this year, he has compiled 29 doubles, 6 triples, and 16 home runs. Interesting.
C Rafael Flores0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-4, 3 K
DH Jared Wegner0-for-3, RS, HBP, K
2B Anthony Seigler2-for-3, 2 2B (24), RBI, 2 RS, BB
.234/.347/.405 in 413 PA. Seigler’s highest SLG prior to this season was .391 in 2021.
LF Cole Gabrielson0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB, 2 K
RF Elijah Dunham2-for-4, 2 HR (13), 6 RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
Dunham picks a good night to set a personal best for RBI (he hit two 3-run home runs). It is his second multi-HR game in his career (first one was during his 2021 debut season)
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-3, RS, 2 SB (14), BB
Vargas is 12-for-34 in September
3B Max Burt0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 12-7)  6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
4.76 ERA (141.2 IP, 138 H, 78 R, 75 ER, 13 HR, 44 BB, 126 K). Vrieling has been strong down the stretch (2.60 ERA in 34.2 innings over his last 6 starts). He could still start again on Sunday, so I am not labeling this as his final start.
RHP Luis Velasquez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Can Beeter be an MLB bullpen option this season? If he impresses, why not? It isn’t like the current MLB options are cementing their spots.


Hudson Valley (Defeated Greensboro, 6-0, to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-3 series. The final two games will be played in Greensboro (Thursday and Friday (if necessary)).

2B Roc Riggio2-for-5, 2B (1), RS
SS George Lombard Jr.: 3-for-5, 3 2B (3), 3 RBI, K
Including the regular season, Lombard Jr. has 11 doubles in his last 13 games. That is what I call “impressive.”
1B Josh Moylan0-for-4, BB, K
RF Garrett Martin0-for-2, RS, 3 BB
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo0-for-4, BB, K
3B Dylan Jasso2-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS
Jasso’s 3-run homer in the 7th made a 1-0 game a 4-0 game.
CF Brendan Jones0-for-4, 2 K
C Antonio Gomez0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB, K

RHP Trent Sellers4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
Sellers continues to dazzle. After allowing 5 runs in 1.2 innings on June 25th, he has allowed zero earned runs in 14 of his 15 appearances. The Yankees haven’t stetched him out beyond 4.2 innings, but that is an amazing footnote. The best part of his season is that his walk rate dipped considerably upon being placed in the rotation.
RHP Indigo Diaz1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kelly Austin: (W, 1-0) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Blane Abeyta2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K


Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.


DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/8: Josh Grosz Continues His Dazzling Pitching

News:

Nothing


Scranton (79-57) (Defeated Syracuse, 8-7, in 11 innings. Worcester beat Rochester again, leaving Scranton and Worcester tied at the top of the standings at 36-26. Rochester has fallen to 34-29)

2B Caleb Durbin2-for-6, RS, K
Durbin has a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-19; 1 double, 1 triple, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R)
LF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, BB
In addition to all the hitting, Dominguez has 6 walks in his last 10 games. The whole package is coming together.
C Ben Rice0-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Oswald Peraza1-for-5, RS, SB (20)
Last 8 games: 8-for-29 (.276; 1 double, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 7 R, 2-for-2 SB)
3B Jorbit Vivas1-for-3, RS, 2 BB
Vivas has an 8-game hitting streak (9-for-28; 2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR)
1B T.J. Rumfield2-for-4, RBI, RS, K
At this level: .297/.365/.454 in 441 PA (26 doubles, 12 HR, 66 RBI, 67 R, 3-for-6 SB, 8.6% BB, 16.8% K). He makes contact and has hit for some power at this juiced-up level. Is it enough for the Yankees to give him a look? Your guess is as good as mine. He is Rule 5 eligible this winter.
  PR Cam Eden0-for-0, SB (30)
  1B Carlos Narvaez0-for-1
CF Taylor Trammell3-for-5, 2 RS, SB (17), K
DH J.C. Escarra1-for-3, HR (8, grand slam), 4 RBI, RS, 2 BB
Escarra has homered in five straight games (6 HR during the streak). He has 12 HR between here and Somerset, one short of his best (13 in 2019). 
RF Greg Allen0-for-3, SF, RBI, RS, 2 SB (11), K

LHP Edgar Barclay5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
6.13 ERA (135 IP, 141 H, 98 R, 92 ER, 28 HR, 63 BB, 110 K). Barclay had a shot to be a shuttle arm this season but the performance wasn’t there. If he is to earn an opportunity, it will likely be elsewhere.
LHP Victor Gonzalez1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Joey Gerber: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: (W, 2-1) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda (S, 5): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Yesterday, he was asked to get one out to close a 19-0 game. Today’s situation was more exciting.


Somerset (70-61) (Lost to Binghamton, 2-1. They had their chances to score some runs, but it wasn’t meant to be. Portland won to move 1.5 games ahead of the Patriots with one week left)

CF Spencer Jones0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Jones has a 9.8% BB and 37.9% K. He is two strikeouts away from a 200 K season. Don’t get me wrong: Jones is a legitimate prospect. Part of me is mesmerized by the raw talent. The other part of me can’t get past the insanity of that strikeout rate.  Whichever side of the coin you fall on, nobody should say you are wrong to have that position.
C Rafael Flores0-for-2, BB, HBP, K
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-4, K
2B Anthony Seigler0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
Seigler’s BB% is 14.4% (17.8% K). Because he is no longer considered a “prospect,” it is hard to find information on how he handles second base defensively. He has 14 errors, but that doesn’t paint the full picture.
LF Grant Richardson2-for-4, K
DH Jared Wegner0-for-4, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 3-for-4, K
Vargas is 11-for-31 (.355) in September after hitting .256/.322/.402 in August. His Double-A OPS is over .700 (.702). Because he has a sacrifice fly and zero walks, his September batting average is higher than his OBP. Plate discipline isn’t his path to MLB.
RF Cole Gabrielson0-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
3B Max Burt0-for-3, K
  PH Elijah Dunham0-for-1
Dunham flew into an unassisted double play to end the game with Jones on deck. That’s not good (unassisted fly ball double play? What was Vargas doing? Do I want to know?)

RHP Cam Schlittler: (L, 1-4) 4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K (ties personal best)
Since promotion: 4.94 ERA (27.1 IP, 33 H, 18 R, 15 ER, 3 HR, 11 BB, 34 K). Overall: 3.42 ERA (115.2 IP, 94 H, 57 R, 44 ER, 10 HR, 53 BB, 145 K). Yesterday, I mentioned that Zach Messinger was an Organizational Pitcher of the Year candidate. Schlittler should be a finalist as well.
RHP Luis Pacheco1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Colby White0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Hudson Valley (73-58) (Defeated Asheville, 8-1, to end their regular season. The playoffs begin on Tuesday when they take on Greensboro. It’s a best-of-3 series)

LF-CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-3, 2B (2), RS, 2 SB (13), 2 BB
Jones is 18-for-18 stealing bases in 24 games between here and Tampa. I hope his game develops because his speed can be game-changing.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-5, 2 K
Full-season numbers, between here and Tampa: .231/.338/.334 in 497 PA (25 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, 45 RBI, 56 R, 39-for-47 SB (just under 83%), 12.3% BB, 22.9% K). There were peaks and valleys this season. If the Yankees kept him in Tampa all season, I bet his numbers would look much better. That’s not the goal of development.
C Omar Martinez: 3-for-5, RBI, 3 RS, K
.238/.374/.404 in 430 PA (15 doubles, 2 triples, 13 HR, 41 RBI, 53 R, 16.98% BB, 23.5% K). Is Martinez a long-range catcher? You would be shocked to hear that most minor league catchers have to answer this. It isn’t unique to the Yankees organization. Offensively, he is a left-handed bat with some patience and pop. If you like under-the-radar prospects, he is one to put on your list. The Yankees have moved him up one level per season the last two years (full season in Tampa in 2023, full season in Hudson Valley in 2024).
RF Garrett Martin1-for-2, 2B (17), 2 RS, SB (17), 2 HBP, K
Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023, Martin hit .216/.326/.422 in 346 PA.
CF Jackson Castillo1-for-2, RBI, CS (1), K
I am not sure why he left the game early. Castillo (21) hit .268/.386/.426 in 415 PA between here and Tampa. He stole 21 bases in 27 attempts. His Hudson Valley sample size was small but encouraging (.314/.383/.514). To top it off, he has a good chance to stick in CF.
   PH-LF Anthony Hall: 2-for-2, 2B (5), RBI
Injuries have been a theme during Hall’s brief career. His average at this level dipped to .068 at one point. He finished at .181/.286/.241.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-2, 2 SF, 3 RBI
Between here and Tampa: .243/.329/.399 in 508 PA with 30 doubles, 3 triples, 11 homers, and 67 RBI. He is a 21-year-old 1B/3B.
1B Coby Morales0-for-4, 3 K
After being promoted, Morales hit .286/.417/.327 in 60 PA. The 1B/corner outfielder hit only 4 home runs between here and Tampa but stole a surprising 34 bases in 42 attempts.
DH Antonio Gomez1-for-1, RS, BB
.238/.315/.431 in 184 PA. Is he still a prospect? I hate giving up on 22-year-old catchers with some prospect pedigree but he has a lot to prove.
   PH-DH Edison Vivas0-for-2, K
2B Owen Cobb0-for-3, RS, CI, K
Cobb, signed as an undrafted free agent this year, spent only three games at this level after hitting .278/.365/.352 with 7 stolen bases for Tampa.

RHP Josh Grosz5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
At this level: 2.77 ERA (39 IP, 22 H, 14 R, 12 ER, 4 HR, 20 BB, 31 K). Overall: 3.85 ERA (121.2 IP, 101 H, 70 R, 52 ER, 14 HR, 52 BB, 131 K). That line includes a tough emergency start for Somerset (4 IP/6 H/6 R/5 ER). That start could have discouraged him, but it did not. His stats after that game: 11 starts, 1.27 ERA (64 IP, 31 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 21 BB, 57 K, 3 HR). Given the playoff schedule, his season could be over. He could be ready for Game 3 of the best-of-3 series on Friday (if necessary). Like Messinger and Schlittler, Grosz deserves a spot in the Pitcher of the Year conversation.
RHP Mason Vinyard1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.26 ERA (47 IP, 35 H, 23 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 25 BB, 61 K)
LHP Joel Valdez1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.41 ERA (58 IP, 42 H, 26 R, 22 ER, 3 HR, 29 BB, 72 K)
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
After allowing 4 runs without recording an out on 9/28, Balboni struck out 8 over 3 hitless innings (1 BB).
RHP Harrison Cohen1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Let him finish his season in Somerset. They would miss him in the High-A playoffs, but that isn’t the goal. He pitched to a 0.93 ERA in 19.1 innings at this level (10 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 23 K).


Tampa (54-74) (Lost to Dunedin, 4-2, to conclude their 2024 campaign)

DH Roderick Arias2-for-5, 2 2B (21), RS, 2 K
Arias’ final line: .233/.335/.393 in 552 PA (21 doubles, 8 triples, 13 HR, 74 RBI, 78 R, 37-for-50 SB (74%), 12.3% BB, 30.98% K). After he doubled in his first two plate appearances today, I thought he would make a run at a .400 SLG. Anyway, this isn’t bad for a teenager. I won’t argue with you if you expected more because of his pedigree. But if you eliminate the “expectations” and look at his season at face value, it’s good enough for a teenager. He is off to Hudson Valley in 2025.
RF Willy Montero1-for-4
.244/.311/.355 in 486 PA (23 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 58 RBI, 64 R, 15-for-16 SB, 8.2% BB, 21.2% K). The 20-year-old earned his way to a full-season league via a .331/.389/.436 line in the FCL last year. 
3B Hans Montero0-for-4, 2 K
.206/.305/.333 in 391 PA (9 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HR, 38 RBI, 49 R, 13-for-17 SB, 11.3% BB, 28.9% K). Montero is a bonus baby ($1.7 million) who hasn’t gotten much going (.213/.345/.321 in 1,000 career plate appearances). He had a decent 2023 campaign but his first taste of full-season ball didn’t go as planned.
LF Dillon Lewis0-for-3, RS, BB
Lewis goes 13-for-52 (.250/.304/.385) in his first professional campaign. 
CF Marshall Toole1-for-3, BB, K
Toole goes 13-for-51 (.255/.449/.353; 8-for-10 SB, 15 BB, 18 K) in his first professional campaign.
2B Austin Green1-for-4, 2 RBI, K
Green played in only seven games, going 3-for-26 with 5 RBI.
1B Parks Harber1-for-3, BB, 2 K
Harber goes 21-for-78 (.269/.389/.449; 7 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 19 RBI, 19 R, 4-for-4 SB) in his first professional campaign. He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina.
SS Juan Matheus0-for-3, BB, K
Matheus earned a late-season promotion (only played a handful of games) in preparation for 2025.
C Josue Gonzalez0-for-4, K
.235/.299/.348 in 137 PA. I am not going to judge a player on 137 plate appearances.  I will make this point: They talk about which level is the hardest to jump to. I agree that Double-A is that hurdle. However, going from the FCL to Low-A has its challenges. I haven’t taken the FCL/DSL seriously for years, and nothing in recent times has changed my perception.

RHP Andrew Landry4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
6.98 ERA (19.1 IP, 19 H, 18 R, 15 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 12 K). I provide the results but do they matter for Landry? Not this year, they don’t.
RHP Luis Arejula1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jordy Luciano (L, 2-6): 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Kean1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
At this level: 0.71 ERA (12.2 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 17 K). Kean will turn 23 years old next June. I hope he is in Hudson Valley before then.


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.


DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.