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 Rodriguez0-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 Smith3-for-5, 3B (1), 2 R, 2 SB (3), K
DH Alex Jackson0-for-4, K
LF Jose Rojas0-for-4, RBI, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz1-for-4, R, K
SS Braden Shewmake1-for-4, 2 R
2B Andrew Velazquez1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, K
CF Ismael Munguia2-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, SB (9), K
2B Jake Gatewood0-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 Woodford4.1 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 Brewer1.1 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 Flores2-for-4, R
Flores has 13 multi-hit games this season (including six 3-hit efforts)
CF Garrett Martin1-for-4, R, SB (8), K
RF Brennen Davis1-for-3, 2 R, BB, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman2-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 R
Hardman has 8 RBI in his last three games.
3B Alexander Vargas1-for-4, RBI
LF Jared Wegner0-for-0, HBP
He stayed in the game to run, but was replaced in the field.
   LF Grant Richardson2-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 Gomez1-for-4, 2 RBI
2B Max Burt0-for-3, K

RHP Trystan Vrieling4.1 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 Ayers1 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 Flores1-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 Martin1-for-3, CI
2B Dylan Jasso2-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 Richardson0-for-4
LF Cole Gabrielson1-for-2, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-3, K
DH Antonio Gomez0-for-2, RBI, SB (2), BB

RHP Baron Stuart3 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 Anderson1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin1.1 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 Vinyard0.2 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 Riggio0-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 Morales0-for-3, R, SB (6), 2 BB, K
LF Jace Avina1-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, 2 K
.284/.411/.440 in 146 PA (9 doubles, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 22 R)
CF Jackson Castillo1-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
C Omar Martinez1-for-4, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan1-for-4, 3B (1), R, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, K
2B Duncan Pastore2-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 Rossi1 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 Yulie0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


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

DH Edgleen Perez0-for-5, 2 K
C Engelth Urena3-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 Lewis1-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 Matheus0-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 Wilson3-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 Green0-for-2, HBP, BB
2B Hans Montero0-for-3, BB, K
3B Owen Cobb0-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 Gonzalez0-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 Hughes1.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Cade Austin1.2 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 Mayea2-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 Eden4-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 Rivera0-for-3, R, SB (4), 2 BB, K
Always pay attention to the catchers in the Yankees system.
SS Dexters Peralta1-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 Palencia2-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 R, K
2B Luis Escudero2-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 Gomez1-for-3, 3 R, 2 BB, K

RHP Kevin Stevens1 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 Coleman1 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 Martinez1 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 Rodriguez3-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 Smith1-for-5, HR (7), 3 RBI, R, K
Smith has six homers in 18 May games.
C Alex Jackson1-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 Cruz2-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, R, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake0-for-5, 2 K
2B Andrew Velazquez0-for-3, RBI, R, SAC, K
CF Ismael Munguia0-for-4, R
3B Jake Gatewood1-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 Pestana1 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 Hartlieb1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter1 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 Flores3-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 Martin2-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 Davis1-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 Gabrielson1-for-3, 2 RBI, K
  LF Grant Richardson0-for-2, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman3-for-5, 2 2B (9), 2 RBI, K
Hardman’s third straight multi-hit effort.
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-4, BB
RF Jared Wegner0-for-3, CS (2), 2 BB, 2 K
3B Max Burt0-for-4, R, 2 SB (5), BB

RHP JT Brubaker2.2 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 Riggio1-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 Morales1-for-6, RBI, R, 2 K
DH Parks Harber4-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 Avina2-for-2, 2B (8), SF, RBI, 3 BB
.288/.418/.441 in 141 PA.
SS Jose Colmenares0-for-6
Colmenares is simply saving his hits for when the team needs them.
3B Josh Moylan1-for-4, BB, K
C Tomas Frick0-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 R, HBP, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall1-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 Keane1 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 Keating1 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 Arias0-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 Perez2-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 Sanchez1-for-3, K
Sanchez’s first game since May 10th.
  CF Marshall Toole0-for-2, R, K
DH Engelth Urena4-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 Lewis3-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 Matheus0-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 Cobb0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
1B Hans Montero0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Brandon Decker1.2 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 Zaffiro2.1 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 Sokol1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Brady Kirtner1 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 Eden1-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 Mayea2-for-5, 3B (1), 2 R, SB (4), 2 K
.286/.365/.536 in 64 PA (7.8% BB; 25% K).
LF Wilson Rodriguez2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, K
C Ediel Rivera2-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 Escudero2-for-5, RBI, 3 R, SB (4)
SS Kevin Verde2-for-4, SF, 3 RBI, R, K
1B John Cristino2-for-3, 2 RBI, R, SB (1), HBP, K
4-for-11 with three walks and two strikeouts.
2B Santiago Gomez0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, R

RHP Edinzo Marquez4.2 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 Nolan0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Alexis Paulino1 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 Rodriguez1-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 Smith1-for-6, R, K
C Alex Jackson2-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. Rumfield1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
   2B Braden Shewmake0-for-1, SB (4)
RF Bryan De La Cruz1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
DH Jose Rojas1-for-4, R, SB (3), BB
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-5, R, SB (11), 2 K
2B-1B Jake Gatewood0-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 Munguia1-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 Reyzelman2 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 Effross0.2 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 Riggio2-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 Jones0-for-4, 2 R, 2 BB, K
RF Coby Morales4-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 Martinez1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo2-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 Colmenares0-for-3, R, SB (5), 2 BB, K
3B Josh Moylan1-for-4, RBI, HBP, K
C Tomas Frick0-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 Gabonia1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker1 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 Perez0-for-3, 2 BB
.225/.391/.258 in 156 PA. Perez has 31 walks (19.9%). 
C Engelth Urena0-for-4, BB
RF Dillon Lewis1-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 Matheus0-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 Wilson1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
3B Hans Montero0-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 Toole2-for-4, 3B (4), R
.305/.400/.453 in 110 PA. 
1B Josue Gonzalez2-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 Fristoe2.1 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 Mayea0-for-4
CF Cam Eden0-for-3, SF, RBI
RF Wilson Rodriguez1-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 Gomez1-for-3, SB (3), BB, K
.297/.325/.297 in 40 plate appearances.
2B Luis Escudero1-for-3, 2 R, BB, K

RHP Stanly Alcantara4.1 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.

Yankees MILB 5/21: Roc Riggio’s Big Night

Notes:

RHP Greysen Carter, the hard thrower with no idea where the ball is going, was sent to the FCL today. Carter, who hit 100+ MPH earlier this season, made seven starts for Tampa, going 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA over 24 innings with a 20.2% K and 21.8% BB.

RHP J.T. Etheridge replaces Carter on Tampa’s roster. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2024, the 23-year-old pitched in three games for the FCL squad this year, posting a 2.31 ERA over 11.2 innings with a 42.3% K and 15.4% BB.

Carter is an intriguing talent but needs work. If your job is to work with young pitchers, Carter presents a fun challenge.

Injury Log


Scranton (21-24) (Lost a doubleheader to Nashville. The bats didn’t show up. Everson Pereira didn’t play in either game, which always raises a red flag.)

Game 1 (Lost, 3-0)

C Jesus Rodriguez1-for-4, SB (6), K
Rodriguez has a 10-game hitting streak.
DH Dominic Smith0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Cooper Hummel0-for-2, BB, K
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-3, 2 K
3B Jose Rojas1-for-2, BB
RF Bryan De La Cruz1-for-3, K
2B Braden Shewmake1-for-3
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-3, SB (10), K
CF Ismael Munguia0-for-3

RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 3-5)  4.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
4.23 ERA (44.2 IP, 37 H, 25 R, 21 ER, 6 HR, 16 BB, 51 K)
RHP Colten Brewer1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
4.41 ERA (16.1 IP, 13 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 21 K)

Game 2 (Lost, 2-1)

3B Jesus Rodriguez2-for-3, CS (3)
Rodriguez extends his hitting streak to 11 (19-for-43; .442). He is hitting .388 with a .981 OPS in 28 games since his promotion.
LF Dominic Smith0-for-3, SB (1)
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-3, 2 K
Rumfield is hitting .292 with an .885 OPS. 
C Alex Jackson0-for-3
DH Jose Rojas0-for-3, 2 K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-2, HR (2), RBI, R, BB
De La Cruz has 34 homers in 535 minor league games. He has 58 homers in 491 major league games.
SS Braden Shewmake0-for-1, 2 BB
2B Jake Gatewood0-for-3, K
CF Ismael Munguia1-for-3

LHP Brandon Leibrandt4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: (L, 1-1)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
4.50 ERA (16 IP, 12 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 22 K)


Somerset (19-21) (Defeated New Hampshire, 4-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.1-for-4, RBI, K
Since promotion: 8-for-41 (.195/.352/.195; 10 walks, 11 strikeouts).
1B Rafael Flores0-for-4, K
After a .295/.357/.545 triple slash in April, Flores has a .297/.338/.531 triple slash in May. I like consistency!
CF Garrett Martin0-for-4
3B Dylan Jasso0-for-3, BB
DH Cole Gabrielson1-for-3, R, CS (1), BB, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson0-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB
LF Jared Wegner1-for-4, 3 K
C Antonio Gomez3-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI, R
Gomez has two 3-hit games in May (back-to-back multi-hit games).
2B Max Burt0-for-4, K

RHP Cam Schlittler (W, 3-4): 6 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
2.47 ERA (43.2 IP, 37 H, 17 R, 12 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 52 K). Schlittler has allowed 15 homers in 210.1 career innings (0.64 HR/9). Impressively, he has maintained a strong strikeout rate while reducing his walk rate by a comfortable margin.
LHP Ryan Anderson1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Luis Pacheco1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K


Hudson Valley (26-14) (Lost to Winston-Salem, 11-8)

DH Roc Riggio: 2-for-2, 3B (1), HR (4), 3 RBI, 4 R, SB (2), CS (3), 3 BB
.275/.431/.700 in 51 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 11 R, 2-for-5 SB, 21.6% BB, 21.6% K). I hope Riggio gets to Somerset this season.
CF Jace Avina0-for-4, R, HBP, 3 K
1B Coby Morales2-for-5, 3 RBI, K
C Omar Martinez2-for-5, RBI, R, K
.261/.367/.433 in 158 PA. In 588 plate appearances at this level, Martinez is hitting .244/.372/.412 with 20 doubles, 2 triples, 19 HR, 67 RBI, and 76 runs. He has drawn 95 walks (16.2%) and has struck out 146 times (24.8%).
LF Jackson Castillo0-for-3, 2 BB, K
.229/.342/.344 in 155 PA (9 doubles, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 14 R, 5-for-5 SB). He hasn’t been able to carry over his hot 81 plate appearance stretch after being promoted here in 2024.
2B Jose Colmenares1-for-5, RBI, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan0-for-3, BB, K
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-4, 2 K
RF Luis Durango: 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (3), BB, K
His speed is likely what attracted the Yankees to him. He has never shown any hints of power (hasn’t hit a home run since 2021. This was his 145th game since that season.)

RHP Carlos Lagrange3.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
4.63 ERA (35 IP, 28 H, 19 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 11 BB, 56 K). Lagrange’s first rough start since April 8th (his 2025 debut). This is the first time he’s allowed more than two walks this season (did it four times in nine games in 2024).
RHP Chris Kean1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.02 ERA (17.2 IP, 14 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 15 K)
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: (L, 0-1)  1.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
4.00 ERA (18 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 25 K)


Tampa (21-20) (Defeated Dunedin, 9-5. Getting over .500 was something I didn’t anticipate in the first half)

DH Roderick Arias1-for-2, 2B (7), RBI, R, CS (2), 3 BB, K
His first two games coming off the injured list have been encouraging (3-for-6, 3 doubles, 2 RBI, 1 R, 4 BB, 2 K). Let’s see if he can keep it going.
C Engelth Urena1-for-5
LF Dillon Lewis2-for-5, 2B (8), RBI, K
.218/.297/.408 in 158 PA (8 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 24 R, 9-for-10 SB, 9.5% BB, 27.8% K).
SS Juan Matheus1-for-5, R, SB (11), 2 K
Matheus has a 9-game hitting streak (17-for-35). He is hitting .306/.366/.379 in 145 PA (9 doubles, 22 RBI, 16 R, 11-for-16 SB, 10.3% BB, 22.8% K). Matheus has some speed but has to work on his base-stealing technique (49-for-71 (69%)).
RF Tyler Wilson2-for-4, 2B (3), HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
3B Owen Cobb: 3-for-5, RBI, R, SB (8), CS (2)
Cobb has an 8-game hitting streak (14-for-31). He is hitting .446/.484/.786 in 63 plate appearances. The 23-year-old should find his way to Hudson Valley this season.
2B Hans Montero2-for-5, RBI, R,  2 K
CF Marshall Toole1-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (10), BB, K
.297/.396/.429 in 106 PA (6 doubles, 3 triples, 7 RBI, 22 R, 10-for-11 SB, 13.2% BB, 25.5% K). 
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, HR (2), SF, 3 RBI, R, CS (2), HBP

RHP Danny Flatt4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
4.33 ERA (27 IP, 27 H, 17 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 21 K). 
RHP Cade Austin: (W, 2-0)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Sean Hermann1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


FCL (6-7)

Day off.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/20: Roderick Arias Doubles Twice

Notes:

Some injury notes:

LHP Brock Selvidge has started a rehab assignment in the FCL. He pitched 2.2 innings on Monday, allowing 2 runs (0 earned) on 3 hits with a walk and 2 strikeouts. Last year, he made 16 starts for Somerset, going 7-6 with a 4.25 ERA over 84.2 innings with an 80/43 K/BB. He is ranked 8th in the organization by Pipeline.

RHP Carson Coleman‘s long injury journey is hopefully over, as he is also on a rehab assignment in the FCL. The 27-year-old Coleman last pitched in 2022, when he was considered one of the Yankees’ top relief prospects. That year, he compiled a 2.13 ERA over 63.1 innings with a 95/19 K/BB. Despite missing all of 2023 to injury, the Texas Rangers chose him in the Rule 5 draft and placed him on the 60-day injured list. This past winter, they had the choice of adding him to the 40-man or returning him to the Yankees, and they opted to send him back.

SS Roderick Arias was activated off the injured list for Tampa.

Injury Log


Scranton (21-22)

Their game against Nashville (unique opponent!) was postponed. They will attempt to play two tomorrow.

Nashville is in the West division. Teams in the East don’t play every team in the West.


Somerset (18-21) (Shut down New Hampshire, 5-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.1-for-4, SF, RBI, SB (4), K
Since promotion: .189/.360/.189 in 50 PA with ten walks and ten strikeouts. He is 4-for-5 stealing bases. You should be rewarded for your patience with Lombard Jr.
C Rafael Flores0-for-4, R, SB (4), BB
.296/.349/.539 in 166 PA. Like many C/1B, he won’t overwhelm you with speed and will likely lose any speed he has as he gets older. That said, he is 15-for-17 stealing bases in his career so at least he is efficient at it.
CF Garrett Martin1-for-5, R, SB (7), 2 K
2B Dylan Jasso1-for-4, R, 2 K
LF Grant Richardson2-for-3, RBI, BB, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, HR (4), 3 RBI, R, K
.188/.235/.357 in 119 PA. 
3B Alexander Vargas0-for-4, 2 K
RF Jared Wegner1-for-4, R, K
DH Antonio Gomez2-for-4, 2B (2)
Gomez breaks a 0-for-13 slide. I once labeled him as their most promising pure catching prospect, but the offense has rarely shown up.

RHP Jon Olsen2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Jordany Ventura:(W, 2-0)  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.14 ERA (14.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 20 K). It can be hard to differentiate between so many right-handed relief prospects. All they can do is perform as we speculate.
LHP Will Brian2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Since promotion: 1.50 ERA (12 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 15 K). Overall, he owns a 27/4 K/BB over 19 innings. Sneaky kid to watch.
RHP Kelly Austin1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.42 ERA (12.2 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 13 K). See Cohen, Harrison.


Hudson Valley (26-12) (Lost to Winston-Salem, 6-1)

2B Roc Riggio1-for-4, 2B (3), BB
Since his rehab stint ended: .237/.370/.553 in 46 PA (3 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 8 BB, 11 K). He has reached base safely in all ten games.
RF Brendan Jones1-for-4, K
CF Jace Avina0-for-4, 2 K
1B Coby Morales1-for-4, CS (3)
Morales was moved back here from Somerset.
DH Parks Harber0-for-3, BB
Since promotion: .323/.380/.538 in 71 PA. 
C Omar Martinez0-for-2, R, 2 BB
.256/.366/.434 in 153 PA (5 doubles, 6 HR, 25 RBI, 22 R, 14.4% BB, 28.8% K). He has cooled off since his insane hot streak (0-for-14 in his last five games, though he has drawn five walks)
LF Jackson Castillo1-for-4
3B Josh Moylan1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-4, K

LHP Kyle Carr: (L, 0-2)  5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, HR, 3 BB, 3 K
3.86 ERA (30.1 IP, 25 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 22 K). Carr does a nice job keeping the ball on the ground, but “swing and miss” hasn’t shown up in his profile (117/70 K/BB in 134.1 career innings).
RHP Tony Rossi1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Between here and Tampa: 14.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 18 K. If you want to find a blemish, his K rate has fallen since his promotion (12/0 K/BB in 7.2 Tampa innings; 6/3 K/BB in 7 IP for Hudson Valley).
RHP Tyrone Yulie1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.68 ERA (14.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 20 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K


Tampa (20-20) (Defeated Dunedin, 7-4. They are 11-4 since a 2-10 stretch. Baseball!)

SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2 2B (6), RBI, R, CS (1), BB, 2 K
Arias doubled and scored in his first AB since April 26th. He was off to a bad start before his injury (.155/.302/.254). Maybe this gets him going.
   3B Hans Montero0-for-0
C Edgleen Perez0-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
DH Engelth Urena1-for-5, R, K
LF Dillon Lewis1-for-4, RBI, SB (9), BB, 2 K
Lewis had a rough April, but his May has been encouraging (16-for-59 (.271); 3 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 16 R, 8 BB, 18 K, 3-for-3 SB). 
2B-SS Juan Matheus1-for-5, 2B (9), 2 RBI, 3 K
Matheus has an 8-game hitting streak (16-for-30 (.533); 3 doubles, 7 RBI, 6 R)
RF Austin Green1-for-3, 2 BB, K
3B-2B Owen Cobb1-for-4, R, 2 SB (7), CI, K
Cobb has a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-26 (.423); 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R). He is 7-for-8 stealing bases this year and 16-for-17 in his career. His batting average during the hitting streak (.423) is lower than his season average (.431). Would it shock me if he becomes the next obsession amongst the unheralded prospects? No.
CF Marshall Toole0-for-3, R, SB (8), HBP, K
1B Josue Gonzalez1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K

RHP Andrew Landry4 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Landry generated 14 whiffs with his 4-pitch assortment (at least two whiffs per pitch). His 7.03 ERA includes a start where he allowed nine earned runs in 1.1 innings. Beyond that, there are things to be encouraged about, including 33 strikeouts in 32 innings.
RHP Jack Sokol: (W, 2-1)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
2.42 ERA (23 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 25 K)
RHP Chris Veach: (S, 2)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.65 ERA (16.1 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 28 K). One thing I notice from Baseball Savant: Veach loves his changeup.


FCL (6-7) (Lost to the Tigers, 10-9)

CF Brando Mayea1-for-4, RBI, K
.298/.389/.553 in 55 PA. He has hit safely in 11 of his 13 games this season. There is a balance between allowing a player to build confidence and recognizing that the level is no longer challenging. For now, I have no issue with him being here.
LF Isael Arias1-for-5, 2 RBI
C Ediel Rivera3-for-5, 2B (3), K
The 19-year-old is hitting .226/.351/.323 in his debut season.
DH Luis Puello2-for-4, 2 2B (3), 2 RBI, 2 R
Puello (19) has struggled to begin 2025. This was a much-needed performance (now 5-for-24).
2B Luis Escudero3-for-5, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Also off to a slow start, Escudero has two 3-hit efforts in his last three games. He is hitting .212/.297/.303. Before this stretch, he was hitting .045/.160/.045
3B Santiago Gomez1-for-3, SF, RBI, R
RF Gabriel Lara2-for-4, 2B (1), 2 R
The speedy Lara is hitting .273/.333/.591 in only 24 plate appearances. He is 0-for-3 stealing bases.

RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
This had to be an emotional game for Coleman. His journey has been long, and I am rooting for him to get back on track.
RHP J.T. Etheridge3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
2.31 ERA (11.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 8 BB, 22 K)


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/18: Rafael Flores Homers Again

Notes:

RHP JT Brubaker started his latest rehab stint in Hudson Valley today. Acquired for infield prospect Keiner Delgado in April 2024, Bruaker hasn’t been able to stay healthy. He tossed only 16.2 innings in the Yankees system last year.

The difference between Brubaker and Scott Effross and Clayton Beeter is that Brubaker is out of options.  Once the rehab is up, and assuming he is healthy, decisions need to be made.

As for Delgado, reading Twitter at the time made one feel as if the Yankees relinquished the next coming of Roberto Alomar. After hitting .231/.318/.347 in Low-A in 2024, he was moved to High-A Greensboro, hitting .252/.329/.394 with a 9-for-9 stolen base rate. Prospects develop at different rates, but it seems doubtful this trade will haunt the Yankees.

Injury Log


Scranton (21-22) (Lost to Toledo, 10-8)

LF Cooper Hummel: 3-for-5, RBI, R, K
Hummel is 8-for-29 since the Yankees signed him.
CF Everson Pereira0-for-3, R, SB (4), BB, 2 K
Pereira was 21-for-28 stealing bases in 102 games in 2022. Since then, he is 20-for-24 in 150 games.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, 2B (10), RBI, R, SB (3), K
.305/.404/.519 in 156 PA (10 doubles, 6 HR, 27 RBI, 29 R, 3-for-4 SB, 11.5% BB, 20.5% K). 
C Alex Jackson2-for-5, HR (6), 3 RBI, R, K
Jackson continues to alternate games with and without a home run.  He has four home runs in his last seven games (HR, no HR, HR, no HR, HR, no HR, HR)
DH Dominic Smith1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, R, BB
Smith has five homers in 14 May games.
RF Bryan De La Cruz1-for-5, 2B (3), R, 2 K
3B Jose Rojas1-for-4, RBI, R, SB (2), 2 K
2B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-3, 2B (2), SB (1), CS (2), BB, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-4, RBI, R

RHP Carlos Carrasco1.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Leonardo Pestana1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Eric Reyzelman1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 0 K
4.24 ERA (17 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 19 BB, 18 K). Control has always been an issue (19 BB in 38.2 IP in 2024), but it is amplified this season. Furthermore, his K% isn’t making up for the high walk total. Last year, he struck out 63 (40.9%). This season, entering today, his K% was 26.1%. 
RHP Kervin Castro1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.18 ERA (20.2 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 24 K)
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
3.00 ERA (18 IP, 19 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 18 K)
LHP Ismael Munguia (L, 0-1): 1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Minor league baseball = sometimes bringing in a position player during an 8-8 game.  This was his first career pitching appearance.


Somerset (17-21) (Lost to Portland, 4-1)

3B Dylan Jasso0-for-4, 2 K
.275/.329/.493 in 149 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 20 R).  He has played 14 games at 3B, 12 at 2B, 6 at 1B, and 2 at designated hitter.
SS George Lombard Jr.0-for-2, CS (1), HBP, BB, K
Since promotion: .182/.378/.182 in 45 PA (3 RBI, 7 R, 3-for-4 SB, 10 BB, 9 K)
1B Rafael Flores1-for-3, HR (9), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Flores has homered in three straight games and ties Spencer Jones for the Eastern League lead. He is hitting .304/.354/.554 in 161 PA. Going back to last year, Flores has hit .285/.357/.532 in 434 Double-A plate appearances (24 doubles, 24 HR, 63 RBI, 60 R, 8.99% BB, 28.3% K)
DH Garrett Martin0-for-4, K
RF Coby Morales: 2-for-4, 2 K
CF Grant Richardson0-for-4, 3 K
LF Jared Wegner1-for-3
C Antonio Gomez0-for-2, BB, K
2B Max Burt0-for-3, K

RHP Bailey Dees: (L, 1-3)  6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
4.50 ERA (34 IP, 33 H, 18 R, 17 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 37 K). Bees walked 13 in 18.1 April innings. That number has dropped to three in 15.2 May innings.
RHP Indigo Diaz1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Cole Ayers1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Danny Watson1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K


Hudson Valley (26-12) (Defeated Aberdeen, 3-2)

LF Brendan Jones1-for-4, K
RF Jace Avina1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, R
.297/.421/.455 in 126 PA. Avina has a pair of homers and 3 RBI in three games since returning from injury.
  RF Anthony Hall1-for-1, 2B (4)
DH Parks Harber0-for-4, 4 K
From four hits to four strikeouts. Explain baseball to me.
CF Jackson Castillo2-for-3, 2B (9), BB
Back-to-back multi-hit games as Castillo tries to get on track. He is hitting .234/.342/.355 in 146 PA and is 5-for-5 stealing bases.
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-4, K
3B Josh Moylan0-for-3, K
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-3, 2B (4), R
C Tomas Frick1-for-3, K
1B Duncan Pastore1-for-3, RBI, R

RHP JT Brubaker3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
His climb back to MLB begins yet again…
RHP Bryce Cunningham: (W, 5-1)  5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
2.14 ERA (42 IP, 32 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 3 HR, 10 BB, 44 K). It is hard to deny that Cunningham has impressed the most (so far) amongst the 2024 draftees.
RHP Huey Morrill (S, 2): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Tampa (19-20) (Walked it off against Palm Beach, 5-4)

C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, SF, RBI, R, K
It saddens me that I won’t be able to call him an 18-year-old much longer, as he turns 19 on 5/25. 
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, RBI, R, 2 BB, K
His RBI single with one out in the 9th tied the game.
LF Dillon Lewis0-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
2B Juan Matheus: 2-for-3, 2B (8), RBI, 2 BB
Matheus has gone insane. He is 15-for-25 (.600) during his 7-game hitting streak. The streak has spiked his triple slash to .316/.378/.386 (.236/.321/.303 before the streak started). He ranks fifth in the Florida State League in batting average.  He is a switch-hitter who has thus far hit lefties well in a small sample (9-for-22). Last year, he was 8-for-40 against southpaws.
RF Austin Green1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (5), 2 K
Green has a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-18). 
1B Tyler Wilson0-for-4, 2 K
3B Hans Montero0-for-4, 3 K
SS Owen Cobb2-for-4, R
No extra-base hits? I’m appalled! Cobb is now 21-for-47 (.447) with 11 extra-base hits (6 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR). He is on a 6-game hitting streak (10-for-22) and has eight multi-hit efforts in 14 games.
CF Marshall Toole1-for-3, R, CS (1), BB
Toole has a 7-game hitting streak (8-for-22).  He is hitting .326/.398/.447 in 98 PA.

RHP Gage Ziehl4.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, HR
RHP Gus Hughes0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Sean Hermann2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.80 ERA (20 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 17 BB, 20 K). The walks have settled down since he walked 15 in 12.1 April innings.
RHP Cole Zaffiro1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe (W, 3-1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
5.75 ERA (20.1 IP, 24 H, 17 R, 13 ER, 3 HR, 14 BB, 17 K)


FCL (5-6) 

Day off.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/17: Roc Riggio Homers Twice

Notes:

The rumblings about Jesus Rodriguez are starting. I get it – the Yankees have an issue with offense at third base, and Rodriguez can further help balance the lineup.

But is he a third baseman?  The Yankees have tried various positions with him. A natural catcher, he also has experience at 1B/2B (limited)/3B/LF. MLB Pipeline’s write-up on his defense was rather…scary? Pipeline, however, isn’t the only source for your prospect needs. Fangraphs was more flattering, even talking him up as potentially above-average at the hot corner.

I have been bullish on his offense for several years now. He crushed the Complex League in 2022 (which should always come with hesitation) before his promotion to Low-A in 2023.  While with the Tampa Tarpons, he showed his FCL game was no fluke, as he hit .297/.378/.426, earning a promotion to High-A after 84 games. All he did in Hudson Valley the rest of that season was hit .356/.464/.533 in 25 games. His 2024 season was similarly exciting, though he ran into trouble after his promotion to Somerset. That trouble continued into 2025, and his current Double-A triple slash is .196/.250/.339 in 30 games. When Alex Jackson was injured earlier this season, the Yankees moved Rodriguez to Scranton, where he started flourishing again. His issues in Double-A may be sample-size related. His BABIP there is only .207.  You want a prospect to conquer Double-A. It’s Prospect Following 101. He didn’t, but it’s hard to argue against his success.

Rodriguez isn’t your traditional corner power hitter, but we need to look at what he is up against: Strong defender Oswald Peraza, who the organization hasn’t shown much faith in; Jorbit Vivas, who isn’t seen as much of a defender at third base and has struggled to hit; Pablo Reyes, who Rodriguez could replace right now and nobody would flinch; DJ LeMahieu, who I think the Yankees want to play mostly at second base until Jazz Chisholm Jr. returns. The Yankees wouldn’t ask him to take over for current MLB All-Stars. We are talking about being better than replacement level.

Would I do it? It’s tempting. Even if you are skeptical about his profile, you can ride a hot streak for a while. Or, maybe your skepticism is misguided, and his bat will play just fine in MLB. Most of the hesitation comes from an aggressive approach and the questions about whether he can hit velocity. The problem with the latter is that he hasn’t faced enough velocity to draw any conclusions.

What is working against this possibility? The Yankees aren’t playing him every day at third base in the minors. If the plan was for Rodriguez to play third, that would be his position nearly every night. He has played third base in only nine of his 33 games between Somerset and Scranton.

Injury Log


Scranton (21-21) (Defeated Toledo, 7-2)

C Jesus Rodriguez2-for-5, 3B (2), R, CS (2), 2 K
Rodriguez owns a 9-game hitting streak that includes five multi-hit games (four consecutive). He is hitting .385/.479/.510 in 117 PA. Fire is too soft a word to use.
LF Dominic Smith2-for-4, RBI, 2 R
A veteran like Smith is not only auditioning for the Yankees, as veterans can easily ask out of their minor league deals (or, like with Luis Torrens last year, can be traded in small deals). Smith is 16-for-42 (.381) with four homers and 16 RBI in May.
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, R, HBP, K
RF Everson Pereira0-for-4, 3 K
DH Cooper Hummel1-for-2, 2B (1), SF, RBI, BB
3B Jose Rojas1-for-3, HR (8, grand slam), 4 RBI, BB, K
Rojas has three grand slams this month (5/1, 5/7, 5/17). He has 8 HR and 34 RBI in 36 games. If only he weren’t a 32-year-old journeyman.
2B Braden Shewmake1-for-3, R, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-4, 2 K
CF Ismael Munguia1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI
A fun story in spring training, Munguia is hitting only .219/.321/.328 in 164 PA. He is 8-for-10 stealing bases.

RHP Anthony DeSclafani4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
He touched 95.3 MPH with his sinker, which likely has Matt Blake drooling.
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Headrick, a victim of the numbers game earlier this season, reached 97.1 MPH with his fastball today.
RHP Allan Winans: (W, 2-0) 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
0.00 ERA (23 IP, 16 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 31 K). They used him in a piggyback role today, which doesn’t bother me. His season has been impressive.


Somerset (17-20) (Defeated Portland, 11-5)

3B George Lombard Jr.1-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 R, BB
Lombard Jr. plays third base for the second day in a row (hadn’t played the position before that since his promotion). For Somerset: 6-for-31 (3 RBI, 7 R, 3-for-3 SB, 9 BB, 8 K). Overall, he is at .292/.461/.407 in 152 PA with more walks (32) than strikeouts (30). He is 14-for-16 stealing bases.
C Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, HR (8), 3 RBI, 3 R
Flores has homered in back-to-back games and is surging. His triple slash is .303/.350/.538 in 145 PA (10 doubles, 8 HR, 29 RBI, 19 R, 6.4% BB, 29.9% K). He has three 3-hit games in May. By the way, his 8 HR are tied for second in the Eastern League. Spencer Jones (who has missed several games now) still leads with 9.
CF Garrett Martin: 3-for-5, 2B (7), 3 RBI, R
.222/.336/.398 in 128 PA. He isn’t striking out much (20.3%). I don’t have info on his quality of contact, though.
2B Dylan Jasso3-for-5, 3 RBI
.284/.338/.507 (7 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 20 R).  Last 9 games: 13-for-36 (.361; 2 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI). 
LF Coby Morales0-for-5
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-2, 2B (7), R, 2 SB (7), CS (4), 2 BB
.250/.333/.402 in 105 PA. Vargas is having a strong May (.282/.378/.513).
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (3), BB
DH Antonio Gomez0-for-3, BB, 3 K
He left the game after an “injury delay.” That is not encouraging.
  PR-DH Grant Richardson0-for-0, R

RHP Trent Sellers5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 2 HR
Sellers was cruising until he allowed a 2-run HR with two outs in the 6th. The 6th inning remains his “blocker” as he has yet to complete six full innings during his career. Season: 3.48 ERA (33.2 IP, 19 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 14 BB, 44 K)
RHP Danny Watson0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
A tough outing for Effross, who has struggled to get back to MLB.
RHP Luis Pacheco1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.11 ERA (15.1 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 20 K)
RHP Kelly Austin1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.54 ERA (11.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 11 K)


Hudson Valley (25-12) (Outlasted Aberdeen, 10-7)

LF Brendan Jones1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (16), BB
.229/.338/.366 in 157 PA. 
2B Roc Riggio2-for-5, 2 HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R
Riggio’s first career multi-HR game. He is 8-for-34 (.235) since returning from his rehab stint (2 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI)
DH Parks Harber: 4-for-5, 3B (1), HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R
Harber’s first career 4-hit effort.  Since promotion: .362/.413/.603 in 63 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 12 R). Overall, Harber is hitting .331/.418/.575 in 146 PA (7 doubles, 3 triples, 6 HR, 26 RBI). Yes, he may move two levels this season and get to Somerset.
RF Jace Avina0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
  RF Luis Durango0-for-1, SB (1)
Durango was 21-for-22 in the stolen base department in 2024.
CF Jackson Castillo2-for-5, R, K
C Omar Martinez0-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-2, 3 R, SB (4), HBP, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-2, 2B (7), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz4.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
He didn’t have it today, but his teammates bailed him out. Season: 3.22 ERA (36.1 IP, 22 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 0 HR, 17 BB, 43 K). Rodriguez-Cruz has allowed only 9 HR in 219.2 career innings.
RHP Sebastian Keane: (W, 3-0)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.80 ERA (10 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 10 K)
RHP Hayden Merda2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
3.78 ERA (16.2 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 22 K). As a starter in 2023 (he missed 2024 due to injury), he allowed ten homers in 95.2 innings.
RHP Bryce Warrecker (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Warrecker’s first career save. His dominant season continues: 0.53 ERA (17 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 23 K)


Tampa (18-20) (Lost to Palm Beach, 5-4)

DH Edgleen Perez1-for-4, BB, 2 K
Perez is 15-for-53 (.283) in May after going 10-for-56 (.179/.373/.196) in April. I’ve said it multiple times: The only thing missing is power. That isn’t concerning as he is 18 years old. You hope he grows into some pop.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, BB
RF Dillon Lewis1-for-5, R, SB (8), 2 K
SS Juan Matheus1-for-4, R, SB (10), 2 K
Matheus is 13-for-22 (.591) during his 6-game hitting streak. He is an under-the-radar switch-hitting middle infielder prospect.
LF Tyler Wilson1-for-4, R, K
2B Hans Montero2-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI
Sneakily, Montero is up to .278 with a .846 OPS. He is 12-for-33 (.364) in May with four doubles and two home runs.
3B Owen Cobb1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI
Cobb has 11 extra-base hits (6 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR) in 13 games.
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 2B (6), R, K
Toole is 7-for-19 (.368) during his 6-game hitting streak. He has four doubles and a triple during the streak. 
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-4, K

RHP Greysen Carter: (L, 1-3)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 1 K
Carter is why the Development List exists. I advocate for continuing to throw kids out there to learn, but he is lost (6.75 ERA in 24 IP with a 25/27 K/BB)
RHP Brandon Decker2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.59 ERA (17 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 20 K)
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
This line defines Sandridge’s career. Looking at the data, Sandridge peaked at 95.8 MPH (averaged 94.2) and generated four whiffs (on 11 pitches) with his slider. The Yankees are trying to unlock the 26-year-old who allows few hits, walks half the ballpark, and strikes out the other half.
RHP Chris Veach1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
1.80 ERA (15 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 26 K). I know Savant isn’t always perfect, but Veach used six different pitches to earn four outs (change, curve, sinker, 4-seamer, cutter, slider). You may ask if Veach was a starter in college. The answer is no, as none of his 57 college appearances (mostly with South Carolina) were starts.
RHP Cade Austin1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Brady Kirtner1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K


FCL (5-6) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 5-1. The Yankees compiled only two hits)

CF Brando Mayea1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, 2 K
It’s not so bad when one of those hits is a home run by their best prospect at the level. I don’t love the strikeouts for a big prospect repeating the level (27.7%), but his start remains encouraging (.293/.370/.512).
RF Brennen Davis1-for-3, K

RHP Jose Rodriguez (L, 0-1): 2.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Jose Martinez1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Martinez’s 2025 debut. The Yankees grabbed him after the Red Sox released him in February. Not that DSL numbers tell a full story, but Martinez put together a 45/9 K/BB over 41.1 IP (3.48 ERA) for Boston’s DSL squad last year.
RHP Mariano Salomon2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Franyer Herrera0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Jose Ledesma0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Ledesma’s 2025 debut. Last season, the 22-year-old pitched to a 1.25 ERA in 21.2 IP with a 28/14 K/BB in the DSL.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/16: Jesus Rodriguez is Scorching

Notes:

RHP Clayton Beeter‘s rehab is over. The Yankees have optioned him to Scranton.

The Yankees traded LHP Rob Zastryzny to the Brewers for cash considerations. This is a massive win since I no longer need to type that name. The 33-year-old has pitched for several organizations, including MLB stops with the Cubs, Mets, Angels, and Pirates. This will be his second stint with the Brewers.

He never pitched in MLB for the Yankees. In 13 games for Scranton, he pitched to a 4.50 ERA over 12 innings with a 12/2 K/BB.

LHP Edgar Barclay, who looked like he was making a push to get to MLB a few years ago, was transferred from the 7-day injured list to the Full Season list for Somerset. RHP Luis Velasquez suffered the same fate.

Injury Log


Scranton (20-21) (Lost to Toledo, 6-3)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, CS (1), K
This is silly. He has back-to-back 3-hit efforts and is 14-for-31 (.452) during his 8-game hitting streak. Since his promotion: .385/.482/.495 in 112 PA (5 doubles, 3 triples, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 23 R, 5-for-6 SB, 16.1% BB, 12.5% K)
RF Cooper Hummel0-for-3, CS (1), BB, 2 K
  CF Ismael Munguia0-for-0
   PH T.J. Rumfield0-for-1
CF Everson Pereira1-for-3, 2 R, 2 BB, K
.289/.391/.577 in 115 PA. 16 walks in 115 PA this season. 16 walks in 182 PA last year. He is on an 11-game on-base streak (at least one hit in ten of those games)
DH Alex Jackson1-for-4, K
1B Dominic Smith1-for-4, RBI
LF Bryan De La Cruz1-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, K
3B Jose Rojas2-for-4, 2 2B (10), K
2B Jake Gatewood0-for-4, K
SS Andrew Velazquez2-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, 2 K

RHP Jake Woodford (L, 1-2): 6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
3.86 ERA (30.1 IP, 32 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 6 HR, 12 BB, 28 K). 
RHP Wilking Rodriguez1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Colten Brewer2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K


Somerset (16-20) (Defeated Portland, 4-2, in ten innings. As the home team, you know what that means!)

DH Dylan Jasso2-for-5, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, K
Yes, that is what it means:  Jasso hit a walk-off 2-run blast. He has homered in back-to-back games and owns a .271/.329/.504 triple slash in his first taste of Double-A. Hitting him at the top of the lineup all season shows that the Yankees like something about this kid.
3B George Lombard Jr.0-for-3, R, BB, 3 K
You don’t see Lombard Jr. have many no-contact games. Sometimes, he will remind you that he is still a teenager.
C Rafael Flores2-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, K
.293/.342/.514 in 152 PA. Flores has slumped in the power department this month, so it’s nice to see him hit one out.
CF Garrett Martin0-for-2, SB (6), HBP, K
LF Coby Morales1-for-3, 2 K
Morales’s first Double-A hit.
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-4, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-3, SB (5), BB, K
RF Grant Richardson0-for-3, BB, 2 K
2B Max Burt0-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
Vrieling’s rehab is over. This is his first start for Somerset this season. He tossed 60 pitches (34 strikes).
RHP Baron Stuart3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jon Olsen: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Olsen’s Somerset debut. It’s his first game in affiliated ball since 2022.
LHP Ryan Anderson1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard (W, 1-1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
After a slow start, he is pitching better (4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K this month)


Hudson Valley (24-12) (Lost to Aberdeen, 4-3. They scored a pair in the 9th to make it interesting but couldn’t get over the hump)

CF Brendan Jones0-for-5, 2 K
2B Roc Riggio1-for-4, 2 K
DH Jace Avina1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, 3 K
Avina was activated from the injured list today. He is hitting .305 with a .879 OPS.
LF Jackson Castillo0-for-2, R, SB (5), 2 BB
Jackson has a 14.6% BB rate and has 102 walks in 637 career plate appearances. He showed he could hit here in a brief audition in 2024, so his slow start is somewhat surprising.
C Omar Martinez0-for-4, 2 K
3B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-4, 2 2B (5), RBI, R, K
1B Josh Moylan0-for-2, HBP, BB, K
  PR Luis Durango0-for-0
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-4, 3 K
RF Anthony Hall1-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 2-2)  5 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
4.18 ERA (28 IP, 24 H, 17 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 37 K)
RHP Chris Kean2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.10 ERA (16.1 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 14 K)
RHP Matt Keating1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.45 ERA (11 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 9 K)


Tampa (18-19)

Scheduled day off.

The Tarpons have won four in a row and are 9-3 in their last 12 as they pulled themselves out of an abyss.


FCL (5-5) (Lost to the Phillies, 15-5)

CF Cam Eden1-for-4, SB (2)
DH Brennen Davis3-for-4, 2B (2), HR (3), RBI, 2 R, K
OK, get him to Scranton.
LF Brando Mayea2-for-4, R
.297/.381/.459 in 43 PA. At this level last year, the 19-year-old bonus baby hit .281/.370/.326 in 154 PA. I would be shocked if he doesn’t make his Low-A debut this year.
2B Luis Escudero3-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, R
SS Santiago Gomez1-for-3, RBI, SB (2), K

None of the pitching lines warrant inclusion!


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/15: Carlos Lagrange Ks 9

Notes:

Minor league news has gone cold.

Injury Log


Scranton (20-20) (Lost to Toledo, 20-7)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, 2B (5), 2 R, K
Since his promotion, Rodriguez is up to .372 with four 3-hit efforts in 24 games. He is on a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-26).
DH-LF Dominic Smith: 2-for-4, 2B (6), HR (5), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
The depth piece has three homers in his last four starts.
RF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, HR (9), RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Pereira’s 6th HR in May (9 games). Four hitters are tied for 1st in the International League in homers with 10. Pereira has played fewer games than all of them.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, BB, 3 K
Rumfield has a 6-game hitting streak.
LF-P Jose Rojas: 2-for-5, 2B (8), 2 RBI, K
C Alex Jackson: 3-for-5, HR (5), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Jackson is 18-for-56 (.321; 2 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 19 RBI) in 16 games.
SS Braden Shewmake0-for-4, BB, 2 K
2B Andrew Velazquez0-for-5, K
CF Ismael Munguia1-for-4

RHP Erick Leal: (L, 1-5) 1.2 IP, 4 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 3 HR
RHP Zach Messinger2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, K
Messinger also allowed two of Leal’s runs to score. He owns a 7.20 ERA (30 IP, 39 H, 24 R, 24 ER, 3 HR, 21 BB, 27 K). This is a year where Messinger can realize his MLB dreams, but it hasn’t been a sharp start.
RHP Eric Reyzelman0.2 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Reyzelman is surprisingly struggling. He owns a 4.70 ERA in 15.1 IP (9 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 18 K). Walks, walks, walks, WALKS.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Clayton Beeter1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
For Scranton: 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K. He is still on his rehab stint.
RHP Kervin Castro1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
2.29 ERA (19.2 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 23 K). His first earned runs allowed since April 6th.
RHP Jose Rojas0.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
His fourth career appearance on the hill.


Somerset (15-20) (Split a low-scoring doubleheader against Portland)

Game 1 (Lost, 4-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.1-for-2, SB (3), 2 BB
C Rafael Flores1-for-3, BB, K
CF Garrett Martin1-for-3, SB (5)
2B Dylan Jasso0-for-2, HBP, K
RF Coby Morales0-for-3, 2 K
Morales’s Double-A debut.
1B Tyler Hardman1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, R, 2 K
3B Alexander Vargas1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, K
.253/.320/.402 in 97 PA. He is 10-for-34 (.294) with a double, two triples, and a homer in May.
LF Jared Wegner0-for-3, K
DH Antonio Gomez0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler (L, 2-4): 4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
2.87 ERA (37.2 IP, 31 H, 17 R, 12 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 44 K). A mixed bag today, as he allowed some runs but missed some bats. I like the lack of homers allowed. Also, his BB/9 has fallen from 4.10 last year to 3.11 this year. Can he make his MLB debut in 2025? Yes. There isn’t too much blocking him if there is a need.
RHP Cole Ayers0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Will Brian1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 1.80 ERA (10 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 11 K). Health hasn’t been on his side (29 innings in 3+ seasons), but he has potential if he clears that hurdle.

Game 2 (Won, 3-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.0-for-2, R, BB, K
Since promotion: 5-for-25 (7 BB, 5 K, 3-for-3 SB). The hits will start coming.
DH Rafael Flores0-for-2, HBP, K
.287/.338/.493 in 148 PA (10 doubles, 6 HR, 24 RBI, 15 R, 3-for-3 SB). I would be unsurprised if he is used as a deal sweetener this summer.
LF Garrett Martin1-for-3, RBI, K
.210/.328/.390 in 119 PA (6 doubles, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 15 R, 5-for-6 SB). He has 29 doubles and 16 HR to go along with a 22-for-25 SB rate in 135 minor league games. The issue is the batting average (.212)
3B Dylan Jasso1-for-3, HR (6), RBI, R, K
I saw the HR on YES – he hit it to the opposite field, which is always nice to see in this organization! He is hitting .266/.326/.484 in 135 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 18 RBI, 19 R, 5.9% BB, 19.3% K). Last season, he owned a 9.8% BB and 24.4% K.
1B Coby Morales0-for-3, K
CF Grant Richardson0-for-3, 2 K
RF Jared Wegner1-for-2, 2B (4), R, K
C Antonio Gomez0-for-2, K
2B Max Burt1-for-2, RBI, K

RHP Brendan Beck4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
1.91 ERA (28.1 IP, 18 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 6 BB, 32 K). Beck is below Schlittler on my depth chart but he was considered a quick rise prospect when he was drafted (injuries, injuries, injuries)
RHP Harrison Cohen (W, 1-2): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.65 ERA (12.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 17 K). 
RHP Jordany Ventura (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Ventura earns his first career save in his 46th relief appearance.


Hudson Valley (24-11) (Split a low-scoring doubleheader against Aberdeen)

Game 1 (Won, 4-2)

CF Brendan Jones0-for-3, K
2B Roc Riggio2-for-3, 2B (2), K
Since returning from his rehab stint, Riggio is 5-for-25 (2 doubles, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 7 BB, 8K).
DH Parks Harber0-for-3, 2 K
Whatever the cause was for him leaving the game a few days ago was nothing to worry about.
LF Jackson Castillo1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, R, K
His first HR since April 26th.
C Omar Martinez0-for-1, 2 BB
3B Jose Colmenares0-for-3, R, K
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-2, RBI, R, K
1B Josh Moylan1-for-2, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, K
RF Anthony Hall0-for-2

RHP Ben Hess (W, 3-2): 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
3.23 ERA (30.2 IP, 15 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 45 K). He is third in the South Atlantic League in strikeouts. His control hasn’t been sharp yet, but the overall performance is encouraging.
RHP Tony Rossi1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Between here and Tampa: 13.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 18 K. He continues to put up zeroes.
RHP Huey Morrill (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Lost, 2-0)

CF Brendan Jones0-for-3, K
.238/.347/.385 in 147 PA. His average and OBP are similar to his April totals, but his power has fallen. Ebbs and flows.
LF Jackson Castillo0-for-3
.219/.323/.343 in 133 PA. Castillo is only 6-for-45 in May (.275/.370/.420 in April)
DH Omar Martinez0-for-3
.277/.379/.471 in 140 PA (5 doubles, 6 HR, 25 RBI, 21 R, 13.6% BB, 28.6% K).
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-2, BB
3B Josh Moylan0-for-3, K
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-1, BB
C Tomas Frick1-for-1, 2B (5), HBP
Frick earns their only hit in Game 2.
RF Luis Durango0-for-2
1B Duncan Pastore0-for-2

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 3-2)  6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 9 K, HR
3.45 ERA (31.1 IP, 23 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 3 HR, 7 BB, 50 K). He leads the South Atlantic League in strikeouts. Lagrange has an impressive 50/7 K BB over 31.1 IP after compiling a 27/20 rate over 21 IP last year. His K% is up while his BB% has fallen considerably. If you aren’t encouraged about this, check your status as a prospect follower because you are too harsh. 
RHP Tyrone Yulie1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.95 ERA (13.1 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 19 K). It’s his first season as a reliever only. 


Tampa (18-19) (Shut down Palm Beach, 8-0. The Tarpons are hot)

C Edgleen Perez3-for-4, RBI, R, BB
.229/.397/.267 in 136 PA (4 doubles, 12 RBI, 16 R, 3-for-4 SB, 19.9% BB, 22.1% K). Perez (18) is starting to figure things out. He is 14-for-49 (.286/.426/.347; 3 doubles, 10 BB, 10 K) in May.
DH Engelth Urena0-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, RBI, K
SS Juan Matheus: 3-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, R
This follows his 6-for-6 doubleheader on Wednesday. His remarkable run (11-for-14 over his last four games) has spiked his triple slash to .308/.365/.374. Before this stretch, he was hitting .237/.318/.301. Matheus (21) hit .303/.421/.463 in 54 games last season, so low-level offense hasn’t been an issue.
2B Austin Green1-for-4, R, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson1-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K
1B Hans Montero0-for-2, R, 2 BB, 2 K
CF Marshall Toole1-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
.295/.389/.436 in 90 PA. He has three doubles and a triple during a 5-game hitting streak.
3B Owen Cobb3-for-4, 3B (2), RBI, R, K
Cobb is auditioning for a promotion. He is hitting .462/.511/.923 (yes, that’s his slugging percentage) in 45 PA (5 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 16 R, 5-for-6 SB). To make this even more fun: He started the season 0-for-6.

LHP Tanner Bauman: (W, 1-3)  5 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
7.33 ERA (27 IP, 35 H, 23 R, 22 ER, 1 HR, 24 BB, 24 K). A solid effort for Bauman, who earns his first professional win.
RHP Sean Hermann2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.00 ERA (18 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 19 K)
RHP Cole Zaffiro1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K


FCL (5-4) (Lost to the Phillies, 3-2, in ten innings. The game was tied 0-0 entering the 10th)

DH Brando Mayea0-for-5, K
Good or bad, I will always report on what Mayea is doing…
CF Cam Eden1-for-3, SB (1)
Whenever a minor league veteran is rehabbing in the FCL, I want them to leave ASAP. The playing time can be useful to others.
   PH-LF-RF Gabriel Lara0-for-2
RF Brennen Davis0-for-4, K
See Eden, Cam.
LF-CF Isael Arias1-for-4, 2B (4), K
1B Johan Contreras1-for-3, 2B (2), BB, 2 K
2B Gabriel Terrero4-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, SB (3)
Terrero’s second career 4-hit effort. He has ten career homers, seven of which came in 2023.

RHP Omar Gonzalez4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Sunayro Martina2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Chance Nolan1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
It’s the former college quarterback’s second career appearance (2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K)


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/14: Juan Matheus Goes 6-for-6

Notes:

There is nothing new.

Injury Log


Scranton (20-19) (Defeated Toledo, 5-4)

C Jesus Rodriguez2-for-4, 2B (4), R
Since promotion: .358/.471/.469 in 102 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 21 R, 17.6% BB, 11.8% K).  His career triple slash sits at .309/.397/.467 in 1,300 plate appearances. He hits, hits, hits and is on a 6-game hitting streak.
LF Cooper Hummel2-for-4, R, SB (1)
DH Everson Pereira1-for-3, R, BB
.289/.381/.567 in 105 PA (1 double, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 25 R, 3-for-3 SB, 12.4% BB, 31.4% K). The K% is slowly falling.
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
.305/.404/.534 in 141 PA (9 doubles, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 27 R, 2-for-3 SB, 12.1% BB, 18.4% K).  He is 15-for-31 (.484/.528/.742) in May with a pair of doubles and homers.
RF Bryan De La Cruz1-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 K
Since the Yankees claimed him, he has gone 4-for-33 (.121) with a homer, three walks, and 12 strikeouts.
3B Jose Rojas0-for-2, SF, RBI
   3B Andrew Velazquez0-for-1
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, SB (3), K
.203/.338/.344 in 78 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R, 3-for-3 SB). 
CF Ismael Munguia0-for-3

LHP Brandon Leibrandt: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
LHP Brent Headrick (W, 2-0): 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
4.15 ERA (8.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 5 K)
RHP Sean Boyle (S, 1): 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, HR
Boyle’s 5th career save. Season: 4.28 ERA (40 IP, 33 H, 22 R, 19 ER, 6 HR, 14 BB, 45 K)


Somerset (14-19)

Their game against Portland was postponed. They will attempt to make it up on June 11th. They have a doubleheader scheduled for tomorrow (makeup of Tuesday’s game).


Hudson Valley (23-10)

Their game against Aberdeen was postponed. They will attempt to play two tomorrow.


Tampa (17-19) (Scored 21 runs in a doubleheader sweep of Palm Beach)

Game 1 (Won, 9-2)

DH Dillon Lewis0-for-4, R, K
C Engelth Urena2-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 R
Urena’s first HR since April 19th (at the time, he had hit three HR in four games).
SS Juan Matheus4-for-4, RBI, 2 R
Matheus compiles his first career 4-hit game.
RF Austin Green2-for-2, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, HBP, BB
LF Tyler Wilson1-for-4, RBI
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-4, 2 K
2B Hans Montero1-for-3, R, K
CF Marshall Toole1-for-3, 2B (4), R
3B Owen Cobb1-for-3, HR (3), 3 RBI, R, K
9 extra-base hits in 10 games this season (4 (all doubles) in 18 games last year).

LHP Griffin Herring4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
1.40 ERA (38.2 IP, 24 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 48 K). Herring is averaging 87 pitches per start (77 today). 
RHP Gus Hughes (W, 3-1): 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Cade Austin2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.21 ERA (14 IP, 14 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 12 K)

Game 2 (Won, 12-4)

C Edgleen Perez2-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, R
Watch out once his offensive game (beyond the walks) starts improving.
DH Engelth Urena2-for-3, 2 R, BB
Urena entered the doubleheader 7-for-36 in May. 
CF Dillon Lewis: 3-for-3, 2B (7), HR (5), 2 RBI, 3 R, BB
Lewis is 13-for-42 (.310; 3 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 14 R) in 11 May contests (.167/.244/.256 in April)
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-2, 2 SF, 2 RBI, R
Matheus is hitting .291 with a .702 OPS and is 8-for-10 in his last three games (his OPS was .619 before that).
2B Austin Green2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, K
RF Tyler Wilson2-for-4, 2B (2), HR (1), 4 RBI, R, 2 K
Wilson sets a personal best for RBI in a game.
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-3, BB
LF Marshall Toole1-for-3, 2 R, BB
SS Owen Cobb2-for-3, R
Cobb didn’t add to his extra-base hit totals, but the raking continues. He is 15-for-35 (.429).

RHP Danny Flatt: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.43 ERA (22.1 IP, 21 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 20 K)
RHP Jack Sokol (W, 1-1): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Sokol’s first professional win. Season: 3.55 ERA (12.2 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 12 K)
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
2.75 ERA (19.2 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 20 K)


FCL (5-3)

Day off.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.