Yankees MILB 4/27: Jared Serna: 4 Hits

News:

Nothing to report.

Scranton (10-14) (Lost to Worcester, 5-4)

CF Estevan Florial: 2-for-5, HR (3), RBI, RS, 3 K
I don’t think it is traceable – but I would love to know how many leadoff home runs Florial has in his MILB career. Anyway, this game is Florial in a nutshell – strong performance but it comes with the three strikeouts.
3B Jamie Westbrook: 2-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
1B Andres Chaparro: 1-for-4, RS, BB
.218/.284/.517 in 95 plate appearances. I am not concerned about the average, given how poorly he started. Everything should continue to come together.
LF Jake Bauers: 1-for-4
A potential call up if Aaron Judge requires IL time – or not.
DH Rodolfo Duran: 2-for-5, 2B (5), K
.306/.358/.592 in 53 plate appearances. Strong start for Duran, who is somewhere on the depth chart.
RF Michael Hermosillo: 0-for-3, BB, K, SB (3)
With Aaron Judge injured, it is interesting that he was pulled from this game – could very well be unrelated as Scranton was trying to tie up the game and McKinney may have been a better option. 
  PH Billy McKinney: 0-for-1
C Mickey Gasper: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RS, K
2B Jesus Bastidas: 1-for-4, K
SS Wilmer Difo: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, SAC, SB (2)
A rare sacrifice bunt in the Yankees’ organization. They just don’t believe in it – and it wouldn’t surprise me if Difo was bunting for a hit.

RHP Mitch Spence: (L, 1-2) 4 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
RHP Barrett Loseke: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.12 ERA (8.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 9 K). He is a 26-year-old who was drafted in the 17th round of the 2018 draft out of Arkansas. Another mid-to-late-round reliever who the Yankees are trying to cash in on.
RHP Michael Gomez: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (11-7) (Defeated Harrisburg, 7-5)

SS Trey Sweeney: 0-for-4, BB, K
CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-3, 3B (1), RS, 2 BB
Dominguez has the OPS up over .700 (.707). This is mostly due to his OBP, but five of his six hits have gone for extra bases.
LF Jeisson Rosario: 0-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, 3 K
3B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RS, SB (4)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
RF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, RS, SB (8)
Once again, we would all love to see Lockridge get it going with the bat because he can field and run. It just hasn’t fully come together.
DH Eric Wagaman: 3-for-4, 2 2B (2), RBI, RS, SB (5)
10-for-30 with two doubles and a home run.
2B Eduardo Torrealba: 2-for-3, SF, 3 RBI, CS (1)

RHP Will Warren: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Warren cruised through four innings before running into a little trouble in the 5th (partially due to an error). Season: 4.15 ERA (17.1 IP, 18 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 7 BB, 29 K). He is missing bats, and that is important.
RHP Zac Houston: 0 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Steven Jennings: (W, 1-1)  2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: (S, 1)  1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (12-5)

The game against Greenville was postponed due to rain. They will play two tomorrow.

Tampa (7-11) (Destroyed Jupiter, 12-2)

2B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-3, 3B (1), SF, 2 RBI, 2 BB, K
.254/.357/.322 in 71 PA. Patience has been his thing in his brief MILB career. If he can add some average to that…
CF Daury Arias: 0-for-5, RBI, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, 2 RS, 2 BB, K, SB (1)
DH Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
SS Jared Serna: 4-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 RS, 3 SB (6), CS (3)
Serna’s first career 4-hit game. He is up to .320/.414/.380 in 58 plate appearances. Defensive distribution thus far: 2B – 6; SS – 5; 3B – 3. He had one career start at SS prior to 2023.
1B Omar Martinez: 3-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, BB
.222/.364/.378 in 55 plate appearances. The left-handed bat can catch in addition to play first base, though he has caught only two games thus far this season.
LF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K, SB (1)
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
Rodriguez has done a little bit of everything, including three games at 3B and a game in LF.
3B Ronny Rojas: 3-for-5, 2B (2), HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
Rojas has four career 3-hit games.

LHP Brock Selvidge: (W, 1-1) 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
3.66 ERA (19.2 IP, 19 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 20 K). Very encouraging start for the 20-year-old, who has allowed two home runs in 66 career innings.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
9.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 15 K. College reliever should move to Hudson Valley soon enough, though he is only 21.
RHP Cole Ayers: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Yankees MILB 4/26: Richard Fitts: 6 Scoreless IP

News:

Nothing to report.

Scranton (10-13) (Defeated Worcester, 4-1)

RF Estevan Florial: 2-for-5, 2 K, 2 SB (7), CS (2)
CF Harrison Bader: 1-for-3, BB
  CF Michael Hermosillo: 1-for-1
DH Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, BB, HBP, 2 K
3B Andres Chaparro: 0-for-4, BB, K
LF Jake Bauers: 1-for-3, 2B (5), 2 RS, BB, K, 2 SB (5)
Bauers extends his hitting streak to seven.
2B Jamie Westbrook: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
1B Billy McKinney: 3-for-4, 2B (3), 2 RBI, K
The veteran was only 11-for-59 (.186) entering tonight.
SS Jesus Bastidas: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
C Jose Godoy: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K

LHP Tanner Tully: (W, 1-1) 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 9 K
Tully is a depth arm who pitched in three games for the Indians in 2022.
LHP Matt Krook: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Bowman: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP D.J. Snelten (S, 1): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
Snelten (30) hadn’t pitched since 2018 entering this season. This is what you call perseverance.

Somerset (10-7) (Held off Harrisburg, 4-3)

DH Trey Sweeney: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 3 K
.264/.365/.377 in 63 PA with 12.7% BB and 23.8% K rates.
LF Everson Pereira: 2-for-4, 2 2B (5), 2 RBI
Breaks out of his little 2-for-16 slump.
RF Jeisson Rosario: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
3B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RS, 2 K
Burt’s first triple since 5/22/19.
CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-4, RBI, K
1B Eric Wagaman: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS
His add-on solo HR in the 9th (giving Somerset a 4-0 lead) proved to be the game-winner. The 25-year-old set a career-best with his 13 home runs last season, including four at this level.
C Juan Crisp: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB
The 22-year-old Crisp hasn’t played much since compiling 36 games down in the GCL back in 2019. It seems his role is that of an organizational backup catcher.
2B Eduardo Torrealba: 0-for-4, K

RHP Richard Fitts (W, 1-2): 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
5.23 ERA (20.2 IP, 20 H, 12 R, 12 ER, 3 HR, 5 BB, 26 K). It is all about command (not control) for Fitts.
RHP Tanner Myatt: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
8.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 10 K. Injuries have derailed the hard-throwing right-hander, who is now 24.
LHP Lisandro Santos: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Justin Maese: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR

Hudson Valley (12-5) (Mauled Greenville, 16-2)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, 2 RBI, RS, BB, K, SB (7)
When will we see him in Somerset? In my opinion, the second half of the season at the latest – could be earlier if he starts to annihilate this level.
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, RS, 2 BB, K, 2 SB (4)
2B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-4, RS, 2 BB, SB (13)
Durbin is second in stolen bases amongst all minor leaguers (Victor Scott (A+, St. Louis) has 16)
C Ben Rice: 2-for-4, SF, 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 K
Rice has been a machine since Day 1. He entered tonight with a .627 OBP – so this performance will bring that number down.
DH Spencer Henson: 2-for-5, HR (5), RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 K
Henson has 15 home runs in 84 games at this level and should probably be challenged in Somerset.
RF Anthony Garcia: 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, 4 RS, 2 BB, 2 K
Garcia sets a new personal best with four runs scored. His ceiling is that of a three outcomes type – the issue is that one of those outcomes (strikeouts) is two extreme right now.
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 RS, BB
LF Aaron Palensky: 4-for-5, 2 HR (5), 7 RBI, 3 RS, 2 SB (7)
This is what you call a career game. Palensky, a 24-year-old outfielder, has homered in three of his last four games. He hit 10 home runs in 77 games at this level last season. His previous high for RBI in a game was four.
3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-5, 3 K

LHP Joel Valdez:  4.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
5.54 ERA (13 IP, 10 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 10 BB, 14 K). Valdez was acquired along with T.J. Rumfield from the Phillies for Nick Nelson and Donny Sands last year.
RHP Danny Watson: (W, 1-1)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
8.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 13 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
6.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 12 K. The 24-year-old stands 6’8″ and is listed at 250 pounds – his career K-rate matches up to his size. Let’s see what he can do in the upper minors.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
The 23-year-old was signed last year as an undrafted free agent (out of George Washington)
LHP Clay Aguilar: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
The 24-year-old is back after missing all of 2022. In his debut 2021 season, he pitched to a 1.90 ERA in 52 innings with a 71/11 K/BB. He made five starts that season, so we will see if they explore that again.

Tampa (6-11) (Lost to Jupiter, 5-2)

3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, BB, K
Games by position, 2023: SS – 7; 3B – 5; 2B – 2. I give him some of the spotlight because they have been leading him off all season.
C Austin Wells: 0-for-2, BB, K
He is following the typical rehab formula – he was the DH in the first game and caught a partial game in his second game back.
  C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-1
DH Daury Arias: 1-for-4, RS, SB (4)
SS Dayro Perez: 0-for-4, 4 K
LF Nelson Medina: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, RS
Medina has hit safely in 11 of his 13 starts this season (and has reached base safely in every start)
1B Jose Rodriguez: 0-for-4, RBI, K
CF Alan Mejia: 1-for-4, 3 K
RF Felix Negueis: 0-for-3, K
2B Roberto Chirinos: 1-for-3, K, SB (1)

RHP Leonardo Pestana: (L, 0-1) 3 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.97 ERA (12.2 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 17 K). Pestana hasn’t pitched much since 2019 (two games in 2021; one game in 2022). He has 130 strikeouts in 91.2 innings (but has also walked 57)
RHP Shane Gray: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Gray was the Yankees’ 16th-round pick in the 2022 draft out of Evansville.
RHP Manny Ramirez:  1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
11.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 12 K

Yankees MILB 4/25: Jasson Dominguez, Spencer Jones Go Off

News:

C Austin Wells has started his rehab stint down in Tampa. There is a chance he can help the MLB offense at some point in 2023, but we shouldn’t count on that happening…

Scranton (9-13) (Defeated Worcester, 8-6)

RF Estevan Florial: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K, SB (5)
CF Harrison Bader: 0-for-3, RS, BB, SB (1)
CF Michael Hermosillo: 0-for-1
LF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 3 K
1B Andres Chaparro: 1-for-4, HR (8), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
Chaparro has 43 home runs in his last 810 plate appearances.
2B Jamie Westbrook: 2-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RS
DH Jake Bauers: 1-for-3, HR (9), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Bauers hasn’t had any MLB success but he is off to a strong Triple-A start. Does that mean anything? Doubtful.
C Rodolfo Duran: 1-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, RS, K
.295/.354/.591 in 48 plate appearances. He has some pop and can make it as an MLB backup, I think.
3B Jesus Bastidas: 1-for-4, 2B (4), K
SS Wilmer Difo: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Ryan Weber: (W, 2-2) 5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
RHP Aaron McGarity: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Deivi Garcia: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
2.87 ERA (15.2 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 15 K). This is the “can we squeeze anything out of him?” season for Garcia, who is out of options in 2024 (it was thought he was out of options this year, but that turned out to not be true)
RHP James Norwood (S, 2): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (9-7) (Defeated Harrisburg, 5-2)

SS Trey Sweeney: 0-for-3, RS, BB
.286/.379/.408 in 58 plate appearances with five stolen bases.
CF Jasson Dominguez: 2-for-4, 2B (2), HR (2), 3 RBI, RS
Dominguez needed this game. I love walks, but I want to see my prospects swing the bat (not saying they should go outside the strike zone – I just want them to get pitches to hit).  This gets his average over .100 (.116) – the next step is .200, etc.
LF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, 3 K
.220/.304/.380 in 56 plate appearances. He has struck out 22 times (39.3%)
RF Jeisson Rosario: 0-for-3, BB
3B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, RS, K
C Carlos Narvaez: 2-for-3, 2 2B (4), RS, BB, CS (1)
11-for-37 (.297/.409/.568) with six walks. Last year was the first time Narvaez didn’t hit for much average (.194), though he did set a personal best with 11 home runs.
2B Max Burt: 0-for-4, K
DH Eric Wagaman: 2-for-3, RS, CS (1)

RHP Blane Abeyta: (W, 1-0) 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
LHP Michael Giacone: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 10 K. Giacone has allowed two home runs in 60.1 career innings.
RHP Justin Wilson (S, 1):  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Wilson has pitched well coming off his injury (which caused him to miss all of 2022)

Hudson Valley (11-5) (Used a 5-run 9th to cruise past Greenville, 11-6)

CF Spencer Jones: 4-for-5, 2B (6), 2 3B (2), 3 RS, 2 SB (6), K
This is one way to break out of a slump. This jumps his average right back up to .300 with a .960 OPS (started the night at .255 with a .815 OPS)
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, HR (2), 4 RBI, RS, BB, K
Last 7 games: 8-for-29 (2 triples, 2 home runs, 5 walks, 2 stolen bases)
2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-4, 2 RS, BB, 3 SB (12)
12-for-12 stealing bases this year after going 31-for-36 in 2022.
DH Ben Rice: 0-for-1, RS, 4 BB
Rice has reached base safely in all 11 games played this season. He has 17 walks in 11 games. He is a 24-year-old C/1B out of Dartmouth who should move to Somerset soon enough.
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-5, 2B (3), RBI, RS, 2 K
Perhaps Gomez has taken a step back in prospect circles – but catchers especially can develop at different rates. So far, he is hitting pretty well to start off 2023.
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-5, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, K
Richardson is off to a tough start, so it is nice to see him hit one out. He hit 16 home runs (including ten at this level) in 2022.
1B Spencer Henson: 1-for-5, HR (4), 2 RBI, RS, 3 K
3B Marcos Cabrera: 1-for-5, K
LF Aldenis Sanchez: 0-for-5, RS, 2 K

RHP Chase Hampton: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 10 K, HR
Hampton allowed four runs in the first inning before settling in. This is the 21-year-old’s first professional season and they are being aggressive with him. Thus far, he has struck out an impressive 24 batters in 13.2 innings. He was their 6th-round pick in the 2022 draft out of Texas Tech.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Carlos Gomez: (W, 1-1)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Jack Neely: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
9.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 13 K

Tampa (6-10) (Lost to Juniper, 3-2, in ten innings)

SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-5
DH Austin Wells: 1-for-4
He gets that first hit out of the way. Wells should get to Triple-A soon enough.
PH-DH Daury Arias: 0-for-1
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-3, BB
LF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS
2B Jared Serna: 1-for-3, RS, BB, CS (2)
.267/.377/.333 in 53 plate appearances. It will be interesting to see how much power his small frame can generate as he moves up levels.
1B Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
CF Nelson Medina: 2-for-3, SF, RBI
In 19 GCL games in 2022, Medina hit .311/.426/.622. So far this season, he is hitting .317/.396/.488. At 22 years old, he does need to move and he does need experience – but this is a starting point.
RF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Ronny Rojas: 0-for-4, 3 K

RHP Hayden Merda: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
3.07 ERA (14.2 IP, 12 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 14 K). 17th round pick in the 2022 draft.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Matt Keating: (L, 1-1)  2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
8 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 11 K

Yankees MILB 4/23: Drew Thorpe Ks 10

Anthony Seigler was officially placed on the injured list by Somerset on 4/21. His injury history remains scary – even as his play improved in 2022.

Scranton (8-13) (Lost to St. Paul, 8-5)

RF Estevan Florial: 1-for-5, 3B (1), K
6-game hitting streak
2B Jamie Westbrook: 1-for-4, BB
LF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-4, K
3B Andres Chaparro: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
It’s a shame that Chaparro is a corner infielder/DH who can’t play the outfield. 
DH Jake Bauers: 2-for-4, 2 HR (8), 3 RBI, 2 RS, K
Once a Top 100 prospect, Bauers hasn’t had much success at the big league level. This is his third multi-HR game this season (including a 3-HR game)
1B Billy McKinney: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Jesus Bastidas: 1-for-4, RS, K
C Mickey Gasper: 1-for-4
Gasper can catch and play first base. He is a left-handed bat who hit .266/.407/,453 in 70 games for Somerset last season. The downside? He is 27.
CF Michael Hermosillo: 1-for-3, HR (4), 2 RBI, RS, BB
Hermosillo has MLB experience but hasn’t hit much when given an opportunity.

RHP Randy Vasquez: (L, 0-3) 6 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 6 K, HR
It has been a bit of a bumpy ride for Vasquez, but this start is at least somewhat encouraging. Season: 7.48 ERA (21.2 IP, 27 H, 21 R, 18 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 28 K)
RHP Barrett Loseke: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Michael Gomez: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (8-7) (Defeated New Hampshire, 7-3)

LF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-1, RS, 3 BB, K, SB (9)
15 walks in 55 plate appearances (27.3%). He is showing off his patience and perhaps Double-A pitchers are being extra careful despite his 3-for-39 start. Hopefully, he gets hot soon enough.
CF Harrison Bader: 0-for-3
See you soon! Hopefully you bring your playoff bat with you.
CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-0, SF, RBI
RF Jeisson Rosario: 3-for-4, 2 HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 RS
Rosario’s first career multi-HR game. Last year, he finished with 11 home runs after hitting ten total in his first four seasons.
3B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, SB (3)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, HBP
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-3, HBP
DH Eric Wagaman: 0-for-4
SS Max Burt: 1-for-3, HR (4), RBI, 2 RS, HBP, K, 2 SB (6)
Burt is one of those guys you root for to make an MLB appearance some day – he just grinds it out every year.  He is off to a 13-for-30 start (.433)
2B Eduardo Torrealba: 0-for-2, RS, HBP, K, SB (1)

RHP Blas Castano: (W, 1-0) 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, HR
He allowed a 3-run HR in the first but settled in nicely.He pitched well for Hudson Valley in 2022.
LHP Lisandro Santos: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
8.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 10 K. Santos is one of those big-armed guys who doesn’t always know where it is going. He was signed this off-season out of the Braves’ organization.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Diaz was acquired from the Braves as a part of the Lucas Luetge transaction. This season: 7 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 8 K
RHP Steven Jennings: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Zac Houston: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
This is the 28-year-old’s organizational debut. He was an 11th round pick by the Tigers all the way back in 2016 and has shown off the strikeout touch in the minors (394 in 264 career innings). His control, however, has not been good.

Hudson Valley (10-5) (Doubled up Rome, 10-5)

CF Spencer Jones 0-for-6, 4 K
22 K in 62 plate appearances (35.5%). 
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, 3B (2), 3 RS, 2 BB, K, SB (2)
Vargas has tripled in back-to-back games (hit 2 triples in 100 games in 2022)
C Ben Rice: 2-for-2, RBI, 2 RS, 4 BB, SB (3)
Rice is hitting .357 and has 13 walks (7 strikeouts) in 46 plate appearances. The walk rate is an absurd 28.3%. He can catch and play first base and bats left-handed.
RF Anthony Garcia: 2-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
1B Spencer Henson: 1-for-6, 2B (3), RBI, RS
LF Aaron Palensky: 2-for-5, HR (3), RBI, 2 RS, K, 2 SB (5)
12-for-35 (.343) to start off his 2023 campaign.
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB, K
3B Marcos Cabrera: 1-for-5
2B Luis Santos: 1-for-4, SF, RBI

RHP Drew Thorpe: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K
3.52 ERA (15.1 IP, 14 H, 10 R, 6 ER, 7 BB, 25 K). He has shown the ability to miss bats in what is his first professional season, which is encouraging. He can move quickly.
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Watson, who stands at 6’7″, threw to a 4.01 ERA for Tampa last season. Walks were the issue (36 in 58.1 IP)
RHP Harold Cortijo: (W, 4-0) 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Four wins? It is nice to be a middle reliever in the minors, where pitch counts rule the day. 8.2 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 13 K. Cortijo became a full-time reliever in 2022 – we’ll see what that means for him going forward.
RHP Enrique Santana: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa (6-9) (Lost to Clearwater, 12-3, in an ejection-filled mess. I don’t have every detail, but a bit of a brawl broke up after a Tampa pitcher hit a Clearwater batter. Whatever)

2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, RS, BB, K
DH Ben Rortvedt: 3-for-4, 2 2B (2), 2 RS
Remember that Rortvedt missed spring training. He is still a while away from being where he needs to be – but this is an encouraging game.
PR/DH Nelson Medina: 0-for-1
RF Daury Arias: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
.225/.326/350 in 46 plate appearance for the “other Arias.” (Roderick Arias is one of the organization’s most promising lower-level prospects – you will see him in the rookie leagues this summer)
CF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
Hall’s first career game in CF (only his fifth career game). He played all three OF positions in college.
SS Dayro Perez: 0-for-1, K (Ejected)
SS Roberto Chirinos: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-1, K (Ejected)
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-4, K
LF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-3, 2B (2), BB, 2 K
4-for-16 with a pair of doubles. Last year’s 15th-round pick struggled with the bat in his pro debut (.167/.286/.346 in 23 games)
3B Jose Rodriguez: 1-for-2, 2 BB
1B Ronny Rojas: 0-for-4

RHP Justin Lange: (L, 0-2)  1 IP, 1 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 5 BB, 3 K
Lange cruised through the first…only to start the second with five straight walks. He throws hard (reached 97 today) and is young (21) but he has some rawness to his game. This game skews the ERA as it jumps to 5.73 with a 20/6 K/BB over 11 innings. 
RHP Alex Bustamante: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K (Ejected)
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Luis Velasquez: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
10.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 10 K. He is 21 years old, and this is his first taste of a full-season league. He hit 97.6 on the gun today.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The Yankees aren’t loaded with left-handed relief prospects, so there is room for a kid like Gilbert to stand out. He was their 13th round pick in 2022 out of Clemson.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Yankees MILB 4/22: Juan Carela Dazzles

I’m back! Here’s hoping for a solid 2023 season down on the farm…This is the section where I will place news in the future. I have none tonight.

Scranton (8-12) (Lost to St. Paul, 11-6)
DH Estevan Florial: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K, CS (1)
9-for-27 in nine games (5-game hitting streak)
1B Mickey Gasper: 1-for-5, 2B (1), K
CF Elijah Dunham: 2-for-4, 2 2B (6), 2 RS, BB, K
.273/.360/.409 in 75 plate appearances. He hit 25+ doubles in each of his first two seasons and is starting strong in that category once again. He played zero games in CF last season and has three starts there in 2023.
3B Andres Chaparro: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, BB
.222/.273/.542 in 77 plate appearances with 7 home runs and 14 runs scored. He was 0-for-23 in his first six games.
LF Jake Bauers: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, RS, BB, 2 K 
C Rodolfo Duran: 2-for-3, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, HBP
With Ben Rortvedt on a rehab stint, Duran will drop a peg on the depth chart. He is 12-for-40 (.300) with four doubles and two home runs.
2B Jesus Bastidas: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
The versatile Basitidas has a couple of home runs and stolen bases but is off to a slow start overall (11-for-58 with 21 strikeouts)
SS Wilmer Difo: 3-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, K
RF Michael Hermosillo: 0-for-4, 3 K

RHP Sean Boyle: 3.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, 2 HR
6.61 ERA (16.1 IP, 20 H, 14 R, 12 ER, 3 HR, 6 BB, 16 K)
RHP Shawn Semple: (L, 0-1) 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Semple’s first appearance of 2023.
LHP Matt Krook: 2 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
1.59 ERA (11.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 22 K). Nice K rate but the walk rate won’t fly. 
RHP Matt Bowman: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

Somerset (7-7) (Lost to New Hampshire, 3-1, in five innings)

SS Trey Sweeney: 0-for-2, 2 K
Sweeney is off to a nice start (.304/.389/.435 in 54 plate appearances; 5-for-5 SB). The Yankees have kept him at SS despite rumors of 3B being in his future. So, why is that? Look at Oswald Peraza. The Yankees have him playing 3B right now despite never playing the position in the minors. These kids are athletic enough to pick up on third base rather quickly if needed.
CF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-1, BB
The 3-for-38 start is ugly, though he does have 12 walks (a .294 OBP isn’t so bad when you are hitting .079!)
RF Everson Pereira: 0-for-2
Pereira played in 29 games here in 2022, hitting .283/.341/.504. Once he gets hot in 2023, he will probably be moved to Scranton.
LF Jeisson Rosario: 0-for-2, K
3B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-2, RS, SB (2)
Hardman was productive in 2022 (81 RBI in 111 games). He is off to a .194/.318/.472 start this season (3 HR, 7 RBI).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-2, 2 K
Rumfield is a corner player that likely won’t come with much power. I guess his ceiling would be a Dave Magadan type, which would be awesome for him if he gets to that level.
DH Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-2, 2B (2), RBI, SB (7)
Lockridge has speed to burn and can play anywhere in the OF. He should be an above-average MLB center fielder (they obviously will not play him there often with Dominguez here). It all comes down to bat development.
2B Eduardo Torrealba: 0-for-2, K
C Juan Crisp: 0-for-2, 2 K

RHP Gray Fenter: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Fenter is 27 years old. He was signed this winter to a minor league deal and will likely just be depth.
RHP Justin Wilson: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Wilson has a good arm, but he is now 26 and has an injury history. The time to move is now.

Hudson Valley (9-5) (Defeated Rome, 3-2, in ten innings)

DH Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, SF, RBI, 2 K, SB (4)
Last year’s first-round pick got off to a scorching start but has now settled into a .286/.339/.571 line in 56 plate appearances. He has a 32.1% strikeout rate, so he will need to bring that down. 
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-5, RS, K
3B Caleb Durbin:  1-for-5, RBI, K, SB (9)
Acquired as a part of the Lucas Luetge deal, the versatile Durbin (he can play 2B/SS/3B) is off to a nice start (.273/.407/.318 with nine steals). 
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, HBP, 3 K, SB (2)
RF Anthony Garcia: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 4 K
Garcia has only played RF this season after playing exclusively at 1B in 2022. It doesn’t matter where he plays – he needs more contact if he is going to advance.
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
A big season for Gomez, who is off to a .279/.380/.326 start (50 plate appearances)
1B Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 K
12-for-29 this season and 18-for-43 (.419) in his very short career.
LF Aldenis Sanchez: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, SB (6)
Sanchez has speed and can play the three outfield positions, but power is lacking.
2B Ben Cowles: 0-for-4, K

RHP Juan Carela: 5.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K
1.35 ERA (13.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 21 K). The Yankees allowed the 21-year-old to get his feet wet here in 2022, and he struggled (7.71 ERA in seven starts). This is why they let prospects get their feet wet even if the results aren’t desirable – they go into the offseason with some sense of what they are up against.
RHP Carlos Gomez: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jack Neely: (W, 1-0) 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
The big (6’8″) 22-year old has 104 strikeouts in 61 career innings. The walks need help, but he is a legit relief prospect.
RHP Nick Paciorek (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
An injury derailed his 2022 campaign. He has pitched well in 5.2 innings this year.

Tampa (6-8) (Defeated Clearwater, 7-6 – walkoff style!)

SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2  RS, BB
We don’t hear too much about Escanio, but the 20-year-old switch hitter has consistently hit at the top of the Tampa lineup this season. He posted a .216 average in the FCL last season, but his ability to take walks allowed him to compile a .366 OBP.
C Ben Rortvedt: 0-for-2, HBP
While it is true to say that injuries have been a bugaboo, don’t count the latest as a part of that storyline – a numb feeling in his thumb turned out to be an aneurysm.
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-1, SF, RBI
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, 3 K
His first professional hit is a walk-off 2-run HR! Last year’s 4th round pick out of Oregon went 0-for-1 before being shut down due to injury. 
2B Jared Serna: 2-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI
Perhaps the position prospect with the most buzz in Tampa to start 2023. Serna, who stands 5’6″, hit .302/.438/.527 in the FCL last season (7-for-39 in 12 games for Tampa). He is 11-for-42 this season with six walks and only four strikeouts.
1B Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 3 K
CF Nelson Medina: 1-for-4
Medina may be a bit under the radar but he is hitting .306 (11-for-36)
DH Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-4, 3 K
LF Felix Negueis: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
He entered tonight’s game 1-for-29, so the home run must have felt good.
3B Roberto Chirinos: 2-for-4, 2 RS, K

RHP Sean Hermann: 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
2.30 ERA (15.2 IP, 13 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 12 K). Hermann is only 19 years old (he will turn 20 in June). He was a 14th-round pick in 2021.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Vinyard was signed as a non-drafted free agent last August.
RHP Manny Ramirez: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 2 HR