Yankees MILB 9/6: Spencer Jones: 2 Hits, 3 SB

News:

SS Trey Sweeney was activated today for Somerset. IF Caleb Durbin, who left the game early the other day, was placed on the injured list.

Scranton (66-66; 32-26 in the second half) (Defeated Columbus, 6-0)

CF Estevan Florial2-for-4, 2 RS, BB
Florial has scored 78 runs this season. He has set personal bests in HR, RBI, and runs scored.
C Carlos Narvaez1-for-5, 2B (10), RBI, 3 K
I will keep saying it: Narvaez is an interesting Rule 5 guy this winter. They probably have to add Agustin Ramirez at this point. Will they protect Narvaez? Or look for a trade partner? 
3B Andres Chaparro2-for-5, HR (24), 2 RBI, RS
.252/.338/.462 in 532 PA (21 doubles, 2 triples, 24 HR, 82 RBI, 75 R, 60 BB, 109 K, 4-for-4 SB). He is on a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-30). The best way to describe Chaparro in 2023 is with one word: Productive.
DH Franchy Cordero0-for-4, RS, BB
2B Jamie Westbrook3-for-4, RS
The veteran is hitting .299 and has seven 3+ hit games this season. 
1B Mike Lamb1-for-2, RS, 2 BB
RF Michael Hermosillo: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Wilmer Difo0-for-3, BB, K, CS (8)
LF Brandon Lockridge1-for-4, 2B (8), 2 RBI, K

RHP Zach McAllister3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
RHP Michael Gomez: (W, 2-5)  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Zach Greene: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
LHP Nick Ramirez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (77-50; 35-24 in the second half) (Defeated Erie, 5-4, in ten innings. They scored three in the tenth to pull off the win)

LF Elijah Dunham0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
DH Ben Rice1-for-5, RBI, RS, K
At this level: .323/.385/.652 in 182 PA.
C Agustin Ramirez1-for-5, RBI, K
Since promotion: .231/.286/.327 in 112 PA.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-5, RS, 3 SB (4)
Jones has 39 stolen bases in 48 attempts between here and Hudson Valley. This is his first professional 3+ stolen base effort and second multi-hit game since his promotion.
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-4, RBI, BB, 3 K
Rumfield with the walk-off RBI single.
2B Mickey Gasper0-for-3, RS, BB
RF Jeisson Rosario: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
3B Max Burt1-for-3, SF, RBI, K, SB (16)
SS Eduardo Torrealba1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K

RHP Drew Thorpe4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, HR
Don’t get nervous as my guess is that they are managing his load down the stretch (he is up to 139.1 innings in his professional debut season). Can I say that for sure? Of course not – but it is a reasonable assumption. Anyway, Thorpe now has an 182/38 K/BB this season.
RHP Carlos Gomez2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
LHP Ryan Anderson1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
At this level: 1.13 ERA (20.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 21 K)
RHP Alex Mauricio1.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Danny Watson: (W, 4-0)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
Watson is up to 81 strikeouts in 60.1 IP between here and Hudson Valley. He will be in the 2024 bullpen mix. I don’t see why he would need a lot of time in Scranton.

Hudson Valley (69-59; 30-32 in the second half) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 2-0)

RF Anthony Hall2-for-4
Hall has hit safely in seven of his last eight games.
SS Jared Serna0-for-3, BB, K
Serna’s hitting streak is snapped at 14.
C Jesus Rodriguez1-for-4, K
Rodriguez has hit safely in seven of his last eight games.
2B Alexander Vargas0-for-4, 2 K
3B Ben Cowles0-for-3
LF Christopher Familia0-for-2, HBP, K
1B Rafael Flores0-for-3, K
DH Jared Wegner0-for-3, 3 K
CF Cole Gabrielson0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Yorlin Calderon5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
A nice bounce-back effort for Calderon, who allowed four runs (three earned) in three innings pitched his last time out (his High-A debut)
RHP Anderson Munoz2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: (L, 3-3): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Cole Ayers0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (60-66; 29-31 in the second half) (Lost to Lakeland, 6-2)

SS George Lombard, Jr.: 1-for-4, K, CS (1)
Lombard has reached base safely in all 13 of his professional games. Since his promotion: 6-for-21 (.286) with a double, four runs batted in, six walks, and six strikeouts.
DH Jackson Castillo0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan0-for-2, BB, HBP
.254/.393/.338 in 89 PA with a pair of home runs. The power hasn’t shown up, but it’s only 21 career games. 
C Omar Martinez0-for-3, BB
.253/.370/.453 in 432 PA. 
3B Kiko Romero1-for-2, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB
The 22-year-old left-handed bat is hitting .230/.368/.402 (4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R) in 106 PA at this level.
CF Nelson Medina1-for-4, K
RF Daury Arias0-for-3, BB, K
LF Tayler Aguilar0-for-3, BB, K
2B Beau Brewer1-for-3, K

LHP Pablo Mujica: (L, 0-1) 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Low-A debut for the 6’0″ 22-year-old. The Yankees chose Mujica in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft (which doesn’t mean he was a Triple-A player!)  He pitched to an 8.27 ERA in 20.2 IP down in the FCL.
RHP Matt Keating3.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
3.73 ERA (62.2 IP, 59 H, 32 R, 26 ER, 6 HR, 35 BB, 88 K). 
RHP Montana Semmel2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K

FCL Yankees (35-22; 1-2 in the playoffs)

They lost to the Braves in the championship series. Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (33-19)

Their season is over, as they missed the playoffs by a half-game.

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/2: Sean Hermann Tosses 8 Shutout Innings

News:

C/1B/DH Josh Breaux is back up with Scranton. The Railriders are in need of bodies and Breaux is a logical prospect to promote. I think OF Elijah Dunham also belongs, but they are resisting that move for some reason.

Scranton (65-64; 31-24 in the second half) (Defeated Rochester, 7-2)

LF Estevan Florial1-for-4, 2B (21), SF, 3 RBI, K
Florial’s 9th game with 3+ RBI this season.
2B Jamie Westbrook0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
1B Andres Chaparro:  1-for-4, SF, RBI
Chaparro’s 80th RBI this season.
DH Franchy Cordero1-for-4, RS, BB, K, SB (6)
3B Jake Lamb: 2-for-5, 2B (6), RS, K
C Rodolfo Duran: 3-for-5, 2 2B (15), 2 RBI, K
.254/.325/.454 in 228 PA (15 doubles, 1 triple, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 22 R, 20 BB, 51 K)
RF Michael Hermosillo1-for-5, K
SS Wilmer Difo0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB
CF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-3, 2 RS, BB, 2 SB (21)
Lockridge, who is hitiing .294 with a .738 OPS at this level, is now 38-for-42 in the stolen base department between here and Somerset.

RHP Clayton Beeter: (W, 2-4; 8-6 overall) 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
At this level: 5.15 ERA in 50.2 IP (45 H, 30 R, 29 ER, 11 HR, 31 BB, 58 K). Beeter mostly features his fastball (52% tonight) and slider (42%). Some still think his future is out of the bullpen.
RHP Zach Greene2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (76-48; 34-22 in the second half) (Lost to Portland, 2-1)

SS Caleb Durbin0-for-4
Between here and Hudson Valley, Durbin’s K% is 6.2% in 275 PA. Amongst prospects with at least 250 plate appearances, that is second-best in all of minor league baseball (27-year-old Ernie Clement (AAA, Toronto) is at 4.9% entering today)
C Ben Rice1-for-4, 2B (9), RS, K
Rice has 33 extra-base hits (14 doubles, 1 triple, 18 HR) in 62 games. Last year, he swatted 18 extra-base hits in 66 games.
CF Spencer Jones0-for-4, 2 K
3-for-22 since his promotion with a homer, three walks, and nine strikeouts. You may have heard about an article talking about how Spencer Jones “lacks athleticism.”  Anyone who writes or says that has no clue what they are talking about. His athleticism is what makes him such a tantalizing prospect despite some warts (K%, GB%). Some of the old-school writers are so desperate for attention that they are jumping on the “Yankees are dysfunctional” bandwagon and literally making stuff up. There is enough to complain about without the need to do that. 
DH Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B Mickey Gasper1-for-3, 2B (6), RBI
.256/.364/.369 in 239 PA (8 doubles, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 32 R, 28 BB (11.7%), 40 K (16.7%), 8-for-9 SB)
2B Anthony Seigler0-for-2, BB, K, SB (6)
RF Aaron Palensky0-for-3
Since promotion: .196/.336/.411 in 211 PA (10 doubles, 1 triple, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 37 R, 28 BB, 49 K, 11-for-12 SB). 
LF Grant Richardson1-for-3, K, CS (1)
Since promotion: 7-for-20 with a pair of home runs. He has yet to walk and has eight strikeouts.
3B Max Burt0-for-3, K

RHP Blane Abeyta (L, 8-7): 5.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, HR
5.71 ERA in 116.2 IP (120 H, 77 R, 74 ER, 15 HR, 11 HR, 50 BB, 114 K)
RHP Jack Neely1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 15 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 3 BB, 20 K
RHP Tanner Myatt1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
2.96 ERA in 51.2 IP (30 H, 20 R, 17 ER, 3 HR, 36 BB, 62 K). Myatt is a “post-hype” prospect who is still only 25. 

Hudson Valley (68-57; 29-30 in the second half) (Defeated Wilmington, 8-5)

RF Anthony Hall1-for-5, 3B (1), 2 RBI, RS, K
Hall extends his hitting streak to six.
2B Jared Serna1-for-5, 3B (2), RBI
It isn’t often you see back-to-back triples. Serna is the owner of a 12-game hitting streak (16-for-51 (.314; 3 doubles, 2 triples)). 
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-4, RS
  1B Spencer Henson0-for-1, RS
C Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-4, RS, BB, SB (3)
Rodriguez is hitting .366 with a .993 OPS since his promotion. Overall, between here and Tampa, he has 18 stolen bases in 22 attempts. Why don’t you see his name prominently on the Yankees’ prospect lists? His overall profile is likely not “sexy” enough and he doesn’t have a set position (which may add to his future value, especially if he can play some catcher). Here is what I see: A kid who is hitting .314 in 198 career minor league games. It isn’t like he is old either (only 21). Bottom line? Who cares about prospect lists – just keep on hitting.
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-5, RS, 2 SB (15)
3B Ben Cowles0-for-4, SF, RBI, RS, K
His on-base streak ends at 41, but his night was still productive enough.
LF Christopher Familia: 2-for-3, SF, RBI, RS, BB, K
61 RBI and 55 runs in 64 games between here and Tampa.
DH Rafael Flores1-for-4, RS, K
CF Cole Gabrielson1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, BB, 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler0.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
This isn’t what someone dreams about in their first start after a promotion. That said, who cares? Move on to the next.
RHP Cole Ayers: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
Since his promotion: 2.70 ERA (16.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 21 K). Overall, Ayers has an 85/23 K/BB over 63 IP.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 2-0) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Since his promotion: 2.73 ERA (33 IP, 23 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 37 K)
RHP Anderson Munoz: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
At this level: 0.93 ERA (9.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 15 K). Munoz is 25 and missed the entire 2022 season, so this is essentially a rehab year.
RHP Harrison Cohen1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (60-63; 29-28 in the second half) (Defeated St. Lucie, 2-1, in ten innings. The Tarpons won’t make the playoffs, but an over-.500 record is still within reach)

SS Brenny Escanio0-for-4
RF Jackson Castillo1-for-4
DH Omar Martinez0-for-4, K
.254/.368/.459 in 419 PA. This is his first taste of full-season ball and he is handling it fine. 
  PR Roc Riggio0-for-0, RS
1B Josh Moylan0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, K
Jasso’s first Low-A hit is a big one: A game-tying RBI double in the bottom of the 10th.
CF Nelson Medina0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Tayler Aguilar1-for-4, RBI, K
Walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 10th. 
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-3, 2 K
C Manuel Palencia1-for-3, K
10-for-28 (.357) since his promotion with four RBI, two walks, and two strikeouts.

RHP Sean Hermann8 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Hermann only needed 71 pitches to get through eight innings. While there might be room for growth (he is only 20), Hermann’s ticket up the chain will rely more on efficiency than pure power. Between here and Hudson Valley (one start): 4.98 ERA (106.2 IP, 115 H, 68 R, 59 ER, 9 HR, 44 BB, 86 K)
RHP Luis Arejula: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL Yankees (35-22; 1-2 in the playoffs)

They lost to the Braves in the championship series. Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (33-19)

Their season is over, as they missed the playoffs by a half-game.

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/31: Drew Thorpe Ks 9

News:

Yesterday’s busy news day did not extend into today.

Scranton (64-63; 30-23 in the second half) (Defeated Rochester, 4-1, in ten innings. I won’t lie – with all the promotions to MLB and no big prospects replacing them, Scranton’s roster isn’t the most exciting in minor-league baseball. But they still have a playoff berth to chase)

Up to the second second-half title chase:
Durham: 31-21 (game in progress)
Lehigh Valley: 32-22
Worcester: 31-22
Buffalo: 30-22
Norfolk: 31-23 (first-half champions – if they repeat, the second-place team in the second half gets the playoff berth)
Jacksonville: 30-23
Scranton: 30-23

CF Estevan Florial0-for-4, 2 BB, 2 K
C Carlos Narvaez1-for-5, RS, BB, K, SB (5)
He is hitting .251 with a .777 OPS since his promotion. 
RF Franchy Cordero0-for-5, 3 K
1B Andres Chaparro2-for-5, 2B (20), RBI, RS
Chaparro adds 20 doubles to his 23 home runs. He is up to 79 RBI, which still is the top number in the organization.
3B Jamie Westbrook0-for-4, RS, BB, K
DH Jake Lamb: 1-for-3, 2B (5), RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
SS Jesus Bastidas1-for-5, 3 K, SB (9)
2B Wilmer Difo: 1-for-3, 2B (8), 2 RBI, 2 BB, K, 2 SB (19)
When rosters used to expand to 40 max, a player like Difo would always find his way up – he can run and play several positions. I still think the MLBPA shouldn’t have given up the 40-man roster callups easily, even if it made some sense from a competition standpoint. 
LF Brandon Lockridge1-for-3, 2 BB, K, 2 SB (19)
Lockridge has 36 stolen bases in 40 attempts between here and Somerset. He is having a solid season and can play all three outfield positions. I still see him as a Tim Locastro type (with the potential to have more of a hit tool), which is not a bad outcome – Locastro has been around for a while doing his craft. His best opportunity for playing time would be elsewhere, I am afraid. 

RHP Zach McAllister2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
He seemingly started instead of Randy Vasquez – given the bullpen usage in this game, one has to assume that Vasquez is a fresh arm on his way to Houston.
LHP Matt Krook1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.96 ERA (28 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 20 BB, 48 K)
RHP Greg Weissert2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Matt Bowman1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Aaron McGarity2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Zac Houston: (W, 1-1)  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Wilmer Difo1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Difo has appeared in enough games on the hill to qualify as the Triple-A Shohei Ohtani.

Somerset (75-47; 33-21 in the second half) (Defeated Portland, 5-2)

SS Caleb Durbin: 1-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, RS, HBP, 2 SB (21)
Durbin has 36 stolen bases in 42 attempts between here and Hudson Valley. With Jasson Dominguez (40 SB) on his way to MLB, Durbin has a chance to take the SB crown. If he didn’t get hurt, the crown would have been his anyway.
1B Ben Rice1-for-4, RS, 2 K
Rice has a 6-game hitting streak (13-for-28; 2 doubles, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 9 R). August: 38-for-110 (.345/.397/.700 (LOL); 7 doubles, 1 triple, 10 HR, 29 RBI, 24 R). Total season: .333/.442/.648 in 265 PA (13 doubles, 1 triple, 18 HR, 61 RBI, 52 R, 35 BB, 46 K, 10-for-11 SB)
CF Spencer Jones0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
Since promotion: 3-for-15 with a homer and five runs batted in. 
C Agustin Ramirez1-for-4, RBI
Since promotion: .241/.305/.356 in 95 PA. He has a 6-game hitting streak going (9-for-24)
RF Elijah Dunham1-for-4, 3B (1), RS, K
Let him finish his season in Triple-A.
2B Mickey Gasper0-for-4, K
DH Anthony Seigler1-for-2, HR (4), RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
Seigler still has more walks (48; 20.1%) than strikeouts (44). He accomplished the same in 2022 (91 walks, 82 strikeouts)
LF Aaron Palensky0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
3B Eduardo Torrealba0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K

RHP Drew Thorpe: (W, 4-0; 14-2 overall) 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Thorpe was a bit off tonight, but the outcome shouldn’t be disappointing. Since his promotion: 1.37 ERA in 26.1 IP (12 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 39 K). Overall, Thorpe has an insane 177/38 K/BB over 135.1 innings. He has allowed one or fewer runs 12 times this season (zero runs eight times)
RHP Alex Mauricio1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Danny Watson1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 1.62 ERA (33.1 IP, 17 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 39 K). 
RHP Bailey Dees (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 13 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 6 BB, 13 K. Overall, Dees owns a 72/21 K/BB over 55.1 innings.

Hudson Valley (67-56; 28-29 in the second half) (Lost to Wilmington, 7-5)

RF Anthony Hall3-for-5, RBI, RS
Hall needed this. He is at .211/.309/.324 in 82 plate appearances at this level and .255/.365/.419 in 354 PA overall between here and Tampa. 
2B Jared Serna2-for-5, 2B (5), RS, K
Serna has a 10-game hitting streak.
1B T.J. Rumfield2-for-3, 2B (1), 2 RBI, K
One has to assume that he won’t be rehabbing for long…
  1B Spencer Henson0-for-2, K
DH Antonio Gomez1-for-4, 2B (17), 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-4, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez0-for-3, BB, SB (2)
C Ramon Flores0-for-4
CF Cole Gabrielson1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, 2 K
LF Jared Wegner3-for-4, 2B (3), HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
Wegner is hitting .306/.419/.556 in 43 PA at this level. He was drafted this year but is 24 years old, so you would expect a kid with his college experience to hit well in the lower minors. 

RHP Yorlin Calderon3 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Calderon’s High-A debut.
LHP Joel Valdez: (L, 3-7)  2.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Luis Velasquez2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
At this level: 2.23 ERA (36.1 IP, 21 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 18 BB, 44 K). He allowed four runs in 1.2 innings in his fourth appearance at this level but has been very good since.

Tampa (58-63; 27-28 in the second half) (Defeated St. Lucie, 15-3)

SS George Lombard Jr: 1-for-3, 3 RS, 2 BB, K, SB (1)
Lombard’s first Low-A hit. Including the FCL playoffs, he has reached safely in all nine of his professional games.
2B Roc Riggio2-for-5, 2B (2), 2 RBI, K
At this level: 11-for-50 (2 doubles, 9 RBI, 10 R, 17 BB, 16 K). 
DH Jackson Castillo0-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
C Omar Martinez1-for-2, HR (18), RBI, 3 RS, 3 BB
Martinez is hitting .259 with a .844 OPS in 411 PA (16 doubles, 1 triple, 18 HR, 70 RBI, 64 R, 62 BB (15.1%), 106 K (25.8%))
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, HR (2), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Martinez and Moylan went back-to-back. Moylan is hitting .296 with a .806 OPS (18-for-60, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 11 R, 13 BB, 17 K). As stated previously, Moylan was a sought-after non-drafted free agent this year. So far, he is doing well adjusting to the pro game.
3B Kiko Romero1-for-3, HR (2), 4 RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB
For Tampa, Romero is at .205 with a .699 OPS in 94 plate appearances. He is a left-handed hitting corner infielder out of a big school (Arizona), so let’s see how he progresses.
RF Garrett Martin0-for-2, HBP, 2 K
Martin left the game after the HBP.
   
PR-RF Daury Arias: 0-for-1, 2 RS, HBP, K
CF Nelson Medina1-for-4, 3B (3), 3 RBI
One of the most exciting (and rare nowadays) things in baseball is the bases-clearing triple.
LF Tayler Aguilar1-for-4, RBI

RHP Jackson Fristoe3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
An impressive Low-A debut for their 12th-round pick in the 2022 draft (Mississippi State). Since Low-A is a league that registers Savant data, I was able to get a look at Fristoe’s numbers. He averaged an impressive 96.1 on his 4-seam fastball, reaching as high as 98.1. His most used pitch (60%) was a cutter that averaged 91.1 (maxed out at 94.5). He mixed in a few sliders as well. Suffice to say, when you see a kid throwing this hard, you pay attention.  One issue he had in the FCL was his control (24 BB in 27.1 innings), so that is something to monitor as they work with him.
RHP Montana Semmel: (W, 4-1) 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Matt Keating0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Osiel Rodriguez1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 4.96 ERA (16.1 IP, 11 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 22 K). His line is skewed by a 0 IP, 4 R, 3 BB effort on August 6. Life as a relief pitcher.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.22 ERA (44.2 IP, 34 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 1 HR, 26 BB, 55 K)

FCL Yankees (35-22; 1-2 in the playoffs)

They lost to the Braves in the championship series. Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (33-19)

Their season is over, as they missed the playoffs by a half-game.

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/1: Omar Martinez Hits 3 Homers

News:

The Yankees added RHP Keynan Middleton from the Chicago White Sox for RHP Juan Carela (Rule 5 eligible).

The Yankees needed some bullpen innings (I guess) and acquired a pure rental to fill those innings. I guess that excites someone.

This year for the White Sox, the 29-year-old pitched to a 3.96 ERA in 39 games. He is showing off an impressive strikeout rate (30.1%) and, by emphasizing his changeup more, he has increased his GB rate to 50%. It was 26% in Arizona in 2022.

If Middleton started 2023 with the Yankees, we would be touting him as a major Matt Blake success story. While that is well and good, I am not sure what he adds to this bullpen for two months. He would be a nice complimentary acquisition of something bigger. As a lone acquisition, what’s the point?

Carela (21) pitched to a 3.67 ERA (3.73 FIP) over 83.1 innings for High-A Hudson Valley. His 31.1% K rate shows some of his potential, but he doesn’t possess the velocity that organizations look for. For Chicago, he represents a decent get for a rental relief pitcher. One can project him as a future reliever who focuses heavily on his breaking stuff.

The Yankees made a smaller trade for RHP Spencer Howard, giving up only cash considerations to the Texas Rangers. Howard has done nothing to thrill you in MLB, but he was ranked as the 27th prospect in MLB by Baseball America in 2021. Storing his arm in Triple-A hurts nobody, so this doesn’t bother me. If the Yankees made a meaningful acquisition today, his news would have been buried.

Scranton (47-53; 13-13 in the second half) (Defeated Rochester, 5-4)

2B Oswaldo Cabrera1-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Oswald Peraza3-for-3, 2B (7), SF, 2 RBI, RS, BB, SB (12)
.272/.362/.508 in 221 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 12 HR, 30 RBI, 35 R, 21 BB, 39 K, 12-for-15 SB)
C Austin Wells0-for-4, BB, 2 K
Since promotion: .235/.325/.294 in 40 PA. He has five walks and 15 strikeouts.
RF Everson Pereira2-for-5, 2 RBI, RS, K
Since promotion: .329/.368/.573 in 82 PA. Pereira has three multi-hit games in his last four games played.
CF Estevan Florial1-for-4, BB, 2 K, SB (19)
Florial has hit safely in ten of his last 11 games.
3B-1B Andres Chaparro0-for-3, BB
LF Franchy Cordero0-for-2, 2 BB, K, SB (5)
  2B Jesus Bastidas0-for-0
C Carlos Narvaez1-for-4, RS, 3 K
1B Jake Lamb2-for-4, RS
   PR-LF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-0, RS, 2 SB (12)
Lockridge is 29-for-33 stealing bases between here and Somerset (he is tied with Jasson Dominguez and Caleb Durbin for the organizational SB lead)

LHP Edgar Barclay3 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, HR
Barclay’s Triple-A debut.
RHP Zac Houston2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
Well, this is rather impressive.
RHP Michael Gomez: (W, 1-4)  3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
RHP Matt Bowman: (S, 4) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (58-37; 16-11 in the second half) (Lost to Akron, 6-1)

SS Trey Sweeney1-for-4, 2 K
.249/.365/.420 in 425 PA (18 doubles, 2 triples, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 62 R, 58 BB, 83 K, 15-for-22 SB). Sweeney/Dominguez at the top of the order has produced plenty of baserunners for the hitters below them.
CF Jasson Dominguez1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, CS (7)
.228/.356/.372 in 421 PA (10 doubles, 2 triples, 12 HR, 53 RBI, 65 R, 70 BB (16.6%), 112 K (26.6%), 29-for-36 SB). I like to see dropping K rates…for hitters, at least.
1B Ben Rice0-for-3, BB
LF Elijah Dunham0-for-4, 2 K
2B Mickey Gasper0-for-3, 2 K
C Anthony Seigler0-for-3, 2 K
.166/.320/.221 in 181 PA, He continues to draw his walks (18.8%) but the hit tool has not developed well – some of that can be the injuries.
3B Max Burt0-for-2, BB, 2 K, CS (4)
DH Jeisson Rosario1-for-3, 2 K
RF Aaron Palensky1-for-3, RS

RHP Blane Abeyta (L, 6-5): 4 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
5.82 ERA (89.2 IP, 93 H, 60 R, 58 ER, 12 HR, 39 BB, 93 K)
RHP Blas Castano2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Lisandro Santos0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Tanner Myatt1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.66 ERA (39.1 IP, 24 H, 18 R, 16 ER, 3 HR, 30 BB, 47 K)

Hudson Valley (54-43; 15-15 in the second half) (Lost to Wilmington, 8-4)

CF Spencer Jones0-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
2B Ben Cowles1-for-4, 2B (14), RS, BB, K
He has hit safely in nine of his last ten games. 
C Agustin Ramirez1-for-4, RBI, RS
Since promotion: .400/.447/.726 in 103 PA (10 doubles, 7 HR, 18 RBI, 19 R, 7 BB, 12 K). His hitting streak is up to seven (12-for-31)
DH Rafael Flores1-for-4, K
LF Christopher Familia1-for-4
Since promotion: .253/.316/.460 in 95 PA. Overall: .324/.395/.688 in 190 PA.
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-3, RS, BB, K
1B Spencer Henson1-for-4, K
RF Aldenis Sanchez3-for-4, RS
Sanchez has a 6-game hitting streak (8-for-24). 
3B Eduardo Torrealba1-for-3, RBI, BB

RHP Brendan Beck4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
At this level: 0.47 ERA in 19 IP (14 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 20 K)
LHP Joel Valdez: (L, 2-5)  2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Shane Gray1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Carlos Gomez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Tampa (46-50; 15-15 in the second half) (Annihilated Bradenton, 15-6)

SS Jared Serna: 4-for-6, 2 2B (20), HR (19), 2 RBI, 2 RS
As usual, once you think Serna is “slumping,” he does something like this. Serna has four 4-hit games this season and has 20 doubles, 19 HR, 68 RBI, and 69 runs scored.
3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, HBP, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 4-for-6, 3 HR (15), 5 RBI, 4 RS, K
Martinez is the third Yankees prospect to hit three home runs in a game this season (Jhon Imbert, Tyler Hardman). He is hitting .263 with a .857 OPS (11 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 46 R). 
CF Anthony Hall: 3-for-3, HR (9), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Hall is hitting .286 with a .875 OPS (9 doubles, 2 triples, 9 HR, 36 RBI, 42 R, 38 BB, 55 K). He likely belongs in Hudson Valley.
  PH-CF Daury Arias2-for-2, RS
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-5, 2B (1), HR (1), 4 RBI, 2 RS, K
This is an impressive professional debut for Morales, who was their 18th-round pick out of the University of Washington. He is a 21-year-old left-handed bat.
LF Garrett Martin0-for-5, BB, 2 K
Martin’s professional debut. The 23-year-old was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Austin Peay State. He played in 20 games for Oklahoma State back in 2022.
RF Tayler Aguilar1-for-6, RBI
1B Beau Brewer0-for-4, 2 BB
2B Jose Colmenares1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, BB

RHP Sean Hermann4.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 10 K
RHP Cole Ayers1.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Alex Bustamante: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.59 ERA (42.2 IP, 28 H, 21 R, 17 ER, 1 HR, 29 BB, 46 K)

FCL Yankees (24-15) (Split a doubleheader with the Phillies)

Game 1 (Won, 2-1, in 8 innings)

DH Keiner Delgado0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K, 2 SB (24)
2B Roc Riggio1-for-3, BB, 2 K
Riggio made his debut yesterday. He has fast-rise potential.
RF Willy Montero0-for-4, 2 K
SS Hans Montero0-for-2, 2 BB
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-2, 2 BB
Jasso, a 20-year-old out of Mexico, makes his professional debut.
CF Cole Gabrielson3-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, K
Gabrielson, a 23-year-old right-handed bat out of USC, makes his professional debut. He was signed as a non-drafted free agent.
LF Joel Mendez1-for-2, K

RHP Luis Serna2.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.97 ERA (12.2 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 15 K)
RHP Jordy Luciano (W, 2-3): 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
4.26 ERA (19 IP, 15 H, 14 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 18 BB, 20 K)
RHP Steven Fulgencio0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Fulgencio’s first career save. Congrats!

Game 2 (Lost, 4-3)

SS Keiner Delgado0-for-4, 2 K
.280/.386/.467 in 176 PA with a 24-for-29 stolen base rate. Delgado is 58-for-71 stealing bases in 88 career games.
3B Enmanuel Tejeda2-for-3, RS
.305/.471/.449 in 157 PA with an 18-for-23 stolen base rate. He has 33 walks and 34 strikeouts.
LF John Cruz1-for-3
C Manuel Palencia1-for-2, 2B (3), RBI, BB
His trip up to Low-A (where he went 2-for-4) was a one-off.
CF Wilson Rodriguez1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, K, CS (1)
The 18-year-old was drafted in the 17th round in this year’s draft out of Puerto Rico. He is a left-handed bat.

RHP Jackson Fristoe3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
5.85 ERA (20 IP, 16 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 3 HR, 21 BB, 22 K). Although he is 23, it is also his first taste of pro ball.

DSL Yankees (24-14) (Defeated Colorado, 9-4)

CF Brando Mayea2-for-5, 3B (1), RBI, 2 RS, SB (17)
.248/.358/.352 in 123 PA with a 17-for-20 SB rate. He isn’t crushing the level, but his performance is fine.
SS Luis Suarez2-for-5, RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (17)
2B Santiago Gomez2-for-4, 2B (9), 2 RS, BB, 2 SB (12)
.282/.433/.427 in 134 PA (9 doubles, 2 HR, 24 RBI, 27 R, 20 BB, 27 K, 12-for-15 SB). Gomez is 19 and repeating the level.
3B Luis Ogando2-for-5, 2 RBI, RS, K, SB (11), CS (6)
.374/.463/.596 in 121 PA for the 19-year-old. He hit .300/.417/.440 in 34 games at this same level last year.

RHP Christian Zazueta4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Jesus Castellanos (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Signed on July 12th, this is Castellanos’ professional debut.

DSL Bombers (19-20) (Lost to DSL Miami, 6-2)

2B Gabriel Terrero1-for-4, RBI, BB
.314/.407/.578 in 118 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 25 R, 14 BB, 23 K, 12-for-16 SB). Nice debut season for the 17-year-old.
CF Gabriel Lara0-for-2, RBI, 2 HBP
.263/.403/.430 in 144 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 26 R, 23 BB, 25 K, 14-for-18 SB). Another 17-year-old having a nice debut season

RHP Joshawn Lampson (L, 0-3): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 4 K
A DSL line if there ever was one.

 

Yankees MILB 7/30: Agustin Ramirez Collects 3 Hits

News:

There hasn’t been much smoke surrounding the Yankees when it comes to the trade deadline.

There is talk about Gleyber Torres attracting the attention of the Marlins again. Since this is the second year in a row, perhaps they will give up something of real value for him. If I sound lukewarm, it is because I am. I need to see it to believe it.

There isn’t a magic bullet waiting in Triple-A to save this team. I like Oswald Peraza but the Yankees made their feelings known this past week. They aren’t going to use Estevan FlorialEverson Pereira and Austin Wells are the closest kids they have, but they insist on Wells catching and Pereira needs time. Andres Chaparro is a player who may provide some instant offense but he has defensive limitations. I have yet to see an evaluator who thinks he is playing third base in MLB.

I honestly don’t know what the Yankees will or can do. They have less than 48 hours to show their cards. My guess is that they will show 8-high, for those who know poker.

Scranton (46-53; 12-13 in the second half) (Lost to Buffalo, 11-8. Buffalo scored at will over the weekend)

RF Estevan Florial2-for-5, HR (23), 2 RBI, RS, K
.297/.390/.592 in 372 PA (16 doubles, 4 triples, 23 HR, 59 RBI, 63 R, 50 BB (13.4%), 109 K (29.3%), 18-for-28 SB). While he hit only three home runs in July, he finishes the month 22-for-68 (.324) with ten walks and (of course) 24 strikeouts. If it feels like he earns a hit just about every time he makes contact, you aren’t alone. His BABIP numbers continue to be insane. Entering today, his BABIP was .376. His career mark is .365. We are well beyond the point of using a sample size excuse.
SS Oswaldo Cabrera1-for-4, BB, 2 K, SB (2)
LF Everson Pereira0-for-5, 2 K
Everyone has a rough day eventually. Pereira is hitting .325/.366/.584 in 82 PA since his promotion though it comes with a 3/24 BB/K.
DH Franchy Cordero: 1-for-3, 2B (10), RS, 2 BB, 2 K, SB (4)
C Carlos Narvaez1-for-5, RS, 2 K
At this level: .272/.400/.456 in 195 PA. Narvaez goes 15-for-55 (.273) in July with three doubles and three home runs.
3B Jamie Westbrook: 2-for-4, 2B (12), HR (15), 2 RBI, RS, K
Westbrook is four home runs away from matching his season best (19 in 2018)
1B Rodolfo Duran: 2-for-3, HR (8), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Snaps a 1-for-17 slump
53 games in Somerset, 2022: .222/.266/.414 with 9 HR and 33 RBI
54 games in Scranton, 2023: .237/.308/.437 with 8 HR and 29 RBI
2B Wilmer Difo1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, RS
CF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, HBP, K, CS (2)
Lockridge is hitting .306/.376/.408 in 109 PA at this level and .309/.386/.459 in 223 PA overall (12 doubles, 4 triples, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 29 R, 24 BB, 52 K, 27-for-31 SB)

RHP Mitch Spence: (L, 8-6) 5 IP, 10 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
5.02 ERA (107.2 IP, 112 H, 67 R, 60 ER, 22 HR, 38 BB, 92 K)
RHP Zach Greene1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Bowman1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Greg Weissert1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
3.41 ERA (31.2 IP, 24 H, 17 R, 12 ER, 4 HR, 15 BB, 45 K)

Somerset (58-36; 16-10 in the second half) (Defeated Bowie, 6-5)

SS Trey Sweeney1-for-3, RS, BB, HBP, SB (15)
LF Jasson Dominguez0-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, 2 K, SB (29)
Dominguez, who stole 11 bases in July, is now tied with Caleb Durbin for the organizational lead. Durbin has been out of action forever. I can only imagine where his total would be if he stayed healthy.
1B Ben Rice0-for-4, BB, 2 K
CF Elijah Dunham0-for-4, 2 K
3B Max Burt1-for-3, BB, K, SB (12)
2B Mickey Gasper: 1-for-4, 2 K
C Anthony Seigler1-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RS
DH Jeisson Rosario1-for-2, 2B (13), RBI, RS, SAC
I think I have typed “SAC” three or four times in the last two years – and I am not even joking. Anyway, Rosario has swatted nine doubles in his last 12 games. 
RF Aaron Palensky: 2-for-4, 2B (7), HR (5), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
Palensky really needed this. After an amazing start with Hudson Valley, he has struggled at times with Somerset. He finishes July 6-for-43.

RHP Matt Sauer5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
Nice performance by Sauer, who is up to 79 pitches. One has to assume he is ready to fully stretch out now.
RHP Jesus Liranzo0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Ryan Anderson0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Bailey Dees1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
His second Double-A appearance.
RHP Tanner Myatt0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Lisandro Santos: (W, 2-3)  0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Danny Watson (S, 3): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Watson continues to motor along…he has a 1.25 ERA in 21.2 IP since his promotion (9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 9 BB, 25 K)

Hudson Valley (54-42; 15-14 in the second half) (Shut down Hickory, 6-0)

2B Ben Cowles0-for-4, RS, BB, K, SB (13)
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-5, HR (8), RBI, RS, 2 K
.212/.261/.358 in 326 PA (10 doubles, 5 triples, 8 HR, 44 RBI, 42 R, 20 BB, 86 K, 10-for-15 SB). Vargas ties his personal best in home runs in 25 fewer games. The improvements between 2023 and 2002 are marginal, overall.
C Agustin Ramirez: 3-for-5, RS, SB (2)
Since promotion: .407/.455/.747 in 99 PA (10 doubles, 7 HR, 17 RBI, 18 R, 7 BB, 12 K, 2-for-2 SB). In 22 games at this level, he has multiple hits 12 times. He has failed to reach base in only one game. This isn’t some 23-year-old who is suddenly crushing young pitchers. He is only 21.
DH Christopher Familia0-for-2, 2 BB, HBP
Not known for his extreme plate discipline, Familia has four walks in his last two games. That brings his percentage up to 8.06% this season.
1B Spencer Henson: 4-for-4, 2B (14), 2 HR (13), SF, 4 RBI, 2 RS
.272/.358/.498 in 274 PA (14 doubles, 13 HR, 42 RBI, 45 R, 25 BB, 65 K). 
RF Anthony Garcia0-for-5, 4 K
CF Aldenis Sanchez1-for-5, 2 K
3B Marcos Cabrera0-for-2, 2 BB, K
LF Grant Richardson1-for-4, HR (10), RBI, RS, K
Richardson improved somewhat in July, hitting .232/.306/.482 with a triple and four home runs.

RHP Juan Carela2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
A long rain delay put an early end to his start. Season: 3.67 ERA (83.1 IP, 65 H, 40 R, 34 ER, 7 HR, 32 BB, 109 K)
RHP Harrison Cohen1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 2.33 ERA (27 IP, 20 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 34 K)
LHP Clay Aguilar1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K
3.97 ERA (22.2 IP, 18 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 13 BB, 34 K)
RHP Luis Velasquez: (W, 2-1)  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Since promotion: 3.26 ERA (19.1 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 25 K). July: 11.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 14 K
RHP Jack Neely2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.18 ERA (45.1 IP, 26 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 70 K). He has nothing else to prove here.

Tampa (46-50; 15-15 in the second half) (Defeated Dunedin, 8-3)

LF Jesus Rodriguez1-for-4, 2 RS, BB
In July, Rodriguez goes 27-for-91 (.297) with 13 RBI and 14 runs. Overall, he is hitting .295/.368/.428 in 324 PA with 33 walks (10.2%) and 46 strikeouts (14.2%).
1B Omar Martinez: 2-for-5, HR (12), 5 RBI, 2 RS
Martinez finishes off a scorching July with a bang. He drove home four runs in a game three times this month (26 RBI overall) while going 26-for-85 (.306) with five doubles and seven home runs.  This spiked his numbers to .254/.366/.445 in 303 plate appearances with 11 doubles, 12 HR, and 49 RBI.
DH Anthony Hall3-for-5, 2B (9), RS
Hall’s second 3-hit game this season improves his line to .275/.390/.454 in 249 PA with 37 BB (14.9%) and 55 K (22.1%).
CF Daury Arias1-for-4, 2 RBI, K
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-4, K
RF Tayler Aguilar1-for-4, 2 K
  RF Felix Negueis0-for-0
2B Jose Colmenares1-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
.190/.346/.619. Yes, that is a crazy line. Yes, it is because of an extremely small sample size (26 PA)
3B Brett Barrera0-for-4
C Manuel Palencia2-for-4, RS, K
Palencia’s Low-A debut. After two successful years in the DSL, he was hitting only .220/.313/.254 in 18 games for the FCL squad this season. He is 20 years old.

RHP Ryan Harvey3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Harvey’s second Low-A start.
RHP Montana Semmel0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Loaisiga has a successful rehab appearance.
RHP Ocean Gabonia1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Yorlin Calderon2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
3.46 ERA (54.2 IP, 47 H, 24 R, 21 ER, 4 HR, 15 BB, 68 K)

FCL Yankees (22-14)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (22-14)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (18-19)

Day off.

 

Yankees MILB 6/28: Estevan Florial Hits #20

News:

There is a rumor that both C Agustin Ramirez and OF Christopher Familia are on their way to Hudson Valley. Neither was in Tampa’s or Hudson Valley’s lineup tonight.

If true, they are earned promotions. Familia has made a mockery of Low-A, hitting .398/.474/.928 with 11 home runs in 21 games (95 plate appearances). He was repeating Low-A and is 23 years old, so may as well challenge him now.

Ramirez is a 21-year-old right-handed bat who is hitting .245/.384/.397 (119 wRC+) over 232 plate appearances with an 18.5% BB and 17.7% K. This is his first taste of Low-A, and he could be in High-A after only half a season.

I will note that the Yankees and the affiliates have not recognized these promotions.

 Scranton (34-41; 0-1 in the second half) (Lost to Syracuse, 7-4)

CF Estevan Florial2-for-3, HR (20), RBI, RS, BB, CS (8)
Florial ties Luken Baker (Memphis; Cardinals) for the International League HR lead.  He is one behind Jo Adell and Trey Cabbage for the overall minor league lead. Adell and Cabbage are both Triple-A players in the Angels organization (PCL).
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-5, 2 K
Not the game he wanted in his return, but at least he is back.
C Ben Rortvedt1-for-3, RS, 2 BB
3B Andres Chaparro0-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K
Chaparro has seven walks in his last four games
LF Elijah Dunham0-for-5, 4 K
DH Carlos Narvaez1-for-4
2B Jamie Westbrook: 2-for-3, HR (10), 2 RBI, RS, BB
Westbrook has hit 10+ home runs in five straight seasons. He is doing his job as a veteran presence down here.
1B Rodolfo Duran0-for-3, BB, K
RF Michael Hermosillo1-for-3, HR (9), RBI, RS, BB, K

LHP Tanner Tully: 5.1 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
LHP D.J. Snelten0.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Deivi Garcia1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Garcia was activated off the injured list toda (first game since 6/13)
RHP Greg Weissert1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
He hasn’t been as dominant in Triple-A this year as he was last year, but he does have 35 strikeouts in 23 innings.

Somerset (43-26; 1-0 in the second half) (Defeated Bowie, 3-2)

SS Trey Sweeney1-for-4, 2B (15), HBP, 2 K
Sweeney has 15 extra-base hits (7 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR) in 23 June games (11 extra-base hits in 41 April/May games)
CF Jasson Dominguez0-for-4, BB, K
Dominguez is back down to .198.
C Austin Wells1-for-3, BB, HBP, K, SB (3)
Wells is now 35-for-35 stealing bases in his minor league career.
LF Everson Pereira2-for-3, HR (9), RBI, RS, BB
.298/.371/.556 in 170 PA. He will be desired on the trade market. The Yankees themselves should desire him, if they aren’t too concerned about his injuries.
   LF Aaron Palensky0-for-0, BB
3B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 2 HR (16), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 K
Hardman has two multi-HR games this month (6/17) and three in his professional career. In case you are wondering, his personal best for home runs in a season is 22, set last year.
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-4, BB, K
RF Jeisson Rosario0-for-4, BB, 4 K
DH Eric Wagaman: 1-for-3, BB, K, SB (11)
2B Delvin Perez0-for-4, 3 K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
1.62 ERA (16.2 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 15 K)
LHP Edgar Barclay (W, 2-0): 2.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
0.00 ERA (14 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 7 BB, 20 K)
RHP Danny Watson1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 11.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K. The strikeout rate is starting to show up. Overall, he owns a 1.01 ERA in 35.2 IP (15 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 48 K)
RHP Zac Houston1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Alex Mauricio (S, 4): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Mauricio is 10-for-10 converting saves in his MILB career. 

Hudson Valley (39-31; 0-1 in the second half) (Lost to Wilmington, 5-2)

CF Spencer Jones0-for-5, K
Jones is 0-for-20 in his last five games (1-for-27 in his last seven games)
2B Ben Cowles0-for-4, K
1B Rafael Flores2-for-3, RS, BB
.293/.359/.365 in 231 PA. 
DH Anthony Garcia2-for-4, RS, K
SS Alexander Vargas2-for-4, 2B (10), RBI
C Antonio Gomez1-for-4, RBI
Gomez is on a 5-game hitting streak. His June has been his best month by a mile.
RF Grant Richardson1-for-4
LF Aldenis Sanchez1-for-4, K
3B Marcos Cabrera1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Tyrone Yulie: (L, 3-5)  5.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
4.18 ERA (60.1 IP, 45 H, 36 R, 28 ER, 8 HR, 37 BB, 70 K)
RHP Mason Vinyard1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
RHP Indigo Diaz1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Luis Velasquez1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 7.71 ERA (7 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 10 K)

Tampa (33-37; 0-1 in the second half) (Lost to Daytona Beach, 16-7)

SS Jared Serna0-for-5, K
For the first time this season, Serna is hitless in three straight games. His .288 average is the lowest it has been since he was hitting .267 after games of April 25th.
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, HR (2), SF, 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
Escanio continues his solid June: 24-for-81 (.296; 1 double, 2 triples, 2 HR)
3B Jesus Rodriguez2-for-5, RS
Depending on what else the Yankees do with promotions, Rodriguez could find himself behind the plate more often.
CF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, HR (8), 3 RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Hall has homered in four straight games and five times in his last seven games. He hit for a lot of average in May – his power has shown up in a big way in June. He is hitting .286/.396/.484 in 217 PA.
C Omar Martinez0-for-3, BB, HBP, 3 K
DH Daury Arias: 1-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
RF Tayler Aguilar0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
LF Jake Palmer1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
1B Ronny Rojas0-for-4, RS, BB, 3 K

RHP Leonardo Pestana2.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 3 HR
RHP Kris Bow: (L, 2-2) 2 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
RHP Shane Gray0.2 IP, 1 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, HR
Gray has been pitching well as of late. Tonight just wasn’t his night.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.64 ERA (30.2 IP, 24 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 15 BB, 36 K). Last year’s 13th-round pick is doing a nice job in his debut season.
RHP Cole Ayers2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

FCL Yankees (10-7) 

Day off

DSL Bombers (8-9)

Day off

DSL Yankees (13-3)

Day off

Yankees MILB 6/24: Andres Chaparro Hits a Slam

News:

I have expressed some concern about OF Jasson Dominguez‘s struggles in Double-A. While some of the numbers aren’t good, remind yourself of this: Dominguez made his Double-A debut in 2022 at the age of 19. At 19, Ezequiel Duran was struggling down in Pulaski (at the time, a Yankees’ short-season affiliate) as he hit .201/.251/.311 (48 wRC+; 3.8% BB, 28.7% K). He started to take off in 2019 and was eventually a part of the package for (ugh) Joey Gallo in 2021.

No two prospects are the same. I am not trying to convince you that Dominguez is fine because of what Duran has become. What I am trying to say is that we have to be patient sometimes. “We” includes “me.”

A report from Kiley McDaniel indicates that the Yankees may treat the 2023 MLB draft like they did the 2014 international signing period. Essentially, ignore the rules (well, more like not caring about the rules), load up on premium high school talent, and accept the penalties.

Instead of laying all this out, here is a good thread (courtesy of Bobby Milone):

Yankees to blow up the draft?

Scranton (34-39) (Defeated Buffalo, 7-3)

DH Estevan Florial1-for-3, RS, BB, K
C Ben Rortvedt: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
3B Andres Chaparro2-for-4, 3B (2), HR (15), 5 RBI, 2 RS, K
Chaparro’s grand slam is his 4th HR in his last five games.  The five RBI represent a new personal best. Overall, he is hitting .240 with 12 doubles, 2 triples, 15 HR, 48 RBI, and 46 runs scored. 
RF Elijah Dunham0-for-4, 2 K
1B Rodolfo Duran0-for-4, 2 K
2B Jamie Westbrook0-for-4
LF Michael Hermosillo 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
SS Jesus Bastidas1-for-4, 3 K
CF Brandon Lockridge1-for-3, 2 RS, K, SB (3)
Lockridge is 20-for-23 in the SB department between here and Somerset. At the very least, he offers speed and defense. He is hitting well this season, especially during his Somerset stint.

RHP Mitch Spence: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
4.93 ERA (76.2 IP, 79 H, 48 R, 42 ER, 15 HR, 31 BB, 64 K)
RHP Matt Bowman1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
At this level: 6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
RHP Greg Weissert1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (42-25; they have already clinched a playoff berth courtesy of a first-half title) (Defeated New Hampshire, 3-1)

SS Trey Sweeney0-for-3, BB
CF Jasson Dominguez1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
C Austin Wells1-for-4, 2B (10), RBI, 2 K
Wells has ten doubles and ten home runs in 40 games for Somerset this year.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, 2B (6), HBP, K
3B Tyler Hardman1-for-4, 2 K
DH Anthony Seigler0-for-4
LF Aaron Palensky0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP, SB (5)
Palensky is 15-for-16 in the stolen base department between here and Hudson Valley. He is hitting .231/.447/.442 in 21 games since his promotion.
RF Jeisson Rosario1-for-3, 2 K
2B Delvin Perez1-for-3, 2 K

RHP Chase Hampton5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
It only took him 67 pitches to get these 17 outs. My hope is that they wanted Ian Hamilton to pitch in a middle of an inning before they call him up from his rehab.
RHP Ian Hamilton (W, 2-1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
One has to assume he is close to returning. No need to do that on Sunday, since he won’t be used anyway.
RHP Blas Castano1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
As expected, his appearance with Scranton was a one-off.
RHP Alex Mauricio (S, 3): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Mauricio continues his recent stretch of strong pitching.

Hudson Valley (39-29; they have already clinched a playoff berth courtesy of a first-half title) (Lost to Brooklyn, 2-0)

DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB, K, SB (18)
Jones has 30 stolen bases in 84 professional games.
SS Ben Cowles0-for-3, BB, K
.257/.343/.399 in 210 PA. After a strong May, he is struggling in June (14-for-64 (.219)).
1B Rafael Flores1-for-2, 2 BB, K
.292/.354/.366 in 223 PA. 
LF Anthony Garcia1-for-4, 2 K
C Antonio Gomez1-for-4
.247/.317/.360 in 211 PA (12 doubles, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 23 R, 16 BB, 63 K). His strong June has returned him to some respectability.
RF Grant Richardson0-for-4, 2 K
CF Aldenis Sanchez0-for-4, 3 K
3B Marcos Cabrera0-for-3, K
2B Eduardo Torrealba1-for-2, BB, K

RHP Juan Carela: (L, 2-3)  6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
The 21-year-old now sports a 3.03 ERA in 62.1 IP (43 H, 26 R, 21 ER, 2 HR, 22 BB, 78 K). Yes, you are looking at a legitimate prospect. As I have said before, I like to look at patterns: Carela threw 99.1 innings for Tampa before being moved to Hudson Valley last season. He is at 90.1 innings for Hudson Valley. Let’s see if they give him a taste of Somerset sometime in the second half.
RHP Jack Neely2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
2.35 ERA (30.2 IP, 16 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 46 K). It comes as no surprise that the 6’8″ 23-year-old is blazing through this level. 

Tampa (33-35) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 9-7)

2B Jared Serna0-for-4, RS, BB
That rare sight of Serna dropping below .300 (.298). The last time he was under .300 at the end of a game was on May 2. He went 3-for-4 with a double and a home run on May 3.
DH Anthony Hall2-for-5, HR (7), 4 RBI, RS, K
Hall has homered in three straight games. This home run turned a 6-5 deficit into a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the 8th. He is now hitting .287/.396/.472 in 212 PA with 32 walks and 42 strikeouts.
C Agustin Ramirez1-for-5, RS, K
LF Christopher Familia: 3-for-4, 2B (7), HR (11), RBI, 3 RS, HBP, K
In 20 games, Familia is hitting .400 (32-for-80) with 7 doubles, 11 HR, 30 RBI, and 24 runs scored. Video game numbers.
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-3, SF, RBI, RS, BB, K, SB (15)
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, BB, SB (8)
.299/.385/.441 in 206 PA.
CF Daury Arias0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP
1B Ronny Rojas1-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
RF Felix Negueis0-for-3, BB

RHP Justin Lange: 4.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
What, did you expect a well-polished machine for Luke Voit?
RHP Alex Bustamante1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Adam Stone (W, 1-1): 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Stone’s first professional win. Congrats!
RHP Yorlin Calderon (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Calderon, typically used in a multi-inning role, collects his first professional save. He owns a 2.41 ERA in 37.1 IP (27 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 11 BB, 46 K)

FCL Yankees (9-6) (Defeated the Phillies, 7-4)

3B Keiner Delgado3-for-5, 2 2B (6), 2 SB (13)
This is his second start at 3B (all of his other starts are at second base). He is hitting .317/.431/.467 in 72 PA and leads the FCL with 13 stolen bases.
DH Enmanuel Tejeda0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB
As of this writing, his ten stolen bases rank second in the FCL behind Delgado. He is hitting .326/.536/.543 in 69 PA. The .536 OBP leads the FCL.
CF Willy Montero1-for-4, 3B (1), 3 RBI, RS
.308/.377/.423 in 61 PA.
SS Hans Montero1-for-3, HR (4), 2 RBI, RS, BB
.320/.521/.660 in 71 PA. He is 5th in the FCL in SLG and 3rd in OBP.
LF John Cruz1-for-3, RBI, BB
Cruz’s 22 RBI (including 14 over the course of two days) lead the FCL.
2B Dayro Perez1-for-3, RS, BB, K, 2 SB (4)
C Edinson Duran1-for-3, RS
13-for-29

RHP Jackson Fristoe3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
I can’t imagine the 22-year-old will be here for long – even with the organizational logjam. This is where “advanced” short-season leagues (ie, Staten Island) used to come in handy.
RHP Zach Greene1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Greene, on a rehab stint, was intriguing enough for the Mets to choose in this past winter’s Rule 5 draft.

DSL Bombers (8-7) (Lost to the Marlins, 10-2)

2B Gabriel Terrero0-for-1, K
Terrero has been one of the better hitters on this squad, so it is worrisome that he left this game early.
CF Ramiro Altagracia2-for-4, K
.289/.347/.511 in 49 PA

RHP Alejandro Gomez: 5 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
16.1 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 15 K

DSL Yankees (11-3) (Defeated Mets Orange, 5-3)

CF Brando Mayea1-for-4, RS, K, SB (3)
8-for-23 (.348) with three doubles and three stolen bases.
C Josue Gonzalez1-for-4, 2B (5), RS
11-for-31 (.355; 5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 10 R, 12 BB, 6 K). This is a juiced-up offensive league, so it is an accomplishment to be in the top five in runs batted in. The leader (Kleimer Lemos (Rangers)) has 24 RBI in 14 games.
3B Santiago Gomez2-for-4, RBI, RS, K, SB (8)
13-for-36 (.361/.528/.639; 4 doubles, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 11 BB, 9 K). He has hit safely in ten of his 11 games played (including a 7-game hitting streak)
LF Andres Lacruz1-for-2, RBI, BB, SB (7)
Lacruz is an 18-year-old switch-hitter. He is only hitting .147/.383/.235 but he is showing some on-base skills + the ability to steal bases.

RHP Carlos Hampshire4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Stanly Alcantara (W, 2-0): 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
The 19-year-old stands 6’6″.

Yankees MILB 6/18: Chase Hampton’s Impressive Double-A Debut

News:

Nothing to report.

Scranton (31-37) (Lost to Rochester, 3-0)

CF Estevan Florial0-for-5, 2 K
5 PA is a 3-0 game. Anyway, this snaps his 35-game on-base streak.
2B Oswald Peraza1-for-4, SB (11)
.292/.360/.563 in 161 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 11 HR, 24 RBI, 25 R, 10 BB, 24 K, 11-for-13 SB)
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-2, 2 BB, K, 3 SB (11)
.227/.341/.351 in 264 PA. We are at the point of the season where the climb to get back up to where you need to be is harder. Dunham is certainly hitting better in the last week or so, though. The three stolen bases tie his personal best (did it once in 2021 and 2022)
3B Andres Chaparro0-for-3, BB
.238/.314/.430 in 277 PA (25 straight games without a home run and 10-for-56 (.179) in June)
1B Carlos Narvaez1-for-4, K
C Rodolfo Duran0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Expect Narvaez and Duran to continue to get plenty of AB as they may need either one in the big leagues if anything happens to Jose Trevino or Kyle Higashioka.
DH Jamie Westbrook1-for-3, BB
RF Brandon Lockridge0-for-3, BB, K
SS Jesus Bastidas1-for-4, K
He doesn’t get the attention Chaparro does – but he is outhitting him (.267/.327/.436 in 217 PA)

RHP Mitch Spence: (L, 4-4)  5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Gomez1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Feliz0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (39-23) (Defeated Altoona, 4-3)

SS Trey Sweeney2-for-3, HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
.249/.364/.400 in 269 PA (13 doubles, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 38 R, 39 BB, 54 K, 9-for-12 SB). He is hitting .296/.359/.535 in June with five doubles and four home runs.
CF Jasson Dominguez1-for-4, 2B (6), RS, 2 K
.210/.355/.390 in 262 PA (6 doubles, 1 triple, 10 HR, 37 RBI, 44 R, 48 BB, 70 K, 16-for-19 SB). I am patient with prospects. It is just obvious that Dominguez isn’t one of those prodigies who destroy minor-league pitching at every turn. 
DH Austin Wells0-for-3, RBI, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
.234/.327/.479 in 196 PA (5 doubles, 12 HR, 35 RBI, 28 R, 23 BB, 29 K, 5-for-7 SB). The BABIP is at .208. He isn’t striking out and is hitting for power – hopefully, the average does catch up as the season goes into the second half.
3B Tyler Hardman1-for-4
.240/.318/.520 in 201 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 13 HR, 32 RBI, 31 R, 21 BB, 61 K)
C Anthony Seigler0-for-4, K
LF Aaron Palensky1-for-3, BB, K
Palensky continues to hit. Someone asked me if he is an organizational guy. At this point, the answer is No. We have to consider him above that at this point because he just keeps hitting.
RF Jeisson Rosario0-for-4, 2 K
2B Max Burt: 1-for-3, RS, HBP, SB (9)

RHP Chase Hampton: 6 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 8 K
A strong debut for Hampton. Between here and Hudson Valley: 2.72 ERA (53 IP, 35 H, 21 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 85 K). Incredible performance.
RHP Ian Hamilton (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Hamilton begins his rehab stint.
RHP Danny Watson1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K. Overall: 1.15 ERA (31.1 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 42 K)
RHP Tanner Myatt (S, 4): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (37-26) (Rocked Rome, 10-1)

CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-3, HR (10), 4 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, SB (16)
During his 7-game hitting streak: 13-for-28 (2 doubles, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 7 R, 4 BB, 7 K). So far, Jones has shown to be streaky – and that is fine – he will get to Somerset at a young enough age (he just turned 22). Overall, he is hitting .289 in 250 PA (19 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 36 RBI, 37 R, 19 BB, 82 K, 16-for-21 SB)
SS Alexander Vargas2-for-5, RS, 2 K
C Rafael Flores2-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, RS, K
Flores is hitting .299. He is only 11-for-50 in June, so maybe this game will get him going again.
DH Anthony Garcia: 0-for-4, RBI (Ejected)
  PH-DH Luis Santos1-for-1, 2B (3)
1B Spencer Henson1-for-4, RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
3B Ben Cowles: 2-for-3, RS, BB, HBP, SB (5)
RF Grant Richardson1-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB, 2 K, SB (6)
LF Aldenis Sanchez2-for-5, 2B (6), RBI, RS, K
2B Eduardo Torrealba1-for-4, RBI, RS

RHP Drew Thorpe: (W, 6-1)  6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
Thorpe in June: 0.00 ERA (21 IP, 9 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 27 K). Overall: 2.64 ERA (64.2 IP, 51 H, 23 R, 19 ER, 4 HR, 22 BB, 79 K). Does he belong in Somerset? Probably. But who am I to say that?
RHP Bailey Dees: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
2.39 ERA (26.1 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 10 BB, 40 K)
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Tampa (30-33) (Defeated Clearwater, 13-11, in ten innings)

SS Jared Serna1-for-5, HR (13), 3 RBI, RS, 2 BB
All 13 of Serna’s home runs have come in his last 40 games. Serna is hitting .311/.375/.534 in 264 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 13 HR, 43 RBI, 44 R, 23 BB, 45 K, 15-for-19 SB). He is turning into quite a fun prospect to follow.
CF Anthony Hall: 2-for-6, HR (4), RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
.274/.395/.420 in 190 PA. After a .338/.477/.471 May, he is hitting .286/.379/.464 in June. Not quite as good but he is showing us that he likely doesn’t belong here anymore.
LF Daury Arias2-for-6, 2B (9), 3B (2), RS, K
Last 6 games: 9-for-28 (2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR)
DH Christopher Familia0-for-5, BB
One of the hottest hitters in the organization goes 0-for-5 in a 13-11 game. Baseball!
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-5, 2 RS, BB, K
.240/.367/.387 in 180 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 21 R, 28 BB, 53 K)
3B Jesus Rodriguez2-for-5, RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 K
.313/.398/.464 in 192 PA. He is 26-for-57 (.456/.537/.754) with ten multi-hit games in June. That is beyond ridiculous.
RF Tayler Aguilar2-for-5, 2B (10), HR (4), 3 RBI, 3 RS, SB (5)
Aguilar needed this. He is hitting .180/.286/.346 in 154 PA.
2B Beau Brewer1-for-2, SF, RBI, RS, 3 BB
1B Ronny Rojas3-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
Always nice to see an unheralded kid have a good day.

RHP Baron Stuart4.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2.89 ERA (28 IP, 23 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 13 BB, 32 K)
RHP Cole Ayers0.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Adam Stone1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Matt Keating (W, 5-4): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
3.25 ERA (27.2 IP, 24 H, 13 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 44 K)
RHP Alex Bustamante (S, 2): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL Yankees (7-3) 

Day off.

DSL Bombers (7-3)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (9-1)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 6/9: Jasson Dominguez Has Big Night

News:

Nothing to report.

Scranton (27-32) (Lost to Norfolk, 8-4)

CF Estevan Florial0-for-4, BB, 3 K
His hitting streak ends at 14, but his on-base streak is up to 27.
SS Oswald Peraza1-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
Peraza’s 9th inning RBI single will hopefully get him going again – he has been in a relatively minor slump as of late.
RF Elijah Dunham2-for-5, 2B (11), 2 K
Dunham is 7-for-26 in June (.269). That isn’t a hot streak – but it does show some improvement after a tough May.
DH Andres Chaparro1-for-4, 2B (9), RS, BB
Chaparro is on a 6-game hitting streak that features one hit in each game. He is hitting .254/.322/.460.
C Ben Rortvedt1-for-4, 3 K
1B Rodolfo Duran2-for-4, RS, K
.274/.329/.511 in 146 plate appearances (he has 11 doubles and 7 home runs)
LF Franchy Cordero2-for-3, HR (3), SF, 3 RBI, RS, K
2B Jesus Bastidas1-for-4, 3B (1), RS, 3 K
3B Wilmer Difo: 0-for-4, K

RHP Jhony Brito: (L, 1-1)  5.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 3 HR
RHP Michael Feliz1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Deivi Garcia2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR

Somerset (32-22) (Defeated Hartford, 11-4)

SS Trey Sweeney1-for-5, 2B (11), RBI, RS, BB, K
Sweeney has three doubles in his last four games. We’ve been waiting for the power to show up this year – maybe this is the beginning of that.
CF Jasson Dominguez2-for-6,  2B (5), HR (9), 5 RBI, RS, 3 K
Dominguez sets a new personal best for RBI in a game.
C Austin Wells0-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Tyler Hardman1-for-4, SF, RBI, RS, K, 2 SB (6)
2B Caleb Durbin0-for-5, K
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-4, HR (8), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
.234/.329/.440 in 167 plate appearances.
LF Jeisson Rosario1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K, SB (5)
RF Aaron Palensky0-for-1, 2 RS, 2 BB, 2 HBP, K
This was a “fun” night.
DH Mickey Gasper2-for-3, HR (2), 2 RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB

RHP Yoendrys Gomez3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
8.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K
LHP Edgar Barclay: (W, 1-0)  2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Steven Jennings1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Blas Castano2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (31-24) (Knocked off Jersey Shore, 8-4, in ten innings)

CF Spencer Jones0-for-5, K, SB (14)
.265/.317/.485 in 218 plate appearances. He is 14-for-19 stealing bases.
SS Ben Cowles1-for-4, BB
DH Rafael Flores1-for-5, RS, 3 K
LF Anthony Garcia3-for-5, 3B (1), RS, K
.228/.347/.405 in 95 plate appearances. This is his third consecutive multi-hit game.
1B Spencer Henson1-for-4, 2 RS, BB, K
RF Grant Richardson: 3-for-4, 2B (5), 3B (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Richardson has his average up over .200 (.201/.297/.360 in 158 PA). It is the first time he has been over .200 all season (his average was .110 after the games of May 14th)
2B Eduardo Torrealba: 2-for-4, SF, 3 RBI, K
3B Marcos Cabrera0-for-4, BB
C Juan Crisp0-for-3, BB, K
  PR Kyle Battle0-for-0, RS
  C Antonio Gomez0-for-0

RHP Juan Carela5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
Carela’s second straight 10K game. He now owns a 3.28 ERA in 49.1 IP (37 H, 23 R, 18 ER, 2 HR, 18 BB, 62 K). He has been very impressive.
RHP Bailey Dees1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.70 ERA (23.1 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 34 K)
LHP Ryan Anderson0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Nick Paciorek (W, 4-0): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Indigo Diaz1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (25-30) (Deflated Lakeland, 11-5. The offense has scored 22 runs in the last two games)

2B Jared Serna: 2-for-5, HR (10), 2 RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Serna had 6 HR in 49 games in 2022. Tonight, he hit his 10th HR in his 49th game this season. 
LF Daury Arias0-for-6, K
C Agustin Ramirez: 3-for-4, RS, 2 BB, K
.254/.398/.387 in 181 PA with more walks (35) than strikeouts (31). 
CF Anthony Hall2-for-5, 2B (7), RS, BB, K
Hall now has a 9-game hitting streak (13-for-38; 3 doubles). From where I sit, he is mastering this level.
SS Brenny Escanio2-for-5, 3B (3), 2 RBI, 2 RS
DH Christopher Familia3-for-5, 2B (3), HR (6), 4 RBI, 2 RS, K
In 8 games this season: 13-for-33 (.394; 3 doubles, 6 HR, 15 R, 11 R, 4 BB, 5 K). This is what you call a hot streak.
3B Jesus Rodriguez2-for-5, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, K
Rodriguez is on an 8-game hitting streak. He has four multi-hit games in a row and six total during the streak. He is hitting .296/.369/.394.
RF Tayler Aguilar1-for-5, 2 K, SB (3)
1B Beau Brewer: 2-for-5, RBI

RHP Sean Hermann3.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Hermann has been up and down this year, which is expected for a kid his age at this level. One encouraging sign has been his GB%, which was over 60% entering tonight.
RHP Yorlin Calderon2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.80 ERA (30 IP, 21 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 38 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert (W, 4-1): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.10 ERA (25.2 IP, 19 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 32 K)
RHP Cole Ayers1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL Yankees (2-2) (Lost to the Phillies, 4-2)

2B Keiner Delgado1-for-4, RS, BB, K, SB (2)
4-for-14 with seven walks.
DH Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, BB
5-for-18 with a double, triple, and home run. He has two strikeouts in 20 plate appearances (46 in 140 plate appearances last year (32.9%))
CF Willy Montero2-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, RS
5-for-10 with a pair of doubles.
2B Hans Montero1-for-4, 2B (2)
4-for-14 with two doubles and a home run.
RF Dayro Perez2-for-4

RHP Cam Schlittler3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Schlittler’s professional debut. He stands 6’6″ and was drafted in the 7th round in the 2022 draft out of Northeastern.
RHP Osiel Rodriguez1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
I have to assume that Rodriguez will find his way to Tampa at some point this season (he received a cup of coffee there in 2022)

DSL Yankees (4-0) and the DSL Bombers (4-0) both won. The Yankees knocked off the Rangers, 6-3, while the Bombers knocked off the Rockies, 9-4.

For the Yankees:
SS Luis Suarez (18) doubled twice and scored a pair of runs. He stole his third base of the season…DH Jelson Coca (17) singled and drove in two. He is listed as a shortstop…2B Luis Escudero (17) went 2-for-4 with a double. He is 3-for-11 with five walks…

For the Bombers:

CF Gabriel Lara went 3-for-5 with two doubles and a triple. He scored two runs…3B Juan Matheus went 1-for-4 with two runs scored, a walk, and two stolen bases…2B Abrahan Ramirez (18) and SS Rafael Martinez (17) each had a pair of hits. Ramirez doubled, scored two runs, and drove in a run. Martinez drove home a pair and stole a base…

RHP Omar Gonzalez: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K. The 17-year-old pitched to a 0.44 ERA in 20.1 innings at this level last year, striking out 36 hitters while walking nine. I doubt he sticks in the DSL much longer if this keeps up…

 

Yankees MILB 6/3: Chase Hampton Ks 10 (Again)

News:

The Greg Allen injury opened up the possibility for the Yankees to promote Kole Calhoun before the deadline, but it didn’t happen. Calhoun is officially a free agent. Given that he opted out, there is likely a team out there that has already shown some level of interest in the veteran.

The Yankees decided to bring Oswaldo Cabrera right back into the fold, and I have mixed feelings about that. I like the kid – I followed him all the way back to the days when his minor league number weren’t very good but the Yankees kept promoting and challenging him anyway. He was a poster child for “organizations look beyond just the raw numbers when it comes to evaluation.”  But, sending him down to Scranton was all about getting his stroke and confidence back. He is here until at least Harrison Bader gets back, so it could be a short stay.

Of course, right after I hit Send, Cabrera homers in Los Angeles. Baseball!

Scranton (27-29) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 8-6)

LF Elijah Dunham0-for-5, K
SS Oswald Peraza1-for-4, 2B (4), RS, BB, K
Peraza’s hitting streak is up to 10.
DH Ben Rortvedt2-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, RS
1B Andres Chaparro1-for-4, RS, BB, K
.255/.323/.474 in 220 plate appearances
RF Franchy Cordero0-for-4, 3 K
C Carlos Narvaez2-for-4, RS, K
CF Billy McKinney2-for-4, HR (9; grand slam), 4 RBI, 2 RS
The veteran has 7 RBI in three June games.
3B Jamie Westbrook2-for-4
2B Jesus Bastidas0-for-3, RBI, BB

RHP Will Warren1.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
Warren has a 7.04 ERA since his promotion. Every level presents its share of challenges.
RHP Michael Feliz0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP James Norwood1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
LHP D.J. Snelten0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Bowman2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
LHP Matt Krook1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
It is too bad that he was unable to make his MLB debut during his brief stay.

Somerset (28-21) (Lost to Portland, 4-3)

SS Trey Sweeney1-for-5, K
CF Jasson Dominguez2-for-3, RBI, BB, CS (3)
.210/.373/.401 in 201 plate appearances. Hopefully, he continues to move further and further away from the Mendoza Line.
C Austin Wells1-for-3, HR (8), RBI, RS, BB, K
Wells’ first home run since May 20th. He has 20 home runs in 79 Double-A games.
3B Tyler Hardman1-for-4, HR (11), RBI, RS, 2 K
Hardman has homered in three straight games (.235/.307/.544 (5 doubles, 2 triples, 11 HR, 28 RBI, 24 R, 14 BB, 46 K))
2B Caleb Durbin1-for-3, HBP
Durbin is now 19-for-70 since his promotion (.271/.363/.386; 7 walks, 2 strikeouts)
DH Anthony Seigler1-for-3, BB, 2 K, CS (2)
LF Jeisson Rosario0-for-3, BB, K, CS (2)
1B Eric Wagaman0-for-4, K
RF Aaron Palensky0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, SB (3)
Palensky is 1-for-11 since his promotion but has walked five times.

RHP Yoendrys Gomez2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Only his second start coming back from injury.
RHP Blas Castano (L, 3-3): 3.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Lisandro Santos2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
2.86 ERA (28.1 IP, 13 H, 11 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 19 BB, 33 K)
LHP Edgar Barclay1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (28-22) (Squeaked past Aberdeen, 3-2)

CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, K, SB (12)
.265/.311/.503 in 196 plate appearances (16 doubles, 3 triples, 7 HR, 29 RBI, 29 R, 12 BB (6.1%), 69 K (35.2%), 12-for-16 SB)
SS Ben Cowles1-for-4, RBI, K
.270/.345/.437 in 142 plate appearances (6 doubles, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 20 R, 12 BB, 47 K, 4-for-4 SB). He has 14 starts at shortstop, 13 at second base, and 9 at third base.
C Josh Breaux1-for-3, RS, BB, K
Breaux is up to 27 plate appearances during his rehab stint. The Yankees are going to have to make room for him in the upper minors soon.
1B Rafael Flores0-for-3, BB, K
.315/.377/.385 in 159 plate appearances. He was signed as an undrafted free agent last July, and is thus far making the Yankees look smart with that transaction.
DH Anthony Garcia1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
Garcia’s first game since 5/11. He is hitting .167/.300/.303 in 80 plate appearances. He is a three-outcomes type who isn’t fairing well in the power piece of that equation.
RF Grant Richardson0-for-3, BB
LF Aldenis Sanchez0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
2B Eduardo Torrealba2-for-3, BB, K
3B Marcos Cabrera1-for-4, 2B (4), RS, 2 K

RHP Chase Hampton7 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 10 K
Hampton’s third 10-strikeout game of 2023 (including back-to-back games).  Season: 3.05 ERA (41.1 IP, 30 H, 18 R, 14 ER, 5 HR, 15 BB, 69 K). Remember this: This isn’t a kid who has been languishing in the minors for three years finally finding it in High-A ball. This is Hampton’s debut season after being drafted in the 6th round of last year’s draft out of Texas Tech. He is listed at 6’2″, 225 pounds though I take that stuff with a grain of salt. A trip to Somerset in 2023 is definitely not out of the question.
RHP Indigo Diaz (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jack Neely (S, 3): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.71 ERA (21 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 33 K). 

Tampa (21-29) (Lost to Bradenton, 6-5)

SS Jared Serna: 3-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (13)
Serna with his second straight 3-hit effort (he has six 3+ hit games this season, including three 4-hit games). At one point tonight, Serna had an active streak of reaching base in nine straight plate appearances. He is hitting .330/.393/.528 in 196 plate appearances (9 doubles, 1 triple, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 32 R, 18 BB (9.2%), 30 K (15.3%), 13-for-17 SB). 
CF Daury Arias0-for-4, BB
RF Anthony Hall2-for-5, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS, K
Hall has the triple slash up to .272/.396/.430 in 139 plate appearances. He is on a mini 5-game hitting streak (1 double, 1 triple, 1 home run during the streak)
C Omar Martinez2-for-3, 2B (5), RBI, 2 BB, SB (3)
.252/.390/.417 in 141 plate appearances (.391 career OBP in 558 plate appearances)
3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-5
DH Christopher Familia1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, RS, BB
LF Tayler Aguilar0-for-4, K
2B Brett Barrera1-for-4
1B Beau Brewer1-for-4, RS

RHP Justin Lange4 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 1 HR
4.05 ERA (33.1 IP, 19 H, 17 R, 15 ER, 1 HR, 25 BB, 58 K). His season is a mix of everything.
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
2.10 ERA (25.2 IP, 21 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 31 K). Calderon has excelled in this role this year – are they stretching him out to get back into the rotation?
RHP Matt Keating (L, 3-4): 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
2.82 ERA (22.1 IP, 19 H, 10 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 34 K). Keating has put together a solid season.
RHP Cole Ayers1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K