Yankees MILB 5/4: Rafael Flores Has a Big Day

Notes:

I receive this question often and typically answer it once per year: The Baseball Reference linker has a mind of its own when it comes to linking players with the same name. Is it weird that the linker matches Spencer Jones to a 25-year-old graduated Washington State left-handed pitcher who posted a 6.52 career ERA? Yes.  If he were named Dennis Putter, his page would never be seen, so good for him.  I could manually “fix” it, but I don’t think it is worth it.

Speaking of Jones, he was scratched from today’s lineup for Somerset. I don’t have a reason why. Jones missed time last April due to neck stiffness. That didn’t cost him much time. Hopefully, whatever is ailing him today won’t cost him much time either.

Outfielder Christopher Familia was sent back to the Development List for Somerset. That is not a good sign. His moment in the sun is likely fading.

RHP Gage Ziehl was promoted from Tampa to Somerset to make the start this afternoon. This is undoubtedly a “we need an arm” situation.

Injury Log


Scranton (16-16) (Defeated Syracuse, 4-2)

3B Jesus Rodriguez0-for-4, BB
After spending all of his time at C/DH since his promotion, Scranton finally takes advantage of his versatility. His insane hitting streak ends, but he does add to his on-base streak (he has reached base in all 17 of his Scranton games and 20 straight games overall)
DH Everson Pereira1-for-3, BB, K
.284/.357/.541 in 84 PA (1 double, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 15 R, 2-for-2 SB, 9.5% BB, 33.3% K)
1B Dominic Smith1-for-3, R, BB, K
RF Jose Rojas0-for-4
LF Bryan De La Cruz1-for-3, R, BB
2-for-10 since the Yankees claimed him.
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-3, 2B (1), 3B (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
Baseball is so interesting – Jackson has been a decent minor league hitter throughout his career, especially in the power department (he once hit 28 home runs in 85 Triple-A games). MLB? It never translates.
  C Ronaldo Hernandez0-for-0
2B Braden Shewmake1-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, BB
  2B Jake Gatewood0-for-0
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-4, CS (1)
CF Ismael Munguia0-for-4, K
.228/.341/.342 in 140 PA. After a hot start (was still hitting .300/.393/.400 on April 20th), Munguia has slumped.

RHP Jake Woodford: (W, 1-1) 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
3.63 ERA (22.1 IP, 26 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 5 HR, 10 BB, 19 K)
RHP McKinley Moore1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Kervin Castro1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.04 ERA (17.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 20 K). The 26-year-old with MLB experience is not a prospect, but pitching like this earns him a spot on the depth chart map. As a side note, during his 2021 debut season with the Giants, he compiled a 0.00 ERA in 13.1 innings. Remember that for a future Immaculate Grid (SF Giants, <3.00 season ERA).
RHP Colten Brewer (S, 2): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR


Somerset (12-15) (Defeated Richmond, 5-4)

1B Dylan Jasso2-for-6
After a hot end to April, Jasso started May 0-for-12. Good to see him put an end to that little slide.
2B DJ LeMahieu1-for-3, R, BB
LeMahieu has played only second base during his rehab stint. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. on the shelf, I doubt that changes much.
  PH-2B Jose Colmenares0-for-0, R, HBP
C Rafael Flores3-for-5, 2B (9), HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 R
As of this writing, Flores is tied for the league lead in doubles and leads with 23 RBI. It’s tight, so those rankings may change.  He is hitting .292 with a .892 OPS and has hit safely in nine of his last ten games (including four multi-hit efforts)
RF Garrett Martin2-for-5, 2B (5), RBI, R, 2 K
9 of his 15 hits have gone for extra bases (5 doubles, 4 HR). He also has 13 walks in 88 PA (14.8%).
3B Alexander Vargas1-for-5
CF Cole Gabrielson0-for-5, 3 K
LF Jared Wegner0-for-4, BB, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez3-for-4, 2B (1), BB
Gomez has struggled here. It’s nice to see him have a good game.
SS Max Burt2-for-5, RBI

RHP Gage Ziehl4 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
Ziehl was thrown into a tough situation today. Judging him based on this start is foolish. He did put up a pair of zeroes after allowing four runs in the first two innings.
LHP Will Brian: (W, 2-0)  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 7.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 8 K
RHP Kelly Austin1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Activated off the IL today, Austin immediately strikes out the side. Season: 8.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Cole Ayers (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Ayers escapes a bases-loaded, 2-out jam in the 9th.


Hudson Valley (18-8)

Their game against Jersey Shore was postponed. That is one way to stop George Lombard Jr.


Tampa (11-16) (Destroyed Ft. Myers, 12-4. 12 runs, 15 hits, 10 stolen bases. They have scored 12 runs on back-to-back days after struggling to score runs for much of the season (entered today tied for last in the Florida State League in runs))

C Edgleen Perez1-for-4, RBI, R, SB (3), HBP, K
.183/.366/.197 in 93 PA. The Yankees are doing the right thing with Perez by keeping him at this level and giving up as many plate appearances as possible. 
LF Brian Sanchez0-for-4, SF, RBI, K
DH Engelth Urena3-for-5, 2 2B (4), R, K
It hasn’t been consistent, but he has shown glimpses of the power people talk about. He is hitting .207/.349/.356 in 109 PA.
CF Dillon Lewis2-for-5, RBI, R, SB (7), 2 K
.198/.270/.341 in 100 PA. 
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-5, RBI, R, 2 SB (7), K
.250/.329/.333 in 85 PA (6 doubles, 13 RBI, 8 R, 7-for-10 SB, 11.8% BB, 21.2% K)
1B Tyler Wilson1-for-5, R, SB (8), 3 K
2B Austin Green1-for-3, SF, 3 RBI, R, 2 K
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-3, 3B (1), 3 R, 2 SB (7), BB, K
.308/.400/.365 in 60 PA. If last year’s 15th-round pick can develop a hit tool, he can be disruptive with his speed as he is 15-for-17 stealing bases in his 32-game career. You can see him as a Brett Gardner-type, while recognizing that most Brett Gardner types don’t overachieve like Brett Gardner!
SS Owen Cobb: 3-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, 3 R, 3 SB (4)
Cobb is 13-for-13 stealing bases during his 22-game career.

RHP Jonathan Loaisiga1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
We don’t get pitch breakdowns when Tampa plays at home (because they aren’t playing in Steinbrenner Field this year), but we do see velocity readings. Loaisiga reached 96 MPH today. He generated a whopping nine whiffs on 19 pitches.
RHP Cole Zaffiro2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Cade Austin: (W, 1-0) 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.09 ERA (11 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 9 K)
RHP Sean Hermann1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.57 ERA (15.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 17 BB, 16 K). Hermann is doing his usual ground ball thing, but oof – those walks. In his defense, he missed all of 2024 and is still likely on the comeback trail.
RHP Chris Veach1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.31 ERA (11.2 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 18 K). The first time he didn’t record a strikeout in his brief professional career.


FCL (0-1)

Day off. The FCL typically (always?) takes Sunday off.

Note: The FCL plays on Monday, unlike other affiliates. I don’t always post a report for FCL action alone. We’ll see.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/5: Spencer Jones Singles, Doubles

Notes:

Nothing to report


Scranton (4-4) (Lost to Syracuse, 7-4)

1B Dominic Smith0-for-4, K
LF Everson Pereira1-for-4, K
7-for-25 with four RBI. He is looking for his first extra-base hit. Given that extra-base power is his “thing,” I am not worried.
2B Jorbit Vivas1-for-4
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, R,  BB
.303/.395/.636 in 38 PA. 
C Ronaldo Hernandez0-for-4, K
3B Braden Shewmake0-for-3, R, BB
RF Grant Richardson1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
5-for-11 with a double, homer, 5 RBI, and 6 runs scored.
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, K
CF Duke Ellis0-for-3

RHP Sean Boyle (L, 0-2): 5 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, HR
RHP Eric Reyzelman2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 HR, 2 BB, 8 K
RHP McKinley Moore1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K


Somerset (1-1) (Defeated Hartford, 6-2)

2B Dylan Jasso1-for-3, 2 BB, K
Jasso’s first career game at second base.
CF Spencer Jones2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
How many times in his career have I written “2-for-4, 2 K” in a Spencer Jones stat line? I will gladly take the hits.
1B Rafael Flores3-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
In 67 Double-A games: .280/.362/.528 (14 doubles, 16 HR, 35 RBI, 41 R, 7-for-7 SB, 28 BB (9.9%), 75 K (26.6%)
C Jesus Rodriguez0-for-5, 2 K
DH Tyler Hardman1-for-4, R, 2 K
Before his 2023 injury, Hardman was hitting .237/.332/.558 with 26 HR in only 77 games at this level. Since coming back, the power hasn’t returned (8 HR in 76 games at this level).
RF Garrett Martin0-for-3, R, HBP, K
SS Jake Gatewood1-for-4, 2B (1), R, 3 K
LF Jared Wegner1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
3B Max Burt2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, SB (1)
Burt is grinding it out. The Yankees drafted him in the 28th round in 2018 out of Northeastern. He re-signed as a minor league free agent in March to begin his 7th season with the organization.

RHP Clarke Schmidt3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
52 pitches/37 strikes. This is what you wanted to see in his first rehab appearance.
LHP Edgar Barclay (W, 1-0): 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Harrison Cohen0.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
The 24-year-old was acquired from the Houston Astros for Caleb Ferguson last July (the Yankees also received international bonus pool money in the transaction). 


Hudson Valley (1-1) (Walked it off against Jersey Shore, 8-7)

RF Brendan Jones: 2-for-5, 3B (1), 3 RBI, R, SB (1), BB, K
For now, Jones is credited with a 3-run game-winning single. We’ll see if that holds, or if some shenanigans occurred. Either way, exciting walk-off win! 
SS George Lombard Jr.1-for-4, 3B (1), SF, RBI, R, 2 K
If the extra-base power shows up this year (as many expect), watch out.
CF Jackson Castillo1-for-4, RBI, R, BB, 2 K
The top of this batting order is enviously athletic. 
LF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2B (1), R, BB
DH Omar Martinez1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
3B Josh Moylan1-for-4, BB, K
1B Coby Morales1-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
C Antonio Gomez1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R
  C Tomas Frick2-for-2, 2B (1), R
Frick performed well for Tampa last year, hitting .250/.370/.368 in 173 plate appearances. It was his professional debut after being drafted in the 15th round in 2023.
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (2), 2 BB, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz4.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Rodriguez-Cruz was acquired from the Red Sox in exchange for catcher Carlos Narvaez. He is the type of “lottery ticket” arm you should target for a 40-man roster guy. Only 21, he went 5-5 with a 2.91 ERA in 89.2 IP between Low-A and High-A last season with a 102/43 K/BB.
RHP Sebastian Keane1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
The 6’6″ Merda missed the 2024 season. At this level in 2023, he went 3-6 with a 6.21 ERA in 21 games (20 starts), posting a 96/57 K/BB over 95.2 innings. The Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Another pitcher who missed the 2024 season. In 2023, at this level, he posted a 4.56 ERA in 79 IP with a 90/43 K/BB.


Tampa (2-0) (Defeated Lakeland, 7-6, in ten innings)

SS Roderick Arias0-for-4, 2 BB, 2 K
Even as I talk about Arias being a “raw” talent, he sneakily puts up solid BB rates (12.3% last year). 
C Edgleen Perez1-for-2, 2 R, BB
Perez is only 18 years old. He easily conquered the DSL and FCL, earning himself this challenge.  He is amongst the youngest players in the Florida State League (he is not the youngest. Andrew Salas (Marlins) holds that distinction).
   C Josue Gonzalez0-for-2, R, BB
CF Brian Sanchez0-for-5, R, BB, K
DH Engelth Urena1-for-3, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R, 3 BB, K
Urena’s 2023 injury stalled his timetable, but he is still only 20 years old.  In 40 FCL games last year, he hit 11 doubles and 8 HR while driving home 31. The power potential he possesses is legitimate
1B Parks Harber2-for-5, 2B (1), 3 RBI, BB, 2 K
After being drafted last year, Harber was assigned here. He hit .269/.389/.449 in 23 games with a homer and 19 RBI.
RF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-4, RBI, CS (1), 2 BB, K
LF Dillon Lewis2-for-5, 2B (1), R
2B Hans Montero1-for-5, 2 K
3B Juan Matheus0-for-3, SF, RBI, R, CS (1), BB

LHP Tanner Bauman4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
A day after Griffin Herring dazzled in his professional debut, Bauman turns in a solid effort in his debut. The 6’5″ 22-year-old was drafted in the 9th round in the 2024 draft.  For Auburn last year, he went 3-2 with a 4.57 ERA in 20 appearances (6 starts) with a 47/16 K/BB over 41.1 IP.
RHP Alex Bustamante: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Bustamente spent the entire 2024 season on the injured list.
RHP Cade Austin1.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Chris Veach2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
This is the professional debut for Veach, who the Yankees signed as an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina. This is the first time I am saying this in 2025: Don’t let an “undrafted” status sour you on a prospect. The draft is shorter nowadays, leaving a lot of talent out there for teams to sign.
RHP Gus Hughes: (W, 1-0)  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Hughes’ first professional appearance is a successful one. Drafted in the 18th round in 2024, the High Point graduate stands only 6’0″. Last season, as a starter, he went 6-4 with a 3.77 ERA in 102.2 IP with a 111/41 K/BB. A few High Point players have reached the big leagues, with reliever Cody Allen (Guardians, Angels) being the most successful.

 


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 8/17: Jasson Dominguez: 2 Hits, SB

News:

Nothing


Scranton (68-49) (Lost to Buffalo, 9-1)

3B Jorbit Vivas0-for-4
2B Caleb Durbin0-for-3, SB (23), BB, K
For Scranton: .299/.416/.469 in 259 PA (23-for-25 SB). Durbin will be in the mix for a 2025 job, and his ability to make contact (his swinging strike percentage is elite), steal bases, and play anywhere helps his profile. Is he an everyday MLB player for the Yankees? That question is not easily answered. He doesn’t need to be an everyday starter to be useful.
LF Jasson Dominguez2-for-3, SB (8), BB, K
Dominguez has multiple hits in two of his last three games and has four stolen bases in his last four games. This was his second consecutive start in LF.
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-4, 3 K
C Carlos Narvaez0-for-3, BB, 2 K
His 2025 role depends on how the Yankees view him: Do they think he is ready to be a #2 catcher? Or do they like him in the role of a #3 catcher? Remember that Kyle Higashioka dealt with this for a while (2017-2019) before settling into an MLB backup role.
CF Taylor Trammell1-for-4, 2B (17), RS
RF Jahmai Jones1-for-4, K
DH J.C. Escarra1-for-3, K
  P Peter Serruto1-for-1
SS Kevin Smith1-for-4, 2B (13), RBI, 3 K

LHP Josh Maciejewski: (L, 1-2)  4.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
LHP Victor Gonzalez1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Nick Burdi1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
Burdi may be the “next one up” over Scott Effross, but who knows? 
RHP Joey Gerber1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
Gerber, a 27-year-old rehab project, pitched well in Somerset (1.76 ERA in 15.1 IP with an 18/8 K/BB)
RHP Peter Serruto1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Normally a catcher, Serruto is 2-for-4 at the plate while making two appearances on the hill (0.00 ERA). 


Somerset (57-55) (Defeated Hartford, 3-2, in 10 innings)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (20), RS, K
Jones is 15-for-54 (.278) with four doubles and two home runs in August.  He has seven multi-hit efforts in his last 16 games.
C Jesus Rodriguez0-for-4, RBI
DH Rafael Flores1-for-4, K
Flores has a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-17; 1 double, 2 HR)
1B Tyler Hardman1-for-4, RBI, 3 K
RF Elijah Dunham0-for-4, 3 K
2B Anthony Seigler0-for-4, RS, CS (3), 2 K
Seigler scored the winning run in the top of the 10th (as a “Manfred runner”) on a wild pitch.
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-4, SB (5)
Vargas has hit safely in seven of his last eight games and is 14-for-48 (.292) with a double, two triples, and a home run in August.
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Max Burt1-for-3, RS, 2 SB (9), HBP, 2 K

LHP Ben Shields4.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Since promotion: 2.72 ERA (36.1 IP, 31 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 44 K). Overall, in 90.1 IP, he owns a 116/26 K/BB. He is quite a find by the scouting department.
RHP Danny Watson1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Lou Trivino1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Trivino’s second rehab appearance.
RHP Sean Boyle: (W, 1-0) 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: (S, 3)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 3.07 ERA (14.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 21 K)


Hudson Valley (58-53) (Lost to Hickory, 4-2)

CF Jace Avina0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, SB (2), BB, K
Since promotion: 4-for-40 (2 RBI, 5 BB, 10 K, 2-for-3 SB). Overall, he is hitting .217/.330/.320 in 412 PA with 32 stolen bases in 37 attempts.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4
LF Garrett Martin1-for-4, 2B (12), CS (2), K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso0-for-3, K
DH Antonio Gomez1-for-2, HR (4), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
.239/.317/.450 in 125 PA (9 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 20 R, 8.8% BB, 26.4% K). He is hitting .368/.455/.711 (14-for-38) in August.
RF Anthony Hall0-for-3, K
2B Brenny Escanio1-for-3, SB (8), CS (3), K

RHP Cade Smith: (L, 0-1)  3.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Since his promotion: 8 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 7 K. Between here and Tampa: 3.65 ERA (93.2 IP, 63 H, 44 R, 38 ER, 6 HR, 43 BB, 118 K)
RHP Matt Keating2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Kelly Austin1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Since being acquired: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Mason Vinyard2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.18 ERA (39.2 IP, 29 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 54 K)


Tampa (46-64) (Defeated Clearwater, 9-4)

CF Brendan Jones2-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Jones is 7-for-24 (2 doubles, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 7 R, 11 BB, 8 K, 5-for-5 SB) to begin his professional career.
SS Roderick Arias2-for-4, HR (10), RBI, RS, BB
Arias has homered in two of his last three games and has three multi-hit efforts in his last four games. Can he go on a late-season hot streak? We’ll see.
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, 2B (19), 2 RBI
Montero has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games. 
DH Tyler Wilson0-for-3, SF, RBI, BB
2B Hans Montero0-for-4, BB, K
1B Coby Morales0-for-4, HBP, K
LF Joe Delossantos3-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RS, SB (2), BB, K
This is a career night for Delossantos (only his 9th game). He is 7-for-27 with a pair of doubles and stolen bases.
C Josue Gonzalez2-for-4, 2 RS, BB, K
3B Owen Cobb1-for-5, 2B (1), RBI, RS, 2 K

RHP Gabriel Barbosa4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
5.12 ERA (103.2 IP, 105 H, 64 R, 59 ER, 11 HR, 34 BB, 107 K)
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Cade Austin1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Austin’s first appearance since June 21st. He owns a 4.24 ERA (40.1 IP, 31 H, 22 R, 19 ER, 13 BB, 43 K). This is his debut campaign.
RHP Matt Givin1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
RHP Chris Kean1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-36) (Lost to DSL Rangers Blue, 6-1)

SS Dexters Peralta0-for-2, CS (4), HBP, 2 BB
C Luis Puello3-for-5, K
.367/.445/.525 in 137 PA. He has four 3-hit efforts this season.
CF Isael Arias2-for-4, RS, 2 K
.246/.379/.325 in 140 PA (10-for-11 SB)

LHP Marco Manzano3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
4.55 ERA (27.2 IP, 22 H, 25 R, 14 ER, 0 HR, 23 BB, 31 K)


DSL Bombers (29-24) (Lost to DSL Colorado, 10-9. If their playoff dreams aren’t dead, they are close to being so)

CF Francisco Vilorio0-for-5, K
.193/.288/.343 in 160 PA.
C Queni Pineda0-for-1, RS, 3 BB
.248/.431/.408 in 167 PA (40 BB/37 K)
2B Christofer Reyes1-for-5, RS
3B Luis Escudero1-for-5, 2B (5), 2 RBI, RS
1B Carlos Villarroel2-for-4, 2B (7), 2 RS, K
DH Justin Capellan1-for-4, 2B (12), RS, SB (10), K
.229/.363/.331 in 146 PA (12 doubles, 21 RBI, 10-for-12 SB). This is the 18-year-old’s debut campaign.
RF Richard Meran2-for-3, 2B (5), RBI, RS, SB (7), BB
LF David Carrera2-for-5, 2 RBI
SS Kevin Verde3-for-5, 2 RBI, RS

RHP Jerson Alejandro (L, 1-5): 3 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
5.02 ERA (37.2 IP, 23 H, 24 R, 21 ER, 0 HR, 34 BB, 57 K). Like many big teenagers, it’s all about command/control.
LHP Jose Ledesma2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

Yankees MILB 8/8: Caleb Durbin Drives in 3

News:

Nothing.


Scranton (61-47) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 8-1, in the completion of last night’s suspended game. The second game of tonight’s doubleheader was postponed due to rain)

DH Caleb Durbin: 2-for-4, 2B (18), SF, 3 RBI, K
Including his time in Somerset/Tampa, Durbin has 20 doubles in 56 games.
CF Jasson Dominguez1-for-5, RBI, K
Dominguez is 6-for-32 (.188) since his latest comeback. From a statistical standpoint, that is the most important thing to watch.
3B Jorbit Vivas1-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, BB
For Scranton: .244/.383/.376 in 246 PA (15.0% BB, 17.5% K)
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-3, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
RF Taylor Trammell1-for-4, HR (11), RBI, RS, K
Trammell has 5 HR in his last eight games.
LF Jahmai Jones: 2-for-2, 2 2B (2), 4 RS, 2 BB
C J.C. Escarra1-for-1, 2B (5), RBI, 2 RS, 3 BB
Escarra is 17-for-46 (.370/.517/.543) since his promotion with 12 walks and 6 strikeouts. His journey is fascinating. He did some catching in college but the Orioles took him away from the position when they drafted him. Over the past few years, he has toiled in the independent/winter leagues, where he took up catching again. It could be his ticket to some MLB playing time. Until Jose Trevino returns, he is probably the #3 catcher (though they may view Ben Rice that way). The only other catcher on the Scranton roster is the little-used (as in 2 career plate appearances) Peter Serruto.
DH Josh VanMeter0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K

LHP Tanner Tully2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
“Why do they sign pitchers like Tully?” To eat minor league innings. With injuries, promotions, innings limits, etc., you need veteran arms in the minors. It’s that simple.
RHP Phil Bickford (W, 3-4);  1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Alex Mauricio1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
1.60 ERA (33.2 IP, 24 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 38 K)
RHP Ron Marinaccio1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
I had a discussion on Discord about Marinaccio the other day. To me, the Yankees like him as a shuttle reliever and not a full-time MLB reliever. This is his last option year (unless he qualifies for an extra option next year) so they will likely try to trade him before Opening Day 2025.


Somerset (53-51)

Their game against Binghamton was postponed. I wouldn’t be enthusiastic about tomorrow. Smartly, they scheduled a doubleheader for Saturday.


Hudson Valley (54-49) (Defeated Brooklyn, 4-3, in ten innings)

2B Roc Riggio0-for-4, RS, SB (18), BB, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, BB, K
CF Jace Avina2-for-4, 2B (23), RBI, K
Avina has three multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
C Omar Martinez0-for-4, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso0-for-3, RS, BB
DH Antonio Gomez1-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, RS, BB, K
Gomez has a 7-game hitting streak that features 6 doubles, a triple, and a home run. He has a .761 OPS  (.492 prior to this streak. That is not a typo).
RF Garrett Martin1-for-4, RBI, SB (11)
LF Christopher Familia0-for-4, RS, 3 K
3B Brenny Escanio1-for-3, BB

RHP Baron Stuart4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
RHP Sebastian Keane2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
4.71 ERA (72.2 IP, 65 H, 39 R, 38 ER, 6 HR, 36 BB, 72 K). 
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Gabonia’s High-A debut. He pitched to a 4.01 ERA in 49.1 IP for Tampa with a 55/13 K/BB.
RHP Harrison Cohen: (W, 1-0) 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K


Tampa (42-60) (Lost to Daytona, 6-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, SB (2), BB, 2 K
It can’t just be me who has Brett Gardner dreams when the Yankees draft a speedy center fielder.
SS Roderick Arias0-for-4, 3 K
RF Willy Montero1-for-3, BB
LF Tyler Wilson1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, RS, HBP
Wilson’s first professional hit is a home run. It went 384 feet at 103.5 MPH. In case you don’t read this every night (horrors!), he was their 8th round pick out of Grand Canyon. He is a switch-hitter who hit the HR batting left-handed.
2B Austin Green1-for-4, SB (1), 2 K
Green’s first professional hit!
3B Hans Montero0-for-3, BB, K
1B Coby Morales1-for-3, BB, 2 K
DH Parks Harber0-for-4, 2 K
C Josue Gonzalez0-for-3, BB

RHP Andrew Landry: (L, 0-1) 2.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
The results aren’t as important as the experience. The 22-year-old has 14.2 professional innings to his name.
LHP Rafelin Nivar2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Luis Arejula2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Arejula was moved down here from Hudson Valley, where he pitched to a 2.90 ERA in 40.1 IP with a 38/21 K/BB. Because he was demoted to Tampa, we can look at some data. He pumped his fastball up to 95.5 MPH and seems to feature a 3-pitch mix (4-seamer, slider, changeup).
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-29) (Lost to the DSL Phillies White, 10-2)

SS Dexters Peralta1-for-3, 2B (7), RS, BB, K
CF Isael Arias2-for-3, RBI
1B Diego Flores1-for-3, RBI, SB (2)
The 17-year-old is 6-for-31 in his debut campaign. He is listed as a catcher (has played 3 innings behind the plate so far)


DSL Bombers (26-21) (Defeated the DSL Phillies Red, 7-2)

CF Francisco Vilorio0-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K
RF David Carrera1-for-4, 2 RS, SB (10), K
The 17-year-old is having a nice debut season: .271/.406/.412 in 106 PA with a 10-for-12 SB rate.
LF Remy Veldhuisen1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
3B Rafael Martinez2-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, SB (3)

RHP Mariano Salomon (W, 4-1): 5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K
Salomon’s first carrer 10+ strikeout game. He owns a 1.51 ERA in 41.2 IP with a 50/10 K/BB. That’s awesome, but he isn’t young (22 years old). 

Yankees MILB 8/7: Zach Messinger Tosses 7 Scoreless Innings

News:

The Yankees have dipped in “organizational” prospect rankings. Do I worry about that? No. I thought they wouldn’t be very high on the preseason rankings. I consider the latest lists to be a market correction.


Scranton (60-47) (Lead Lehigh Valley, 3-0, in the third inning. This game was suspended. Game 2 was postponed. These games are being played in Bethlehem, which (like most of us) will be impacted by a tropical storm over the next few days)

DH Caleb Durbin0-for-1, SF, RBI, K
CF Jasson Dominguez0-for-2, K
3B Jorbit Vivas1-for-2, 2B (9), RBI
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-1, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-1, RBI, BB
RF Taylor Trammell0-for-2
LF Jahmai Jones0-for-0, RS, BB
C J.C. Escarra0-for-0, RS, BB
DH Josh VanMeter0-for-0, RS, BB

LHP Tanner Tully2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Somerset (53-51) (Defeated Binghamton, 5-0)

LF Greg Allen1-for-3, K
Allen’s first game since June 13th.
  LF Jared Wegner0-for-1
CF Spencer Jones0-for-3, CS (8), BB, K
C Jesus Rodriguez0-for-4, 3 K
Rodriguez is 10-for-53 (.189) since his promotion with 15 strikeouts. No need to make a judgment based on 14 games and he missed a lot of time due to injury.
DH Rafael Flores: 3-for-4, 2B (7), HR (9), RBI, 2 RS, K
Flores has homered 4 times in his last 7 games (including back-to-back games). Since promotion: .267/.351/.527 in 148 PA. Overall, he has 24 doubles and 15 home runs in 381 PA between here and Hudson Valley.
1B Tyler Hardman1-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
RF Elijah Dunham1-for-4, HR (11), 3 RBI, RS
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-2, RS, HBP, BB, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 3-for-4, 3B (4), SB (4), CS (6)
Vargas is hitting .258/.690 OPS since his promotion.
SS Max Burt0-for-2, SB (5), BB

RHP Zach Messinger: (W, 4-8)  7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Messinger did his best Greg Maddux impersonation, getting through seven innings with 74 pitches.  This was his second consecutive 7-inning effort. Season: 3.40 ERA (121.2 IP, 98 H, 63 R, 46 ER, 7 HR, 39 BB, 114 K).  Last 4 games: 25.2 IP, 18 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 7 BB, 14 K.
RHP McKinley Moore0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Colby White1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 2.38 ERA (11.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 18 K). Impressive.


Hudson Valley (53-49) (Split a doubleheader against Brooklyn)

Game 1 (Lost, 3-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, BB, K
Lombard Jr.’s first High-A game.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 K
C Omar Martinez1-for-3, K
DH Josh Moylan0-for-1
  PH-DH Garrett Martin0-for-2
You don’t typically replace a DH after one plate appearance, so something must have happened with Moylan.
1B Dylan Jasso1-for-3, BB, K
  PR-3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-0
RF Jackson Castillo2-for-4, 2 K
Castillo earns his first two High-A hits.
LF Christopher Familia0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
3B-1B Kiko Romero1-for-2, 2B (11), 2 BB, K

LHP Kyle Carr4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
5.44 ERA (81 IP, 79 H, 58 R, 49 ER, 5 HR, 48 BB, 75 K). Last 4 starts: 19 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 8 BB, 20 K.  We could see him in Somerset to start 2025. 
RHP Matt Keating2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
4.34 ERA (58 IP, 40 H, 31 R, 28 ER, 8 HR, 24 BB, 69 K). 
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr. (L, 0-1): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Yorlin Calderon0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Won, 7-0)

2B Roc Riggio1-for-3, 2B (19), 3 RBI, BB, K
Riggio was pulled for a pinch-runner after his 2-run double. We’ll just have to monitor that.
   PR-3B Kiko Romero0-for-0
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, RBI, K
I fully support the promotion. That said, he is a teenager trying High-A for the first time. If he struggles, that’s fine. The Yankees feel he is mature enough to handle that struggle.
DH Jace Avina0-for-4, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso1-for-3, RS, BB, K
C Antonio Gomez2-for-3, 3B (1), 2 RS, BB
Gomez increases his hitting streak to 6 (11-for-21, so this isn’t a garden variety streak!). He has seven extra-base hits (5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR) during the streak (at least one extra-base hit in each game).
CF Jackson Castillo1-for-3, 2 RS, BB, K
Castillo has a solid double-header in his High-A debut.
RF Garrett Martin0-for-1, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
LF Anthony Hall0-for-3, RBI, K
3B-2B Brenny Escanio0-for-1, RBI, 2 BB

RHP Blane Abeyta2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kelly Austin: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.50 ERA (36 IP, 28 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 20 BB, 49 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Sean Boyle1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Tampa (42-59) (Lost to Daytona, 5-4)

LF Marshall Toole0-for-4, SB (1), BB, 2 K
SS Roderick Arias0-for-4, BB, 2 K
.221/.322/.363 in 435 PA. Something is to be said for staying healthy and getting 500+ plate appearances, which he is on pace for. Whether he learns from the plate appearances is the question we need answered.
CF Willy Montero1-for-3, RS, BB, K
.252/.307/.370 in 374 PA (15 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 48 RBI, 49 R, 9-for-10 SB). Montero has a 22.2% K, which is pretty good.
3B Hans Montero1-for-2, RS, SB (11), 2 BB
.218/.318/.347 in 274 PA. 
RF Coby Morales3-for-4, RBI, RS, CS (6)
Morales has four 3-hit efforts this season. 
1B Parks Harber: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 3B (1), 2 RBI, K
Professional debut for Harber, who was signed as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina. He is a 22-year-old right-handed bat who hit .343/.425/.648 with 20 HR and 63 RBI in 61 games for the Tar Heels this season. He spent most of his collegiate career playing for Georgia.
C Manuel Palencia0-for-2
Palencia’s first game since May 28th. 
  C Diomedes Hernandez0-for-2
DH Joe Delossantos0-for-3, SB (1), BB
2B Owen Cobb1-for-4, RS, SB (2), 3 K
Cobb’s first professional hit. Congrats!

RHP Bryce Warrecker: (L, 1-4) 4.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Matt Givin1.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Chris Kean1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Osiel Rodriguez1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.41 ERA (52.1 IP, 27 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 7 HR, 26 BB, 61 K). Rodriguez has floated under the radar but has pitched well. 


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-28) (Defeated the DSL Twins, 14-4, in the conclusion of a game from July)

SS Dexters Peralta2-for-5, 2B (5), 3 RS, 3 SB (17), BB, 2 K
.236/.317/.333 in 161 PA (6 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 25-for-28 SB). A reminder that the boxscore is retroactive to the day the game was started. Anyway, I am intrigued by Peralta though the journey is long.
3B Richard Matic2-for-3, 2B (5), 3 RS, 2 SB (4)
.213/.353/.279 in 150 PA (8 doubles, 13 RBI, 19 R, 6-for-8 SB)
C Luis Puello2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 RS
LF Gabriel Lara2-for-6, RBI, RS, 2 K
RF Estivenzon Montero2-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
Montero’s first professional home run.
1B Johan Contreras2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K

LHP Ronald Tejada1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
The 17-year-old owns a 1.21 ERA and 22/10 K/BB over 22.1 IP in his debut season.


DSL Bombers (25-21)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 8/4: Spencer Jones Homers, Doubles Twice

News:

Nothing.


Scranton (60-47) (Defeated Louisville, 5-2. Scranton is having a season where their overall record is good, but they didn’t win the first half and are currently behind in the second half).

DH Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, SB (4), K
For Scranton: .302/.343/.460 in 67 PA. Since his most recent comeback from injury: 5-for-27 (.185) with one extra-base hit (double). Patience.
2B Jorbit Vivas0-for-3, BB
SS Oswald Peraza2-for-4, 2 HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
.243/.348/.376 in 265 PA (9 doubles, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 38 R, 16-for-20 SB). Peraza has 6 HR in his last 12 games. Before this stretch, his triple slash was .229/.344/.279. 
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-1, HBP, 2 BB
CF Taylor Trammell1-for-3, RBI, CS (3), BB, K
RF Jahmai Jones0-for-4, 2 K
Jones cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton.
C J.C. Escarra1-for-3, RS, BB
Since promotion: .356/.482/.511 in 56 PA with more walks (9) than strikeouts (6).
3B Kevin Smith1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
LF Josh VanMeter0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Edgar Barclay: (W, 5-8)  7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
6.22 ERA (102.2 IP, 109 H, 76 R, 71 ER, 22 HR, 50 BB, 91 K). Last 4 starts: 23 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 BB, 21 K
LHP Tim Mayza1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K


Somerset (52-50) (Swept a doubleheader against Bowie. The Patriots are 20-13 in the second half as they make a push for the playoffs (1 game out))

Game 1 (Won, 4-1. Because this was the conclusion of a suspended game from last night, it went the full nine innings)

DH Caleb Durbin0-for-3, 2 BB
Durbin is only 3-for-24 since being placed here but has six walks and only three strikeouts.
CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, BB, K
1B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-4, 2 K
Since promotion: 9-for-45 (.200) with three home runs. He missed a month due to injury.
C Rafael Flores1-for-3, RS, BB, K
3B Tyler Hardman0-for-3, RS, BB, K
RF Elijah Dunham1-for-4, 2B (17), 2 RBI, RS, K
LF Grant Richardson0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler1-for-2, HR (9), RBI, RS, 2 BB
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-4, K

RHP Colby White2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Ben Shields: (W, 2-1)  6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, HR
Since promotion: 1.95 ERA (27.2 IP, 22 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 30 K). Overall, he owns a 3.20 ERA in 81.2 IP (65 H, 37 R, 29 ER, 7 HR, 22 BB, 102 K). His ERA was hurt by an emergency appearance in Scranton, where he allowed 9 runs in 1.2 IP.
RHP Joey Gerber (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Game 2 (Won, 6-1. This was a 7-inning game)

CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-4, 2 2B (19), HR (13), 4 RBI, RS
Jones is hitting .245 with a .758 OPS in 402 PA (19 doubles, 3 triples, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 55 R, 21-for-27 SB, 10.9% BB, 36.6% K). This is the 5th time this season he has compiled 6+ total bases. His high is 11, set on June 30th.
1B Tyler Hardman1-for-4, RS
C Rafael Flores1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, K
Flores has brought a power game with him to Somerset. He has 6 doubles and 7 HR in 32 games (17 singles).
DH Elijah Dunham1-for-4, RS
RF Grant Richardson1-for-4, 2B (22), SB (12)
2B Anthony Seigler0-for-4, K
LF Jared Wegner1-for-2, RS, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-2, RS, BB
3B Max Burt1-for-2, RS, BB

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 8-7)  5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
5.22 ERA (112 IP, 116 H, 68 R, 65 ER, 10 HR, 37 BB, 103 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 10.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 16 K. The Yankees set their bullpen for 2024 at the deadline (Reyzelman was a long-shot candidate regardless), but he should be in the mix sometime in 2025.
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Stevens allows his second career HR (43.2 IP). 


Hudson Valley (52-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 7-5)

2B Roc Riggio1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
.217/.342/.382 in 364 PA (18 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 30 RBI, 56 R, 14.0% BB, 17.3% K, 17-for-22 SB). His BABIP hasn’t normalized much this season (.248). 
CF Jace Avina1-for-3, RS, HBP
.250/.329/.403 in 365 PA (22 doubles, 9 HR, 44 RBI, 43 R, 8.8% BB, 26.3% K). Last season, he owned a 29.6% K in Low-A (for the Brewers’ organization)
1B Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, 2 HR (13), 4 RBI, 2 RS
Martinez’s third career multi-HR game (he had a 3-HR effort on August 1, 2023). He is hitting .236/.367/.419 in 346 PA. 
C Antonio Gomez2-for-4, 2B (8), RS, K
Gomez has three multi-hit efforts in his last five games and has doubled in five straight contests. 
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, RS, K
3B Kiko Romero0-for-4, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson0-for-1, RS, SB (12), 2 BB, HBP
DH Anthony Hall0-for-4, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-4, SB (5)

RHP Trent Sellers4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
12 up, 12 down. His ERA is now 2.40 (63.2 IP, 34 H, 25 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 30 BB, 74 K). He has four no-hit performances in his last five games (17.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 18 K). That’s an impressive run.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 5-2) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.60 ERA (35 IP, 28 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 20 BB, 48 K)
LHP Joel Valdez0.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
It has been a rehab year for Cohen. Will he get to Somerset this year? He did get there briefly in 2023.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.53 ERA (35.2 IP, 32 H, 19 R, 14 ER, 6 HR, 11 BB, 39 K)
RHP Sebastian Keane (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.84 ERA (70.2 IP, 64 H, 39 R, 38 ER, 6 HR, 35 BB, 69 K). Keane started most of the season. They could be limiting his innings down the stretch.


Tampa (43-56)

Their game against Lakeland was canceled due to Tropical Storm Debby. It will not be made up.


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (15-27) 

Scheduled day off.


DSL Bombers (23-21) 

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 8/3: Oswald Peraza Homers Again

News:

Nothing.


Scranton (59-47) (Lost to Louisville, 8-2)

CF Jasson Dominguez1-for-5, 2B (4), RS, 2 K
When the big club plays well, there is less pressure to move Dominguez quickly. Let him get in as many plate appearances as he needs to get back into a groove. By the way, one of Dominguez’s outs was hit 407 feet at 106.2 MPH.
3B Jorbit Vivas0-for-3, BB, K
.246/.383/.377 in 271 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 31 R, 12.9% BB, 15.9% K, 12-for-17 SB)
SS Oswald Peraza1-for-3, HR (5), 2 RBI, RS, HBP
A 394-foot/104 MPH HR for Peraza, who is hitting .239/.346/.347 in 261 PA for Scranton and has three home runs in his last seven games.
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
DH Taylor Trammell1-for-3, HR (10), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 K
Trammell has four home runs in his last six games. He is hitting .244/.366/.488 in 246 PA with 10 homers and 10 stolen bases.
RF Oscar Gonzalez2-for-4, 2B (15), 2 RS, K
C J.C. Escarra1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
2B Kevin Smith1-for-4, 2B (12), RBI, RS, 2 K
LF Josh VanMeter1-for-2, 2B (10), SF, 2 RBI, BB

RHP Yoendrys Gomez2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.03 ERA (58 IP, 41 H, 27 R, 26 ER, 7 HR, 34 BB, 64 K). It’s been a weird season for Gomez, who I expect the Yankees trade at some point before Opening Day, 2025.
RHP Duane Underwood Jr. (W, 3-1): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Alex Mauricio0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Nick Burdi1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Burdi’s fastball maxed out at 96.3.
RHP Scott Effross2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
A much-needed clean effort. For Scranton: 14.2 IP, 16 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 12 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K


Somerset (50-50) (Lead Bowie, 1-0, in the third inning. The game was suspended due to rain)

DH Caleb Durbin0-for-1
CF Spencer Jones0-for-1
1B Jesus Rodriguez0-for-1
C Rafael Flores0-for-1
3B Tyler Hardman0-for-1, K
RF Elijah Dunham0-for-1
LF Grant Richardson0-for-1, K
2B Anthony Seigler1-for-1, HR (9), RBI, RS
Seigler will have two HR in his last four games once this becomes official.
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-0

RHP Colby White2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K


Hudson Valley (51-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 8-3)

2B Roc Riggio0-for-5, 2 K
CF Jace Avina1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
1B Omar Martinez1-for-3, RS, BB, K
C Antonio Gomez: 3-for-4, 2B (7), HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
Gomez is 7-for-14 in his last four games.
3B Kiko Romero0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin0-for-3, SF, RBI
DH Christopher Familia2-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, RS, K
LF Anthony Hall: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, RS, K

RHP Baron Stuart: (W, 6-3)  5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.02 ERA (80.2 IP, 74 H, 37 R, 36 ER, 4 HR, 29 BB, 71 K)
RHP Sean Boyle2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Cole Ayers1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Balboni’s organizational debut. The 24-year-old was the “other guy” in the Enyel De Los Santos – Brandon Lockridge transaction.


Tampa (43-56) (Split a doubleheader against Lakeland. They are now 18-15 in the second half)

Game 1 (Won, 4-3)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Roderick Arias1-for-3, RS
1B Dylan Jasso0-for-2, RS, BB
CF Jackson Castillo1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS
RF Willy Montero1-for-3
3B Hans Montero1-for-3, RBI
C Josue Gonzalez1-for-3
Since promotion: .255/.317/.314 in 60 PA.
DH Coby Morales0-for-2, RS, SB (24), BB, 2 K
LF Joe Delossantos1-for-3, 2 K
Delossantos, their 10th-round pick out of William & Mary, earns his first professional hit. 

RHP Josh Grosz5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
For Tampa: 4.00 ERA (78.2 IP, 73 H, 50 R, 35 ER, 9 HR, 29 BB, 95 K). He made emergency starts for Hudson Valley and Somerset earlier this year which didn’t go well. He wasn’t ready for it. Since returning from the start for Somerset, he’s been dominant.
RHP Chris Kean: (W, 1-0)  0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
His Low-A debut wasn’t a long one, but he earned the win. He threw 24 pitches, maxing out at 94.4. He mixed in a slider and curve.
RHP Aaron Nixon (S, 4): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.09 ERA (50.2 IP, 31 H, 27 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 38 BB, 53 K)

Game 2 (Lost, 6-5)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, SB (30)
.232/.344/.348 in 366 PA (17 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, 37 RBI, 46 R, 30-for-34 SB, 12.8% BB, 24.0% K)
DH Roderick Arias0-for-4, 3 K
.226/.321/.370 in 424 PA (15 doubles, 7 triples, 8 HR, 55 RBI, 58 R, 27-for-38 SB, 11.6% BB, 32.5% K). Lombard and Arias are within one point of each other in OPS. 
1B Dylan Jasso0-for-3, RS, BB
LF Jackson Castillo1-for-4, RBI
CF Willy Montero2-for-3, RBI, RS
3B Hans Montero1-for-3, RS, 2 K
RF Coby Morales1-for-1, RS, 2 SB (26), 2 BB
Your reminder that Morales stole one base in 104 college games.
C Diomedes Hernandez0-for-3, 2 K
2B Owen Cobb0-for-2, SB (1), BB, 2 K
The 23-year-old Cobb was drafted by the Padres in 2019 but did not sign (39th round, which no longer exists). After attending Stanford, the Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent this year. In 55 games for the Cardinal, he hit .320/.363/.500 with 7 homers and 33 RBI. In his five years, he hit .306/.353/.458 in 546 PA with 13 homers and 69 RBI. While he played other positions in his college career, he spent his entire 5th year at second base.

RHP Cade Smith3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
3.47 ERA (85.2 IP, 59 H, 39 R, 33 ER, 5 HR, 40 BB, 111 K). I am always nervous when a pitcher is pulled, but this is his debut season so they might be controlling his innings. Anyway, Smith is trying to build off a strong July (1.35 ERA; 20 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 8 BB, 28 K)
RHP Osiel Rodriguez2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.49 ERA (50.2 IP, 27 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 26 BB, 59 K). Rodriguez wasn’t picked in the 2023 Rule 5 draft and it seems doubtful he will be picked in 2024, but you never know.
LHP Rafelin Nivar0.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: (L, 1-1)  0.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Matt Givin : 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (15-27) (Lost to DSL Mets Orange, 6-2)

SS Dexters Peralta0-for-3, BB, 3 K
3B Richard Matic1-for-4, RS, SB (4)
CF Isael Arias1-for-3, RBI
2B Jelson Coca1-for-2, 3B (2), RS, SB (3), BB

RHP Jorge Luna2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
2.04 ERA (35.1 IP, 23 H, 13 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 43 K)
RHP Oscar Vasquez3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K


DSL Bombers (23-21) (Lost to DSL Mets Blue, 2-1)

CF Francisco Vilorio1-for-3, HBP, K
LF Richard Meran2-for-2, CS (2), HBP
RF David Carrera1-for-3, RBI, K
Only 17, Carrera is hitting .266/.404/.405 in 99 PA (debut season)

RHP Jerson Alejandro4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
The 6’6″ RHP puts together a dominating performance. He owns a 4.45 ERA (30.1 IP, 17 H, 18 R, 15 ER, 0 HR, 28 BB, 50 K)

Yankees MILB 9/10: Estevan Florial: 2 HR, 6 RBI

News:

As I suspected, veterans Matt Bowman and Anthony Misiewicz were called up today. We’ll see if this is permanent or temporary. This is a good time to get Will Warren and Clayton Beeter some innings in MLB, even as long relievers.

Beeter may have the inside track as he needs to be protected this winter while Warren does not need to be.

Scranton (67-68; 33-28 in the second half) (Crushed Columbus, 13-2)

LF Estevan Florial3-for-5, 2 HR (28), 6 RBI, 4 RS, BB, 2 K
Florial has hit two home runs four times this season. He sets a new personal best with the six RBI and has 79 RBI this season. The 28 homers lead the organization. He is building up his resume for other teams to look at for 2024. Should he get AB instead of someone like Jake Bauers at this point? Of course. Just reward the kid for playing well while being stuck in purgatory all year.
1B Andres Chaparro2-for-5, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Chaparro is up to 83 RBI, which continue to lead the organization.
RF Franchy Cordero2-for-6, 2 RBI, K
DH Jamie Westbrook1-for-4, SF, HBP, RBI
3B Jake Lamb1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, K
C Josh Breaux1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, BB
Breaux has 7 HR in 47 career Triple-A games.
CF Brandon Lockridge0-for-4, RS, BB
2B Wilmer Difo3-for-3, 4 RS, 2 BB, SB (20), CS (9)
SS Jesus Bastidas: 2-for-4, 2 RS, HBP, K

LHP Edgar Barclay: (W, 1-3)  5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
Barclay’s best performance since his promotion. He ties his personal best for strikeouts in a game (previously done on 8/13/2021)
RHP Aaron McGarity1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Michael Gomez1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Zach McAllister1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (79-52; 37-26 in the second half) (Defeated Erie, 8-5. I have said a few times that their season ends today. Nope – they still have one regular season week before the playoffs)

SS Trey Sweeney1-for-4, RS, BB, K, SB (17)
Sweeney is 2-for-15 since coming off of the injured list. Could he still get to Scranton for a week? Maybe.
C Ben Rice2-for-4, HR (15), RBI, RS, BB, K
At this level: .343/.404/.674 in 198 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR, 45 RBI, 35 R). Overall, Rice has 19 homers and 65 RBI in 68 games. One can only imagine what kind of season he could have had if not for injury.
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-5, 2B (13), RBI, RS, K
DH Grant Richardson: 3-for-3, HR (3), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Richardson, who hit .204/.306/.389 with 13 HR for Hudson Valley, is 12-for-35 with three homers since moving to Somerset. The 16 HR tie his personal best, set last year.
CF Elijah Dunham0-for-3, BB, K
2B Mickey Gasper1-for-4, HR (6), 3 RBI, RS
RF Jeisson Rosario1-for-4, HR (10), RBI, RS, K
.222/.360/.365 in 409 PA.
3B Max Burt1-for-4, RS, K, SB (17)
LF Aaron Palensky0-for-3, BB

RHP Richard Fitts (W, 10-5): 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, 2 HR
3.58 ERA (146 IP, 127 H, 59 R, 58 ER, 22 HR, 42 BB, 152 K). One could worry a bit about his HR rate as a right-handed arm trying to get to Yankee Stadium, but his overall profile in 2023 is a solid one. I think the homers come down to the reports that he sometimes loses his command inside the strike zone.
RHP Bailey Dees1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo (S, 1): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (70-62; 31-35 in the second half)  (Lost to Jersey Shore, 10-9, in 11 innings. They begin their playoff journey on Tuesday)

RF Anthony Hall0-for-6, K
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-6, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-5, RBI, RS, BB, K, 2 SB (6)
One of the reasons why they are likely moving him around the field is because he has some athleticism. This season, he stole 21 bases in 25 attempts between here and Tampa. You will see him in Somerset in 2024.
DH Antonio Gomez3-for-5, RBI, 2 RS, K
Nice to see Gomez have a strong effort on the final day of the regular season.
  PH-DH Luis Santos0-for-0, BB
2B Ben Cowles3-for-5, 2B (18), 2 RS, SB (23)
After a big August, Cowles cooled off in September so this game is much-needed heading into the playoffs.
1B Spencer Henson2-for-6, HR (14), 3 RBI, RS, 3 K
Henson finishes the season with 17 doubles, 14 HR, and 48 RBI in 82 games.
C Rafael Flores2-for-5, RS, BB, K
Flores tapped into some power towards the end of the season. It will be interesting to see if that continues into 2024.
LF Jared Wegner1-for-3, RBI
  LF Kyle Battle: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, RS, K
  Not a bad way to end your campaign. 
CF Cole Gabrielson2-for-4, RBI, RS, HBP, CS (2)
At this level: 9-for-34 with two doubles and a home run.
  PH Marcos Cabrera0-for-1, K

LHP Brock Selvidge5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
At this level: 3.58 ERA in 50.1 IP (44 H, 22 R, 20 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 46 K). Overall, Selvidge compiled a 137/35 K/BB over 127.2 innings. The improvement in the walk rate is very encouraging.
RHP Shane Gray1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Osiel Rodriguez2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Rodriguez’s High-A debut. He will be here for the playoffs as well.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Juan Crisp: (L, 0-1)  1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Crisp isn’t a pitcher – this is life in the minors. You aren’t going to change your pitching plans just because it is a tied-up game in extras. This is part of the reason why the minors started using ghost runners years ago.

Tampa (61-69; 30-34 in the second half) (Lost to Lakeland, 3-1. Their season is over)

DH George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, RS, K
It is safe to say that his first exposure to professional pitching went well. Not including the FCL playoffs, he hit .311/.466/.356 in 58 plate appearances with 13 walks and 12 strikeouts. During the playoffs, he went 3-for-11 with an RBI and two runs scored. He won’t be 19 until next June.
RF Jackson Castillo1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
Castillo went 7-for-38 (.184) at this level with a homer and six runs batted in.
3B Kiko Romero0-for-4, 4 K
Romero hit .216/.350/.382 in 123 PA at this level with three home runs, 20 walks, and 38 strikeouts.
1B Josh Moylan0-for-4, 3 K
Romero and Moylan certainly hoped for a better final day of the season. It will all be forgotten tomorrow. Moylan hit .241/.386/.313 in 101 PA with two homers, 16 walks, and 28 strikeouts.
C Omar Martinez1-for-4
Martinez’s first experience in a full-season league went well. In 105 games (444 plate appearances), the 21-year-old left-handed bat hit .251/.367/.445 (16 doubles, 1 triple, 18 HR, 71 RBI, 66 R, 67 BB (15.1%), 110 K (24.8%), 8-for-9 SB). 
SS Brenny Escanio2-for-4, 3B (5), K
.224/.335/.296 in 476 PA (10 doubles, 5 triples, 3 HR, 36 RBI, 57 R, 68 BB, 119 K, 21-for-27 SB)
LF Daury Arias0-for-2, 2 BB, K
CF Tayler Aguilar0-for-3, BB, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-3, K

RHP Jackson Fristoe4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Fristoe’s arm is tantalizing. As others have said, it may be more of a bullpen arm down the road but there is zero harm in trying to see if you can develop him into a starter. Between here and the FCL, he had a 45/28 K/BB over 36.2 IP. 
LHP Pablo Mujica2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz (L, 0-1): 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 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 8/25: Drew Thorpe Dominates Again

News:

Nothing new.

Scranton (60-61; 26-21 in the second half) (Walked it off over Lehigh Valley, 6-5)

This is a big series against Lehigh Valley, the team they are chasing for the second-half title.

LF Estevan Florial0-for-4, 2 RS, BB, 2 K, SB (20)
The challenge system played a huge role in this game. They challenged a strike 3 call to Florial in the 9th and won it. He ended up walking and eventually scoring the winning run.
CF Jasson Dominguez2-for-5, RBI, K, SB (1)
Since promotion: 5-for-13, 1 double, 4 RBI, 2 BB, 1 K. Dominguez has 38 stolen bases between here and Somerset.
C Austin Wells0-for-3, 2 BB, K
Wells is at .255/.352/.445 at this level. Good to see him taking his walks.
DH Andres Chaparro1-for-3, RS, HBP, K
RF Franchy Cordero: 1-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 BB
Cordero with the walk-off single in the 9th.
1B Carlos Narvaez2-for-3, RS, BB
3B Jake Lamb2-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
2B Jamie Westbrook0-for-4, K
SS Wilmer Difo0-for-4, RBI, K

LHP Edgar Barclay4 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 6 BB, 2 K, 3 HR
Barclay continues to struggle at this level. After allowing one home run for Somerset, he has allowed eight in 19.2 innings here. The ball is lively here so that is probably a part of it. I hate to blame all struggles on the ball (just like I hate to credit all successes by hitters to the ball)
RHP Zach Greene1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Aaron McGarity: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Bowman1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Greg Weissert: (W, 5-3) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (70-47; 28-21 in the second half) (Defeated Hartford, 8-1)

2B Caleb Durbin2-for-5, 2B (6), RBI, 2 RS
Durbin is one of those kids who can become an instant fan favorite. He makes a lot of contact, can steal bases, etc. He has played SS in the past but the Yankees have not asked him to do it in 2023, instead giving him time at 2B and 3B. It makes you wonder if he can be a future DJ LeMahieu with some added speed. It’s a fascinating profile because the Yankees aren’t known for carrying kids with his profile (remember, he wasn’t drafted by the organization – he was a part of the Lucas Luetge trade with Atlanta)
DH Ben Rice2-for-4, 2B (7), RS, BB
The one knock on Rice right now is that he isn’t great against LHP. It is a legitimate concern, as he is 7-for-39 against LHP in 2023 (12-for-60 in 2022; 1-for-12 in 2021). Combined, that is 20-for-111 (.180) with three extra-base hits (one double, 2 HR), 14 walks, and 27 strikeouts.. One thing you notice in that profile is the sample size – it isn’t much. Without enough reps, it is hard to develop the skill.
C Agustin Ramirez1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, K
Ramirez is hitting .194 (13-for-67) since his promotion with six runs batted in and ten runs scored. An encouraging sign is that the strikeout rate isn’t spiking much – he is at 17.6%. (17.7% in Tampa, 14% in Hudson Valley).
CF Elijah Dunham1-for-2, 2B (10), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 3 BB, K
Even in the offensive environment up in Triple-A, Dunham had issues there this year. Since being sent to Somerset, he seems to have figured things out. I will continue to push for him to get back up to Scranton to close out the season. There is room there, as Franchy Cordero continues to receive consistent playing time after Everson Pereira‘s promotion.
1B Josh Breaux: 2-for-5, RBI
RF Grant Richardson3-for-5, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, K
Richardson puts together a big effort in his second Double-A game. Between here and Hudson Valley, he has 14 homers in 79 games after launching 16 homers in 90 games last season. Power has never been the concern…
LF Aaron Palensky0-for-4, BB, K
SS Max Burt0-for-4, 2 K
3B Eduardo Torrealba1-for-4, RS, K

RHP Drew Thorpe: (W, 3-0) 6.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
Since promotion: 1.29 ERA in 21 IP (9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 2 BB, 30 K). Overall: 13-2 with a 2.56 ERA in 130 IP (93 H, 41 R, 37 ER, 12 HR, 35 BB, 168 K). The 13 wins and (more importantly) 168 strikeouts are the top numbers in all of minor-league baseball. There is nothing to dislike in his profile. They can give him a taste of the offensively souped-up International League (Triple-A) before the season comes to a close.
LHP Josh Maciejewski: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.16 ERA (42.2 IP, 38 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 41 K). He hasn’t allowed a run in 8.2 August innings.

Hudson Valley (65-53; 26-26 in the second half) (Held off Aberdeen, 6-5)

SS Jared Serna2-for-5, RBI, RS, SB (6)
Serna now has a 6-game hitting streak and has 34 multi-hit games in 110 games played this season. He is still looking for that elusive first High-A home run, which could give him a 20/20/20 season (doubles, homers, stolen bases)
CF Anthony Hall0-for-3, 2 BB, K, SB (1)
DH Jesus Rodriguez0-for-3, RS, BB
2B Alexander Vargas0-for-3, RS, BB
C Antonio Gomez: 2-for-4, 3B (1), 2 RBI, RS, K
.233/.289/.325 in 321 PA. The 32.1% K rate remains troublesome as well.
1B Rafael Flores0-for-4, 2 K
LF Christopher Familia2-for-4, RBI
Familia is up to 57 RBI in 58 games between here and Tampa. I think he is answering the challenge at this level just fine.
RF Jared Wegner1-for-3, 2 RS, BB, SB (1)
Wegner’s first professional stolen base – congrats! He is 7-for-27 at this level.
3B Marcos Cabrera: 2-for-3, RBI, BB, SB (5)

RHP Leonardo Pestana2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Joel Valdez: (W, 3-6) 2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Shane Gray2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard (S, 1): 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Old school save!

Tampa (57-62; 26-27 in the second half) (Swept by Palm Beach in a low-scoring doubleheader)

Game 1 (Lost, 3-0)

3B Kiko Romero0-for-3, K
.194/.318/.306 in 85 PA.
1B Josh Moylan1-for-3, K
Moylan increases his hitting streak to five (8-for-22)
C Omar Martinez1-for-3
CF Nelson Medina0-for-2, K
Medina’s first game since June 6th. The 22-year-old is hitting .275/.373/.443 in 153 PA with four home runs and a 7-for-8 SB rate. 
   CF Tayler Aguilar0-for-1, K
DH Brenny Escanio1-for-3, SB (19)
LF Garrett Martin0-for-3, K
RF Daury Arias1-for-3, K
SS Jose Colmenares0-for-3, K
2B Beau Brewer0-for-2, K

RHP Ryan Harvey: (L, 1-2) 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
At this level: 4.26 ERA (25.1 IP, 20 H, 12 R, 12 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 18 K)
RHP Osiel Rodriguez1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 5.40 ERA (15 IP, 11 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 20 K)

Game 2 (Lost, 2-1)

SS Brenny Escanio0-for-3, K
1B Josh Moylan0-for-3, K
His hitting streak is snapped. Moylan is hitting .281/.400/.333 in 70 PA with 12 walks and 16 strikeouts.
DH Omar Martinez0-for-3, 3 K
CF Cole Gabrielson0-for-3, K
RF Daury Arias: 1-for-2, RS, BB, K
LF Garrett Martin1-for-3, 2B (5), RBI
Five of Martin’s ten hits are doubles.
3B Jose Colmenares1-for-2, 2B (4), BB, K
2B Beau Brewer1-for-2, BB
C Manuel Palencia0-for-3

RHP Yorlin Calderon5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
3.07 ERA (73.1 IP, 64 H, 28 R, 25 ER, 5 HR, 23 BB, 91 K). Most of the top performers have received promotions this year – two Tampa players (Martinez, Calderon) stand out a bit as players who have stuck to one level. In the case of Calderon, it can be justified as they built him up to return to the rotation.
RHP Matt Keating0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: (L, 5-3) 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

FCL Yankees (35-22; 1-1 in the playoffs) (Lost to the Braves, 3-2, in Game 1 of the championship series. They must win the next two to claim back-to-back titles. The last time that happened was in 2014-2015 when the Red Sox accomplished the feat. The Yankees, who have the most league titles with 13, last won back-to-back crowns in 2004-2005)

SS Keiner Delgado1-for-4, 2B (2), RS, 2 K, SB (1), CS (1)
Including the regular season, Delgado has 14 doubles and 37 stolen bases in 51 games.
DH George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, BB, K, CS (1)
Delgado and Lombard Jr. were both caught stealing in the top of the 6th, a key moment in the contest.
1B Dylan Jasso1-for-3, SF, RBI, RS, K
CF Willy Montero1-for-4
LF Jackson Castillo1-for-4
2B Enmanuel Tejeda1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
RF John Cruz0-for-2, BB
3B Hans Montero0-for-2, K
  PH Joel Mendez0-for-1, K
In the regular season, you rarely see “strategic” pinch-hitting. Even in the rookie leagues, managers are a little more strategic in the playoffs.
  3B Dayro Perez0-for-0
C Edinson Duran0-for-3, K

LHP Henry Lalane (L, 0-1): 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
Lalane, who recently signed with Scott Boras, pitched to a 4.57 ERA in 21.1 IP during the regular season (17 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 3 HR, 4 BB, 34 K). The fact that he is 6’7″ and is able to keep the walks at bay is encouraging. 
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 5 K
RHP Sebastian Keane2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Keane is a 22-year-old drafted in the 18th round in 2022. He predictably pitched well this year and hopefully will get a taste of Low-A next week.

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 6/22: Brock Selvidge Ks 10

News:

C Ben Rortvedt‘s stint on the IL didn’t last long as he was in the Scranton lineup tonight. The Railriders are now carrying four catchers (Rortvedt, Rodolfo DuranCarlos Narvaez, and Josh Breaux). They can use the 1B and DH slots to help distribute some at-bats (Rortvedt, Narvaez, and Duran all played tonight), but they also need to make sure these players get in their time behind the plate as well.

SS Oswald Peraza missed his third straight game this evening. OF Everson Pereira (Somerset) is still out of the lineup, as well.

Since they had a need for additional bodies in Scranton, UTIL Max Burt was promoted to Scranton. Drafted in the 28th round in the 2018 draft out of Northeastern, Burt is an organizational utility player. This isn’t his first stint in Scranton (played 36 games back in 2021). When I see a player like Burt, I think of someone you are going to see coaching, scouting, or whatever they wish to do in baseball some day.

Scranton (33-39) (Lost to Buffalo, 2-1, in ten innings)

LF Estevan Florial1-for-4, HR (19), RBI, RS, K
.296/.385/.619. After hitting 9 HR in May, he has 7 in June.  That said, he hasn’t been on top of his game in June. He is only 18-for-74 (.243) with four walks and 22 strikeouts. He walked 15 times in May, so his discipline has taken a bit of a fall. 
3B Andres Chaparro0-for-4
.238/.311/.457 in 289 PA with 12 doubles, 14 homers, and 43 RBI.
C Ben Rortvedt0-for-2, BB, HBP, K
DH Carlos Narvaez0-for-3, BB, K
CF Elijah Dunham0-for-4, 3 K
1B Rodolfo Duran1-for-4, 2 K
2B Jamie Westbrook0-for-4, K
SS Jesus Bastidas1-for-4, 2 K, SB (5)
RF Brandon Lockridge1-for-4, K, CS (1)

LHP Tanner Tully6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
3.91 ERA (69 IP, 81 H, 33 R, 30 ER, 7 HR, 16 BB, 63 K). Doing his job eating some Triple-A innings.
LHP Matt Krook1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Michael Gomez: (L, 0-3)  2.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K

Somerset (40-25) (Defeated New Hampshire, 4-3, in 14 innings)

SS Trey Sweeney1-for-4, HR (9), 2 RBI, RS, BB
Sweeney has four home runs in his last five games. This home run tied the game at 3-3 in the bottom of the 11th.
LF Jasson Dominguez0-for-5, BB, K
His average has fallen back down to .198. I think everyone should have at least SOME level of concern, right? He hasn’t shown much progress as the season has gone along. It’s not like the Yankees are loaded with upper-level OF prospects, especially if Everson Pereira is going to go down to injury every year.
DH Austin Wells: 2-for-5, 2B (9), BB, K
Wells is surprisingly hitting only .247 at this level, but you still feel confident that he has conquered Double-A. Some of that is due to the power he has shown (9 doubles, 9 HR in 38 games).
3B Tyler Hardman0-for-6
Eeeeeeek.
RF Aaron Palensky0-for-5, RS, BB, K
Palensky scored the winning run on a balk in the 14th.
C Anthony Seigler0-for-3, 3 BB
All three walks were intentional. Whatever helps the OBP!
1B Eric Wagaman0-for-5, BB, K
CF Jeisson Rosario0-for-5, BB, 2 K
2B Delvin Perez1-for-5, HR (2), RBI, 2 RS, BB, 4 K
I brought up his Top 100 status yesterday. In case you are wondering, he never lived up to it because the bat simply never developed. He can run and play multiple positions (though he is mostly a SS) and that perhaps can get him some MLB time down the road.

RHP Richard Fitts6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
3.91 ERA (71.1 IP, 68 H, 32 R, 31 ER, 10 HR, 15 BB, 80 K). Fitts has been rolling lately. This was his 13th start of 2023 – if you believe in patterns (and you should at least pay attention to them), he made 17 starts in Tampa in 2022 before being promoted to Hudson Valley for his final five starts.
RHP Zac Houston1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
9 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 17 K.
LHP Lisandro Santos: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Tanner Myatt2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Justin Wilson: (W, 3-1)  3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
3.86 ERA (25.2 IP, 21 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 16 BB, 26 K)

Hudson Valley (39-27) (Lost to Brooklyn, 5-1)

CF Spencer Jones0-for-4, 2 K, SB (17)
.280/.338/.519 in 263 PA with 17 stolen bases in 20 attempts (85%). 
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-4, 2 K
.208/.265/.358 in 230 PA. In the FSL last season, he hit .203/.271/.311. He started the season very promising but has fallen down rather quickly. He is 7-for-62 in June with 23 strikeouts.
1B Rafael Flores1-for-4, 2B (10), K
DH Anthony Garcia0-for-4, 2 K
C Antonio Gomez: 2-for-4, HR (3), RBI, RS, K
Gomez is up to .247 as he improves his June numbers to 17-for-46 (.370) with four doubles and two home runs. A reason for optimism? I will take anything – he is still only 21 as a catcher in High-A ball. 
2B Ben Cowles1-for-4, 2B (8)
LF Grant Richardson0-for-4, 2 K
RF Aldenis Sanchez1-for-3, 2 K
3B Eduardo Torrealba0-for-1, BB

LHP Joel Valdez3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 7 K
5.94 ERA (47 IP, 39 H, 33 R, 31 ER, 6 HR, 35 BB, 48 K). 
RHP Luis Velasquez1.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
Since promotion: 6 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 8 K
RHP Bailey Dees2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
2.20 ERA (28.2 IP, 15 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 44 K). It is always a bit of a crapshoot trying to figure out which of these big relief arms will become viable MLB relievers. As an organization, you want to keep churning them out. If only a few of them pan out, it’s a win.
LHP Clay Aguilar1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.93 ERA (15.1 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 25 K). Can’t ask for much more.

Tampa (31-35) (Swept in a doubleheader by Ft. Myers)

Game 1 (Lost, 2-0)

2B Jared Serna0-for-2, BB, CS (5)
CF Anthony Hall0-for-3, K
C Agustin Ramirez0-for-3
DH Daury Arias0-for-2, BB
SS Brenny Escanio2-for-3, K
His hitting streak reaches 7 (four multi-hit games)
3B Jesus Rodriguez0-for-3, K
1B Omar Martinez0-for-2
RF Tayler Aguilar0-for-2
LF Jake Palmer0-for-2

RHP Leonardo Pestana (L, 0-3): 3.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
4.50 ERA (30 IP, 29 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 4 HR, 15 BB, 39 K)
RHP Kris Bow: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K
7.41 ERA (17 IP, 19 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 16 K).  I will keep reminding you that he gave up 11 runs (10 earned) in 2.2 innings in his first two starts.

Game 2 (Lost, 7-6, in 9 innings)

2B Jared Serna1-for-5, 2B (13), RBI, RS
.304/.368/.520 in 277 PA. 
CF Anthony Hall3-for-5, 2B (8), HR (5), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
.278/.394/.438 in 203 PA. He is now 20-for-68 (.294/.380/.500) in June after his crazy May. 
SS Brenny Escanio3-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
I would say that five hits in a doubleheader qualify as a good day. His hitting streak reaches 8 (five multi-hit games). Overall, he is still only hitting .230/.322/.293 in 259 PA. 
DH Agustin Ramirez0-for-4, K
LF Christopher Familia: 2-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, K
Familia is now 28-for-73 (.384) with six doubles, two triples, ten home runs, and 29 RBI. He has nine multi-hit games (18 games played)
C Omar Martinez0-for-4, 2 K
  PR-C Jesus Rodriguez0-for-0
RF Tayler Aguilar0-for-4, 2 K
1B Ronny Rojas0-for-3, BB, K
3B Beau Brewer0-for-2, RS, 2 BB

LHP Brock Selvidge6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 10 K, HR
3.65 ERA (61.2 IP, 57 H, 29 R, 25 ER, 3 HR, 15 BB, 74 K). Selvidge is only 20, so they don’t really need to rush him to Hudson Valley – but he has done a solid job. His ten strikeouts tonight set a new personal high (the previous high was 8, which he accomplished in each of his three starts prior to tonight)
RHP Manny Ramirez1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Cole Ayers1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Matt Keating: (L, 5-5) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
3.14 ERA (28.2 IP, 25 H, 14 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 45 K)

FCL Yankees (8-5) (Lost to the Tigers, 5-4)

2B Keiner Delgado1-for-3, 2B (4), 2 BB
Rookie League disclaimer applies, but he now owns a 70/35 BB/K ratio in 301 career plate appearances.
SS Roderick Arias1-for-4, RS, BB, K, 2 SB (7)
Arias is 7-for-17 in his last four games (0-for-18 in his previous five games)
RF Willy Montero2-for-4, 2B (4), BB, K
15-for-44 (.341) with four doubles.
DH Hans Montero0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K, SB (4)
I just love crazy lines like .298/.508/.614 in 63 PA.
C Edinson Duran: 2-for-3, RS, HBP, SB (1)
12-for-26 (.462). He is 20 years old.

RHP Ryan Harvey2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
2.38 ERA (11.1 IP, 11 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 2 BB, 16 K)
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
9.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 12 K

DSL Bombers (8-5) (Lost to Rangers Blue, 12-11)

SS Juan Matheus1-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 K, SB (11)
Matheus’ 11 stolen bases lead the DSL.
2B Gabriel Terrero1-for-3, 2B (4), 2 RS, 2 BB, SB (5)
Terrero is on an 8-game hitting streak (he has hit safely in nine of his ten games)
CF Gabriel Lara1-for-5, HR (2), 3 RBI, RS
11-for-36 with nine walks and six strikeouts. He is 17 years old (debut season)
1B David Beckles: 2-for-4, 2B (3), HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
LF Abrahan Ramirez:  0-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB, 2 SB (3)
RF Luis Puello: 2-for-5, RBI, RS
The 17-year-old is 8-for-31 (.258) with six walks and seven strikeouts in his debut season

DSL Yankees (10-2) (Lost to Rangers Red, 4-3)

CF Brando Mayea2-for-5, 2B (3), RS, K, SB (2)
7-for-16 (.438) in his first five professional games.
C Josue Gonzalez1-for-2, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, 3 BB, K, 2 SB (2)
The 19-year-old (second year at this level) is 10-for-27 with 15 RBI in eight games. He has 12 walks and six strikeouts.
SS Santiago Gomez1-for-2, 2B (4), 2 BB, K, SB (7)
Also 19, Gomez is 11-for-32 with a pair of home runs and 13 RBI.

RHP Sabier Marte: 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Marte is another big kid (6’5″). Unlike many of their bigger pitchers, he thus far hasn’t run into major control issues (47/7 K/BB in 38.2 career innings)