Tag: Ben Shields

Yankees MILB 9/12: Ben Shields Ks 10

News:

Nothing

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

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 2B (17), BB, K
In his last 12 games, Vivas has 5 doubles, a triple, and a pair of home runs. In his previous 15 games, Vivas had one extra-base hit (double). I mentioned before this streak that I was disappointed in his power output. You’re welcome.
3B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-4, K
Durbin is 5-for-23 with a pair of home runs since coming off the injured list.
1B Ben Rice: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-2, RS, HBP, BB, K
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, HR (13), 3 RBI, RS, K
At this level: .295/.361/.455 in 451 PA. As I stated last week, he is Rule 5 eligible. Do the Yankees value him as a prospect? I honestly do not know.
CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-2, SB (18), BB
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3
LF Jahmai Jones: 0-for-2, HBP, K
RF Greg Allen: 1-for-3, SB (12)

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

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

DH Spencer Jones: 1-for-4
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, 2B (13), RS, BB, K
At this level: .274/.360/.526 in 261 PA. He has 30 doubles and 21 home runs in 119 games between here and Hudson Valley. Impressive.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, RBI, K
3B Max Burt: 1-for-2, RS, BB

LHP Ben Shields: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
Shields sets a personal best for strikeouts in his final appearance of the regular season. Since his promotion: 3.12 ERA in 52 IP (41 H, 21 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 21 BB, 65 K). Overall: 3.48 ERA in 106 IP (84 H, 49 R, 41 ER, 9 HR, 33 BB, 137 K). 
RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 3-1)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Colby White: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
At this level: 2.01 ERA (22.1 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 37 K). He could be an option as early as next Opening Day.

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

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, K
Moylan homers in the 9th to avoid the shutout.
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-1, 2 BB
LF Coby Morales: 2-for-3, K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Brian Hendry: 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Including the regular season, Hendry has allowed 4 runs (1 earned) over 20.2 IP with a 27/11 K/BB. He missed most of the campaign due to injury.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Cohen is too good for this level (to put it mildly)
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Sebastian Keane: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 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 Vivas: 0-for-3, BB
SS Oswald Peraza: 2-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. Rumfield: 0-for-1, HBP, 2 BB
CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, RBI, CS (3), BB, K
RF Jahmai Jones: 0-for-4, 2 K
Jones cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton.
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, RS, BB
Since promotion: .356/.482/.511 in 56 PA with more walks (9) than strikeouts (6).
3B Kevin Smith: 1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
LF Josh VanMeter: 0-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 Mayza: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski: 1 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 Durbin: 0-for-3, 2 BB
Durbin is only 3-for-24 since being placed here but has six walks and only three strikeouts.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, BB, K
1B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, 2 K
Since promotion: 9-for-45 (.200) with three home runs. He missed a month due to injury.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
3B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2B (17), 2 RBI, RS, K
LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-2, HR (9), RBI, RS, 2 BB
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, K

RHP Colby White: 2 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 Hardman: 1-for-4, RS
C Rafael Flores: 1-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 Dunham: 1-for-4, RS
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, 2B (22), SB (12)
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, K
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, RS, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2, RS, BB
3B Max Burt: 1-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 Riggio: 1-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 Avina: 1-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 Gomez: 2-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 Romero: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-1, RS, SB (12), 2 BB, HBP
DH Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, SB (5)

RHP Trent Sellers: 4 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 Valdez: 0.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 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 7/10: Ben Shields Dazzles Again

News:

The Yankees have signed LHP Tim Mayza to a minor league contract.

Mayza pitched in 352 games from 2017-2024 with the Blue Jays, compiling a 3.87 ERA (3.63 FIP; 111 ERA+) in 283.2 innings. His 24.4% K and 51.9% GB rates are above league average.

Last season, Mayza had his best year to date. He compiled a 1.52 ERA in 53.1 IP with 24.7% K and 58.5% GB.

However, 2024 has been a struggle. In 35 games, he owns a ghastly 8.03 ERA (more respectable 4.92 FIP) over 24.2 IP with a minuscule 13.2% K and an alarming 38.7% GB. A reliever who can miss bats and keep the ball on the ground is gold. A reliever who can’t do either of those things is not.

To Yankees fans, Mayza’s claim to fame was allowing Aaron Judge‘s 61st home run in 2022.

There is no such thing as a bad minor-league deal. If he can figure out how to get back to his norms, he’s a solid relief pitcher. If not, he’ll be out of the organization.

Scranton (48-38) 

Their game against Syracuse was postponed due to the remnants of Beryl. There is a Tornado Watch in effect in that region.

They will attempt to play two tomorrow.

Somerset (42-41) (Defeated Erie, 9-3)

3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, 2B (23), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
.300/.378/.483 in 336 PA (23 doubles, 3 triples, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 49 R, 13-for-15 SB, 10.4% BB, 18.8% K). A reminder that his 2023 K% was 28.0%. Cowles has played 57 games (54 starts) at SS, 18 games (15 starts) at 3B, and 9 games (all starts) at 2B.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 3B (3), RS, BB, 2 K
.241/.321/.409 in 330 PA (13 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 46 RBI, 47 R, 18-for-22 SB, 10.0% BB, 36.7% K)
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, K
For Somerset: 21-for-79 (.266/.341/.443; 2 doubles, 4 HR, 13 RBI)
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Flores is 11-for-51 (.216) since his promotion but has 3 doubles and 3 home runs. 
LF Elijah Dunham: 2-for-4, 2B (15), SB (10), BB
Dunham has a 17-game hitting streak and is hitting .275/.361/.500 in 227 Double-A plate appearances. In July, he has five multi-hit efforts in eight games.
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, 2B (17), RBI, RS, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
Seigler has 20 walks in 27 June/July games. Discipline is something he has displayed throughout his minor league career.
RF Aaron Palensky: 1-fot-4, 2B (9), RS
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, RS, K

LHP Ben Shields (W, 1-0): 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Shields’ longest outing in his brief professional career. In 2 starts for Somerset: 12.1 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 13 K. Shields wasn’t drafted last year. The Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent out of George Mason. In other words, don’t expect to see him pop up on many “Top Yankees Prospects” lists. But, who cares? If you perform, people will notice.
RHP Joey Gerber: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.00 ERA (30 IP, 26 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 45 K). Like Shields, Stevens is an unheralded, undrafted prospect performing very well. Remember: The draft is shorter nowadays. More talent slips through the draft than in the past.

Hudson Valley (41-40) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 10-4)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, CS (3), K
.221/.365/.381 in 285 PA (16 doubles, 3 triples, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 45 R, 15-for-18 SB, 16.1% BB, 17.9% K).
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-2, BB, HBP
While he wasn’t pulled after the HBP, it worries you that he left the game. That said, he didn’t leave the game until he was pinch-hit for in the 9th inning of a 10-4 game.
   PH Oscar Silverio: 0-for-1, K
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-5, 2 K
.274/.356/.452 in 298 PA (22 doubles, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 36 R, 4-for-5 SB, 9.7% BB, 25.2% K).
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, BB, K
Martinez has an 18.1% BB and 22.5% K.
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, BB, K
Gomez is 6-for-29 with a pair of home runs at this level.
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, RS, K
In 64 High-A games (266 PA) going back to last season, Familia is hitting .236/.312/.422 with 13 HR.
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, RS, BB

LHP Kyle Carr (L, 0-6): 3 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
6.53 ERA (62 IP, 70 H, 54 R, 45 ER, 5 HR, 40 BB, 55 K). It is all about control for last year’s 3rd round pick.
RHP Cole Ayers: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
3.02 ERA (47.2 IP, 39 H, 20 R, 16 ER, 3 HR, 17 BB, 56 K). Going back to 2023, he has appeared in 41 games at this level. I think he gets to Somerset this season.
LHP Joel Valdez: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

Tampa (30-51) (Defeated Dunedin, 9-8)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-6, 2B (13), 2 RS, 2 K
Lombard Jr., who owns a .708 OPS, is 9-for-30 with a double and two home runs in July. 
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (12), RBI, 2 RS, SB (22), BB, K
Back-to-back bullet doubles by Lombard Jr. and Arias brought home a run in the first inning.
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-5, 2B (21), RBI, 2 K
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, SB (13), 2 BB
Castillo continues to float under the radar. He has strong BB (18.0%) and K (19.5%) rates while playing mostly center field (50 starts). If he is a true center fielder, he is someone to watch despite a smallish frame (5’9″).
DH Willy Montero: 1-for-5, RBI, RS, K
3B Hans Montero: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (8), 2 HBP
Montero has a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-16, 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI)
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB, HBP
Since promotion: 7-for-21 with a pair of walks and strikeouts.
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-4, BB, 3 K

RHP Luis Serna: 3.2 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
5.97 ERA (63.1 IP, 59 H, 43 R, 42 ER, 6 HR, 21 BB, 71 K). Before tonight, the 19-year-old had never allowed multiple home runs in a game.
RHP Jordy Luciano: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Luciano (22) dialed it up to 95.5 MPH. Not bad when you stand 5’10”. The issue for him is walks (48/38 K/BB in 41 IP).
RHP Harrison Cohen: (W, 1-0)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Cohen’s rehab assignment continues.
RHP Montana Semmel: (S, 5)  2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K

FCL (29-17)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Yankees (9-16)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (16-10)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 7/3: Agustin Ramirez Homers

News:

RHP Phil Bickford refused an outright assignment and is now a free agent. Further analysis is not required.

Scranton (46-36)  (Split a doubleheader against Lehigh Valley)

Game 1 (Lost, 4-2)

3B Oswald Peraza: 0-for-4, K
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 2B (3), BB
Vivas has a 9-game hitting streak and a 14-game on-base streak.
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-3, RS, SB (3), BB, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB
CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-2, SB (26), BB
Lockridge is tied for 3rd in the International League in stolen bases. He has played in many fewer games than those above him.
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, K
LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-2, SB (6),BB
SS Jeter Downs: 1-for-1, RBI, HBP, BB
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Tanner Tully: 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
How much more time does Effross need? Good question. They may use his entire rehab clock before deciding to bring him up (because he is coming back from an elbow injury, the Yankees will have the option to request more rehab time)
LHP Anthony Misiewicz (L, 2-1): 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR

Game 2 (Won, 9-6)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-2, RS, CI, BB, 2 K
In case you are wondering: Catcher’s interference does not increase an on-base streak. So, he needed that walk to increase his on-base streak to 15.
2B Oswald Peraza: 1-for-3, RS, SAC
1B Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-2, HR (2), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Doubleheader: 2-for-5, HR, RBI, 3 R, SB, 2 BB, 2 K. That doesn’t light the world on fire, but he needed a day like this. Between here and Somerset, he has 18 HR, 55 RBI, 52 runs, and 16 stolen bases in 17 attempts.
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Another strong game for Rumfield.
CF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-3, 2B (11), 2 RS, SAC, K
Lockridge is at .292 with a .798 OPS. He has three multi-hit efforts in his last four games. He was hitting .177 at the end of April.
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, HBP, K
Narvaez entered tonight hitting .283/.333/.550 against LHP this season. Is that relevant for the MLB team? Hmmm.
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, 2 K
LF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, K
SS Kevin Smith: 1-for-4, RBI, K

RHP Matt Sauer: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Sauer’s first start since being returned from the Royals.
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
3.07 ERA (29.1 IP, 20 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 5 HR, 21 BB, 31 K)
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.39 ERA (41 IP, 29 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 4 HR, 24 BB, 58 K)
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Victor Gonzalez: (W, 1-0) 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Seriously – what happened to him? He wasn’t a star in Los Angeles but he was useful. 
RHP Art Warren: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Somerset (39-39) (Defeated Reading, 5-4)

DH Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
Jones extends his hitting streak to 7 (10-for-31, 5 doubles, 3 HR)
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, 3 K
CF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2B (12), RS
Dunham increases his hitting streak to 12.
3B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, RS, BB
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, 2B (17), RS, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 3-for-4, 2B (14), 3 RBI, RS, K
.224/.316/.398 in 228 PA. He has two 3-hit efforts in his last three games.
RF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, K

LHP Ben Shields: 5.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
It was a solid Double-A debut for Shields, who continues his strong debut season.
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Jesus Liranzo (W, 3-1): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kevin Stevens (S, 4): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.89 ERA (28 IP, 23 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 44 K). He is fun to watch, as he missed the entire 2023 season but has put together an eye-opening campaign in 2024.

Hudson Valley (39-37) (Lost to Brooklyn, 4-0. They didn’t score for the second straight night)

CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
He left the game early on Monday. It’s nice to see him back in the lineup tonight.
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-3, BB
Serna is in a little 2-for-16 slump. He tends to be streaky, I am finding out.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
.233/.379/.393 in 256 PA. He owns an 18.4% BB rate.
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-4, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, CI, K
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 2 K
3B Beau Brewer: 2-for-4, K
When the bottom of your order goes 4-for-8, you need to score runs!

LHP Kyle Carr: (L, 0-5) 5.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
Carr pitched well tonight – with two outs in the 6th, he allowed a 2-run homer that tarnished his line. It’s one of those things that annoys prospect followers but doesn’t erase all the good that happened. Season: 5.95 ERA (59 IP, 64 H, 47 R, 39 ER, 5 HR, 37 BB, 53 K)
RHP Trent Sellers: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
3.59 ERA (46.2 IP, 33 H, 26 R, 19 ER, 2 HR, 31 BB, 59 K). It’s all about throwing more strikes, which is the case for so many prospects.

Tampa (27-47) (They were supposed to play two games against Lakeland. Game 1 was played, Game 2 was postponed due to rain)

Game 1 (Lost, 10-6)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, 2 RS
Lombard Jr’s power hasn’t shown itself much this season, but it’s there. His .332 SLG doesn’t jump out at you, but it is his 2024 high-water mark. I would not be shocked if he showed extra power for the last few months of the season. I can’t believe we are already talking about the last few months of the season!
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
I talk him up because I like prospects like this. He can play a lot of positions, make contact, steal bases, etc. His ceiling may be nothing more than Ronald Torreyes with added speed. If he becomes that, it is an organizational win.
2B Roderick Arias: 3-for-4
Arias has three 3-hit efforts this season (16 multi-hit games). 
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, SF, RBI
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, 2B (13), RS
DH Hans Montero: 1-for-3, 3B (3), RS, K
LF Willy Montero: 1-for-2, 2B (14), SF, 2 RBI, RS, K
.253/.304/.368 in 276 PA. He starts July with a solid game after his .376/.404/.588 (32 hits) effort in June.
C Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-2, RBI, BB
Gonzalez is another interesting catching prospect in an organization filled with them.
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, K

RHP Luis Serna (L, 2-5): 3.2 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
Serna cruised through three innings but allowed 8 runs in the 4th.
RHP Aaron Nixon: 2 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Cohen’s rehab stint continues. He made it as high as Double-A Somerset in 2023.

FCL (26-14)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Yankees (9-12)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (12-8)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 6/28: Agustin Ramirez Hits First Scranton Homer

News:

None.

Scranton (45-33) (Defeated Worcester, 7-5)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, RS, 2 SB (6), BB
Vivas is hitting .255/.403/.388 in 126 PA for Scranton and is on a 6-game hitting streak. We talk about his good pop for a middle infielder, but he also can run a little. Last year, he stole 25 bases in 30 attempts.
2B Oswald Peraza: 3-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 RS
Peraza is surging towards .200 (have to start somewhere). He is hitting .198/.324/.240 for Scranton. The lack of power stands out.
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 K
Ramirez gets that first Triple-A homer. It’s his 17th HR overall (54 RBI)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, HR (8), 2 RBI, RS, K
For Scranton: .294/.347/.466 in 242 PA. The power has shown up in June (.296/.337/.556 with 6 doubles and 5 homers). Rumfield with power is an interesting prospect. Yes, the “Triple-A is juiced up!” disclaimer applies.
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4, K
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, 2 K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-3, HR (5), RBI, RS, K
SS Jeter Downs: 1-for-2, 2B (13), 2 CS (6), BB, K, Ejection!
Busy night for Downs!
   SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-0

LHP Edgar Barclay: 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Matt Sauer: (W, 1-2) 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Sauer has struggled since coming back. When you think about it, they are playing with house money since he couldn’t stick in Kansas City. Let’s see if he can get into a second-half groove.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz (S, 5): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (36-36) (Defeated Richmond, 7-5)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, 2B (10), RBI, 3 K
Jones has doubled in back-to-back games. He has 11 strikeouts in his last four games. When you are ranked #1 or #2 on 99.9% of Yankees’ prospect lists, there will be a large microscope. 
SS Ben Cowles: 2-for-5, RBI, 2 K
Cowles has a 9-game hitting streak and is hitting .303/.382/.480 in 296 PA. This is the 24-year-old’s debut season at this level, so this performance is impressive. When will he get to Scranton? It doesn’t matter much – he needs at-bats, and they are more available here.
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-5, 2B (2), 3 K
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, HBP
DH Elijah Dunham: 1-for-5, RS, SB (9), 2 K
LF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, RS, SB (9), BB, K
3 multi-hit games in his last five games played.
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 SB (13), 2 BB
.199/.300/.370 in 207 PA (10 doubles, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 25 R, 13-for-14 SB, 12.6% BB, 20.3% K). Taking walks is one thing he has always done well offensively.
RF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, SB (12), BB
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI, RS

RHP Blane Abeyta: 5 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Carlos Gomez (W, 3-1): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
5.02 ERA (28.2 IP, 25 H, 24 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 24 BB, 37 K).
RHP Jesus Liranzo (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (37-34) (Defeated Wilmington, 6-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-3, 2B (13), BB
Riggio has doubled in four straight games and is up to .225/.368/.395 in 247 PA. He was taking walks but not hitting much. Now, the bat is starting to get going.
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-4
Avina has a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-26, .423)
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-3, HR (8), RBI, 2 RS, BB
.241/.377/.407. Martinez is a part of the impressive/improving catching pipeline.
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, RS, K
Moylan has a 7-game hitting streak. I remember reading a lot from Yankees’ Twitter draft experts about how he was a nice undrafted signing. Perhaps the bat is heating up.
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-2, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
.221/.315/.450 in 154 PA. He has four homers in his last six games.
DH Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
It’s been a slow start for Familia coming off his injury.
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, K
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K

LHP Ben Shields: (W, 3-2)  5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K
For Hudson Valley: 2.75 ERA (52.1 IP, 35 H, 19 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 10 BB, 71 K). This is an impressive debut season for the undrafted free agent. At 25, he is old for the level but his lack of experience tells me this is the appropriate spot for him. I assume he will be on the list of promotions to Somerset.
RHP Luis Arejula: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (27-45) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 9-2)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 3-for-5, RBI, 3 SB (22)
.320/.364/.387 at this level. Tejeda is impressing me in 2024. 
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, RBI, RS, 2 K
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2B (12), RS
.249/.378/.418 in 233 PA.
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, 2B (8), 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (20), K
Montero is 32-for-83 in June. Yes, collecting 30+ hits in a calendar month is not an easy feat.
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, 2B (10), RBI, RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
LF Daury Arias: 1-for-4, RBI, RS

RHP Josh Grosz: (W, 2-5) 6.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Suggestion to the Yankees: I know that there are times when you need an emergency arm at other levels. However, I would keep Grosz here regardless of those needs. This is the level where he is undoubtedly most comfortable right now.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

FCL (24-13) (Their games against the FCL Phillies were postponed. The new date for yesterday’s suspended game is July 5th. I do not see a makeup day listed for today’s regularly scheduled game)

DSL Yankees (7-12) (Lost to DSL Arizona Black, 4-3. There is a reason for it (mainly location), but I still like that the DSL squads play more than three teams, unlike the FCL teams)

DH Justin Capellan: 1-for-4, RBI, 3 K
.275/.370/.375 in 46 PA. This is the 17-year-old’s debut campaign.
CF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-3, RS, 2 SB (7), BB
.233/.340/.302 in 50 PA. Thus far, he isn’t showing off the power he displayed in 2023 (.411 SLG), but I am more locked into how he does on the basepaths.
C Luis Puello: 1-for-2, 2B (3), SB (1), BB

RHP Alexander Almonte: 3.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
2.63 ERA in 13.2 IP for the 6’4″ 17-year-old. This is his de2but season.
RHP Luis Burgos: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (11-7) (Lost to DSL Colorado, 6-4)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, K
Vilorio’s first game since 6/15. The millionaire bonus baby is hitting .269/.367/.346 in eight games.
  CF Browm Martinez: 1-for-1, RS, SB (11)
While I can’t say for certain, it is a reasonable assumption that Viliorio was pulled because he is coming back from injury.
DH Queni Pineda: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 2 K
2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-3, RS, SB (12)
A DSL classic line of .375/.563/.500 in 48 PA with 12 stolen bases in 13 attempts.
1B Carlos Rondon: 1-for-2, 2 RS, BB
So many players down here are labeled as “catchers” (true of Rondon) and “shortstops” regardless of where they ultimately play. Anyway, Rondon is 3-for-16 with 8 walks and 7 strikeouts.
3B Rafael Martinez: 2-for-3, 2B (1), RBI

RHP Mariano Salomon: 4.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
The 21-year-old has a 1.56 ERA in 17.1 IP (12 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 19 K)

 

 

Yankees MILB 6/22: Jesus Rodriguez Hits First Double-A Homer

News:

RHP Cam Schlittler was promoted to Scranton from Hudson Valley. This is likely a move for need rather than a permanent placement. Typically speaking, a prospect isn’t going to skip over Double-A.

Schlittler has put together a solid season, pitching to a 2.32 ERA (3.97 FIP) over 54.1 innings with a 56.4% GB, 31.7% K, and 12.5% BB. It is a simplistic way to evaluate, but prospects who miss bats and keep the ball on the ground are gold.

LHP Chasen Shreve is back. The lefty was signed to a minor league deal today after opting out of his Rangers contract. Most of the time, players opt out because they have an MLB opportunity. For now, that isn’t the case with Shreve, but the Yankees bullpen is uncharacteristically in chaos mode. From 2015-2018, Shreve compiled a 3.92 ERA (4.99 FIP) over 174.2 innings for the Yankees. He was traded to the Cardinals (along with Giovanny Gallegos) for Luke Voit. While Gallegos has become a mainstay in the Cardinals’ pen, Shreve has bounced around.

DH Giancarlo Stanton left tonight’s game, potentially opening up a roster spot for many potential options. The first instinct for prospect lovers is Agustin Ramirez if the Yankees want to be aggressive. Alternatively, they could promote T.J. Rumfield and have Ben Rice take more DH at-bats (Rumfield has a better reputation at first base). Veterans like Oscar Gonzalez, Jose Rojas, and Taylor Trammell could be in the conversation. Oswald Peraza? He wouldn’t be a perfect fit for this role but he is conveniently on the 40-man roster.

Outside the organization, washed-up veterans Garrett Cooper and Jose Abreu are available. Abreu has a 3 OPS+ in 2024. That isn’t a typo. Cooper, a former Yankee, hit .206/.267/.299 for the Cubs and Red Sox this season. That’s good for a 59 OPS+. In other words, no. Just no. No. No. No. No. No.

Scranton (41-30) (They are supposed to play two against Buffalo)

Game 1 (Losing, 21-10, in the bottom of the 9th. This game is in a rain delay. I doubt Game 2 is played. If it is, I will update this whenever it finishes)

2B Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-1, K
  2B-3B Josh VanMeter: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, BB
DH-2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
Vivas has two home runs in his last four games.
3B-SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-5, 3 K
1B Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-2, 2 K
Ramirez is 1-for-11 since his promotion.
  1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-2
Runfield is hitting .295 with a .800 OPS for Scranton.
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-2, 2 RS, HBP, BB
Narvaez is another potential option, but he is best off catching down here.
LF Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 3B (1), HR (15), 2 RBI, 2 RS
As I have stated before: Rojas rarely has issues with minor-league pitching. Major League pitching is a different story.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-4, 2 RS
CF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, BB
SS-P Kevin Smith: 1-for-3, 2B (8), RBI, BB, 2 K

LHP Edgar Barclay: (L, 3-6)  2.2 IP, 12 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 3 HR
And you thought you had a bad day…
RHP Matt Sauer: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Art Warren: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Cody Morris: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Kevin Smith: 2.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (32-35) (Lead Erie, 1-0, in the second inning. This game was suspended due to rain and they will try to finish it up tomorrow)

DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-1
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-1, HR (1), RBI, RS
Once this game goes official, this will be Rodriguez’s first Double-A home run. Between 2023-2024, he hit 8 home runs in 81 games for Hudson Valley (High-A).
3B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-1, K
2B Ben Cowles: 0-for-1, K
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-0
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-0
1B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-0
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-0
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-0

RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
This will be a wasted start, but that isn’t a big deal. Season: 3.80 ERA (68.2 IP, 60 H, 33 R, 29 ER, 9 HR, 24 BB, 74 K). 

Hudson Valley (33-34) (Lost to Greensboro, 2-1, in 11 innings)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-1, HBP, BB, K
Riggio wasn’t pulled from the game immediately after the HBP but one’s first instinct is that it is related.
   PH-2B Beau Brewer: 0-for-1
After Riggio was pulled, they didn’t turn to Jared Serna. That tells me they were committed to giving him a full night off. 
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, BB, K
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-5, 3 K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, HR (7), RBI, RS, BB
.238/.377/.403 in 223 PA. His personal best for home runs is 18, set in 2023.
PR-DH Nelson Medina: 0-for-0
RF Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-5, 4 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 2 K
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 2B (4), CS (1), 2 K

LHP Ben Shields: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
Shields sets a new personal best for strikeouts in a game. Season (for Hudson Valley – I am ignoring that emergency start he made for Scranton): 3.06 ERA (47 IP, 34 H, 19 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 10 BB, 62 K). While he is 25, this is his debut season. I expect him to be a Somerset option when mass promotions begin.
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.46 ERA (41.2 IP, 28 H, 18 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 50 K). Keating has 145 strikeouts in 108 career innings.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Between here and the FCL: 12.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 21 K. For Hudson Valley: 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 12 K>
RHP Mason Vinyard (L, 2-1): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
2.18 ERA (20.2 IP, 14 H, 11 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 32 K)

Tampa (24-42) (Lead Palm Beach, 2-0, in the bottom of the 4th. The game was suspended again due to rain. They will attempt to finish it tomorrow, followed by the regularly scheduled game. Tonight’s regularly scheduled game is postponed. I do not see a make-up date listed. The squads do not play each other again this season, so the game may forever go away)

DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-2
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, K
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-1, SB (18), BB
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-2, RS
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-1, RS, BB
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-2
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, SB (14)
C Oscar Silverio:  0-for-0, BB

RHP Luis Serna: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
The weather cuts Serna’s start for the second consecutive time. While the stats aren’t official until the game concludes, this effort will lower his ERA below 4.00 (3.98 in 52 IP (37 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 61 K)). His ERA was 10.32 in his first three starts and 6.97 after five starts. He has been on quite a roll and is still under 20 (until July 20th).

FCL (23-13) (Defeated the Blue Jays, 7-5, in nine (extra) innings. Read below for a most unusual fact from this game)

CF Brando Mayea: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 3 K
C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-3, RS, BB, K
.280/.473/.398 in 129 PA with 20 runs batted in (he has 32 walks (24.8%) and 22 strikeouts)
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
2B Gabriel Terrero: 0-for-3, RS, SB (9), BB
RF Joel Mendez: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
DH Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-1, BB
   PR-DH-P Santiago Gomez: 1-for-2, HR (1, grand slam), 4 RBI, 2 RS, SB (9), CS (4), K
His grand slam in the top of the 9th was part of a 6-run inning that the Blue Jays couldn’t overcome. However, this wasn’t the end of Gomez’s day (keep scrolling down!)

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
Lagrange’s 2024 debut. He has some “buzz” surrounding him (not as much as Henry Lalane, but that isn’t a knock). The 21-year-old pitched to a 4.97 ERA and 63/24 K/BB over 41.2 innings in 2023. He is 6’7″.
RHP Andrew Landry: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
The professional debut for last year’s 16th-round pick out of Southeastern Louisiana.
RHP Chris Kean: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.88 ERA (14.1 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 17 K). Tampa is calling…
RHP Santiago Gomez (S, 1): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The player who hit the big grand slam in the 9th was needed to save the game. Can you do that, Shohei Ohtani?

DSL Yankees (5-10) (Defeated the DSL Angels, 3-2)

3B Richard Matic: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RS, K
DH Luis Puello: 2-for-3, RBI, K
The 18-year-old is 12-for-25 (..480) with a pair of homers and 11 RBI.
RF Estivenzon Montero: 3-for-3, 2B (1), 2 RBI, SB (2)
Montero’s first career multi-hit game (6th game)

RHP Jorge Luna: 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K
1.98 ERA (13.2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 17 K)
LHP Ronald Tejada (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
The 17-year-old’s first career win.

DSL Bombers (9-5) (Defeated the DSL Giants Orange, 5-4)

C Queni Pineda: 0-for-1, 3 RS, SB (4), 3 BB
Pineda is 8-for-28 with 2 doubles, a homer, 13 runs scored, 12 walks, and 5 strikeouts.
LF Browm Martinez: 1-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, K
3B Kevin Verde: 1-for-2, 2 SF, 2 RBI

RHP Jerson Alejandro: 3 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K
The 6’6″ Alejandro has a 14/11 K/BB in 9 innings.
RHP Carlos Almonte: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Standing 6’5″, this is the 20-year-old’s professional debut.

 

Yankees MILB 6/8: Jasson Dominguez Goes Yard

News:

I want Anthony Rizzo to start scorching and hit 20 home runs the rest of the way. Why wouldn’t I? That helps my favorite team win the World Series.

However, 2024 is not going his way. Is it because of his 2023 concussion? His age? A combination? I don’t know. In April Rizzo hit .258/.321/.417 with five homers and 15 RBI. While this isn’t elite first base production, he still helped the offense as Aaron Judge went through a brutal slump.

His production has cratered in May/June, leading to a legitimate concern at first base.

The solution is not easy, and I won’t claim otherwise. Ben Rice is scorching the ball in Somerset/Scranton, leading to fans calling for him to take some at-bats in MLB. It’s a lot like the backup QB in the NFL – when the starter isn’t playing well, the unknown backup becomes the most popular player on the team. While this is a smaller scale, it’s similar: When an MLB player isn’t performing, fans instantly look towards the prospects as a solution. Just like how teams value their backup QB, we don’t know what the Yankees feel about Rice. Don’t take “reports” seriously – the front office isn’t going to talk down a prospect.

When does an organization “pull the plug”? When do they decide if Rice is worth trying out vs. looking at trade options? That’s not as easy of a question to answer as you think. You are replacing a well-regarded veteran with a track record, not Willie Calhoun or Franchy Cordero. It’s a delicate situation but a team should always do what helps the team win, even if it requires a tough conversation/decision.

I am writing this as tonight’s Yankees-Dodgers game is on. If Anthony Rizzo hits a game-winning home run, you can thank me later.

Scranton (36-25) (Defeated Norfolk, 10-7, walk-off style)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-5, 2 K
The Yankees are giving him a little playing time at third base (4th game). 
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, CS (1), 2 BB, 2 K
Maybe this is the game that gets him going. It’s been a slog.
CF Jasson Dominguez: 2-for-4, 2B (3), HR (1), RBI, RS, K
Since joining Scranton: 6-for-15, 3 doubles, 1 HR, 3 K. The bat looks good – he’s hitting the ball hard and getting results. However, he has yet to play a full game in the field. One assumes that hurdle will be cleared, but the Yankees won’t rush him. They may even ask for a second 10-day rehab extension (you can ask for up to three).
  RF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-1, 2B (6), RBI, RS
Tonight’s replacement for Dominguez hit a game-tying double in the bottom of the 9th.
C Ben Rice: 0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
Between here and Somerset: .278/.400/.567 in 236 PA (11 doubles, 15 HR, 33 RBI, 42 R, 15.3% BB, 20.8% K, 9-for-9 SB)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, 2B (10), RS, K
For Scranton: .280/.341/.415 in 182 PA (10 doubles, 4 HR, 29 RBI, 23 R)
DH Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, SB (2), 2 BB, K
RF-CF Greg Allen: 2-for-4, HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 RS, SAC, K
Allen hit the game-winning 3-run home run with two outs in the 9th off of old friend Matt Krook.
2B Josh VanMeter: 1-for-3, RS, BB
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K

LHP Edgar Barclay: 5.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 3 HR
6.51 ERA (56.2 IP, 61 H, 44 R, 41 ER, 13 HR, 32 BB, 55 K). The Triple-A environment hasn’t been kind to him over the last two years. 
RHP Art Warren: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Cody Morris: (W, 4-0)  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (27-29) (Defeated Hartford, 4-1)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, K
.228/.309/.367 in 204 PA. I can’t wait until the SLG gets over .400!
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4
If he can’t hit three home runs every night, what good is he?
SS-3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-4, K
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-3, RS
1B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, RS
3B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-2, RBI, RS
   SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-1, CS (3)
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-3, HR (5), 3 RBI, RS
Seigler has five home runs in his last 7 games. Please don’t ask me to explain it. By the way, since I have been asked: He is seemingly done as a catcher. He hasn’t played the position this season.
DH Aaron Palensky: 1-for-3, CS (3), K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (W, 5-4) 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
3.07 ERA (58.2 IP, 44 H, 27 R, 20 ER, 3 HR, 30 BB, 57 K). It is all about bringing those walks down.
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jack Neely (S, 6): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.15 ERA (29.1 IP, 21 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 48 K). He is putting up ridiculous numbers.

Hudson Valley (28-27) (Split a doubleheader against Wilmington)

Game 1 (Won, 4-0)

CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, 2B (14), RS, K
DH Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 3B (3), RBI, RS
Rodriguez’s 19th multi-hit effort this season (51 games).
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, K
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB
RF Nelson Medina: 2-for-2, RS, BB
2B Beau Brewer: 1-for-2, 2B (3), 2 RBI, BB

LHP Ben Shields: (W, 2-2) 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K
At this level: 3.11 ERA (37.2 IP, 28 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 3 HR, 7 BB, 47 K). Toss out his appearance in Scranton – they needed an arm and he was available. He was not ready for that level/offensive environment.
RHP McKinley Moore: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
His stint in the FCL is over, and now he is placed in Hudson Valley. The Yankees are trying to unlock a big-time arm with big-time control issues. It’s a worthwhile project.

Game 2 (Lost, 4-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, RS, K
SS Jared Serna: 3-for-4, 2 2B (16), RS
A nice 3-double evening for Serna, who is hitting .262/.367/.495 in 251 PA. He has seven 3-hit efforts this season.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, 2B (14), RBI, BB, K
.325/.409/.505 in 225 PA (14 doubles, 3 triples, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 35 R). He is 9-for-28 (.321) in June. Yes, his solid start to June has brought his batting average down.
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RBI
.313/.419/.500 in 172 PA. He is 11-for-26 in June.
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, BB
LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Blane Abeyta: (L, 0-1) 5 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.87 ERA (33.2 IP, 23 H, 10 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 40 K). He will be in Somerset when they start promoting players.

Tampa (20-36) (Lost to Ft. Myers, 8-5)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-5, HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
Arias is 11-for-32 in June (three straight multi-hit games) with five extra-base hits (1 double, 2 triples, 2 HR) and 12 runs batted in. He had five extra-base hits in the entire month of May. He is still struggling as a right-handed hitter and the strikeouts haven’t gone away, but this is encouraging. Hopefully, he keeps it going.
LF Christopher Familia: 2-for-5, 3B (1), HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
This is no surprise. Wake me up when the rehab is over and he gets to Hudson Valley and (eventually) Somerset.
DH Max Burt: 1-for-4, SB (2), K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, 2 BB
.273/.407/.453 in 162 PA (9 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 24 R, 31 BB, 31 K, 9-for-12 SB)
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, K
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, 2B (10), HR (3), RBI, RS, K
Both hits were scorched, with the home run traveling 402 feet. Montero is on a 5-game hitting streak (11-for-20, 3 doubles, 2 HR) and is up to .221 with a .600 OPS (Before the hitting streak, he was hitting .182 with a .491 OPS). As I said last night, Montero is a prospect -probably leans more “lottery ticket” like most teenagers.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, RS, SB (12), BB
C Edinson Duran: 1-for-4, 2B (4)

RHP Luis Serna: 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
4.50 ERA (46 IP, 35 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 54 K). He pitched to a 2.19 ERA in May. His first June start wasn’t great (4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R), but he followed that up nicely this evening. He used a 6-pitch mix tonight (42% changeups; 23% sinkers; 22% sliders; 7% cutters; 4% curveballs; 2% 4-seamers). He is only 19 (20 in July).
RHP Montana Semmel: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Cade Austin: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Oscar Silverio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Silverio is typically a catcher, but this is his 4th career pitching appearance.

FCL (16-10) (Defeated the Tigers, 5-3)

CF Brando Mayea: 0-for-3, K
I usually highlight only the best stuff from the FCL, but Mayea deserves a daily update!
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-3, 2B (1), RS
His rehab seems to be going well. It shouldn’t be much longer until he is back in Tampa.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, 2B (5), RBI, RS, BB
3B Abrahan Ramirez: 2-for-3, 2B (4), RS
.358/.494/.537 in 86 PA. He has 7 multi-hit games (22 games played)
LF Joel Mendez: 1-for-1, HR (2), 3 RBI, RS, BB
Mendez has homered in back-to-back games.

RHP Danny Flatt: 2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
2.33 ERA (19.1 IP, 15 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 27 K). The 20-year-old should make his Low-A debut this season.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
5.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K. He is still on his rehab assignment – once done, he should report to Tampa.
RHP Sunayro Martina (W, 1-1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Kean (S, 1): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Kean’s first career save – congrats! He owns a 3.12 ERA in 8.2 IP (3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 15 K). He should be among the first players moved up to Tampa once the “mass promotions” begin (or the FCL season ends!)

DSL Yankees (1-4) and DSL Bombers (2-2)

The DSL Yankees lost a doubleheader to DSL Miami.

DH Edgar Jimenez hit a 2-run homer in a 3-2 loss in Game 1. Listed as a catcher, this was the 17-year-old’s second career game… SS Dexters Peralta singled and stole his third base.
RHP Jorge Luna: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K.

CF Isael Arias hit a double, drove in a run, and scored twice in a 4-3 Game 2 loss…C Luis Puello went 2-for-3…
RHP Michell Chirinos: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K

The DSL Bombers split a doubleheader with the DSL Marlins.

In a 9-2 Game 1 win, C Queni Pineda launched his first career home run (3rd game)…3B Kevin Verde doubled twice, stole two bases, and brought home four. Verde (18) hit .258/.316/.433 in 31 games during his 2023 debut season…2B Luis Escudero singled, walked three times, and scored a pair of runs. He added two stolen bases…
16-year-old RHP Enixon Sanchez, in his professional debut: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K…17-year-old RHP Chaury Gomez recorded two outs in his professional debut.

In a 3-1 Game 2 loss, RF David Carrera (triple), C Carlos Villarroel (single), and 3B Rafael Martinez (single) recorded the only 3 hits…CF Browm Martinez went 0-for-4 with a run scored and two stolen bases…
6’6″ RHP Jerson Alejandro, in his 2024 debut: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 K… 18-year-old RHP Jose Rosario, in his professional debut: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K