Tag: Ben Shields

My Take: Yankees Acquire David Bednar & Jake Bird

Other takes:

Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

The Details:

The Yankees acquire RHP David Bednar and RHP Jake Bird
The Pirates acquire C/1B Rafael Flores, C Edgleen Perez, and OF Brian Sanchez
The Rockies acquire 2B Roc Riggio and LHP Ben Shields

This isn’t a 3-team deal, as the Pirates and Rockies didn’t interact with each other. Nor should they ever interact with each other.

However, from the Yankees’ standpoint, I will combine the moves due to time and laziness.

What the Yankees get:

While Brian Cashman was likely looking for a right-handed and a left-handed reliever, left-handed relievers aren’t easy to find on the market. So he pivoted to a pair of right-handed options with team control.

I will start with the more significant of the two.

Bednar, the Pirates’ closer over the past four seasons, is in the upper echelon of relievers in baseball, even with his odd 2024 campaign. Off to a Devin Williams-like start (11.70 ERA in March/April), Bednar turned that around in May and June before sustaining an oblique injury. I don’t know if that impacted his August (10.97 ERA), but he bounced back again to post a solid September.

That silliness aside, Bednar has been good for a while. This season, the 30-year-old owns a 2.37 ERA (1.96 FIP) over 38 innings with strong strikeout (33.1%) and walk (6.5%) rates. Additionally, his 41.3% ground ball rate is slightly below the league average. If you know me, you know that right-handed flyball pitchers scare me in Yankee Stadium. Bednar’s ground ball rate is fine, and when you combine it with top-notch strikeout rates, that is a good combination. From his profile, he doesn’t beat himself. The Yankees can use him in the 7th, 8th, or 9th innings with the possibility of being their 2026 closer. I don’t know what the organization thinks of Williams at this point, but I wouldn’t completely write him off as an extension candidate. Same with Luke Weaver. 

One thing to watch is Bednar’s splits and how Matt Blake tries to negate those splits. He is vastly better against left-handed hitters (.416 OPS) than right-handed hitters (.776 OPS) this year. His splits are more even throughout his career, so this could be a fluke.

Bednar is still in his arbitration years, earning $5.9 million this year. The Yankees are on the hook for $1.87M of that.

While I label Jake Bird as the “lesser” of the two acquisitions, we shouldn’t mistake that for him being mediocre. The 29-year-old, who is controlled through 2028, doesn’t own Bednar’s eye-popping stats. His career ERA (4.57) and FIP (4.14) don’t stand out, though is 4.73 ERA this year comes with a 3.45 FIP. Additionally, thanks to ballpark adjustments, his career ERA+ is 105.

The most intriguing thing about Bird is the spike in his strikeout rate, which is up to 26.3% in 2025 (19.3% entering this year).  Combine that with a strong GB% (48%), and you have an intriguing arm coming out of Colorado. Yes, he is indeed more dominant at home than on the road, which seems to go against the laws of baseball. That may be hard to explain, but it shouldn’t bother you.

One negative is the awful July Bird has experienced. After a strong start, Bird suddenly crashed and burned, compiling a 19.89 ERA and 12.5% strikeout rate. If the Yankees are comfortable that it isn’t injury-related, we can chalk it up to a bump in the road. His BABIP this month is unsustainable (.481).

Bird doesn’t throw as hard as Bednar. He averages 94.2 MPH with his seldom-used 4-seamer (0.7%!), relying more on a sinker/slider/curve combination with a few cutters mixed in. His ability to mix pitches allows him to average more than an inning per appearance, which adds to his value. The Yankees are unlikely to need him to close games, but he can be used as a 6th/7th inning guy alongside Fernando Cruz and/or Mark Leiter Jr. when they come back.

What the Pirates Get:

Rafael Flores should make his debut in 2025. A top ten prospect in the Yankees’ system, he is hitting .279/.351/.475 in 419 plate appearances with 23 doubles, 16 home runs, and 51 runs batted in. He has had a slow start since his promotion to Scranton (.211/.388/.289), but I do not doubt that Flores will hit. Whether he can hit enough to be an MLB first baseman, I don’t know. Whether he is good enough defensively to stick as an MLB catcher, I don’t know.  What I do know is this: The Yankees took an undrafted free agent and developed him to the point where his value was good enough to be the top prospect in a deal for an elite relief pitcher. That’s a win.

Edgleen Perez is an interesting teenager who made it to Low-A this season. The first thing that stands out is his ability to take walks. He owns a 17.9% BB that goes with a solid 19.5% K rate. The power has yet to show up in his profile (.236 slugging percentage), but that could be tied back to him being a developing teenage catcher. His advanced hitting approach is tantalizing, and the ceiling as an MLB starting catcher exists. However, that is a long time away, and catchers can be tricky in their development arc.

I talked about Flores going from an undrafted free agent to the top prospect dealt in a significant trade. Brian Sanchez went from being part of a Jake Bauers trade to a deal sweetener. Currently on the injured list, Sanchez is hitting .281/.373/.438 in 286 Low-A plate appearances with four homers and 24 stolen bases. The 21-year-old has plenty of minor league control (he isn’t Rule 5 eligible until after 2027). There are a lot of Sanchez-like players in Low-A. The Yankees have a few of their own. I wouldn’t worry about his development.

What the Rockies Get:

Roc Riggio had a fun name and an interesting profile. He isn’t built like a big-time power threat, yet he hit 18 home runs in 62 games this season, including 11 in 40 games for Somerset. Known for his dead-pull power profile (which probably made you excited to see him in Yankee Stadium), his biggest issue is where he plays. He is anchored to second base, which is fine if he can keep hitting at an above-average rate. In a world where MLB teams value versatility, he loses a few points. However, I can see him as a 30-double, 20-home run (at least) threat in Colorado. Whether that power comes with solid hitting skills elsewhere, we’ll see. But I think he is a good get for the Rockies. A 156 wRC+ in your first 40 Double-A games is nothing to sneeze at. I am a fan.

Like Flores, Ben Shields was an undrafted asset whom they converted into a desirable trade piece. The 26-year-old jumped on the prospect scene last season, compiling a 3.48 ERA (3.23 FIP) over 106 innings between Hudson Valley, Somerset, and Scranton.  His one awful appearance in Scranton impacted those solid numbers. This year, thanks to injury, he has appeared in only nine games (35.1 innings). He has MLB potential but was unlikely to make it as a Yankee.

The Bottom Line:

For new readers, you may be starting to get the sense that I am not your typical “prospect-hugging” blogger. To me, prospects have two purposes: Keep them or trade them. Some prospects don’t fit into your long-term plans, but fit in someone else’s. Hence, a trade is born. If you are a Yankees fan, your default setting should be MLB talent over minor league talent, because that is ultimately how they operate. And, despite what you may think of Cashman, the prospects he trades away rarely come back to haunt the team. That doesn’t mean the returns have always worked out. However, the organization appears to have a decent grasp of who to retain and who to trade.

These are two solid moves at reasonable prices, given the team control that comes with Bedner and Bird. The prices they paid are in line with what other teams have been offering for similarly skilled players.

The Yankees haven’t given up a top prospect at the deadline, trading off Rafael Flores, Roc Riggio, Edgleen Perez, Brian Sanchez, Clayton Beeter, Ben Shields, Griffin Herring, Josh Grosz, Gage Ziehl, and Browm Martinez. Interestingly, they used more of their position player depth in these trades, which goes against their typical usage of pitching depth. That comes down to what other teams are desiring. The Pirates reportedly were looking for position players at the deadline, and that is what the Yankees gave them.

This is another solid deadline deal. The Yankees filled their bullpen needs while trading away only one Top 10 prospect.

If you are fretting over the prospects given up, relax. I like Flores. I think Riggio is fun, and Herring is having a fantastic season. However, they didn’t give up any of their significant prospects while improving their roster where it was needed.

That’s a win.

Yankees MILB 7/20: Spencer Jones Has Gone Bananas

Notes:

According to the Baseball America signing tracker, 8th-round pick Mac Heuer has signed his name on the dotted line.  The Yankees have signed all of their picks from the first ten rounds.

The 21-year-old right-handed pitcher made 14 starts for Texas Tech in 2025, going 2-4 with a 6.28 ERA in 53 innings with a 48/23 K/BB. He was originally drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in 2023 but opted to go to college for two years. He also has Cape Cod League roots, throwing 6.2 innings as a 19-year-old in 2023.

I assume that his talent exceeds his performance, which makes sense. He is a big kid (6’5″) who supposedly hums in the mid-to-upper 90s.

In case you are wondering, first-round pick Dax Kilby received an overslot bonus of $2.8 million. The slot was $2,509,500. The Yankees saved slot money with 5th-round pick Core Jackson, who had low leverage as a college senior. When you look at the savings from his bonus, it covers what Kilby signed for.  Jackson is a shortstop out of the University of Utah.

We are still waiting on confirmation on RHP Brennan Stuprich (14th round; Southeastern Louisiana), SS Jackson Lovich (16th; Missouri), and RHP Hayden Morris (19th; Blinn College (JC)).  It appears that Stuprich and Lovich are signed but haven’t been added to the tracker. Morris has leverage as a Junior College kid. He could opt to go to a 4-year school.

So far, their picks between the 11th and 20th rounds have signed for the standard $150,000, which is more than Jackson received.  You are allowed to sign players in these rounds for more than $150,000, but any money over that counts against your bonus pool.

Injury Log

Scranton (55-37; 17-3 in second half) (Knocked out Worcester, 8-2, for their 11th straight win)

LF Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, HR (18), RBI, R, 2 K
Pereira, who is being overshadowed by a certain someone, has homered in three straight games.
CF Spencer Jones: 4-for-5, 2B (5), 2 HR (10), 2 RBI, 4 R, K (second straight 4-hit effort)
This is getting ridiculous. Today’s first home run was hit 445 feet at 109.6 MPH to center. He ties Ryan Ward (who hits minor league home runs for a living) for the overall minor league lead with 26. Last night, I commented that he was tied for first amongst all minor leaguers in OPS. After the dust cleared, he ended up being 0.01 points behind Mike Sirota. He should be in first place now in both OPS and wRC+ after today!
One of the criticisms (beyond the strikeouts) was his ground ball rate. This year, he has lowered that considerably, from 42.3% in 2024 to 30.7% (entering today). His percentages portray a player who hits the ball to all fields (not dead pull). That showed itself today, as his home runs were to center field and left field.
He is hitting .426/.481/.941 (1.422 OPS) since his promotion (16 games; 79 PA). That’s right: Jones has five doubles and ten home runs in 16 Triple-A games and 13 doubles/26 HR in 65 games overall.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-5, R, K
Fans in Scranton get to witness the multi-hit machine Flores is for the first time today. This is his 29th multi-hit effort this season.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, 2B (24), RBI, R, HBP
Rumfield is 16-for-31 (.516) during his 8-game hitting streak. He has eight multi-hit efforts in his last 11 games and is up to .311/.394/.505. 
3B Jeimer Candelario: 2-for-5, 2B (6), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Candelario is 7-for-40 (.175) with a pair of doubles since being signed.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, HBP, K
  RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-1
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, HBP, K
2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-4, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Carlos Carrasco: (W, 3-2)  7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, HR
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Bees’ Triple-A debut. He is a big kid who doesn’t wow you with velocity (maxed at 93.3 MPH). He also mixed in a slider and a changeup. It was nice to get some Savant data.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (48-42; 13-8 in second half) (Lost to Hartford, 3-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, R, K
Since the break: 4-for-14 with two doubles and two home runs (he has homered in back-to-back games). This follows a solid effort in the Futures Game over All-Star Weekend. 
2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, BB
Avina is 4-for-20 with a double and a homer since his promotion.
CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, K
Nice to see him get a hit, but the description of it in the 9th wasn’t flattering. Down 3-2 with one out in the 9th, he seemingly singled and was instantly caught in a rundown for the second out.  I would have to see this play because it’s very odd in its description.
DH Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, K
  PR Cam Eden: 0-for-0
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-1, R, 2 HBP

LHP Ben Shields: (L, 1-1) 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
At this level: 2.89 ERA (18.2 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 23 K). 
RHP Luis Pacheco: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
His rehab stint is over, as he was officially assigned here (instead of going to Scranton).

Hudson Valley (52-35; 14-9 second half) (Their game against Jersey Shore was postponed due to wet grounds. They will try to make it up on August 20th. Drenching rain crushed the Jersey Shore area overnight.)

Tampa (45-43; 9-14 in second half) (Lost to Dunedin, 7-1)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
.206/.369/.230 in 358 PA. Since I declared he was figuring on this level: 0-for-23 with only three of his trademark walks. 
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-5, 2 K
Arias is again pushing to reach .200 for the first time this season. He is at .198/.318/.304 and has three multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, R, 4 SB (35), BB
Stolen base rates: Before 2025: 38-for-55 (69.1%) in 109 games. 2025: 35-for-43 (81.4%) in 83 games.
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
The 11-game hitting streak is snapped. Toole is hitting .312/.418/.498 in 244 PA (12 doubles, 10 triples, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 46 R, 27-for-30 SB). He leads the Florida State League in batting average and (shockingly) slugging percentage despite hitting only two home runs. Additionally, he is second in OBP.
LF Hans Montero: 2-for-4, RBI, K
Montero, who is hitting .254/.335/.408, is adapting to his utility role. He has added 1B/LF/RF to 2B/3B this season. He no longer plays shortstop.
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Cade Smith: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
The 23-year-old’s rehab was moved from the FCL to here today. He touched 94.9 MPH with his four-seamer and used his entire arsenal. I am not sure I trust Savant’s data, which suggests he mixed six pitches. His best three pitches are his slider, curve, and 4-seamer. According to Pipeline, Smith is their 14th-ranked prospect
LHP Tanner Bauman: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Mariano Salomon: (L, 0-3) 2.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
1.86 ERA (38.2 IP, 28 H, 13 R, 8 ER, 4 HR, 20 BB, 52 K). Veach can dial it up to the mid-90s, which is important for his bread-and-butter changeup.

FCL (26-29)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (14-20)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (17-17)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 7/11: The Spencer Jones Show Continues

Notes:

From an article on The Athletic, the Yankees are transitioning former top catching prospect Antonio Gomez to pitching. Gomez, who is already Rule 5 eligible, supposedly is touching 100 MPH during workouts.

In my opinion, which was wrong (though I don’t mind admitting it), Gomez was the most intriguing catching prospect they had a few years ago. As a 17-year-old in the rookie leagues in 2019, he hit .288/.351/.442 in 15 games. After COVID shut down the minors in 2020, he came back to hit .305/.416/.474 in the FCL. That was enough to get him to Low-A late in the season, and that was the end of his offensive development. What do I tell people about Rookie League numbers again? Oh yeah – DON’T TRUST THEM.

Anyway, a strong-armed, no-hit catcher is always a candidate to move to pitching. There are other examples, but the one that always comes to mind is Troy Percival. 

George Lombard Jr. was placed on the “temporary inactive list” because he is playing in the Futures Game on Saturday.

OF Garrett Martin was placed on the 7-day injured list for Somerset today. Infielder Parks Harber, who hasn’t played forever, is officially on the 7-day injured list for Hudson Valley. Harber was hitting .319/.404/.510 when he disappeared from the lineup on June 12th. He was in the midst of a 9-game hitting streak.

In promotion news, RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz, infielder Duncan Pastore, and OF Jace Avina were promoted from Hudson Valley to Somerset. To replace Rodriguez-Cruz, RHP Andrew Landry was moved from Tampa to Hudson Valley.

Injury Log

Scranton (50-37) (Mauled Buffalo, 10-1)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-5, R
Rodriguez has a 7-game hitting streak (8-for-27; .296). It isn’t one of those “scorching hot” hitting streaks, but he was slumping for awhile.
CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-5, HR (6), 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 K
Since promotion: 20-for-49 (.408; 3 doubles, 6 HR, 14 RBI, 17 R, 6-for-6 SB, 8 BB, 17 K). He has been insane for Scranton after hitting 16 homers in 49 games for Somerset.  So you want to be a GM? Think about whether he is a keep or trade right now. And your decision has zero consequences.
RF Everson Pereira: 2-for-3, R, HBP, BB, K
.266/.367/.514 in 256 PA. Pereira is 12-for-27 (.444) in July with 2 doubles, a triple, three homers, 11 RBI, and seven walks.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, HR (10), 4 RBI, R, K
Rumfield has five multi-hit games in his last six games played. He has 14 RBI during this stretch (up to 60 in 80 games) and his triple slash has risen from .281/.365/.462 to .297/.377/.483. 
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-5, RBI, 2 K
2B Nicky Lopez: 1-for-3, 2B (1), R, BB, K
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, 2B (22), R, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, 2B (11), R, K
LF Duke Ellis: 1-for-4, RBI, R, K

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 9-0) 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
At this level: 1.19 ERA (60.2 IP, 46 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 66 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (44-40) (Lost to New Hampshire, 5-3. They are 11-5 in the second half)

DH Brendan Jones: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, 2 SB (7), 2 BB
I am happy that the Patriots’ faithful are getting to see what type of player Jones can be. The 23-year-old is up to 30 stolen bases between here and Hudson Valley and is 48-for-53 in his career.  In July, he is 11-for-28 (3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R, 5 SB, 7 BB)
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, HR (12), RBI, R, K
Jasso has cooled off after a hot start (still hit a decent .241/.347/.425 in June). 
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
Avina’s Double-A debut.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
3B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, K
RF Cam Eden: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, K
Eden is known more  for his speed than his power, though he did hit 12 HR in 94 games in 2022.
SS Max Burt: 1-for-1, RBI, BB

LHP Ben Shields: 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
The 26-year-old had a solid year in 2024 (3.48 ERA in 106 IP with a 137/33 K/BB) but an injury delayed his start in 2025. He’s come back as if he never missed any time. In his three starts for Somerset: 13 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 20 K. Don’t be surprised if teams ask for him as a “deal sweetener” this month. If he isn’t moved, he can factor into the Yankees’ 2026 plans in some capacity.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (51-32) (Walked it off against Asheville, 4-3. They are 13-6 in the second half; 6-game winning streak)

LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, 2B (14), RBI, BB
Castillo continues to scorch (13-for-31 with two doubles, two homers, four walks, and four stolen bases in July).
CF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, HR (6), RBI, R
So much talent to tap into. He has 15 homers and 19 stolen bases in 79 games but it’s all about the overall hit tool.
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2B (16)
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, K
3B-1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-2, HR (1), RBI, R
Romero’s first game since April 18th. He decided to make an impression.
   3B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-2, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, R, 2 K
Frick walks it off in the bottom of the 9th!
DH Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, R, K

RHP Josh Grosz: 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
4.13 ERA (80.2 IP, 61 H, 43 R, 37 ER, 5 HR, 32 BB, 88 K)
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Chris Kean: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert (W, 2-0): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (45-38) (Lost to Lakeland, 11-0. The Tarpons are 9-9 in the second half)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-3, BB, K
.274/.365/.432 in 276 PA (15 doubles, 5 triples, 4 HR, 36 RBI, 38 R, 24-for-28 SB)
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, 4 K
So much for making it to .200 for the first time this season!
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Willy Montero: 2-for-3
They were thoroughly dominated tonight, so Montero’s two hits stand out!  Montero, who is still only 20 years old (he’s been around since 2021!), is 6-for-17 with a double and triple since coming off his rehab stint.
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, K
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-3, K
2B Austin Green: 1-for-3
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, BB

RHP Mariano Salomon: (L, 0-2)  5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Salomon’s first Low-A start.
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
2.06 ERA (39.1 IP, 23 H, 16 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 27 BB, 31 K). Hermann is an extreme groundball guy (63.8% entering tonight)
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Justin Lange: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

FCL (24-25) (Lost to the Tigers, 8-7, in another extra-inning thriller (this was a 7-inning contest). After the Tigers scored six in the bottom of the 6th to take the lead, the Yankees scored three in the top of the seventh to tie it. In the 8th, they scored one to take the lead, but the Tigers countered with two in the bottom half to win the game.)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 BB, K
The sample size is still small enough that a hot end to the season will lift his numbers to respectability. The climb remains a steep one.
DH Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, RBI, R, HBP, BB, K
CF Isael Arias: 2-for-4, R, 2 SB (18), BB
One thing you can say about Arias: He takes advantage of stolen base opportunities. He only has a .254 OBP. Imagine how many he can steal if he learns to hit better!
C John Cristino: 2-for-4, 2B (4), SF, RBI, R, SB (4), 2 K
19 starts at 1B, 5 at catcher.
1B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-2, R, HBP, BB
2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, R, BB
3B Kevin Verde: 2-for-4, 3 RBI

RHP Omar Gonzalez: 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K
How often do teams blow games when their starter has a no-hitter going? I can’t think of one before today.

DSL Yankees (12-17) (Lost to DSL Rangers Blue, 9-7, in ten innings)

SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-4, 2 R, SB (4), 2 BB, 4 K
That’s an interesting afternoon. The 16-year-old takes his share of walks (18%), which is something for him to build on.
2B Carlos Bello: 1-for-5, 2B (6)
Bello’s debut campaign continues to go well: .280/.423/.488 in 104 PA (6 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 23 R, 7-for-8 SB)
CF Francisco Vilorio: 2-for-5, RBI, 2 R, 2 K
.298/.434/.333 in 106 PA. He is on a 6-game hitting streak (9-for-23). Vilorio (18) is a bonus baby who is repeating the level, so we’ll see how he performs in the FCL in 2026.
3B Richard Matic: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
Matic is crushing the level this year. Another kid to observe in the FCL next year.
DH Justin Capellan: 2-for-4, HR (5), 3 RBI, R, SB (8), BB
.312/.409/.623 in 93 PA (9 doubles, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 21 R). In 63 DSL games over the last two years, the 18-year-old has 21 doubles, 6 HR, 49 RBI, and 37 runs.

LHP Carlos De La Rosa: 3 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
18.2 IP, 23 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 33 K. One has to love that K/BB.
RHP Rafael Arias: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

DSL Bombers (14-15) (Lost to the DSL Marlins, 6-2)

SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-3, R, SB (16), BB, 2 K
Marinez has a 17-game on-base streak (at least one walk in 15 of those games).
DH Jose Castro: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RBI
2B Christofer Reyes: 2-for-3, SB (18), CS (2)

RHP Carlos Hampshire (L, 1-2): 3.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 K

Yankees MILB 6/2: Isaias Castillo (16) Homers in Professional Debut

Notes:

If you missed it yesterday (it was a late addition to my report), 1B/OF Dominic Smith exercised his opt-out clause. Given how the season has played out, there wasn’t a path to MLB for Smith with the Yankees. He is hoping to convert his hot May into an MLB contract somewhere.

Injury Log

Scranton (25-29)

Day off

Somerset (24-26)

Day off

Hudson Valley (31-19)

Day off

Tampa (26-23)

Day off

FCL (11-11) (Swept a doubleheader against the Phillies. Brando Mayea, who left the game the other day due to some sort of injury, did not play)

Game 1 (Won, 8-7)

RF Isael Arias: 1-for-4, 2 R, 3 SB (7), 2 K
SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-1, 3 R, SB (4), 3 BB
Sometimes, pitchers in the rookie leagues can be incredibly wild. In this game, however, Peralta drew the only three walks.
C Ediel Rivera: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, 3 R, HBP
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (2), 3 RBI
3B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-3, 2 SB (11)
11 stolen bases in 19 games.

LHP Ben Shields: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
One of the Yankees’ most surprising prospects in 2024 is on a rehab stint. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023, Shields pitched at three levels in his 2024 debut season (Hudson Valley, Somerset, Scranton (one start)). Combined, he went 5-5 with a 3.48 ERA (3.23 FIP) over 106 innings with a 31.1% K and 7.5% BB. His numbers were solid, yet skewed negatively by that one emergency Scranton appearance (1.2 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 7 ER).
RHP Sunayro Martina (W, 2-3): 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Alexis Paulino (S, 1): 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Not all saves are pretty.

Game 2 (Won, 7-1)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-3, 2 R, HBP, K
C Manuel Palencia: 4-for-4, 2 2B (6), 3B (1), HR (1), 5 RBI, R
It finally happened! Palencia hits his first career home run in his 150th game. Yes, it’s one of those baseball things that he hits his first career home run on a day he falls a single short of the cycle (he hit a double in his final at-bat. Jeff Frye would have stopped at first base). He is 22 years old and has played only as high as Low-A, but this is a nice moment of him.
DH Ediel Rivera: 1-for-3, 2B (4), SF, 2 RBI, K
.296/.400/.426 in 65 PA. A solid start to his professional career.

RHP Greysen Carter (W, 2-0): 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
His control struggles are well-documented, so this is good to see.

DSL Yankees (0-1) (Lost to the Rockies, 13-6. The Rockies should promote all these guys to the MLB club immediately)

SS Mani Cedeno: 1-for-5, R, 3 K
Their most hyped DSL prospect earns his first professional hit. Want to feel old? Cedeno is 16 and was born in 2008.
CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
As I said the other day, this is a huge year for the bonus baby. Ideally, he would have crushed this league in 2024 and would be in the FCL right now. That didn’t happen, so he has to crush this league now.
2B Carlos Bello: 1-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Nothing like getting that first professional home run out of the way in your first professional game. Bello signed for $350,000.
3B Richard Matic: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
Matic hits his first professional home run. Matic signed for $850,000. Like Vilorio, he struggled here in 2024 (.196/.333/.248 in 186 PA)
C Justin Capellan: 2-for-4, 2B (1), R
The 18-year-old hit .242/.365/.359 with 12 doubles in 41 games at this level in 2024. The Yankees used money acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates for Billy McKinney to sign Capellan. “Why didn’t the Pirates simply use that money for international prospects instead of trading it for a retread like McKinney?”  Do you even need to ask?
DH Carlos Villarroel: 0-for-4, K
Villarroel returns coming off of an impressive .299/.390/.410 campaign in 2024. Last season, he split time between catcher and first base.
LF Isaias Castillo: 2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, K
A 16-year-old launching a home run in his professional debut is impressive. Castillo was a $750,000 investment during the 2025 signing period. He is a right-handed bat.
RF Angel Ventura: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI
The 19-year-old hit .245/.336/.276 in 113 plate appearances here in 2024.
1B Diego Flores: 2-for-3, 2B (1), BB, K
Flores compiles his first career extra-base hit (the 18-year-old played in 15 games at this level in 2024)

RHP Manuel Cruz (L, 0-1): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Cruz (19) makes his professional debut.
RHP Anthony Mena: 1 IP, 2 H, 6 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 0 K
Crazy pitching lines aren’t abnormal in the DSL!
LHP Luis Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
He’s already 20, but this was his professional debut.
RHP Varis Villarreal: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The 19-year-old pitched in 17 games at this level last year, compiling a 4.43 ERA and 20/11 K/BB over 22.1 innings.
RHP Jesus Guerrero: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The 18-year-old’s professional debut. Interestingly, his debut is on the hill even though he is listed as a catcher. Don’t ask me, folks. I just report what I see.

DSL Bombers (1-0) (Defeated Rangers Blue, 10-8, in a crazy game that featured a walk-off 3-run home run for Browm Martinez. This came after the Rangers scored three runs in the top of the 9th to take the lead)

CF Ruben Castillo: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
Castillo was a $875,000 signing.
SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-3, 3 R, SB (1), BB
Impressive professional debut for the 17-year-old. The Yankees gave Marinez a $1.65 million signing bonus near the end of the 2024 signing period (Cedeno, who received $2.5 million, was part of the 2025 class)
C Queni Pineda: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
I remember Pineda from last year, and it isn’t because of his unique first name. He hit .254/.434/.438 in 44 games with nine doubles and five home runs. He drew an impressive 41 walks in 173 PA (23.7%).  He signed for $350,000 in 2024.
DH David Carrera: 0-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
The 18-year-old played well down here in 2024 (.278/.402/.418). When it comes to kids who don’t get the extreme signing bonuses, they just need to put their heads down and keep performing to get noticed. Not the same situation, but Andy Pettitte always talked about needing to prove himself every step of the way.
2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-4, R, SB (1), BB, 3 K
Reyes signed for $100,000 in 2024. Last year, as a 16-year-old, he hit .250/.346/.314 in 179 plate appearances.
RF Browm Martinez: 2-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 SB (2)
You may as well make your first professional home run a memorable one. Martinez is coming off a solid 2024 (.278/.386/.313 with 21 stolen bases in 27 attempts). He is an 18-year-old right-handed batter.
1B Leni Done: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
Done’s professional debut. There isn’t any information I can find on his signing bonus (which means he signed for little)
3B Juan Torres: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, CS (1), 2 K
Torres’s professional debut. Like with Done, no information on what he signed for.
LF Eddinson Charles: 0-for-4, 4 K
Not the debut the 6’4″ 17-year-old wanted, but it can only get better from here. He was a $300,000 signing.

RHP Randy Angomas: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Angomas (17) makes his professional debut.
RHP Luis Burgos: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
The 19-year-old pitched in 14 games here last season.
LHP Ronald Tejada: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Tough day today, but he was good in last year’s debut season (1.75 ERA and 24/12 K/BB over 25.2 IP).
RHP Josue Silvestre (W, 1-0): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Silvestre’s first professional win.

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.