Yankees MILB 5/8: Ben Hess Dominates

Notes:

OF Brennen Davis started his rehab stint in the FCL today. Once a top prospect for the Cubs (Baseball America ranked him 16th in 2022, and he played in the 2021 Futures Game), injuries have slowed him down. In 2021, as a 21-year-old trying Double-A for the first time, he hit an impressive .252/.367/.474 (134 wRC+) in 76 games with 13 homers and 36 RBI.

Injuries are a part of the game, and Davis can’t shake the bug. The Yankees signed him, hoping to tap into what he once was. Last season, in Triple-A Iowa, he hit .214/.359/.469 (110 wRC+) in 181 plate appearances with 11 home runs.

When his rehab is over, he’ll join Everson Pereira and Bryan De La Cruz as right-handed hitting outfield depth.

RHP Jon Olsen was signed to a minor league contract and assigned to Somerset. The 27-year-old was a 12th-round pick by the Twins in 2018, but was out of the organization in 2022. After not pitching in 2023, he ended up in the Independent Atlantic League in 2024, where he compiled a 12-3 record with a 3.60 ERA in 127.2 IP for York. This season, he pitched in the Mexican League, where he was 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA in three starts (17 IP) with a 19/6 K/BB. For now, he is organizational depth. We’ll monitor his progress.

RHP Carlos Carrasco cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Scranton. I have no problem with that, as they need the pitching depth.

Due to some feedback, I have updated the injury log below. It is now sorted by last name, with the Top 30 organizational prospects listed at the top.

Injury Log


Scranton (17-17) (After waiting for 3+ hours, they postponed this game against Rochester due to rain. Weird that they waited so long. The lineup was provided and is below.)

CF Everson Pereira0-for-0
2B DJ LeMahieu0-for-0
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-0
C Jesus Rodriguez0-for-0
RF Bryan De La Cruz0-for-0
LF Dominic Smith0-for-0
3B Jose Rojas0-for-0
DH Alex Jackson0-for-0
SS Braden Shewmake0-for-0

RHP Zach McAllister0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Until the Yankees find starters, McAllister can put himself on the map for spot starts. However, he hasn’t pitched well thus far.


Somerset (12-18) (Lost to Akron, 5-0. Somerset has suffered three straight shutouts since George Lombard Jr.‘s promotion. The kid is going to develop a complex)

3B Dylan Jasso1-for-4, K
2B George Lombard Jr.0-for-4, K
1-for-11 with a walk and three strikeouts. This is his second start at second base this season (24 at SS; 1 at 3B)
1B Rafael Flores1-for-4, K
Flores hasn’t drawn a walk in seven May games (9 in 23 April games)
DH Tyler Hardman0-for-4, 2 K
CF Garrett Martin1-for-4, 2 K
.195/.340/.402 in 100 PA. Martin has a .200 BABIP, which should normalize.
LF Jared Wegner1-for-4, K
RF Christopher Familia0-for-3, BB
With Spencer Jones and Cole Gabrielson on the injured list, Familia should see extended playing time.
C Antonio Gomez0-for-3, K
SS Max Burt: 1-for-2, BB

RHP Brendan Beck: (L, 2-1) 4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 K (personal best)
2.28 ERA (23.2 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 26 K). The start to Beck’s season is encouraging.
LHP Will Brian1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Brian allowed two of Beck’s runners to score before tossing a clean 6th inning. Since promotion: 9 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 9 K
RHP Luis Pacheco1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
9.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K. If you want to get yourself on the radar, throw up a bunch of zeroes in your first eight Double-A games.


Hudson Valley (20-9) (Walloped Wilmington, 12-1. It’s their second straight 12-1 triumph)

CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-6, RBI, R, SB (13)
Jones is 31-for-34 (91.2%) stealing bases in 49 career games.
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2B (8), 2 R, SB (4), BB
.255/.366/.372 in 112 PA. He has back-to-back multi-hit efforts after a 1-for-15 start to May.
3B Parks Harber: 2-for-5, RBI, 3 R, BB, K
Harber is hitting .314 (11-for-35) since his promotion (he has hit safely in seven of eight games).
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, 2 HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 R, HBP, BB, K
Martinez has homered in three straight games. In six May games: 12-for-23 (3 doubles, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 9 R, 4 BB, 4 K).  He is up to .283/.374/.485 in 115 PA. I would consider swapping him and Antonio Gomez.
2B Jose Colmenares1-for-5, BB, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio2-for-5, 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
C Tomas Frick1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, R, 2 BB, K
RF Anthony Hall2-for-5, 2 RBI, K

RHP Ben Hess: (W, 2-2)  6.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
Hess has three 9-strikeout efforts this season. He lost the no-hitter with no outs in the 7th, but instantly generated a ground ball double play before leaving. He tossed 88 pitches (63 strikes). Season: 3.24 ERA (25 IP, 12 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 39 K). The spotlight will be brighter on Hess, since he was their first-round pick in 2024. He is performing well.
RHP Huey Morrill1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K. Overall: 11.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 18 K. That’s how you make an impression in your first professional campaign.


Tampa (13-17) (Swept a doubleheader against Daytona)

Game 1 (Won, 13-2. 13 runs, 11 hits, 10 walks)

C Edgleen Perez2-for-5, RBI
Perez hits the .200 mark for the first time since April 6th. 
CF Brian Sanchez2-for-4, 3B (3), RBI, 2 R, CS (3), BB, K
DH Engelth Urena1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
LF Dillon Lewis1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, 2 R, BB, K
SS Juan Matheus2-for-4, R, BB, K
RF Tyler Wilson1-for-3, 2 RBI, R, BB
2B Austin Green0-for-2, RBI, R, 2 BB
1B Josue Gonzalez1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (6), BB
.159/.286/.261 in 84 PA. 
3B Hans Montero1-for-2, RBI, 2 R, SB (4), BB, K
.240/.356/.328 in 59 PA. 

LHP Griffin Herring4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
1.04 ERA (34.2 IP, 20 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 44 K). The Max Fried of the Florida State League (it’s a joke, don’t take it seriously) allows more than one run for the first time in his 6-start career.
RHP Brady Kirtner (W, 2-0): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
1.56 ERA (17.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 14 K)
RHP Chris Veach1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.13 ERA (12.2 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 20 K)

Game 2 (Won, 6-3)

DH Edgleen Perez: 2-for-4, RBI, HBP, K
I love that they keep throwing him out there, even if he caught the first game of a doubleheader. He needs reps, reps, reps.  His batting average is now .214.
RF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, BB
Sanchez is having himself a doubleheader (4-for-8, 3B, 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB). He has three straight multi-hit efforts.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB
Drawing walks is nothing new for Urena (49 in 322 career plate appearances; 15.2%)
LF Dillon Lewis1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, R, 2 K
Lewis has two doubles and two homers in six May games (five extra-base hits in 21 April games)
3B Juan Matheus0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
1B Tyler Wilson0-for-4, 2 K
2B Austin Green0-for-3, R, BB, K
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 3B (2), 2 K
Toole’s third straight 2-hit effort (6-for-11, 1 double, 2 triples).
SS Owen Cobb: 2-for-3, 2B (4), 2 R, CS (1), BB
9-for-18 with four doubles, a homer, 10 runs, and a 6-for-7 stolen base rate.

RHP Danny Flatt: (W, 1-2)  5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
The rain delay (which occurred in the second inning) wasn’t long enough to knock Flatt out of the game, which worked well for him. Nobody wants a wasted start.  Season: 5.40 ERA (18.1 IP, 19 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 15 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.22 ERA (10.2 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 10 K)
RHP Cade Austin (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


FCL (3-1) (Defeated the Phillies, 3-1. I told you they keep playing the same teams!)

DH Brando Mayea1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, R, SB (2), CS (2), BB, K
Mayea has three doubles in four games (4 extra-base hits (2 doubles, 2 triples) in 35 games at this level in 2024). I don’t worry about stolen base rates in the low minors – if a kid has speed, they learn by running.
CF Isael Arias2-for-5, RBI, SB (2)
5-for-15
RF Brennen Davis1-for-2, K
His first rehab game.
  RF Gabriel Lara1-for-2, CS (1)
SS Santiago Gomez2-for-4, R

RHP Omar Gonzalez3.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Only 19, Gonzalez has spent four years in the rookie leagues. However, he has compiled only 58.1 innings (28 hits, 42 BB, 80 K)
RHP Sunayro Martina (W, 1-1): 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 9 K
LHP Franyer Herrera (S, 1): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Herrera’s first career save.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/7: Everson Pereira Walks it Off

Notes:

Jonathan Loaisiga‘s rehab was moved to Scranton today. He tossed a pair of scoreless innings.

Injury Log


Scranton (17-17) (Split a doubleheader against Rochester)

Game 1 (Won, 5-3, on a walk-off blast by Everson Pereira. Scranton hit three home runs in the bottom of the 7th to take the win)

LF Everson Pereira2-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
Pereira has four home runs in his last four games (six in his last ten games).  He is hitting .295/.364/.577 in 88 PA (1 double, 7 HR, 17 RBI, 17 R, 2-for-2 SB, 9.1% BB, 34.1% K)
3B DJ LeMahieu2-for-3
Weird that Aaron Boone said 2B was in play for LeMahieu, only for him to play third base tonight (his first appearance at third base during his rehab stint). This is the first time he played a full game in the field during his stint, but remember that it was a 7-inning game.  As for his return, Jorbit Vivas isn’t doing anything to claim second base over the next several weeks. The loss of Jazz Chisholm Jr., even with his warts, is potentially devastating.
DH T.J. Rumfield0-for-3, RBI, K
1B Dominic Smith0-for-3
RF Bryan De La Cruz1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, K
He started the home run binge with his first one as a member of the Yankees’ organization.
2B Jose Rojas0-for-3
C Alex Jackson3-for-3, HR (3), RBI, R
Jackson’s HR tied the game.
SS Braden Shewmake0-for-3, 2 K
CF Ismael Munguia0-for-2, R, BB
Munguia set the stage for Pereira’s dramatics by earning a walk.

LHP Brandon Leibrandt3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Clayton Beeter1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Beeter threw 26 pitches (18 fastballs, 8 sliders). He hit 96.8 MPH (averaged 95.8)
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Loaisiga threw 16 pitches in an efficient outing. He used all four pitches (4-seam, sinker, curve, changeup) and reached 96.5 MPH on his 4-seamer and sinker. If he comes out of this outing OK, he’s close.
LHP Brent Headrick (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Headrick was activated off the injured list today.

Game 2 (Lost, 8-5. This was a sloppy game where the Railriders committed five errors)

CF Ismael Munguia1-for-4, R, SB (8)
3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-3, R, SB (5), BB
Rodriguez is 22-for-63 (.349) since his promotion (3 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 16 R, 5-for-5 SB, 18.5% BB, 12.3% K).  He has forced the Yankees hand. I don’t think the plan was to keep him here once Alex Jackson returned. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, R, BB
Rumfield is 9-for-19 with a pair of doubles in May.
2B Jose Rojas1-for-3, HR (7, grand slam), 4 RBI, R, BB
Rojas has two grand slams in May (4 HR, 12 RBI in six May games, though all those numbers have come in two games)
LF Bryan De La Cruz0-for-3, HBP
DH Dominic Smith1-for-3, BB
C Ronaldo Hernandez1-for-4, K
RF Grant Richardson0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-4, 2B (4), R, 2 K

RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 3-4)  6 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Boyle is a mix-it-up righty who can hit 90-92 with his fastball. He has battled injuries and I would love for him to make his MLB debut. Whether that is in a Yankees uniform, I don’t know. Season: 4.14 ERA (37 IP, 31 H, 20 R, 17 ER, 5 HR, 11 BB, 40 K)
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Rob Zastryzny0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Somerset (12-17) (Lost to Akron, 3-0. Somerset hasn’t scored a run since George Lombard Jr.‘s promotion. Coincidence? I think not)

SS George Lombard Jr.0-for-3, BB
1-for-7 with a walk and two strikeouts. 
C Rafael Flores1-for-4, 2B (10), 2 K
94 Double-A games: .276/.350/.521 in 397 PA (24 doubles, 21 HR, 56 RBI, 54 R, 9-for-9 SB, 9.3% BB, 28.5% K). The strikeout rate has spiked this season (32.3%).
2B Dylan Jasso1-for-4
.255/.321/.471 in 112 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 17 R, 7.1% BB, 16.1% K). He is off to a 3-for-26 start in May.
CF Garrett Martin0-for-4, K
.192/.344/.410 in 96 PA (5 doubles, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 13 R, 4-for-5 SB, 13.5% BB, 16.7% K)
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-3, BB
RF Jared Wegner0-for-4, 4 K
3B Alexander Vargas1-for-3, K
LF Christopher Familia0-for-3, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (L, 2-3)  6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K
2.18 ERA (33 IP, 25 H, 13 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 36 K). Schlittler is the upper-level arm to be excited over, while Brendan Beck has placed himself on the map. They are two names to watch, but are they MLB viable in 2025?
RHP Danny Watson1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
4.22 ERA (10.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 14 K)


Hudson Valley (19-9) (Walloped Wilmington, 12-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 4-for-6, 2B (5), RBI, R, SB (12)
.247/.348/.412 in 115 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 21 R, 12-for-15 SB, 12.2% BB, 18.3% K).  This is his first career 4-hit effort.
2B Roc Riggio0-for-4, CS (1), BB
  2B Duncan Pastore0-for-1, K
RF Jace Avina0-for-5, BB
  RF Anthony Hall0-for-0
LF Jackson Castillo2-for-5, RBI, R, BB, 3 K
.247/.358/.360 in 106 PA. He needed a solid night, as he was 1-for-15 in May entering it.
3B Parks Harber1-for-5, 2 R, BB, 2 K
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 3 R, BB
C Omar Martinez: 4-for-5, 2B (5), HR (3), 5 RBI, 3 R, K
Martinez is 10-for-19 in May (3 doubles, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 7 R). He has homered in back-to-back games and has three doubles in his last four games. He started the month .211/.299/.276. Now, his triple slash is .274/.358/.421. How crazy is that? 
SS Brenny Escanio2-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-5, 2B (5), 3 RBI, R, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (W, 3-1)  5.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K (ties personal best)
3.55 ERA (25.1 IP, 18 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 41 K). A 41/7 K/BB is insane. Half of those earned runs were compiled in his first start. Last season, in 21 innings, he compiled a 27/20 K/BB. Once a pitcher like Lagrange figures out control/command, the sky is the limit. Yes, it is still too early to know if this is real, and we need to see Lagrange stay healthy for a full season.
RHP Matt Keating1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Keating stranded a pair of runners in the 6th to preserve Lagrange’s night.
RHP Ocean Gabonia1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Kean1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.38 ERA (13 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 12 K)


Tampa (11-17)

Their game against Daytona was postponed due to lightning.


FCL (2-1)

Day off.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/29: Dylan Jasso: Double, 2 HR

Notes:

SS Roderick Arias, hitting .155/.302/.254 (72 wRC+) in 86 plate appearances, was placed on Tampa’s 7-day injured list.

1B/3B Parks Harberwho has a 170 wRC+ this season, was rightfully promoted from Tampa to Hudson Valley.

IF Owen Cobb was activated off the injured list and assigned to Tampa.

After missing a few games for unknown reasons, teenage catcher Edgleen Perez was back in the lineup tonight for Tampa.

DJ LeMahieu‘s rehab stint is temporarily (?) halted due to needing a cortisone shot in his hip.

Injury Log


Scranton (12-13)

Their game against Syracuse was postponed. They will try to play a pair tomorrow.


Somerset (10-12) (Defeated Richmond, 7-3)

3B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-5, 2B (5), 2 HR (5), 2 RBI, 3 R
Jasso’s third career 2-HR game. He had zero extra-base hits in his first five games and 11 in his last 13 games.  His OPS is up to .938, which leads the team and is 7th in the Eastern League.
CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, HR (8), RBI, R, BB, K
Jones swats his Eastern League-leading 8th HR. He has 33 doubles, 6 triples, and 28 home runs in 160 Double-A games (715 PA).
C Rafael Flores3-for-5, HR (5), RBI, R, 2 K
Flores has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games (15-for-44 (.341); 5 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI). 
1B Tyler Hardman: 4-for-5, 2 2B (7), HR (2), 2 RBI, R
Hardman’s first 4-hit game since July 28, 2023 (third career 4-hit effort). 
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-4, SF, RBI, 3 K
RF Cole Gabrielson2-for-5, K
LF Garrett Martin0-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K
DH Jared Wegner1-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Max Burt1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Brendan Beck4.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Beck, who tossed 72 pitches tonight, allowed his first runs of the season.  Stats: 0.93 ERA (19.1 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 19 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz: (W, 2-1): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Ryan Anderson1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Hudson Valley (16-6) (Mauled Jersey Shore, 14-2. The Renedages have scored 125 runs while allowing 68.)

RF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, RBI, R, CS (3), BB
.250/.363/.447 in 91 PA. Last 11 games: 15-for-44 (.341; 3 doubles, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 16 R)
SS George Lombard Jr.0-for-3, 2 R, HBP, BB, K
You know your season is going well when reaching base two times and scoring twice is an “off night”.  His .489 OBP is second in the South Atlantic League. The leader (Noah Myers, .540) is 25 years old.
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2B (7), 2 RBI, R, K
.277/.377/.431 in 77 PA (sevens are wild!). 
LF Jace Avina3-for-5, 2 R, K
Avina, who has three straight 3-hit efforts, increases his hitting streak to 7. It’s not a run-of-the-mill hitting streak; he is 15-for-27 (.556). His triple slash has risen from .190/.364/.214 to .333/.466/.420. Nuts.
C Omar Martinez1-for-2, SF, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
3B Parks Harber: 3-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 3 R
Harber’s High-A debut is a successful one. He crushed Low-A (.304/.422/.551; 170 wRC+), and hopes to do the same here.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, HR (grand slam), SF, 5 RBI
Morales falls one short of his personal best for RBI (5/5/24).
2B Brenny Escanio0-for-3, R, BB, K
DH Tomas Frick1-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RBI, R, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (W, 2-1)  5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
He threw 96 pitches tonight. While I won’t search through all his game logs, I feel safe saying that is a personal best. Season: 4.58 ERA (19.2 IP, 16 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 32 K). He has surged after a rough first start. Lagrange has the talent to be a top-of-the-rotation starter.
RHP Tyrone Yulie1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Tony Rossi1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Rossi hasn’t allowed a run in seven games between here and Tampa (9.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 15 K)


Tampa (8-14) (Lost to Bradenton, 5-2)

DH Edgleen Perez1-for-3, R, BB
Perez’s first game since April 23.  He is hitting .189/.371/.208 (at his lowest point (4/16), he was hitting .114/.244/.114). Remember, he is an 18-year-old catcher receiving his first taste of full-season ball.
CF Brian Sanchez1-for-4, 2B (7), 2 RBI, K
Sanchez is on a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-23). He is hitting .250/.292/.412 in 72 PA (5.6% BB, 30.6% K). 
C Engelth Urena1-for-4, K
RF Dillon Lewis0-for-4
2B Austin Green0-for-3
LF Tyler Wilson0-for-3
SS Juan Matheus2-for-3
.235/.333/.333 in 63 PA (14.3% BB; 15.9% K). Matheus has never had a K/BB over 1.00 in his career.
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-3
3B Hans Montero0-for-2, R, BB, K

RHP Andrew Landry: (L, 0-2)  5.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Landry has a wide assortment of pitches, including a 4-seamer that topped out at 96.4 tonight (his sinker reached 95.8). He threw 88 pitches and owns a 7.94 ERA in 17 IP (27 H, 18 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 18 K). His numbers are skewed by a 1.1 IP, 8 H, 10 R, 9 ER game.
RHP Jack Sokol1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Cole Zaffiro1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/26: Jackson Castillo Drives Home 6

Notes:

I have nothing to offer you.

Injury Log


Scranton (12-13) (Lost to Charlotte, 8-7. The Railriders blew a 7-0 lead)

CF Ismael Munguia0-for-4, R, BB
.256/.362/.372 in 107 PA (4 doubles, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 15 R, 5-for-7 SB, 10.3% BB, 7.5% K)
3B Jorbit Vivas1-for-3, CS (4), 2 BB
Vivas has ten starts at second base and 12 at third base.
C Jesus Rodriguez3-for-5, 2B (2), RBI, 2 R, SB (4)
Some websites (ahem…MLB Pipeline…ahem) refuse to rank Rodriguez in the Yankees’ Top 30. The Yankees disagree, as they added him to the 40-man roster, and he continues to hit. Since joining Scranton, he is 12-for-36 (.333/.468/.389) with a pair of doubles and more walks (9) than strikeouts (7). He is also 4-for-4 in the stolen base department. In his 300-game minor league career, the 23-year-old is hitting .306/.394/.464. When Alex Jackson returns (assuming the injury won’t keep him out forever), the Yankees may have a decision to make. One place Rodriguez struggled was Double-A (.196/.250/.339 in 30 games). Do they send him back? Do they use his versatility to their advantage and keep him in Scranton?
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
Rumfield is down to .231/.341/.462 thanks to a 1-for-24 slump.
RF Dominic Smith2-for-4, 2 2B (4), RBI, R, BB
Smith has three doubles in his last two games (7-for-23 in his last six games).
LF Jose Rojas2-for-5, 3B (1), R
DH Ronaldo Hernandez1-for-3, SF, 3 RBI, R
SS Jake Gatewood2-for-4, 2 RBI
2B Andrew Velazquez0-for-3, BB, 3 K

RHP Erick Leal5 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
4.81 ERA (24.1 IP, 24 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 31 K)
RHP Colten Brewer1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman (L, 1-2): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
3.38 ERA (10.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 13 K). Control, control, control.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.61 ERA (10.1 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 11 K)


Somerset (9-11) (Defeated Hartford, 4-3)

1B Dylan Jasso1-for-4, 2B (4), RBI
Jasso continues to hit (.274 with a .864 OPS) while playing 1B, 2B, and 3B. Is he a legitimate prospect?  If he continues to hit, you can start envisioning him as a utility piece.
2B DJ LeMahieu2-for-3, RBI, R, K
LeMahieu is 5-for-8 during his rehab stint.
  2B Jose Colmenares0-for-1
CF Spencer Jones0-for-4, 2 K
DH Rafael Flores1-for-3, 2B (5), R, BB, K
Flores has hit safely in eight of his last nine games (10-for-35; 4 doubles, 1 HR)
LF Cole Gabrielson1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (8), K
C Antonio Gomez0-for-3, 2 K
3B Alexander Vargas0-for-2, SB (4), BB
SS Max Burt1-for-3, 2B (2), R
RF Christopher Familia1-for-3, 2B (2), R, 2 K
Familia is 3-for-9 with two doubles and a triple.

LHP Edgar Barclay4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
RHP Clayton Beeter1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Beeter struggled in his first rehab appearance at this level. Not tonight.
LHP Will Brian (W, 1-0): 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
An impressive Double-A debut after a strong start at Hudson Valley (7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 12 K). Health has been an issue for the 26-year-old.
RHP Harrison Cohen (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.25 ERA (8 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 10 K)


Hudson Valley (14-6) (Continued their hot start with a 15-0 mauling of Asheville)

CF Brendan Jones3-for-6, 2B (4), RBI, 3 R, SB (11)
Jones has hit safely in eight of his last nine games, including three multi-hit efforts (12-for-36). With 11 stolen bases, he is second in the South Atlantic League (Duce Gourson has 12). He is hitting .235/.350/.456 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 3-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, BB
.305/.481/.441 in 81 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 16 R, 9-for-11 SB, 22.2% BB, 19.8% K). And he is still a teenager.
  PR-2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-1, R
Pastore pinch-run for Lombard in the 7th. I am hoping it was due to the score, not an injury.
LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-5, 2B (6), HR (1, grand slam), SF, 6 RBI, R, K
Castillo has two 6-RBI games this season (3 RBI in his other 12 games). His personal best remains seven, which he did last August. 
DH Jace Avina: 3-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
Avina is on a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-18). His triple slash has climbed from .190/.364/.214 to .283/.436/.367.
C Omar Martinez1-for-6, R, 4 K
1B Coby Morales1-for-6, HR (2), RBI, R, K
If you are going to go 1-for-6, you may as well make the one a homer.
3B Josh Moylan1-for-5, 2 K
2B-SS Brenny Escanio2-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall1-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K

RHP Bryce Cunningham (W, 3-1):  6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
2.63 ERA (24 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 30 K). Cunningham has been brilliant in three of his four starts. In the other start, he allowed five runs in the first inning before settling in and providing the team with six innings. The 6’5″ 22-year-old is showing off impressive command/control thus far. He walked 71 batters in 160 college innings, so is this a hot stretch, or has something clicked in the Yankees Pitching Lab?
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Gilbert pulls off the 4 strikeout inning!
RHP Tyrone Yulie1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.32 ERA (8.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 13 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Tampa (8-12) (Lost to Dunedin, 5-1. Edgleen Perez remains out of the lineup but is not on the injured list.)

SS Roderick Arias1-for-3, SB (9), BB, K
I am not sure why Arias was pulled from the game.
   3B Parks Harber0-for-0
DH Brian Sanchez1-for-4, CS (2), K
.250/.294/.406 in 68 PA. He owned an 11.6% BB last year (5.9% this year).
C Engelth Urena1-for-4, R
LF Dillon Lewis0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Wilson2-for-2, CS (3), 2 BB
Wilson reaches base four times to improve his triple slash to .258/.364/.258. Correct: All 17 of his hits are singles. Last season, the 22-year-old compiled five doubles and a homer in 21 games.
RF Austin Green2-for-4, 2 2B (2), RBI
Green had one extra-base hit in his first 20 professional games. Naturally, he swats a pair tonight to jump that number to three. Baseball!
3B-2B Hans Montero1-for-4, K
2B-SS Juan Matheus0-for-4, 2 K
CF Marshall Toole0-for-4, K

RHP Greysen Carter (L, 0-2): 5 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
5.74 ERA (15.2 IP, 15 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 20 K). Even at the lower levels, throwing 98+ (and hitting triple digits at times) still requires command and solid secondary pitches. Carter will be a work-in-progress with a massive ceiling.
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Could he get a crack at the closer role if he stays healthy? I prefer closers who miss more bats than Loaisiga does, but a healthy Loaisiga is a massive bullpen upgrade.
RHP Gus Hughes1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Brandon Decker2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
0.90 ERA (10 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 11 K)


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/23: Carlos Lagrange Ks 8

Notes:

LHP Brent Headrick, who pitched well for the Yankees earlier this year, was placed on the 7-day injured list for Scranton.
RHP Mason Vinyard was promoted to Scranton. The 25-year-old Vinyard has 76 games of minor league experience, pitching to a 3.08 ERA in 114 IP with a 146/60 K/BB.
Infielder Jake Gatewood was also promoted to Scranton. The 29-year-0ld power bat spent 2021 and 2022 in Triple-A as a member of the Angels organization. He hit .219/.272/.456 in 224 games with 50 home runs.

Injury Log


Scranton (12-10) (Shut Down Charlotte, 5-0)

CF Ismael Munguia0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
.276/.376/.368 in 95 PA with more walks (9) than strikeouts (7).
DH Jesus Rodriguez0-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: 6-for-25 with more walks (8) than strikeouts (7). 
LF Dominic Smith2-for-4, R
1B Jose Rojas0-for-4, 2 K
C Ronaldo Hernandez1-for-3, RBI, R, BB
3B Jake Gatewood1-for-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, R, K
Gatewood’s home run traveled 383 feet at 109.6 MPH. Between here and Somerset, 11 of his 15 hits have gone for extra bases.
SS Andrew Velazquez0-for-3, K
RF Grant Richardson0-for-3, K
2B Max Burt2-for-3, 3B (1), R, K

RHP Allan Winans3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K
Winans has 20 strikeouts in 9.1 innings. He tied his personal best for strikeouts in a game.
RHP Kervin Castro: (W, 2-0) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
1.42 ERA (12.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 15 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Reyzelman topped out at 96.4 MPH. Season: 2.79 ERA (9.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 11 K)
RHP Yerry De Los Santos1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.08 ERA (8.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 9 K). He is on the 40-man roster, giving him one advantage over the depth chart competition.


Somerset (7-10) (Lost to Hartford, 4-2)

3B Dylan Jasso2-for-4, RBI, CS (1)
.283/.333/.491 in 57 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 12 R, 5.3% BB, 14.0% K). Jasso has six multi-hit efforts in his last nine games. He is 22 and trying this level for the first time, which is encouraging.
DH Spencer Jones0-for-3, CS (1), BB, 2 K
.250/.384/.583 in 73 PA (2 doubles, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 13 R, 4-for-5 SB, 16.4% BB, 32.9% K). Last year, in 544 PA at this level, he hit .259/.336/.452 (9.9% BB, 36.8% K). He relied heavily on BABIP last season (.401). This season, he is at .300.
1B Rafael Flores0-for-4, 2 K
CF Garrett Martin1-for-3, 2B (2), R, 2 SB (4), BB
.186/.352/.372 in 54 PA (2 doubles, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 9 R, 4-for-5 SB, 11.1% BB, 14.8% K). His .182 BABIP should normalize.
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-4, 2 K
Colmenares’ Double-A debut.
RF Cole Gabrielson0-for-3, SB (7), BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-4, 2 K
C Antonio Gomez0-for-1, R, 3 BB, K
Since promotion: 2-for-16 with three walks and eight strikeouts.
LF Christopher Familia0-for-2, RBI, BB, K

RHP Bailey Dees5.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
5.54 ERA (13 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 3 HR, 10 BB, 13 K). He has two good starts, one bad one.
RHP Cole Percival0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter (L, 0-1): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
I would rather this happen on a rehab stint than in an important game.
RHP Harrison Cohen1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.35 ERA (7.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 9 K)
RHP Jordany Ventura1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Hudson Valley (11-6) (Swept in a doubleheader by Asheville)

Game 1 (Lost, 9-5)

CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (2), HR (3), 3 RBI, R
SS George Lombard Jr.0-for-2, 2 SB (9), 2 BB
LF Jackson Castillo0-for-3, 2 K
.244/.404/.341 in 52 PA (21.2% BB, 28.8% K)
RF Jace Avina1-for-3, K
DH Omar Martinez0-for-2, BB
1B Coby Morales1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R
Morales isn’t known for his power (6th HR in 137 career games)
3B Josh Moylan0-for-2, R, BB, 2 K
2B Brenny Escanio0-for-2, 2 R, BB
C Tomas Frick0-for-3, K

RHP Ben Hess: (L, 1-1)  3.2 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 6 BB, 4 K, HR
Hess didn’t allow an earned run in his first two starts. Season: 3.38 ERA (13.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 22 K)
LHP Will Brian1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 12 K
RHP Matt Keating0.2 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Lost, 3-2, in ten innings)

CF Brendan Jones1-for-4, 2 SB (10), BB, K
SS George Lombard Jr.1-for-4, 2B (2), R, BB, K
Doubleheader: 1-for-6, 2B, R, 2 SB, 3 BB, K. Lombard has more walks (15) than strikeouts (14) and is hitting .286 with a .892 OPS. If you want a negative (why would you?), he has only four extra-base hits in 15 games. That does not concern me.
C Omar Martinez0-for-4, R, CS (1), BB, 3 K
LF Jace Avina2-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
1B Coby Morales0-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan1-for-4
DH Tomas Frick0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
RF Anthony Hall0-for-3, SB (2), BB, 2 K
2B Duncan Pastore0-for-2, SB (1), 2 BB, K
Pastore’s High-A debut.

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, HR
Lagrange allowed a lead-off home run before settling in to provide a dominant performance. Season: 5.14 ERA (14 IP, 13 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 24 K). Most of the bad stuff happened in his first start (Last 2 starts: 11 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 17 K).
RHP Chris Kean: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
6.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
4.91 ERA (7.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 11 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia (L, 0-1): 0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K


Tampa (7-10) (Lost to Dunedin, 6-5)

SS Roderick Arias0-for-4, SB (8), BB, K
.161/.297/.274 in 74 PA (4 doubles, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 9 R, 8-for-8 SB, 14.9% BB, 27.0% K). It’s only 15 games, but he played 124 games here last year. It is time to pick up the pace.
C Edgleen Perez0-for-4, 2 K
I am not sure why Perez was pulled.
   3B Juan Matheus0-for-1, K
3B-1B Parks Harber3-for-4, 3B (2), R, K
.322/.429/.593 in 70 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 9 R, 3-for-4 SB, 14.3% BB, 28.6% K). Harber has back-to-back 3-hit efforts.
DH Dillon Lewis0-for-3, SB (5), HBP, K
.185/.267/.259 in 60 PA. Lewis is 8-for-9 stealing bases in 29 minor league games. We are still waiting for last year’s 13th-round pick’s bat to blossom.
LF Tyler Wilson1-for-4, RBI, R
RF Austin Green0-for-3, R, BB, K
2B Hans Montero2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
.233/.303/.333 in 33 PA. Montero was a bonus baby when he signed, but full-season ball is eating him up (.206/.305/.333 last season).
CF Marshall Toole2-for-4, K
Toole’s tools include speed (11-for-13 SB in 25 career games) and defense. It’s up to the bat if he is going to advance.
1B-C Josue Gonzalez0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Danny Flatt3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
4.66 ERA (9.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 6 K)
RHP Alex Bustamante1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Brady Kirtner2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.86 ERA (9.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 8 K)
RHP Jackson Fristoe (L, 1-1): 2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/19: Bryce Cunningham Dominates

Notes:

No news.

I have started a minor league injury log (below)

Injury Log

The Baseball Reference links stopped functioning at some point tonight, so some players don’t have their links (for now). You’ll live.


Scranton (11-8) (No-hit by Durham, 4-0)

3B Jorbit Vivas0-for-4
His 6-game hitting streak is snapped. His K% is down to 4.8%.
LF Everson Pereira0-for-3, 3 K
   PH Edinson Duran: 0-for-1
I am not sure why Duran pinch-hit with two outs in the 9th.
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-3, 2 K
C Jesus Rodriguez0-for-2, BB
CF Ismael Munguia0-for-2, BB
DH Dominic Smith: 0-for-3
Smith, a candidate to replace Ben Rice if the injury required an IL stint (doesn’t seem likely) is an uninspiring 7-for-49 with a double and a homer.
SS Andrew Velazquez0-for-3
RF Grant Richardson0-for-3, 3 K
2B Max Burt0-for-2, BB, K

RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 0-1)  5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
4.32 ERA (16.2 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 17 K). He has allowed 9 HR in 166.2 IP over the last two seasons (0.49 HR/9)
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
3.52 ERA (7.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 10 K)
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Somerset (6-8) (Lost to Altoona, 2-1)

3B Dylan Jasso1-for-4, K
.275/.341/.450 in 44 PA (2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 10 R, 3 BB, 7 K)
CF Spencer Jones0-for-4, 3 K
.235/.361/.549 in 61 PA (1 double, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 11 R, 4-for-4 SB, 14.8% BB, 32.8% K).  In case you forgot, Jones had a 9.9% BB and 36.8% K in 2024.
DH Rafael Flores1-for-4, 2 K
.264/.339/.415 in 59 PA (2 doubles, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 3 R, 2-for-2 SB, 10.2% BB, 33.9% K).  The K% is high so far.
RF Garrett Martin0-for-2, R, 2 HBP
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-4, 2 K
SS Jake Gatewood1-for-3, 2B (7), RBI
.300/.391/.600 in 46 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R, 1-for-2 SB). Gatewood is not a prospect, but watching a 29-year-old still trying to realize his MLB dream is fun.
LF Jared Wegner0-for-3
2B Alexander Vargas1-for-3, SB (3), K
Vargas has reached base safely in 9 of his 10 games (hits in eight of those games).
C Antonio Gomez0-for-3, K

LHP Edgar Barclay4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
RHP Mason Vinyard1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 6 BB, 7 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: (L, 0-1)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
RHP Kelly Austin0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Hudson Valley (10-4) (Defeated Wilmington, 8-0)

LF Brendan Jones2-for-4, 2 R, SB (8)
.196/.339/.391 in 56 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 12 R, 8-for-9 SB, 14.3% BB, 28.6% K). Jones’ combination of patience, speed, and defense allows you to envision his floor as a #4-#5 outfielder.
CF Jace Avina0-for-3, R, HBP, K
.205/.373/.231 in 51 PA. He hit 10+ HR in his first three professional campaigns.
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, 3 RBI, R
Martinez is off to a slow start (.240/.309/.280). Maybe this is the game that gets him going.
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-2, R, HBP, BB
3B Josh Moylan1-for-3, 2B (3), 2 RBI, R, SB (1), CS (1)
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RBI, R, K
1B Coby Morales2-for-4
C Tomas Frick1-for-4, K
RF Anthony Hall1-for-4, R, K
Hall has hit safely in five of his six games.

RHP Bryce Cunningham: (W, 2-1)  7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
3.50 ERA (18 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 22 K). Cunningham allowed five runs in the first inning in his second start. While all stats count, that has thus far been his lone bad inning.
RHP Bryce Warrecker1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K. That is a strong start to his campaign.
RHP Tyrone Yulie1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K


Tampa (7-7) (Lost to St. Lucie, 4-3, in 12 innings)

SS Roderick Arias1-for-5, R, SB (6), 2 K
Arias has reached base safely in five straight games (4-game hitting streak). He has 3 extra-base hits (2 doubles, HR) and 3 stolen bases during this stretch.
CF Brian Sanchez1-for-5, 3 K
C Engelth Urena1-for-5, HR (3), RBI, R, K
Urena hit a game-tying HR in the top of the 9th.  He has homered three times in his last four games. As I keep saying, his power potential is real (14 HR in 63 career games).
3B Parks Harber1-for-5, RBI, SB (3), 2 K
Harber has an 8-game hitting streak (10-for-29)
1B Tyler Wilson0-for-5, K
LF Dillon Lewis0-for-5, 4 K
RF Austin Green0-for-5, R, K
2B Juan Matheus2-for-4, RBI, K
Matheus gave Tampa a 3-2 lead in the 10th.
DH Josue Gonzalez2-for-4
A much-needed multi-hit effort for Gonzalez (2-for-30 entering the game).

RHP Greysen Carter: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Carter was pumping fastballs north of 100 MPH this evening, but his control wasn’t sharp (which is why he will be a work in progress). In his three starts: 10.2 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 17 K.
RHP Brady Kirtner: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.35 ERA (7.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 5 K)
RHP Brandon Decker: 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Decker generated 13 whiffs tonight (7 with his slider, 5 with his change, 1 with his sinker). Every swing against his changeup resulted in a whiff.
RHP Gus Hughes (L, 2-1): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/17: Spencer Jones Homers Twice (Again)

Notes:

The catching carousel continues. Today, Somerset activated 20-year-old Diomedes Hernandez from the Development List. He played first base in tonight’s game but is also a catcher.

Scranton placed IF Braden Shewmake on the injured list. IF Max Burt was promoted to Scranton to take his place. Shewmake is likely the most random player on the Yankees’ 40-man roster. The 27-year-old is hitting .222/.386/.378 in 58 plate appearances for Scranton while playing 2B/SS/3B.


Scranton (10-7) (Lost to Durham, 7-1)

RF Ismael Munguia1-for-3, 2B (4), SF, RBI
2B Jorbit Vivas2-for-4
Vivas has five multi-hit games and is hitting .339/.419/.500. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (10-for-20).
DH Everson Pereira2-for-4
Nobody follows Pereira for singles, but we’ll take it!  He is hitting .288/.356/.481 in 59 PA.
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-4, 2 K
LF Dominic Smith0-for-4
3B Jose Rojas1-for-4
C Ronaldo Hernandez0-for-3, K
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-3, 2B (3), R, K
CF Duke Ellis0-for-3, K

RHP Jake Woodford: (L, 0-1)  2.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 H, 2 HR
RHP Kervin Castro2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP McKinley Moore1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
The erratic Moore was recently activated off the Development List.
LHP Brent Headrick2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Headrick pitched well in his appearances for the Yankees this season. We’ll toss this.


Somerset (5-7) (Lost to Altoona, 6-4)

SS Jake Gatewood0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
LF Spencer Jones: 3-for-5, 2 HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 R
Jones has two 2-HR games this season (five in his career).  He is hitting .273/.385/.636 in 52 PA (1 double, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 10 R, 4-for-4 SB, 13.5% BB, 32.7% K). I talk about the strikeouts because that is important. It is also important to point out how talented this kid is. There might be a unicorn here, which could be good or bad.
C Rafael Flores2-for-4, 2 K
3B Tyler Hardman0-for-4, 4 K
CF Garrett Martin1-for-4
DH Cole Gabrielson1-for-3, 2 SB (5), BB
The 24-year-old is hitting .250/.371/.357 in 35 PA. He is 23-for-29 stealing bases in his career.
RF Jared Wegner0-for-3, BB, 2 K
2B Alexander Vargas0-for-3, R, SB (2), BB, 2 K
1B Diomedes Hernandez: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, 2 K
Hernandez’s first Double-A at-bat resulted in an RBI double. He played in 28 games for the FCL/Tampa squads last year, hitting .272/.341/.333 with a homer and 14 RBI.

RHP Cam Schlittler: (L, 1-1)  4.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
The Patriots didn’t help his cause behind him (four errors, one after he left the game that allowed a 6th run to score).  Season: 1.80 ERA (15 IP, 11 H, 8 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 15 K).
RHP Indigo Diaz1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Harrison Cohen1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 6 K
RHP Danny Watson1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K


Hudson Valley (8-4) (Defeated Wilmington, 5-1)

CF Brendan Jones1-for-2, HR (1), RBI, 3 R, 3 SB (6), 3 BB
Jones has homered in back-to-back games.  He has eight walks in 10 games (29 BB in 24 games in 2024).  He is 24-for-25 stealing bases in his brief career.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 SB (7), BB, K
.333/.500/.500 in 50 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 11 R, 7-for-8 SB, 22% BB, 22% K). You can’t ask for much more from his first 50 plate appearances.
LF Jackson Castillo2-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, 2 K
.263/.429/.368 in 49 PA. In 133 minor league games, Castillo is hitting .261/.390/.404 (26 doubles, 4 triples, 10 HR, 72 RBI, 80 R, 26-for-32 SB, 16.9% BB, 21.7% K). Certainly something to build on.
RF Jace Avina1-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
DH Omar Martinez0-for-4, 4 K
3B Josh Moylan0-for-4, 2 K
1B Coby Morales0-for-2, 2 BB
2B Brenny Escanio1-for-4, R
C Tomas Frick1-for-4, R, K

RHP Josh Grosz: (W, 1-0) 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, HR
Nice bounceback after a tough 2025 debut. Grosz struck out 12 in a game last season, so striking hitters out is a part of his game.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Hayden Merda2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K


Tampa (6-6) (Defeated St. Lucie, 6-1. Tampa pitchers combined for 17 strikeouts)

SS Roderick Arias1-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, R, BB, K
Back-to-back games with a double for Arias.  He is hitting .156/.283/.244 in 53 PA.
DH Edgleen Perez1-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
A much-needed 2-run double for the struggling 18-year-old. Hopefully, he can build off that.
RF Brian Sanchez0-for-5, 2 K
C Engelth Urena1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R
Urena has homered in back-to-back games. You should watch this kid closely, as he has big-time power potential.
3B Parks Harber1-for-2, HR (3), RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
Harber should hit here, and he is (.270/.401/.496 in 34 games the last two years). He should get to Hudson Valley at some point.
LF Tyler Wilson1-for-4, 2 K
2B Austin Green1-for-4, K
CF Marshall Toole0-for-3, BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-3, R, BB, 3 K

LHP Griffin Herring: (W, 2-0)  6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 9 K
Herring allows his first career earned run.  Season: 0.55 ERA (16.1 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 22 K). Herring isn’t a hard-throwing lefty, but he can live at 92-94 with his 4-seamer and sinker. If he continues to throw well, there is no reason to keep him from Hudson Valley.
RHP Tony Rossi: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Rossi (25) threw a 96.7 MPH sinker and a 90.4 MPH changeup tonight. Go ahead and try to hit that.  As previously stated, he is old for the level, but it is his debut season. They will move him quickly if he continues to throw like this (6.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K).
RHP Chris Veach1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/16: Ben Hess Ks 9 (Again)

Notes:

A few days after activating Edinson Duran, Scranton placed the catcher on the Development List. This leaves them with Jesus Rodriguez and Ronaldo Hernandez as active catchers.

OF Grant Richardson was promoted to Scranton, while Somerset activated OF Christopher Familia off the Development List. Familia was a sensation in 2023, hitting .307/.378/.617 with 22 home runs in 68 games. In 2024, however, he hit .248/.320/.433 with six home runs in 45 games.


Scranton (10-6) (Lost to Durham, 4-3)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B-2B Jorbit Vivas1-for-4
.328/.414/.500 in 71 PA. Impressively, Vivas has a 5.6% K.
1B Dominic Smith0-for-3, BB, K
RF Everson Pereira: 2-for-3, HR (3), RBI, 2 R, HBP, K
Pereira crushed that one: 422 feet at 109.5 MPH. He has homered in back-to-back games (3 HR in last six games).
LF-3B Jose Rojas0-for-4
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, R, CS (1), HBP
Munguia is hitting .293 with a .727 OPS in 70 PA (3 doubles, 3 RBI, 11 R, 3-for-4 SB, 5 BB, 5 K)
DH Ronaldo Hernandez1-for-4, RBI, CS (1), 2 K
2B-SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 SB (6), BB
SS Braden Shewmake0-for-1, BB
  LF Duke Ellis0-for-1, K
  PH T.J. Rumfield0-for-1, K

LHP Brandon Leibrandt: 4 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
2.00 ERA (18 IP, 13 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 HR, 9 BB, 18 K). He is a veteran, not a prospect – but he is pitching well thus far.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (L, 1-1)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 8 K
RHP Colten Brewer1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
5.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 6 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Somerset (5-6) (Lost to Altoona, 10-1)

2B Dylan Jasso0-for-3, R, HBP
Jasso’s second game at second base. I looked through his game log for New Mexico Junior College, and he played some second base while he was there. He is hitting .250/.314/.438 in 35 PA.
DH Spencer Jones0-for-3, SB (4), BB, 2 K
.231/.362/487 in 47 PA (1 double, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 8 R, 4-for-4 SB, 14.9% BB, 36.2% K). Understanding that the K% is still too high doesn’t take a statistical genius. 
1B Rafael Flores0-for-4, 2 K
In 76 Double-A games: .267/.354/.502 in 319 PA (15 doubles, 17 HR, 41 RBI, 43 R, 8-for-8 SB, 10.7% BB, 27.9% K)
CF Cole Gabrielson1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 2 K
C Antonio Gomez0-for-4, 3 K
Gomez’s Double-A debut won’t go on his career highlight film, but we all have to start somewhere…
LF Garrett Martin0-for-3, K
RF Jared Wegner1-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-3, K
3B Max Burt0-for-3

RHP Bailey Dees (L, 0-1): 2.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
Walks are an issue for the 6’8″ Dees (he lowered his BB% to 9.3 last year, which is still high). 
RHP Mason Vinyard1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Vinyard saved some earned runs for Dees by getting out of a 2-out, bases-loaded jam. 
LHP Ryan Anderson1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Colby White2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordany Ventura0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Hudson Valley (7-4) (Held off Wilmington, 10-7. Hudson Valley walked 13 times.)

LF Brendan Jones1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, 2 R, HBP, K
Jones hits a lead-off blast. He hit three HR in his debut 2024 season, including two at this level in 15 games.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, 2 R, SB (5), 2 BB, K
Lombard Jr. is hitting .333 with a 1.004 OPS (11-for-33; 1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 11 R, 5-for-6 SB, 22.2% BB, 22.2% K)
RF Jackson Castillo0-for-2, R, SB (3), 3 BB, 2 K
Castillo has 11 walks in ten games. Last year, he had 66 BB in 415 PA (15.9%), so patience is part of his game.
CF Jace Avina0-for-3, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
C Omar Martinez2-for-5, RBI, R
A needed night for Martinez, as he ends a 1-for-16 slide.
SS Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, RBI, R, 2 BB, K
Colmenares has a 4-game hitting streak (6-for-14; 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K)
1B Josh Moylan1-for-5, 2B (2), 4 RBI, K
Moylan sets a new personal record for RBI in a game.
3B Brenny Escanio0-for-3, SB (4), CS (1), HBP, BB, K
DH Coby Morales0-for-1, R, 3 BB

RHP Ben Hess: (W, 1-0) 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
According to the radio announcers, Hess was throwing some nasty curveballs tonight. That is his bread-and-butter pitch (he also throws a 4-seamer at varying speeds).  Hess has struck out 9 hitters in both professional starts and has yet to allow an earned run (9.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 18 K). Can he rise quickly this year?  A trip to Somerset is on the table, but the Yankees will take their time.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Tampa (5-6) (Lost to St. Lucie, 5-1)

SS Roderick Arias1-for-4, 2B (3), R, SB (4), 2 K
On one hand, he is only 20 years old, and prospects can develop at different paces. On the other hand, he was highly touted and struggling at a level he is repeating. Do with that information what you will.
C Edgleen Perez0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
When you have an 18-year-old catcher hitting .114/.244/.114 in his first 41 plate appearances, you worry about confidence. The Yankees (obviously) think he can handle the early struggles, but every player is impacted differently. To me, you stay the course – you didn’t put him here to pull the plug after 41 plate appearances. 
CF Brian Sanchez1-for-4, 2B (5), K
.275/.341/.500 in 44 PA (5 doubles, 2 triples, 4 RBI, 9.1% BB, 22.7% K). I don’t know if future HR power will come (he has four career HR in 92 games), but he is showing off some extra-base hit pop (28 doubles, 10 triples).
LF Dillon Lewis0-for-4, RBI, K
RF Austin Green0-for-4, 2 K
The switch-hitting 14th-round pick in 2024 (Texas Tech) is off to a slow start in his professional journey (7-for-47 without an extra-base hit). He has played 2B and RF.
2B Hans Montero1-for-3, SB (1), K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-3, K
DH Duncan Pastore0-for-3, K

RHP Danny Flatt (L, 0-2): 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
The Yankees have yet to push Flatt in his brief career (has yet to throw five innings in his 16 appearances (12 starts)).
RHP Sean Hermann2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
He missed 2024 due to injury, so slack will be given. In 2023, he registered a 52.7% GB rate.  Today, Hermann threw 55% sinkers.
RHP Brady Kirtner1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Cade Austin2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/5: Spencer Jones Singles, Doubles

Notes:

Nothing to report


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

 


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 8/30: Roderick Arias Homers, Drives Home 4

News:

Nothing fit for print.


Scranton (73-55) (Lost two games to Rochester)

Game 1 (Lost, 6-2)

2B Caleb Durbin1-for-1, 2B (20), SB (25)
I don’t know why Durbin was pulled. As you may suspect, he didn’t play in Game 2. The game log doesn’t tell us anything—he wasn’t pulled after the double or stolen base. We’ll see if anything comes of it. As you may know, Durbin has a few injuries over the last two seasons. Last season, he suffered a non-contact injury that kept him out of action for several weeks. He missed a few months this season after being hit by a pitch.  This doesn’t make him “injury-prone”.  For all we know, Durbin will be back tomorrow. 
   2B Jahmai Jones1-for-3, 2B (5), RS, K
LF Jasson Dominguez0-for-3, SB (14), BB, 2 K
3B Jorbit Vivas0-for-4, RBI, K
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-2, BB, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-2, RS, K
CF Taylor Trammell0-for-2, BB, 2 K
DH-C J.C. Escarra0-for-1, 2 BB, K
C Carlos Narvaez1-for-2, RBI, BB, K
  PR Duke Ellis0-for-0
Nothing happened to Narvaez – they just wanted to give Ellis a PR opportunity. This was Ellis’ debut as a member of the Yankees organization.
  P Scott Effross0-for-0
RF Greg Allen0-for-3, K

LHP Tanner Tully: (L, 2-7) 4.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Joey Gerber0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Lou Trivino1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Trivino’s first rehab appearance for Scranton (he was rehabbing for Somerset up until now). He used his entire arsenal, maxing out at 94.6 with his sinker. 
RHP Scott Effross1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
For Scranton: 3.75 ERA (24 IP, 21 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 22 K). 

Game 2 (Lost, 4-1)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-2, SF, RBI
CF Jasson Dominguez2-for-3
Dominguez has 8 multi-hit efforts in his last 14 games. He must be called up in September. It would be malpractice to not do it.
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-3
LF Taylor Trammell0-for-3, 2 K
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-3, K
DH Carlos Narvaez0-for-3, K
C J.C. Escarra1-for-2, RS, K
RF Oscar Gonzalez0-for-2, K
2B Jahmai Jones0-for-1, BB

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: (L, 2-5) 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
3.93 ERA (71 IP, 51 H, 33 R, 31 ER, 10 HR, 36 BB, 75 K). I thought Gomez was going to have a bigger MLB impact this season. I don’t know what 2025 holds, but I think he will be traded this winter.
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
LHP Victor Gonzalez1.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K


Somerset (64-58) (Lost to Reading, 2-0. Portland won to take a 2.5-game lead in the second-half race)

3B Jon Berti1-for-3, K
Berti is 4-for-22 with a homer during his rehab stint.
   2B Anthony Seigler0-for-1, K
1B Anthony Rizzo0-for-3
Rizzo is 2-for-11 with a homer during his rehab stint.
   1B Tyler Hardman0-for-0, CS (2), BB
CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, 2 K
Jones has a 6-game hitting streak. You are correct if your perception is that Jones strikes out often when he doesn’t earn a hit. During this hitting streak, he is 11-for-23 with 8 strikeouts. During August, he is 29-for-88 (.330) with 9 walks and 37 strikeouts. His BABIP this month is well over .500. His profile is, to put it bluntly, equal parts crazy and baffling. 
C Rafael Flores0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Grant Richardson0-for-3, K
RF Cole Gabrielson0-for-3, K
DH Jared Wegner0-for-3, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-3, CS (8), K
2B-3B Max Burt1-for-3, 2 K

RHP Cody Poteet3.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
During rehab: 0.96 ERA (9.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 11 K). Since lane discussions are the rage, there might not be a lane for Poteet in September. However, there is nothing wrong with having him in the minors for depth.
RHP Colby White1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3.81 ERA (28.1 IP, 22 H, 15 R, 12 ER, 3 HR, 21 BB, 36 K). The Yankees claimed him off waivers from the Rays back on May 9th. The Yankees designated him for assignment on May 20th but were able to keep him.
LHP Ben Shields: (L, 2-2)  4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 3.14 ERA (43 IP, 37 H, 18 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 49 K). Overall, Shields is up to 97 IP (121/28 K/BB) in his debut season.


Hudson Valley (66-57) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 6-3. The BlueClaws are back within one game for the second-half title)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
He didn’t play last night after leaving the game early on Wednesday. He was back tonight.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 3-for-5, 2B (5), 2 RBI, K
Lombard Jr. has four straight multi-hit efforts and a 5-game hitting streak (he has one double in each game).  He started 1-for-28 at this level but is up to .209 (18-for-86). He is striking out at a lesser rate since joining Hudson Valley as well.
3B Josh Moylan1-for-5
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, HBP, 2 K
DH Omar Martinez0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
CF Jackson Castillo0-for-4
LF Brendan Jones2-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, RS, BB, K
Jones is 8-for-28 (.286) since his promotion. Many of their 2024 draftees/undrafted free agents are off to solid starts, but Jones is standing out.
C Antonio Gomez0-for-4, 3 K
1B Kiko Romero0-for-2, RS, 2 BB

LHP Kyle Carr: (L, 1-8) 4 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Record aside, Carr was pitching well recently before tonight’s effort. Season: 4.86 ERA (100 IP, 93 H, 66 R, 54 ER, 5 HR, 53 BB, 91 K)
RHP Blane Abeyta2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Sebastian Keane2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.73 ERA (80 IP, 73 H, 45 R, 42 ER, 7 HR, 41 BB, 81 K)


Tampa (51-69) (Defeated Bradenton, 9-6. I thought they were playing two games today, but I was mistaken. The doubleheader is scheduled for tomorrow)

SS Roderick Arias3-for-5, HR (12), 4 RBI, 2 RS, SB (32)
.230/.331/.385 in 517 PA (19 doubles, 7 triples, 12 HR, 71 RBI, 70 R, 32-for-45 SB, 12.2% BB, 31.3% K). There is a chance that Arias can get his K% below 30%, which would be amazing. When a player stays healthy and gets to the plate 517 times, it is easier for them to adjust. That is a part of my Baseball Prospects 101 course.
CF Willy Montero1-for-5, 2B (23), RBI, K
Montero is 24-for-88 (.273) in August with 8 doubles, a homer, and 12 RBI.
LF Tyler Wilson1-for-4, RS, BB
2B-3B Hans Montero2-for-5, 2B (8), RS
RF Dillon Lewis1-for-5
1B Parks Harber2-for-5, 2 2B (5), 2 RBI, RS, K
Harber is 16-for-61 (.262/.375/.459; 5 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 4-for-4 SB).
DH JoJo Jackson2-for-4, RS, 2 K
Jackson’s first career multi-hit effort.
3B-2B Owen Cobb1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, BB
Cobb is 12-for-44 (3 doubles, 7 RBI, 10 R, 7-for-7 SB). The undrafted free agent signing played for Stanford, so he has big school pedigree.
C Diomedes Hernandez1-for-2, SF, RBI, RS, BB

RHP Bryce Warrecker: (W, 2-5)  5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
A solid performance for the 6’8″ Warrecker. 
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Arejula1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2.81 ERA (51.1 IP, 41 H, 22 R, 16 ER, 3 HR, 24 BB, 47 K). This includes the 22-year-old’s stint for Hudson Valley, where he pitched pretty well.
RHP Jordy Luciano1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Cade Austin (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
The 22-year-old earns his first career save. Season: 3.89 ERA (44 IP, 33 H, 22 R, 19 ER, 7 HR, 14 BB, 47 K)


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.


DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.