Tag: Brendan Jones

My Take: Yankees Acquire Ryan Weathers

The specifics (MLB Pipeline rankings in parentheses)

The Yankees acquire LHP Ryan Weathers from the Marlins for OF Dillon Lewis (16), OF Brendan Jones (15), UTIL Juan Matheus (Unranked), and UTIL Dylan Jasso (23)

From the Yankees’ perspective:

They’ve explored acquiring a starting pitcher, with Freddy Peralta, MacKenzie Gore, and Edward Cabrera (who has since been traded) among the rumored targets.

Instead, they end up with Weathers, who is the son of former Yankees’ postseason hero David Weathers. It is amazing when I look at his career, because hardly anybody would guess that he had a 964-game career, which ranks 19th all-time.

If Ryan had that level of durability, maybe I could understand this trade more.

Alas, he does not. Weathers has 70 games (55 starts) of MLB experience over his five-year career. Those 281 innings haven’t produced great results, as he owns a 4.93 ERA (5.03 FIP), 19.4% K, 8.2% BB, and 43.1% GB. Oof. For comparison, Ryan Yarbrough has a 4.22 ERA (4.30 FIP) over 832 innings with a 18.8% K, 5.6% BB, and 38.7% GB.

I use Yarbrough because that is the lowest bar I want to clear when making an acquisition. Ideally, you want someone higher on the chain than that: A pitcher you feel comfortable with every five days while Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon rehab.

I am trying to find a reason why Weathers clears that bar. He’s always hurt, and success has eluded him.

Are there positives?  Sure. Weathers has a pedigree, as he was the 7th overall pick in the 2018 draft by the San Diego Padres. However, the return the Padres received for him wasn’t great (Garrett Cooper, Sean Reynolds), so his value dipped considerably when that trade was completed in 2023.  If I squint hard enough, his last two seasons have shown improvement. In 24 starts between 2024 and 2025, he owns a 3.74 ERA (4.26 FIP) over 125 innings. That’s a decent pitcher, though not a durable one, and certainly not one I am throwing out there in the postseason. Additionally, he saw his velocity spike in 2025, as his four-seam fastball averaged 96.9 MPH. However, the Pitch Value metric on Fangraphs still shows it as a negative pitch.

One other positive is team control. Weathers isn’t a free agent until 2029. Hence, whatever innings he gives the organization will be cheap innings.

From the Marlins’ perspective:

The Marlins once again target the Yankees’ position player prospect pool, adding this quartet to Agustin Ramirez, Abrahan Ramirez, Jared Serna, and John Cruz. Typically, other franchises target our arms. The Marlins do not.

These four prospects are an intriguing bunch.

I will start with the unranked Matheus, a 21-year-old utility player who has been with the Yankees since 2022. In 2025, he received an extended look in full-season leagues, hitting .275/.365/.376 in 520 plate appearances between Tampa and Hudson Valley. Additionally, he stole 40 bases in 51 attempts. He flashed patience, doubles power (32), and speed to go along with his versatile profile. His ceiling is likely that of a backup, which isn’t so bad for the prospect regarded as fourth best in a prospect package.

Lewis has surged in prospect circles, though the numbers need to catch up to the increased hype.  Drafted in the 13th round in the 2024 draft out of Queens University of Charlotte, Lewis made it to High-A Hudson Valley in his first full season of professional ball. While his numbers don’t jump at you (.228/.320/.426; 13 HR, 13 stolen bases), he cut down his strikeout rate considerably from his time in Low-A Tampa. Overall, including his time with Tampa, he reached 20/20 status (22 homers, 26 stolen bases) while maintaining his ability to play center field.

Interestingly, Pipeline still ranked Jones higher than Lewis, but one place means nothing. Drafted in the 12th round in that same 2024 draft out of Kansas State, Jones did one better than Lewis, reaching Double-A Somerset. He held his own at that level, hitting .250/.365/.415 in 340 plate appearances. Between Hudson Valley and Somerset, he compiled 20 doubles, 8 triples, and 11 home runs while stealing 51 bases in 60 attempts. Although I’m not usually one to draw MLB comparisons, Jones’ profile bears a striking resemblance to Brett Gardner.  He has some pop to the pull side, plays strong defense, and gets on base.  It wouldn’t surprise me if he reaches the MLB club in 2026, even though Pipeline projects his ETA as 2027. The odds he overachieves like Gardner aren’t great. I realize that.

Jasso was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. In his first full season in 2024, he didn’t jump out, hitting .243/.329/.399 in 508 plate appearances between Tampa and Hudson Valley.

That was enough for the Yankees to bump him up to Somerset for 2025.  He didn’t disappoint, hitting .257/.326/.400 in 537 plate appearances with 17 doubles, 13 home runs, and 76 RBI. Like Matheus, he projects as a utility player, though he isn’t the same type of player. He doesn’t possess any speed, but he has some pop and run production. Also, unlike Matheus, he won’t be playing shortstop. He may have enough range to cover second base, but is likely more of a “corners” type, including the potential to play some outfield.

Bottom Line:

You get what you pay for.

Peralta and Gore are likely going to cost prospects higher on the chain than the Yankees gave up. That assumes that either pitcher is traded. If they are, it appears it won’t be to the Yankees.

It’s funny that Talkin’ Yanks was throwing Lewis out there in Cabrera packages, only for him to end up in Florida for Weathers. I am not going to claim that the Yankees gave up future All-Stars here. However, I don’t quite understand this trade. Someone can try to enlighten me on the reason, because I’m having trouble figuring it out.

The Yankees’ Opening Day rotation is probably Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Ryan Weathers, Luis Gil, and one of Will Warren, Ryan Yarbrough, or Paul Blackburn. Arrange those pitchers however you like under Fried.

The Yankees are hoping that Weathers, once a Top-100 prospect by Baseball America (2021) and Pipeline (2019), can stay healthy and live up to the talent he once was.

I am skeptical it will happen. Maybe settling into a bottom-of-the-rotation/swingman type of pitcher is good enough for the Yankees.

It isn’t good enough for me.

Yankees MILB 9/16: Strong Effort by Ben Hess

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Arizona Fall League Players

The Single-A All-Star teams were announced today (no game is played). Two Tampa Tarpons made the list: OF Marshall Toole and RHP Chris Veach.

I highlighted Toole throughout the season. He hit .305/.406/.479 (148 wRC+) with 14 doubles, 13 triples, five home runs, 48 RBI, and 66 runs scored over 372 plate appearances. He was also a terror on the basepaths, stealing 44 bases in 50 attempts. He was a 15th-round pick in the 2024 draft out of Wofford. As you probably suspect, Wofford isn’t a haven for future MLB players. Shortstop Don Buddin compiled a 711-game career that spanned stops in Boston, Houston, and Detroit. His best attribute was drawing walks (14.8%; .358 OBP). On the hill, RHP John Boozer compiled a 171-game career for the Phillies. He saved 15 games while flashing a 4.09 ERA over 394.1 innings.

Veach pitched in 43 games for the Tarpons. In 57 innings, he had a 2.53 ERA (3.53 FIP) with a 30.5% K and 11.8% BB. He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina in 2024.

Neither is in the organizational Top 30 (Pipeline). Keep proving the “experts” wrong, kids!

Injury Log

Scranton (84-58; 46-24 in second half) (Defeated Buffalo, 3-1)

Syracuse leads Lehigh Valley, 4-3, in the 8th. A win keeps them three back with five to play. A loss pushes them four games back.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, SB (12), BB
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, SB (1), CS (1), HBP, 2 K
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-5, 2 K
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
Jones’ 10-game hitting streak is snapped (he extends his on-base streak to 18)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, HR (16), RBI, R, K
It looked like Rumfield was going to shatter his best home run mark (17 in 2023). However, this is his first home run since August 17th (23 straight games without a home run).
DH Brennen Davis: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, 2B (16), R, 3 K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-2, RBI, R, 2 BB
   PR-RF Duke Ellis: 0-for-0, SB (34)
SS Braden Shewmake: 3-for-4, 2B (11), RBI, 2 SB (15)
Shewmake will spend the entire 2025 campaign on the 40-man roster (if they release him tomorrow, my apologies to his family).

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 12-1)  6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
1.63 ERA (99.1 IP, 75 H, 21 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 27 BB, 105 K). Winans didn’t show much in his cups of coffee with the Yankees, but he has been a key cog in the Scranton rotation.
RHP Yerry De los Santos: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jake Bird: (S, 1) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since I am looking for silver linings, Bird recorded a strikeout with two outs and the bases loaded in the 8th. He followed that up with an easy 9th to secure the win.

Somerset (Lost to Binghamton, 3-1, in Game 1 of a 3-game series. They will try to extend their season on Thursday night, as the series shifts to Binghamton for the final two games. I don’t know who will start, but Carlos Lagrange will be rested.)

CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-3, 2B (1), R, BB, K
Jones continues to do leadoff-hitter things. 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, SB (1), K
Anyone disappointed in the 20-year-old’s Double-A performance should be reminded that his wRC+ was 111. The Eastern League is not a fun place for hitters. A .215/.337/.358 triple slash is more impressive than you think, especially for a 20-year-old trying the level for the first time.
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-4
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, RBI
The Eastern League’s RBI champion knocks in Somerset’s only run tonight.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Jackson Castillo: 2-for-4
Castillo picked up the pace late in the season. Good to see it continue tonight.
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4
Palencia grinded out a 10-pitch AB with two outs in the bottom of the 9th, but it resulted in an out.
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-2, BB

RHP Ben Hess: (L, 0-1)  5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
A solid effort by Hess, who threw 103.1 innings in the regular season (3.22 ERA (2.50 FIP); 33.0% K, 10.9% BB, 41.3% GB). 
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Morrill was activated off the Development List today, while LHP Will Brian was placed on the list. Your reminder that Morrill pitched to a 0.76 ERA in 47.2 regular-season innings and is heading off to the Arizona Fall League.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Baron Stuart: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Watson’s solid second-half pitching (2.23 ERA in 32.1 IP with an incredible 30/1 K/BB) continues into the playoffs.

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 second half) 

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/14: Spencer Jones Extends Hitting Streak to 10

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Arizona Fall League Players

Injury Log

Scranton (83-58; 45-24 in second half) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 6-1)

They could have eliminated Lehigh Valley today, but it wasn’t meant to be. That said, they own a 5.5-game lead over them with six to play. Syracuse won to pull within three games of the lead. I stopped talking about Toledo and Indianapolis because they fell off the pace.

Back to Syracuse:  Scranton clinches the second-half title with a 4-2 final week. If they go 3-3 while Syracuse goes 6-0, it becomes complicated. The two squads split a 6-game second-half series, which would be the first tie-breaker. The second tie-breaker is the final 20 games of the season. A 3-3 week by Scranton would leave them at 9-11. A 6-0 week by Syracuse would equate to a 14-6 mark.

Anyway, the Railriders play a bad team (Buffalo) while Syracuse plays a good team (Lehigh Valley).

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, 2B (19), RBI, K
Vivas hits a run-scoring double with two outs in the 9th to prevent the shutout.
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-5
Escarra is hitting .279/.377/.395 in 106 PA since his demotion (2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 16 RBI)
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (13), 2 K
Jones has a 10-game hitting streak. It’s his second 10+ game hitting streak this season (11 games from June 20th – July 3rd). During this streak, he is 11-for-38 (.289) with three doubles and a home run. It’s not one of those “red hot” hitting streaks, and the strikeouts are high. However, it shows us a sign of life after a brutal stretch that saw him hit .180/.250/.306 in August.
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-1, SB (15), 3 BB, K
“So, why do players like Jose Rojas hang around?”  Good question. He is a Triple-A masher who hasn’t sniffed MLB since 2022. While nobody makes a great living as a Triple-A player, a veteran like Rojas *can* shop his services around and get more money than your typical minor leaguer. He is a good depth piece, and it is fun to see someone earn a living doing something he (obviously) loves.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Brennen Davis: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Davis is hitting .275/.344/.651 in 122 PA since being signed. It’s the first time his OPS has fallen under 1.000 since joining the organization.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, K
Candelario has provided a veteran presence, but hasn’t done anything to suggest he is a Major League talent anymore.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, R

RHP Kenta Maeda: (L, 5-7) 6 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 0.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
1.60 ERA (45 IP, 25 H, 12 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 22 BB, 51 K). Castro has allowed ten home runs in 240.1 minor league innings (three in 25.2 MLB innings).
RHP Harrison Cohen: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 1.69 ERA (26.2 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 15 BB, 28 K)

Somerset (73-65; 38-31 in the second half) (Lost to Reading, 7-4)

Their playoff series against Binghamton starts on Tuesday. It is best-of-3 with the first game in Somerset and the last two games in Binghamton.  Binghamton is comfortably the most dominant team in the Eastern League. The only reason Somerset is in the playoffs is that Binghamton easily won both halves in the East Division, allowing for the second-place team in the second half to join them. That said, rosters change. Dominant starter Jonah Tong was rushed to MLB, and their big masher (Ryan Clifford) was moved to Triple-A.

RF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (14), R, 2 SB (28), BB
Jones clears the 50 stolen base mark (51) to go along with 20 doubles, 89 runs, and 82 walks. Additionally, he finishes his Double-A campaign at .250, which is fine given his plate discipline. Overall, between here and Hudson Valley, he hit .245/.359/.395 in 549 PA (20 doubles, 8 triples, 11 HR, 69 RBI, 89 R, 51-for-60 SB, 14.9% BB, 19.9% K). He is a sneaky good prospect.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 CS (6), BB, K
Final Somerset line: .215/.337/.358 in 469 PA (24 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 68 R, 24-for-30 SB, 13.6% BB, 26.4% K). Overall: .235/.367/.381 in 580 PA (32 doubles, 5 triples, 9 HR, 49 RBI, 90 R, 35-for-43 SB, 15% BB, 25.2% K). It’s an interesting profile, as he showed off his plate discipline, swatted plenty of doubles, and stole a lot of bases. There is also something to be said for reps, and Lombard Jr. compiled 580 plate appearances. It wasn’t perfect. The 20-year-old has work to do. But it is encouraging and I look forward to 2026.
DH Jace Avina: 2-for-5, 2B (11), R, 2 K
Avina hit .224/.314/.341 in 194 plate appearances after his promotion and .260/.366/.425 in 415 plate appearances overall.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, BB, K
Jasso, one of the few to spend the entire season at one level, finishes at .257/.326/.400 in 537 PA (17 doubles, 6 triples, 13 HR, 76 RBI, 62 R, 7.8% BB, 24.2% K). He won the Eastern League RBI crown while playing first base, second base, and third base (his primary position).
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, 2B (25), R, BB, 2 K
The power was there (.458 SLG; 25 doubles, 20 home runs). However, he doesn’t draw walks and has a high strikeout rate (31.6%). A team looking for cheap power potential may have interest.
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
Castillo started slow after his promotion, but went 11-for-35 (.314/.405/.457) in September. 
2B Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (13), RBI
C Diomedes Hernandez: 1-for-4, 2B (2), R, K

LHP Kyle Carr (L, 0-1): 5 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
Carr had one of the most insane runs of any professional pitcher in 2025. It earned him a promotion to Somerset, where he had one solid outing and two not-so-good ones. That’s fine, as getting his feet wet here was the most important thing. As for the upcoming playoffs, he will be rested enough to pitch on Friday, which is the “if necessary” game. Anyway, including his time with Hudson Valley, he finishes the regular season at 8-7 with a 2.64 ERA over 133 innings (95 H, 48 R, 39 ER, 8 HR, 55 BB, 117 K).
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
For Somerset: 2.48 ERA (36.1 IP, 30 H, 13 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 38 K). Brian has a legitimate chance to develop into a Major League reliever.
RHP Hayden Merda: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Merda pitched to a 4.38 ERA in 24.2 innings after his promotion.

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 second half) 

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/11: Carlos Lagrange Leads Somerset to Playoffs

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Arizona Fall League Players

Injury Log

Scranton (82-56; 44-22 in second half) (Won a big game over Lehigh Valley, 3-2)

Lehigh Valley is now 6.5 games back.  Syracuse lost to drop four games back. The best Lehigh Valley can do is get it down to 3.5 games with six to play. That’s why tonight’s win was huge for the Railriders.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, K
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, K
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, HR (30), RBI, R, K
Rojas puts together his second career 30+ HR, 100+ RBI campaign. I get he isn’t a prospect, but it is still valid to say he is the first Yankees’ farmhand to drive in 100+ runs since Brandon Laird drove home 102 in 2010.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, R, 3 K
Jones keeps the minimalist hitting streak going. He has seven consecutive 1-hit efforts.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, 2B (15), R, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 2-for-3, 2 RBI
The veteran shortstop had a game-tying 2-run single in the bottom of the 7th.
LF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3

RHP Brendan Beck: 5.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K
For Scranton: 4.65 ERA In 71.2 IP (60 H, 37 R, 37 ER, 12 HR, 21 BB, 66 K). Overall, Beck owns a 118/33 K/BB over 126 innings after throwing 34 professional innings entering this season (all in 2023).
RHP Yerry De los Santos: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kervin Castro: (W, 5-1) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel (S, 7): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (72-63; 37-29 in the second half) (Defeated Reading, 4-0, to clinch a playoff berth. This is their 4th consecutive playoff appearance, and they have run the gamut in the previous three: Championship in 2022, lost in the Division Series in 2023, lost in the championship series in 2024.)

DH Brendan Jones: 2-for-5, R, 3 SB (25)
Jones is attempting to reach 50 stolen bases – he is up to 48 (56 attempts) with three games remaining. Anthony Volpe, who stole 50 in 2022, was the last Yankees minor league player to accomplish the feat.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-3, 2B (23), RBI, R, BB
Lombard Jr. has five doubles in nine September games (10-for-34; .294). It’s an interesting Somerset profile: While he hasn’t had a period where he was insanely hot (though he did have a 7-game hitting streak), you can still see the consistent progression in his game. I can’t make any guarantees, but one can be optimistic that his batting average will tick up with experience.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, 2B (24), RBI, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, R
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, K
2B Jake Gatewood: 2-for-3, 2B (13), R, BB
The bottom two in the order do their jobs.

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (W, 7-6)  6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
When you combine his Somerset and Hudson Valley stats, Lagrange finishes the regular season with a 3.52 ERA in 120 innings (82 H, 51 R, 47 ER, 8 HR, 62 BB, 168 K). He had a lower ERA with Somerset (3.22 compared to 4.10). The 168 strikeouts lead the Yankees’ organization, two ahead of Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz, who likely has a start remaining.
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
At this level: 2.55 ERA (35.1 IP, 28 H, 13 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 36 K)
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 second half) 

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/9: Brendan Jones: 3 Hits

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

I have nothing more to offer today.

Injury Log

Scranton (81-55; 43-21 in second half) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 5-4. They scored a run in the bottom of the 9th and had 2nd and 3rd with one out, but couldn’t get the tying run home.)

Syracuse won to pull within three games of the lead.  Lehigh Valley is within six games. The Phillies are 82-55 overall, so this is not an easy opponent.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, BB
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
Jones has a 5-game hitting streak that features one hit per game (5-for-19; 2 doubles, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 4 R, 1 BB, 12 K). Yes, he has made 14 outs, 12 of which are strikeouts.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB, K
  PR Duke Ellis: 0-for-0, R
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-3, 2 HR (29), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB
Rojas is one home run and one RBI short of his second career 30 HR, 100+ RBI season (31 HR, 107 RBI for Salt Lake in 2019).  This is his 4th multi-HR effort this season.
  PR Ismael Munguia: 0-for-0
LF Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, 2 K
   PR Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-0
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-4
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, SB (13), CS (2)

RHP Kenta Maeda: 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
Menta batted his way through this one. 
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Bird: (L, 1-2) 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Effross has a 7.18 Triple-A ERA. Bird’s is now 7.15.

Somerset (71-62; 36-28 in the second half) (Defeated Reading, 7-6, in 11 innings. Somerset extends their winning streak to seven)

Hartford won to remain 3.5 games back with five games left. Portland is eliminated.

CF Brendan Jones: 3-for-6, 2B (13), RBI, 3 R, SB (22), 2 K
Jones is having a fun September: 6-for-22 (.273) with a pair of doubles, seven runs, eight walks, and a 7-for-7 stolen base rate. He will win the organization’s stolen base title (45), and his 84 runs rank third (behind Spencer Jones (94) and George Lombard Jr. (87)). When a player is promoted from High-A to Double-A and does better, that is something you need to pay attention to.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 BB, 2 K
At this level: .213/.336/.358 in 444 PA (22 doubles, 4 triples, 8 home runs, 34 RBI, 65 R, 22-for-25 SB, 13.7% BB, 26.1% K). 
LF Jace Avina: 3-for-5, 2B (10), RBI, HBP, K
Avina’s first 3-hit Double-A effort. He is hitting .214/.303/.338 in 175 plate appearances since his promotion.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2 SF, 3 RBI, BB, 2 K
Two sacrifice flies and an RBI walk. Whatever it takes!  His clutch hitting (.296/.357/.400 with RISP) has helped him achieve a 74-RBI season. That is within one RBI of the Eastern League lead (Ryan Clifford (NYM) has 75).
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-5, RBI, R, SB (12), BB, 2 K
RF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-5, 3 K
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 2 K
   PH-DH Garrett Martin: 0-for-1, K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-5, R, K
2B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-3, 2 R, CI, BB, 2 K

LHP Kyle Carr: 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Carr’s second Double-A start goes much better than his first (3.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 BB, 4 K). He might start again on Sunday, but if he doesn’t, this would be his final stat line: 24 starts, 8-6, 2.25 ERA (128 IP, 87 H, 41 R, 32 ER, 6 HR, 52 BB, 113 K)
RHP Mason Vinyard:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
At this level: 4.11 ERA (46 IP, 33 H, 21 R, 21 ER, 4 HR, 24 BB, 51 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.63 ERA (51.1 IP, 35 H, 18 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 22 BB, 46 K).  Second half: 0.73 ERA (24.2 IP, 15 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 21 K)
RHP Zach Messinger: 2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Michael Arias (W, 3-0): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Baron Stuart (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 second half) 

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/3: Tampa Tosses a No-Hitter

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

LHP Kyle Carr was promoted from Hudson Valley to Somerset. Carr certainly earned the promotion, posting a 1.96 ERA (3.60 FIP) over 119.1 innings with a 21.7% K, 9.8% BB, and 51.7% GB. That is impressive, but his last 14 starts are from a different universe: 0.98 ERA in 82.1 innings with a 24.6% K and 9.3% BB.

Injury Log

Scranton (79-52; 41-18 in second half) (Defeated Worcester, 5-1)

Syracuse won, so they remain four games out.  The season ends on September 21. In case you don’t remember, whoever wins the second half takes on Jacksonville for the International League Championship and a spot in Las Vegas to take on the PCL champion for the overall Triple-A Championship.

3B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5, 2B (16), RBI, K
Vivas has four multi-hit efforts in his last six games. He has four doubles during this stretch.
RF Austin Slater: 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
Slater’s first full game in the field during his rehab stint. That is typically the biggest step before being called up. 
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, R, BB, 4 K
Jones has a 41.0% K going back to August 1st. That’s a decent sample (134 plate appearances). Yikes. Entering tonight, his wRC+ during this timeframe was 46.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, 2 K
Baseball is a crazy sport. Even players who have seemingly “mastered” a level can go into deep slumps. A 2-for-32 slump has Rumfield down to .284 with a .827 OPS. 
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
DH Bryan De La Cruz: 3-for-4, HR (11), 2 RBI, 2 R
Given his reputation as a masher without much else in his offensive game, it is surprising that this is his first home run since July 27th. It’s not as if he’s been in a slump, either. He hit .320/.363/.427 in August.
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Kenta Maeda: (W, 5-6) 7.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, HR
Maeda lost a no-hitter with two outs in the 8th inning (lost it on a solo home run).
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (66-62; 31-28 in second half) (Doubled up New Hampshire, 8-4)

Hartford (1.5 games back) and Portland (2.5 games back) both lost.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (17), BB
Jones reaches 40 stolen bases this season (40-for-48). In his 138-game career, he is 58-for-66 (87.9%).
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, R, SB (21), 3 K
Lombard Jr. is 32-for-37 (86.5%) stealing bases this season.
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, 2B (9), 2 RBI, R, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 2B (18), RBI, R, K
Jasso reaches 70 RBI. 
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (11), K
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 R, K
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, HR (12), RBI, R, K
2B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, K

LHP Kyle Carr: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Carr’s Double-A debut wasn’t great, but no big deal. Plus, his offense bailed him out.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
RHP Hayden Merda: (W, 3-1) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
At this level: 2.67 ERA (33.2 IP, 28 H, 13 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 36 K)
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
5.19 ERA (52 IP, 58 H, 31 R, 30 ER, 6 HR, 8 BB, 52 K). Watson continues to impress lately, and it makes you wonder if he has increased his chances to be selected in the upcoming Rule 5.
RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (76-49; 38-23 second half) (Lost to Greensboro, 7-1)

Greensboro increases their lead to 3.5 games. It’s as simple as this: Hudson Valley needs to win the final four games in this series to go to the playoffs.

3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, RBI, K
Matheus was down to .221 on August 29th. A 6-for-15 surge has him back to .250 (24 games at this level).
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, 3 K
2B Core Jackson: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-4, K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Camden Troyer: 1-for-3
DH Connor McGinnis: 1-for-3, R
McGinnis has a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-18). He was hitting only .103 (3-for-29) before his streak.
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-3, K

RHP Bryce Cunningham: (L, 5-3)  2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Could they consider moving him to Somerset for one start next week? It could happen. If not, he ends his debut campaign with a 2.82 ERA in 54.1 innings (42 H, 20 R, 17 ER, 4 HR, 19 BB, 55 K). If not for injury, I have little doubt he would have been in Somerset at some point this season.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.13 ERA (55 IP, 35 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 61 K). Given his usage pattern, he will make one more appearance this year. He is another candidate for a week in Somerset, but remember that other moves need to be made to accommodate that.
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Owen Cobb: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
As always: Playoff race or not, if a team is out of pitchers, they will go to a position player!

Tampa (62-62; 26-33 in the second half) (Swept a doubleheader over Clearwater to move to .500 on the season.)

Their season ends on Sunday.

Game 1 (Won, 6-2)

SS Dax Kilby: 1-for-3, R, SB (13), BB, K
DH Roderick Arias: 1-for-4
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-4, R, 2 SB (11)
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, R, BB
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-3, HR (1), SF, 3 RBI, R
Martin-Grudzielanek launches his first professional home run.
LF Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-2, R, SB (2), BB
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, K
1B Hans Montero: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, SB (24), CS (7), K

RHP Luis Serna: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Serna’s fifth start since coming back from his injury (only nine innings).
RHP Sean Hermann: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe (W, 7-2): 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
4.37 ERA (57.2 IP, 46 H, 32 R, 28 ER, 9 HR, 32 BB, 44 K)

Game 2 (Won, 4-0, as three pitchers combine on a no-hitter.)

DH Dax Kilby: 1-for-3, R, 2 K
Since his 0-for-9 start, Kilby has hit safely in 11 of 13 games (reached base safely in his last 14 games). I said yesterday that is highly unlikely he will start 2026 in High-A. What do I base that on?  George Lombard Jr. played nine games for Low-A Tampa in 2023 and hit pretty well (9-for-33; he followed that up by going 6-for-21 with four doubles in the playoffs.)  In 2024, he still played 81 games for Tampa before moving to Hudson Valley.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-2, R, SB (33), BB, 2 K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-2, BB
.241/.388/.339 in 139 PA. He has more walks (25) than strikeouts (17) to go along with a 11-for-14 stolen base rate.
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-2 SF, 2 RBI, R
.308/.406/.487 in 362 PA (14 doubles, 13 triples, 5 HR, 48 RBI, 65 R, 43-for-49 SB, 13.5% BB, 19.9% K). He is on a 6-game hitting streak.
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 2-for-3, 2 3B (4), RBI, R
A nice double-header for Martin-Grudzielanek (3-for-6, 2 triples, HR, SF, 4 RBI, 2 R). This spikes his triple slash to .254/.307/.448 (he entered the day at .230/.294/.328. The beauty of small sample sizes.)
LF Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-2, RBI, BB, K
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-3
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, 2 K
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1, BB, K

LHP Allen Facundo: (W, 1-1)  5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
Facundo (who turned 23 today) was humming in the 96-97 range. At this level: 2.14 ERA (33.2 IP, 22 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 14 BB, 35 K). I don’t mind saying the same thing over and over if I believe it: Facundo likely belonged on Pipeline’s August update.
RHP Ty Boudreau: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 9 K. He maxed at 94.2 MPH with his 4-seamer.
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.80 ERA (45 IP, 38 H, 26 R, 19 ER, 4 HR, 20 BB, 42 K)

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/28: Kyle Carr: Cheat Code?

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

After allowing a pair of runs but striking out three in the first inning last night, RHP Trent Sellers was pulled from the game. Today, he was placed on the 7-day injured list. Sellers, signed in 2023 as an undrafted free agent out of Oregon State, has been a solid contributor in the Somerset Patriots’ rotation. He has a 3.92 ERA in 96.1 innings with a 26.9% K, 12.1% BB, and 36.1% BB. The Yankees have not asked him to stretch out often (his 96.1 innings are over 22 starts), though this is his first professional season as a full-time starter. He was also a starter in his one season for Oregon State.

Jonathan Loaisiga‘s season is over. It is likely true that his Yankees career is also over, though they would likely not turn down a bargain.

A solid find by the scouting department, health has never been on his side. He made 193 appearances in eight seasons for the Yankees, with 107 of those occurring between 2021 and 2022.

His overall career has been rather solid: A 3.54 ERA (3.86 FIP) over 294.1 innings with a 54.4% ground ball rate (the MLB average during this time is 42.4%).

He will only be 31 to begin the 2026 season, and there is little doubt that a team will take a flyer on him. He’s cheap, and you never know when a player will have a random healthy campaign. The Yankees, however, are probably ready to move on.

Injury Log

Scranton (76-50; 38-16 in second half) (Lost to Syracuse, 11-8. A much-needed win for Syracuse as they cut the Railriders’ lead to four.)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, 3B (1), R, 2 K
Jones, who compiled six triples in 2024, fills in the column for the first time in 2025. 
DH J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, RBI, R, 2 BB, K
LF Brennen Davis: 2-for-4, HR (11), 4 RBI, R, BB, K
Davis now has 11 home runs and 23 RBI in 21 Triple-A games. It isn’t often that a minor league signing works his way onto the 40-man roster over the winter. Might the Yankees consider it?  He can elect free agency if he isn’t added.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-5, K
RF Jose Rojas: 4-for-5, 2 2B (34), 2 HR (26), 2 RBI, 3 R
Rojas’ third multi-HR game (the other two were 3-HR efforts) and fifth multi-double game. He is up to an organization-leading 90 RBI.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, R, 2 BB
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, RBI, R, 2 BB
Fun trivia: Shewmake was selected before Anthony Volpe in the 2019 draft.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, BB, K
2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-5, 2 K

RHP Kenta Maeda: (L, 4-6)  3 IP, 11 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 3 HR
I hope that the Yankees won’t need him in the final month of the season. With injuries and promotions and all that jazz, they likely will keep Maeda around to eat some Triple-A innings, though he didn’t do much of that tonight either.
RHP Bailey Dees: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
At this level: 0.87 ERA (10.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 11 K)
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (63-60; 28-26 in second half) (Lost to Binghamton, 7-5)

Hartford lost, so Somerset maintains their 0.5-game advantage.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-5, 2 R, SB (15), K
Jones continues his hitting ways. He is hitting .250/.358/.439 in 271 PA. He is hitting .272/.404/.420 this month.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
LF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2B (8), R
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Jasso sets a new personal best for RBI in a season (68 in 112 games; 67 in 120 games last year). He has at least one RBI in six of his last seven games.
RF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-2, HR (18), RBI, R, 2 BB
Hardman is within range of his third career 20+ home run campaign.
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, BB

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (L, 3-3)  2.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
A rare bump in the road for Rodriguez-Cruz. He owns a 3.18 ERA for Somerset (45.1 IP, 37 H, 19 R, 16 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 51 K). Overall, he owns a 2.58 ERA in 129 innings with a 150/52 K/BB. He tossed 89.2 innings in 2024, just as a reference point. 
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Zach Messinger: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2K
Messinger was sent back here from Scranton.
RHP Kelly Austin: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Duncan Pastore: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Playoff race or not: If you are out of available pitchers, you will still use a position player in a close game!

Hudson Valley (72-47; 35-21 second half) (Defeated Brooklyn, 7-1)

Greensboro won again and owns a 4-game lead over Hudson Valley. They face each other in the last week of the season (next week). Hudson Valley will need a nice weekend to keep their hopes alive.

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-5, 2 K
You don’t expect Hudson Valley to score seven runs without a Dillon Lewis contribution. Baseball!
SS Core Jackson: 2-for-4, 2B (6), 2 R, BB, 2 K
.234/.338/.359 in 74 PA.
DH Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, 2 SB (4), HBP, BB
Matheus has 39 stolen bases in 48 attempts.
3B Kaeden Kent: 0-for-4, K
Kent goes 0-for-4 the night after he goes 5-for-5. Baseball!
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, R
Urena has struggled mightily since his promotion. This was a much-needed evening.
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-1, CI
Wilson left the game after reaching base on catcher’s interference.
   PR-1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-1, R, BB, K
RF Camden Troyer: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
LF Luis Durango: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 3 RBI, R, SB (15), K
2B Connor McGinnis: 1-for-4, RBI, R, K

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 8-6) 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
I will venture to guess there aren’t many professional pitchers on the roll Carr is currently on. First of all: His 1.96 ERA ranks 4th amongst all full-season league pitchers (former teammate Griffin Herring is third). Secondly, his ERA was 4.14 on May 27th. Since then: 0.98 ERA (82.1 IP, 50 H, 16 R, 9 ER, 30 BB, 79 K).
RHP Chris Kean: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
2.09 ERA (51.2 IP, 31 H, 12 R, 12 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 56 K).

Tampa (58-61; 22-32 in the second half) (Defeated Bradenton, 4-2)

Tampa’s season ends on September 7th.

SS Dax Kilby: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (10), K
Kilby’s fourth straight multi-hit game (6th in his last seven games). He also extends his stolen base streak to six (at least one in nine of his last ten games).  He is hitting .348/.434/.435 in 12 games. A reminder that he went 0-for-9 and 2-for-17 to start his career.
3B Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, K
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 2B (14), 3B (13), R
Toole has missed a little bit of time lately. Tonight, he was back to his old tricks. He is hitting .306/.406/.495 in 342 PA (14 doubles, 13 triples, 5 HR, 45 RBI, 61 R, 42-for-47 SB, 13.7% BB, 20.5% K).  He is the only player in the Florida State League hitting over .300 (the only qualifier above .290) and is second in OBP and SLG. As I always state: Yes, some good-to-great prospects have indeed moved on from this level and no longer qualify (Pittsburgh’s 19-year-old phenom Konnor Griffin hit .338/.396/.536 in 50 games before going to High-A). However, it’s not a season to dismiss for Toole, whom I am intrigued to see in the upper levels.
2B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-3, BB
LF Eric Genther: 0-for-3, HBP
DH Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-4, RBI
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-4
1B Hans Montero: 3-for-3, 2 R
Still only 21, he is having a decent season (.269/.355/.433 in 308 PA). Signed as a shortstop (it’s the only position he played in 2021 and 2022), it’s one of the few positions he hasn’t played in 2025 (1B, 2B, 3B, LF, RF, RHP).
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, RBI, R, K

RHP Mariano Salomon: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Fristoe gave them much-needed length. He owns a 4.58 ERA in 55 innings (46 H, 32 R, 28 ER, 9 HR, 32 BB, 44 K)
RHP Sean Hermann: (S, 3)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/27: Kaeden Kent Goes 5-for-5

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

No news to report.

Injury Log

Scranton (76-49; 38-15 in second half) (Defeated Syracuse, 6-1. The Railriders have opened up a 5-game lead in the race for the second-half title)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, 2B (13), RBI, R, HBP
Vivas has a 5-game hitting streak and is hitting .269/.398/.354 in 372 plate appearances.
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, R, BB
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (9), K
We are so used to seeing him hit the ball hard that it is surprising when he hits a double at only 80 MPH.  Jones has 49 extra-base hits (17 doubles, 32 HR) in 95 games. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2B (32), 2 RBI, R
Rojas has been a key veteran cog in this lineup. The 32-year-old has put together some impressive minor league seasons, but this may be his best yet (.957 OPS is his personal best)
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, 2B (15), RBI, BB
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-2, CS (7), 2 BB

RHP Sean Boyle: (W, 8-9)  5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
4.73 ERA (116 IP, 108 H, 68 R, 61 ER, 13 HR, 42 BB, 106 K)
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 1.27 ERA (21.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 21 K). He hit 93 MPH with his 4-seamer but primarily threw his cutter/change combo (the two pitches he typically features).
RHP Kervin Castro: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (63-59; 28-25 in second half) (Defeated Binghamton, 6-5)

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B (18), 2 R, BB, K
Lombard Jr. has swatted six doubles in his last 15 games. 
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-5, 3 K
DH Brendan Jones: 3-for-3, 3B (6), RBI, 3 R, SB (14), 2 BB
What a night for Jones, who is hitting .247/.357/.439 in 266 PA since his promotion. Overall, he is hitting .242/.354/.406 with 16 doubles, 8 triples, 11 HR, 66 RBI, 74 R, and 37 stolen bases in 45 attempts.  Additionally, he has eight 3+ hit efforts this season.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, SF, 3 RBI, K
Jasso drove home the winning run with a sacrifice fly in the top of the 9th. He has seven 3-RBI games this season.
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, SF, RBI, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-5, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-5, 3 K
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, 2 K
Palencia is holding his own at this level (10-for-40, though it comes without any power). He isn’t really a prospect, but has been forced into duty at this level due to all the player movement and trades (mostly trades!)
2B Jake Gatewood: 3-for-4, 2 2B (10), R, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
I am not sure why Sellers was taken out.
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Watson has issued one walk in his last 25 appearances.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
At this level: 3.72 ERA (19.1 IP, 13 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 17 K)
RHP Michael Arias: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
3.60 ERA (15 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 22 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz (W, 8-3): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (71-47; 34-21 second half) (Lost to Brooklyn, 8-7. Last night, Brooklyn made a miracle comeback to win. Hudson Valley tried the same tonight (down 6-1 at one point) but came up short)

Greensboro won, so they have a 4-game lead over Hudson Valley. They face each other in the last week of the season (next week). Hudson Valley wants those six games to mean something, but hopes are starting to fade.

CF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-5, HR (12), RBI, 2 R, K
At this level: .242/.328/.456 in 288 PA (12 doubles, 3 triples, 12 HR, 48 RBI, 35 R, 11-for-12 SB). He has 21 doubles, 21 homers, and 24 stolen bases overall.
2B Core Jackson: 1-for-5, RBI
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
SS Kaeden Kent: 5-for-5, 2B (2), HR (2), 3 RBI, 2 R
The reality of playing professional baseball tells you that this could end up being Kent’s best ever game. If it is, it’s quite a good one. Hitting .095 on August 21st, a surge (+ small sample size) has pushed his average up to .203.  He has 14 RBI in 16 games.
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, 2B (16), 2 RBI, SB (9), BB, K
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, K
DH Camden Troyer: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Robbie Burnett: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
C John Cristino: 1-for-4, R, K

RHP Bryce Cunningham: (L, 5-2)  1.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
The 22-year-old, who has been one of their most impressive pitchers this season, allows 5+ runs for only the second time (11th appearance/10th start). This spikes his ERA to 2.75 over 52.1 innings (40 H, 19 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 53 K). 
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jack Cebert: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Cebert’s first two professional outings have gone well.

Tampa (57-61; 21-32 in the second half) (Lost to Bradenton, 3-1)

Tampa’s season ends on September 7th.

DH Dax Kilby: 2-for-3, R, SB (9), BB, K
Kilby has recorded multiple hits in three straight games and five of his last six games. He has also stolen at least one base in five consecutive games and seven of his last eight games.  Season: 14-for-42 (.333) with seven walks and five strikeouts.
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-3, 2B (18), RBI, CS (10), BB, K
.298/.392/.429 in August. His .218 average is his high-water mark this season.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-4
.221/.378/.305 in 119 PA (23 walks, 15 strikeouts).
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-4, K
.220/.291/.320 in his first 55 professional plate appearances.
RF Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 0-for-4, K
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Eric Genther: 1-for-2, BB, K
Genther is 7-for-18 since his 3-for-20 start.
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-2, CS (6), BB, K

LHP Allen Facundo: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 3 K
2.51 ERA (28.2 IP, 22 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 30 K). Facundo, who touched 97.4 MPH tonight, has allowed only one home run in 143 career innings. He throws hard, strikes hitters out, and doesn’t allow home runs. While he isn’t big (listed at 6’0″, 171 pounds), he is generating results. I remain surprised that Pipeline has him nowhere on their Top 30. It appears to be a Top 30 profile to me.
RHP Josh Tiedemann (L, 0-1): 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.70 ERA (53.1 IP, 43 H, 25 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 29 BB, 71 K). A nice debut campaign for their undrafted free agent signing in 2024.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/21: Kyle Carr Dazzles on the Hill

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

No news.

Injury Log

Scranton (71-48; 33-15 in second half) (Split a doubleheader with Buffalo)

Game 1 (Won, 5-3)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, K
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, 3 K
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, R, K
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, R, BB
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, 2B (14), 2 RBI, R
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, K
   PR-3B: Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-0, R
SS Braden Shewmake: 2-for-3, 3B (3), 2 RBI, R, K
RF Duke Ellis: 1-for-2, 2B (13), RBI, BB, K

RHP Sean Boyle: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 0 K
Boyle’s first zero strikeout start since May 4th, 2023.  At the very least, he has provided Scranton with innings. He will likely need to realize his MLB dreams in another organization.
RHP Zach Messinger: (W, 4-3)  2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
As a reliever: 3.58 ERA (37.2 IP, 33 H, 17 R, 15 ER, 19 BB, 39 K)
RHP Kervin Castro: (S, 3)  1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Lost, 4-3, in nine innings)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, R
DH J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, K
   PR-DH Braden Shewmake: 0-for-0, R
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, K
Jones is hitting better lately. I wouldn’t say the deep slump is over, but the signs are there.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-2, 2 SB (6), BB, K
   PR-RF Duke Ellis: 1-for-1, RBI, 4 SB (30), CS (6)
He comes in to pinch-run and ends the night with four stolen bases. He is hitting .372/.417/.519.
LF Brennen Davis: 0-for-3, 3 K
    LF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-1, K
RF Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, BB, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, R, K

RHP Joel Kuhnel: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
How rare is it for Kuhnel to start? This was only the second time in his professional career he was asked to do it (283 minor league games, 40 MLB games).
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
Pestana, who used to be a starter, does a nice job as a long man tonight.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 1.42 ERA (19 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 19 K)
RHP Scott Effross: (L, 1-4) 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 0 K

Somerset (61-55; 26-21 in second half)  (Lost a big doubleheader to Hartford. Somerset better show up this weekend or their comfortable lead may become Hartford’s lead.)

Game 1 (Lost, 4-3)

CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-3, 2 2B (10), RBI, 2 R, BB
Extra-base hits, walks, and speed. It’s a good combination. What does he have to work on? His overall hit tool. He’s probably more than a .240-level hitter.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, BB
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
   PR Garrett Martin: 0-for-0
LF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, K
RF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4
Since promotion: 3-for-27. One of those three was a big 3-run home run in extra innings, but he has struggled overall. As always, not uncommon when first tasting Double-A.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-3, R, SB (2), K
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-2, BB, K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-2, HBP

LHP Brock Selvidge: 6 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
At this level: 4.67 ERA (54 IP, 47 H, 30 R, 28 ER, 4 HR, 30 BB, 42 K). His last two outings have been encouraging.
RHP Indigo Diaz (L, 7-3): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Lost, 5-3)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-2, 2B (16), R, HBP
Your reminder that he had only two extra-base hits (double, triple) for Somerset in May. I won’t claim he’s been on an extra-base hit tear since then (15 doubles, 3 triples, 6 HR in June/July/August), but he’s done enough to show you that Double-A is not overwhelming him, even if the stats don’t jump out.
DH Jace Avina: 0-for-3
RF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, 2 K
Jones is 15-for-61 (.246/.387/.410) in August. 
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-2, RBI, R, BB, K
A nice doubleheader for Jasso, who is hitting .276/.345/.438 in 452 PA (15 doubles, 6 triples, 13 HR, 61 RBI, 59 R). It seems as if he is one of the few who has stuck at one level all season. Double-A is an appropriate level for him, so it’s not surprising.
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, R, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-1, 2 BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2, SF, RBI
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, RBI, K
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-3, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, HR
3.78 ERA (95.1 IP, 78 H, 43 R, 40 ER, 9 HR, 50 BB, 108 K). I still think multi-inning reliever is his future, but there is nothing wrong with starting him.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda: (L, 2-1)  0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR

Hudson Valley (71-42; 33-16 second half) (Swept a doubleheader against Jersey Shore, allowing only one run in 14 innings)

Game 1 (Won, 4-1)

CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
SS Core Jackson: 1-for-4, R, K
DH Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, RBI
3B Kaeden Kent: 0-for-3, RBI
Kent, hitting only .095, gets his second taste of third base (eight games at shortstop). 
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-2, R, BB
LF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-3, R
Wilson has played well since his promotion (10-for-32 with two doubles)
2B Connor McGinnis: 1-for-2, BB
McGinnis is 3-for-22 with an RBI to start his career. He is still searching for his first extra-base hit.
RF Robbie Burnett: 0-for-3

RHP Bryce Cunningham: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Only his second appearance since returning from injury. There is no doubt he would be in Somerset if not for the injury. Season: 1.78 ERA (50.2 IP, 35 H, 13 R, 10 ER, 3 HR, 15 BB, 51 K)
RHP Sebastian Keane (W, 7-0): 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
He’s more than just a good luck charm. Season: 2.60 ERA (34.2 IP, 21 H, 13 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 18 BB, 38 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker (S, 5): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.99 ERA (49.2 IP, 30 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 52 K). He’s had a few hiccups recently, but he has still been one of their most impressive 2025 relievers.

Game 2 (Won, 2-0)

DH Dillon Lewis: 0-for-2, BB
At this level: .244/.322/.457 in 265 PA with 11 doubles, 11 homers, and ten stolen bases. Most impressively, his strikeout rate has dropped considerably at the more advanced level (from 28.2% to 19.6%).
SS Core Jackson: 0-for-3, K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, K
Since promotion: 14-for-52 (.269/.321/.423). Overall, he’s at .271/.356/.376 with 28 doubles and 37 stolen bases.
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, R, K
RF Camden Troyer: 1-for-3
Troyer is 8-for-30 with four walks and only a pair of strikeouts.
CF Luis Durango: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, 2 SB (10), BB
Durango had the big hit tonight – a 2-run single in the top of the 7th.
LF Joe Delossantos: 0-for-3, K
C John Cristino: 0-for-2, K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-2

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 7-6)  6.1 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
2.06 ERA (113.1 IP, 79 H, 35 R, 26 ER, 6 HR, 46 BB, 98 K). July/August: 1.07 ERA (50.1 IP, 35 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 14 BB, 48 K). Should he receive a late-season taste of Double-A? It has to be on their radar.
RHP Matt Keating (S, 2): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.74 ERA (42.2 IP, 30 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 51 K). Even with the recent promotions, Hudson Valley still has a nice array of relief pitchers.

Tampa (55-60; 19-31 in the second half) (Lost to Ft. Myers, 12-11, in ten innings. The Tarpons stole 11 bases in this game)

2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, R, 3 SB (7), BB, 2 K
Tejeda has nine straight 1-hit games. 
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 3B (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (30), BB, K
Arias has the average up to .210, so there’s that. This is his second consecutive 30+ stolen base campaign.
1B Jackson Lovich: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (3), BB, K
Lovich’s average drops to .625 (10-for-16).
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-5, RBI, R, SB (4), K
DH Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 0-for-5, 2 K
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-5, RBI, CS (3)
RF Eric Genther: 2-for-5, 2 R, 2 K
C Ediel Rivera: 2-for-5, RBI, 3 R, 2 SB (2), K
A nice night for Rivera, who had been struggling since his promotion. He is now 8-for-37.
LF Hans Montero: 3-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 R, 3 SB (21), 2 K
Montero has routinely stolen double-digit bases, but this is his first 20+ stolen base season.  He is 10-for-20 in August (you do the math)

RHP Jose M. Rodriguez: 3 IP, 3 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 6 BB, 3 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Chris Veach: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Josh Tiedemann: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
A nice night for Tiedemann, a 21-year-old who has been held back by injuries.
RHP Jack Sokol (L, 5-3): 0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/10: Spencer Jones Hits #30

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

My concern about J.C. Escarra being pulled last night? I should have been more concerned about Amed Rosario not being in the lineup against a left-handed pitcher yesterday. It’s too bad that the Yankees finally cared about adding some bench pieces to counteract teams going heavy with left-handed pitchers, only for Rosario and Austin Slater to end up on the injured list. Jose Caballero is also better against LHP, but it is a stretch to say he is a lefty masher.

Injury Log

Scranton (67-44; 29-10 in second half) (Outlasted Lehigh Valley, 9-7)

Right now, the second-half title is a two-horse race between Scranton and Syracuse, who are 29-10. They have one series left (August 26-31 in Scranton). Indianapolis has fallen off the pace (24-15) but can get back into it this week, as they play Scranton.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
Vivas is 9-for-23 with 11 walks in August.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, K
LF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (14), RBI, 2 R, SB (15), HBP, 2 K
Jones becomes the first Yankees’ farmhand to reach 30 home runs since Dermis Garcia in 2021 and is up to 25 stolen bases in his quest for a 30/30 campaign. This one went 436 feet at 110.9 MPH. If you haven’t noticed yet, Jones doesn’t hit many cheapies.
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-5, 3B (4), R, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 3 RBI, R, K
For as long as Escarra is in New York, Martinez (4-for-13 since his promotion) figures to get the overwhelming majority of the catching reps in Scranton. They activated Edinson Duran off the Development List to back him up.
SS Jake Gatewood: 2-for-3, 2 HR (5), 3 RBI, 3 R, BB
Gatewood hasn’t shown off much of the trademark power that continues to get him jobs (though this season is his first taste of affiliated ball since 2022). 
CF Duke Ellis: 2-for-4, 2 2B (10), RBI, R, K
Ellis is hitting .366/.408/.482 in 123 PA at this level. After going 16-for-41 (.390) in July, he is 15-for-32 (.469) in August. That’s what I call ridiculous, regardless if you are a top prospect or just an organizational depth piece.
RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, SB (22)

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 5-1) 5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
Since promotion: 4.67 ERA (44.1 IP, 39 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 10 HR, 12 BB, 36 K). Overall, this was his 10th win of the season (10-3, 3.10 ERA; 98.2 IP, 77 H, 35 R, 34 ER, 12 HR, 24 BB, 88 K)
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
The Yankees likely feel that Bird needs a reset. They can afford to give him time.
RHP Baron Stuart: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Zach Messinger (S, 3): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (58-50; 23-16 in second half) (Outdueled Binghamton, 2-0. This was another battle between rising Somerset pitcher Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and minor league strikeout leader Jonah Tong. They also faced each other on Tuesday. Rodriguez-Cruz won that duel as well.)

Somerset is 1.5 games up on Hartford in the race for the second-half title. Binghamton is ahead of both, but that is irrelevant since they won the first-half title.

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, 3B (4), RBI, R, BB, K
Jones hit his RBI triple off of Tong. 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B (13), RBI, 2 K
Lombard Jr. has a double, a triple, and a home run in his last five games. He had two extra-base hits (double, triple; .224 SLG) in his first 24 Double-A games and 21 extra-base hits in his last 54 games (12 doubles, 3 triples, 6 HR). 
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, K
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-3, R, SB (1), 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3
2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-3, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (W, 3-1) 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
At this level: 1.41 ERA (32 IP, 20 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 30 K). Overall, he owns a 129/45 K/BB over 115.2 innings with only two home runs allowed. Oh, did I mention he has tossed 19 scoreless innings over his last three starts?
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.26 ERA (38 IP, 28 H, 18 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 19 BB, 40 K)
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kelly Austin (S, 7): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (65-40; 27-14 second half) (Lost to Brooklyn, 8-4)

At 65-40, the Renegades are having a fantastic season – one that can easily end without a playoff berth. Unfortunately for them, Brooklyn won the first-half tiebreaker over Greensboro. That’s important, as Greensboro is 31-11 in the second half. That would be irrelevant if they won the first half, but that’s how it goes.

DH Dillon Lewis: 3-for-5, 2 R, SB (9), K
Lewis has two 3-hit efforts in his last four games. He is up to .246/.314/.463 in 227 PA since his promotion (8 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 26 R, 9-for-10 SB, 8.4% BB, 18.9% K). His K% with Tampa was 28.2%. At first, I thought the reduction was small sample size noise, but it doesn’t appear to be the case. 
3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-4, 2B (2), HR (1), 3 RBI, R, SB (1), BB, K
Matheus may be your next small-ish infielder obsession. He leads the organization with 36 stolen bases (44 attempts) and has 25 doubles, 2 triples, and 3 home runs in 98 games.  His combined triple slash is .271/.359/.379 in 410 PA.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-5
Urena is 2-for-20 since his promotion. On a good note, he has struck out only four times in 23 plate appearances (17.4%).
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, SF, RBI, K
SS Core Jackson: 2-for-4, 2 2B (2), BB
This year’s 5th-round pick is 3-for-15.
LF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-4, BB
Wilson is 4-for-10 since his promotion and is hitting .287/.378/.376 in 325 plate appearances overall.
RF Cam Troyer: 0-for-4, K
CF Robbie Burnett: 1-for-4, K
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, R, SB (1), K
Cobb’s High-A debut after hitting .313/.366/.492 in 39 games for Tampa (missed time due to injury)

RHP Cade Smith: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 4 K
Smith is continuing to ramp up after missing a lot of time to injury. He tossed 59 pitches today.
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker (L, 2-1): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
A rare 2025 misstep for Warrecker. This spikes his ERA to 2.12 (46.2 IP, 27 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 50 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
0.41 ERA (44.1 IP, 15 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 36 K). Simply a ridiculous season.

Tampa (48-56; 12-27 in the second half) (Lost to St. Lucie, 8-5)

SS Dax Kilby: 0-for-4
  3B Hans Montero: 1-for-1, RBI, R
DH Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, 2B (15), RBI, R, K
1B Kyle West: 2-for-5, 2B (1), K
West is 3-for-18 with a double to begin his professional journey.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-2, CS (2), 3 BB
Tejeda has 14 walks and seven strikeouts in 14 games.
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-5
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, R, K
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB
3B-SS Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 2-for-4, RBI, R
Martin-Grudzielanek is 4-for-13 with a pair of walks and three strikeouts to begin his professional career. He’ll want to make it to MLB as a Yankee, as I am not sure how that name will fit on the back of most uniforms.
C Ediel Rivera: 1-for-3, RBI, K
Rivera earns his first Low-A hit (1-for-12).
  DH Eric Genther: 0-for-1

LHP Allen Facundo: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Facundo has touched the upper-90s this season, but settled in at 94-95 today. At this level: 1.71 ERA (21 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 19 K). 
RHP Chris Veach (L, 2-3): 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Antonio Gomez: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Gomez continues to hum, hitting 100.3 MPH. The results do not matter at this point.
RHP Sean Hermann: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Mariano Salomon: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

In case you are wondering, the DSL ends on August 19th. The Yankees have no shot at the playoffs. The Bombers still have a chance to make it into the 16-team field.

DSL Yankees (22-27) 

Day off.

DSL Bombers (26-23) 

Day off.