Brendan Jones Archives - Page 2 of 4

Yankees MILB 8/3: Dillon Lewis Hits a Slam

Notes:

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

For the second time over the past week, the Yankees lost a depth infielder. This time, it was 2021 fan favorite Andrew Velazquez who was cut.

He was a mainstay in the Railriders’ lineup this season, hitting .244/.315/.342 with four home runs in 311 plate appearances. He also stole 23 bases in 26 attempts. Velazquez played second base, shortstop, and third base (in addition to two innings in center field).

Injury Log

Scranton (63-41; 25-7 in second half) (Squeaked past Nashville, 8-7)

It’s crazy that a team can be this hot in the second half, yet still trail Syracuse by a half-game.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, K
Vivas doesn’t have an extra-base hit in his last 25 games (that includes seven MLB games). His Triple-A SLG has dipped from .444 to .369 during this stretch.
LF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 2 K
Jones is 1-for-13 with a pair of walks in August.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, R
.313/.396/.501 in 412 PA (28 doubles, 1 triple, 12 HR, 72 RBI, 64 R, 11.2% BB, 16.7% K). He ranks third in the International League in doubles and RBI.
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, 2 R, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 2-for-2, 2 2B (9), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
Dueces wild!
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2B (27), HR (19), 4 RBI, R, K
SS Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, 3 K
CF Duke Ellis: 2-for-4, R, SB (19)
Ellis has a 7-game hitting streak (16-for-25 (.640); 5 doubles, 9 R, 6-for-7 SB).
RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, 2B (10), R, K

RHP Leonardo Pestana: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The Railriders didn’t have a starter for today, so they went with Pestana (who has experience as a starter).
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
I was hoping that Reyzelman was starting to get on a roll to finish the season strongly. Today was a step backwards.
RHP Ian Hamilton: (W, 1-0) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Aces wild!
RHP Zach Messinger (S, 2): 3.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, HR
5.37 ERA (60.1 IP, 63 H, 38 R, 36 ER, 6 HR, 36 BB, 61 K). As a reliever: 3.10 ERA (29 IP, 25 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 30 K). The 6’6″ 25-year-old is already Rule 5 eligible, and I wonder if a team would take a shot at him as a relief pitcher. I don’t think the Yankees will move him to the 40-man roster.

Somerset (55-47; 20-13 in second half) (Defeated Richmond, 9-2. WIthout a starter available, the Patriots used eight relievers to get through this game.)

The Patriots are in second place in the second-half standings. However, the leader (Binghamton) won the first-half title. Hence, for now, Somerset is in a playoff spot.

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-5, 3 K
Not the evening that Lombard Jr. envisioned.
LF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
DH Garrett Martin: 2-for-5, R, CS (2), K
3B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-4, 2B (15), HR (13), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
Jasso is piling up the multi-hit games (eight in his last 11 games; 21-for-45). He is more of a free swinger than he is a walk merchant, as this is his first walk since July 20th (11 straight games without one).
CF Brendan Jones: 3-for-5, RBI, 2 R, K
After a .278/.395/.583 July, Jones is off to a 5-for-12 start to August. This follows a June where he went 15-for-75 (.200) following his promotion.
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 2B (18), RBI, R, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-3, RBI, R, BB
At this level: 5-for-19 with a homer and three RBI.
RF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-4, HR (6), 4 RBI, R, 2 K
2B Max Burt: 2-for-4, SB (11)

LHP Will Brian: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Brian, a reliever, came off the injured list today (first appearance since 7/2). For Somerset: 2.70 ERA (26.2 IP, 22 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 30 K)
RHP Hayden Merda: (W, 2-0) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
At this level: 4.33 ERA (35.1 IP, 26 H, 17 R, 17 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 37 K)
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.03 ERA (32.2 IP, 28 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 31 K)
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (61-38; 23-12 second half) (Walloped Wilmington, 10-1)

LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-5, RBI, R, K
.243/.340/.339 in 397 PA (16 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 46 RBI, 48 R, 20-for-21 SB)
CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, HR (9; grand slam), 4 RBI, R, BB, K
Lewis is trying to join Spencer Jones in the organizational 20/20 club, as he is up to 18 homers to go with his 21 stolen bases. This is his second grand slam since his promotion, and he is hitting .233/.302/.444 in 46 High-A games.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, R, SB (15), BB, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
3B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, 2 R
A solid stretch of games has him over .200 for the first time this season (.201/.331/.325).
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, 3B (2), RBI, R
DH Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, RBI, R, HBP, K
C John Cristino: 1-for-3, R, HBP
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB

RHP Andrew Landry: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
At this level: 3.77 ERA (14.1 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 9 K)
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
5.64 ERA (30.1 IP, 25 H, 20 R, 19 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 38 K)
RHP Bryce Warrecker: (W, 2-0) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.62 ERA (44.1 IP, 24 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 48 K). Warrecker didn’t make the “pre-deadline” Top 30 update, while other relievers did. I will be interested to see how things are sorted out when they post their August update, because I think he’s been their most impressive reliever from start to finish this year.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Speaking of impressive, Morrill owns a 0.44 ERA in 41.1 IP (15 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 14 BB, 33 K). A combination of factors puts Warrecker ahead of him (2 years younger, more strikeouts, fewer walks).

Tampa (47-51; 11-22 in the second half) (Lost to Lakeland, 6-5, in ten innings)

3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-5, 2B (22), 3B (2), RBI
.267/.359/.365 in 387 PA (22 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 42 RBI, 49 R, 35-for-43 SB, 12.4% BB, 19.1% K). He is on a 7-game hitting streak (10-for-30). Interestingly, Matheus hasn’t attempted a stolen base in ten straight games. In the game before this stretch, he stole four bases.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, 3 K
I wouldn’t be placing Arias in the top ten on any Yankees prospect list. I may struggle to find a spot for him in the Top 20. Without the signing bonus and hype, where would he be?
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, SF, RBI, R, K
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-4, R, HBP
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-5
.284/.312/.351 in 77 PA.
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, CI, 3 K
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-5
.299/.405/.481 in 274 PA. He was the only player in the Florida State League with a batting average above .300 entering today. He still leads the league with his .299 average.
2B Owen Cobb: 2-for-4, R, SB (12), K
.313/.366/.492 in 147 PA. He has nowhere near enough plate appearances to qualify for rate statistics (thanks to injury), but he’s had a nice campaign.
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 R, BB

LHP Xavier Rivas: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.61 ERA (48.1 IP, 33 H, 21 R, 14 ER, 0 HR, 31 BB, 36 K)
RHP Antonio Gomez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Gomez was humming in his second career pitching appearance. He reached 100.9 MPH (averaged 99.7) while mixing in a cutter that maxed at 89.3 (I wonder if it is more of a slider than a cutter). An interesting twist is that Gomez is Rule 5 eligible – if the Yankees don’t add him, would a team like the White Sox jump all over him? Very possible.
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
5.15 ERA (43.2 IP, 41 H, 29 R, 25 ER, 9 HR, 27 BB, 37 K). I won’t be telling you anything revolutionary when I say walks and homers aren’t a good combination for any pitcher, but especially relievers.
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Gus Hughes (L, 4-3): 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (20-24)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (23-21)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 8/1: Mani Cedeno Hits First Professional Homer

Notes:

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

When you trade prospects, movement is likely. C Omar Martinez was moved from Somerset to Scranton, while C Manuel Palencia was moved from Hudson Valley to Somerset. Scranton further filled in their roster by activating infielder Jake Gatewood and OF Ismael Munguia off the Development List.

As for Tampa’s catching situation, they currently have Engelth Urena, Josue Gonzalez, and Juan Sanchez active. Urena was splitting time between catcher and designated hitter with Edgleen Perez, who was traded to the Pirates on Thursday.

The Yankees have released UTIL Nicky Lopez. This was Lopez’s decision, as he exercised an opt-out clause which forced the Yankees’ hand. He wasn’t with the organization for long (17 games) and will look for a better opportunity elsewhere.

With the release of Marcus Stroman, it is fair to ask about the Yankees’ pitching depth. The Yankees felt that Cam Schlittler‘s MLB development was worth the inconvenience of less rotation depth.

Ryan Yarbrough appears to be a while away from returning, leaving Allan Winans as someone they can call up in an emergency. Brendan Beck pitched well for Somerset but owns a 4.86 ERA in 33.1 innings for Scranton. Some of that is attributed to a spike in his home run rate. That said, he is a strike thrower who may be able to limit the damage a few times around the lineup. Sean Boyle is 28 and has been toiling in the system since 2018. He owns a 4.58 ERA, 23.5% K, and 45.7% GB in 92.1 innings for Scranton.

I doubt they would think about Carlos Lagrange or Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz in 2025, but keep them somewhere in the back of your mind.

None of the Scranton arms are going to jump out at you and get you excited. But, in a “break glass” situation, that’s what we have.

I will note that trades aren’t completely dead. Players who are on minor league contracts and have not appeared on a 40-man roster this year are eligible to be traded. You rarely see prospect-for-prospect moves, but there could be a veteran on someone’s minor league roster that comes into play in this scenario as well. The Yankees will also monitor the waiver wire.

I didn’t say any of this was ideal. However, I also can’t complain about giving a rookie a chance to prove himself over the next several weeks.

In case you were wondering (you weren’t), there wasn’t a minor league report last night because all four full-season affiliate teams were rained out. Today, three of those squads played doubleheaders.

Injury Log

Scranton (62-40; 24-6 in second half) (Swept a doubleheader against Nashville. You may think they are running away with the second-half title, but nope. Syracuse is 24-7 while Indianapolis is 20-10)

Game 1 (Won, 2-0)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-2, BB
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, RBI
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, K
DH Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, R
3B Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3
RF Duke Ellis: 2-for-2, R
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-2, K
In addition to catching the shutout, Martinez earns a hit in his Triple-A debut. Is he the next catcher to watch closely? Given that he is in Triple-A now, yes. Offensively, he is profiling as a low-average hitter with some patience and pop. He is hitting .227/.323/.378 in 347 PA between Hudson Valley/Somerset/Scranton with 11 home runs and 46 RBI.

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 7-7): 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K
Can Leal also enter the depth chart conversation? Why not? He would make for a good story, given that he is 30 and has yet to make his MLB debut. His overall numbers aren’t impressive (5.09 ERA in 93.2 IP with a 106/35 K/BB). However, through June 18th, he was 1-7 with a 7.35 ERA. He is a sinker/slider/splitter/slider guy who reached 92.2 MPH with his sinker today. That is about as much as I ever thought I would write about Erick Leal.

Game 2 (Won, 8-3. Leal’s complete game effort kept the bullpen fresh. They needed to use four relievers to get through this one.)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-2, RBI, R, 2 BB
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, K
A quiet 1-for-7 day for Jones. He is back under .400 since his promotion (.383/.440/.862 in 109 PA).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, HR (12), 2 RBI, 2 R
Rumfield continues his hitting ways. He is up to .315/.397/.507 in 403 plate appearances with 28 doubles, a triple, 12 homers, and 70 RBI. I read an article by Tim Kurkjian about the decline of the “traditional” first baseman. When reading this article, you can what hurts Rumfield (lack of versatility) and what could potentially help him (an emphasis on defense). Someone will give him a shot – but it will likely require a small trade or when he can be signed as a minor league free agent.
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2B (26), R, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, RBI, K
I assume that Candelario has an opt-out somewhere in his deal as well (most veteran minor league signings do). Since it is typically around the first of the month, I wonder if he decided to stay?
SS Jake Gatewood: 1-for-3, HR (3), 3 RBI, R, K
I guess that time on he development list paid off!
RF Ismael Munguia: 2-for-3, R, K
CF Duke Ellis: 2-for-3, RBI, R, SB (17)
The veteran depth piece is on a heater. He has a 5-game hitting streak that features five multi-hit games (13-for-17 (lol); 5 doubles, 7 runs, 4 stolen bases).
C Edinson Duran: 1-for-3, 2B (1), R, K

RHP Allan Winans: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 4 K
Perhaps I take back my statement that he might be the #6 starter.
RHP Bailey Dees: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: (W, 1-0) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 1.29 ERA (14 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 13 K). The walks are high but he has cut them down in recent appearances.
RHP Baron Stuart: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (53-47; 18-13 in second half) (Lost a doubleheader to Richmond)

Game 1 (Lost, 1-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2 K
DH Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, BB, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, CS (2), K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, 2 K
Frick figures to benefit from the trades/Omar Martinez promotion.
RF Cam Eden: 1-for-2, SB (6), K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, K
2B Max Burt: 1-for-2, 2B (10), K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 4-3) 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 8 K
This game shows off Lagrange’s talent and what he still needs to work on to become a complete starter. He needed 90 pitches to earn those 12 outs. Since his promotion: 3.22 ERA (44.2 IP, 27 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 3 HR, 31 BB, 63 K). For Hudson Valley: 4.10 ERA (41.2 IP, 31 H, 20 R, 19 ER, 4 HR, 12 BB, 62 K). His ERA is lower since his promotion, but the walk rate and spiked considerably. By the way, he has 127 strikeouts in 86.1 innings. As of this writing, that ranks second in all of minor league baseball (Jonah Tong (NYM) has 146 in 92 innings)
RHP Mason Vinyard: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Lost, 8-6)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-1, HR (7), 4 RBI, 2 R, 4 BB
Jones’ fourth 3+ walk game this season (first with Somerset) and his first career 4-BB game. He can take walks, has enough pop to keep you honest (11 HR in 88 games between here and Hudson Valley), and steals bases (33). I see him as a backup outfielder type, but maybe he can be more.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2 BB, K
Not a “stand-out” day, but he reached base four times.
DH Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, RBI, K
Jasso, who has played 1B/2B/3B this season, continues to get results at the plate. He isn’t Rule 5 eligible until after the 2026 season.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, R, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, K
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, 2B (1), R, K
Palencia earns his first Double-A hit. Like with Frick, this is an opportunity to get some playing time they otherwise wouldn’t get. None of the remaining catchers in Hudson Valley is projected to get here in 2025.
2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-2, R, HBP, BB
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (L, 2-3) 3.2 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
Tough night for Selvidge. His ERA spikes to 5.11 at this level (37 IP, 32 H, 22 R, 21 ER, 3 HR, 23 BB, 32 K).
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (60-37; 22-11 second half) (Split two games against Wilmington. They are having a fantastic season, but there’s no playoff guarantee. Their solid 38-26 first-half was only good enough for third place. Believe it or not, their 22-11 second half is only good for second-place, 2.5 games behind Greensboro.)

Game 1 (Lost, 1-0)

LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, K
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, K
DH Josh Moylan: 1-for-2, BB
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, K
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, K
C John Cristino: 1-for-2
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-1, BB

RHP Ben Hess (L, 4-3): 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
We call this a tough-luck loss. He tossed 75 pitches this evening and owns a 3.51 ERA in 66.2 IP (43 H, 30 R, 26 ER, 2 HR, 33 BB, 94 K). While the outings have been monitored and short, Hess has allowed zero or one run in his last five starts. I wonder if they will give last year’s first-round pick a taste of Double-A before the season concludes.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Coleman’s rehab was moved here.

Game 2 (Won, 2-0. Only one spot in the lineup changed for Game 2.)

CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, RBI
Castillo is trying to follow-up on his solid July (.303/.404/.474)
DH Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3
.237/.300/.439 in 191 plate appearances since his promotion. For Tampa, in 195 plate appearances, he hit .250/.323/.477. His K% has gone down since his promotion (from 28.2 down to 19.4).
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3
Colmenares is coming off a .260/.345/.493 July that featured seven doubles, two triples, and two home runs.
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3
RF Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, K
C John Cristino: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 K
Cristino launches his first Hudson Valley homer (4-for-22 since his promotion). Yes, he was an “iron man” catcher today. Even though minor league doubleheaders are only 7-inning games, that is still impressive.
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-2, R, 3B (1)

RHP Matt Keating: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
2.78 ERA (35.2 IP, 26 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 41 K). This was his first professional start after 104 relief appearances.
RHP Sebastian Keane: (W, 6-0) 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Hudson Valley’s good luck charm owns a 3.16 ERA (25.2 IP, 18 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 28 K)
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 5): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 2.08 ERA (26 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 17 BB, 32 K). Rossi got off to an insane start, though the walks are high since being promoted.

Tampa (46-50; 10-21 in the second half) (Lost to Clearwater, 6-4. They lost on a walk-off grand slam by Ricardo Hurtado.)

3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, RBI, BB
Matheus has a 5-game hitting streak (5-for-20, which actually brings his batting average down).
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (1), 2 BB
Tejeda has ten walks in 16 games between the FCL (rehab) and Tampa.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, CS (3), BB, K
With Perez gone, Urena is now the “it” young catcher in Low-A.
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-4, K
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, 3 K
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
RF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2B (13), 2 R, SB (29), BB, K
Toole is in a “leveling off” phase after a red-hot stretch. He is still hitting over.300 (.302/.411/.477 in 265 PA with 29 stolen bases in 32 attempts). He is second in the FSL in batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage. This league is traditionally pitcher-friendly.
DH Hans Montero: 3-for-3, 2B (10), RBI, R, SB (16), BB
Montero’s second 3-hit effort this season. Showing off some utility this year (though he was the designated hitter tonight!), he is hitting .254/.336/.406 in 278 PA with personal bests in doubles (10), homers (9), and RBI (40).

RHP Edinzo Marquez: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
The 20-year-old makes his Low-A debut after compiling a 2.19 ERA and 41/20 K/BB over 53.1 FCL innings. He featured a five-pitch mix tonight, with his 4-seam fastball maxing out at 94.2 MPH (averaged 92.7). He also uses a slider, change, sinker, and curve. He paid his dues and pitched well in the rookie leagues to earn this shot.
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Mariano Salomon (L, 0-4): 2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (19-24) (Defeated the DSL Phillies White, 8-3)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 2-for-5, 3B (3), 2 RBI, R, CS (4), K
.299/.400/.389 in 170 plate appearances. Last year, in 170 plate appearances, he hit .196/.294/.345.
SS Mani Cedeno: 2-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, 3 K
Cedeno, their 16-year-old bonus baby prodigy, hits his first professional home run. He’s struggled a bit, especially with the strikeout rate (37.4%).
3B Richard Matic: 3-for-4, 2 2B (12), 3 R, SB (8), CS (6), BB, K
Matic, who is destroying this league right now, follows up a .406/.552/.609 July with a big start to August.
LF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-4, BB, K
Montero has a 6-game hitting streak.
C Edgar Jimenez: 1-for-5, 2B (5), RBI, R, 2 K
RF Angel Ventura: 3-for-4, RBI, R, 3 SB (17), K
Ventura is 35-for-40 stealing bases in 62 career games.
1B Diego Flores: 1-for-3, R, BB, 2 K

RHP Carlos Hampshire: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
LHP Marco Manzano (W, 3-1): 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
The 21-year-old has a 3.32 ERA in 21.2 IP (19 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 30 K)
RHP Rafael Arias (S, 1): 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Arias notches his first professional save.

DSL Bombers (23-20) (Lost to DSL Miami (30-13), 16-5)

SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R, BB
Nice to see Cedeno and Marinez have solid days. Marinez is hitting .238/.409/.292 in 171 plate appearances with a 20-for-25 stolen base rate.
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
2B Juan Torres: 3-for-5, 2B (7), 3 RBI, CS (7)
The Torres Train continues to motor down the track. He is hitting .356/.405/.517 in 131 PA with 33 RBI in 36 games. Oh, he is also on a 13-game hitting streak.
3B Leni Done: 1-for-4, 2B (7), R, BB, 3 K
LF Richard Meran: 2-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
C Carlos Rondon: 1-for-1, 2 BB
C Alessandro Rodriguez: 0-for-2, R, BB
The 16-year-old hasn’t been used often (6 games) and is still looking for his first professional hit (0-for-8). Does that mean he is a non-prospect? Not necessarily. He wasn’t signed until April 15 of this year.

None of the pitching lines are worth posting.

Yankees MILB 7/30: Brendan Beck Tosses 6 Scoreless Innings

Notes:

A boring day for minor league news overall.

Trade analysis links:
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Injury Log

Scranton (60-40; 22-6 in second half) (Squeaked past Nashville, 1-0)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4
Rodriguez increases his hitting streak to 17 (24-for-72 (.333); 2 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 16 R, 10 BB, 10 K). He is hitting .317/.409/.430 since his promotion.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, SB (9)
RF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, 2 SB (8), HBP, K
Jones reminds us that he can run, too! He is 18-for-20 stealing bases this season. He stole 25 bases last year and 43 in 2023.
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-2, HBP, BB
Pereira is 22-for-77 (.286; 7 HR, 18 RBI, 23 R, 13 BB, 15 K) in July.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-2, 2 BB
Flores has 11 walks in ten games since his promotion (30 in 87 games for Somerset).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, BB
Rumfield has a 7-game hitting streak.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, R, K
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, SB (9), K
SS Nicky Lopez: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, K

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 3-1) 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 4.86 ERA (33.1 IP, 29 H, 18 R, 18 ER, 8 HR, 8 BB, 26 K). This is a nice bounce-back after allowing eight runs in four innings his last time out.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Reyzelman reached 95.4 MPH and generated three whiffs on three swings with his sweeper. His ERA is 3.83 (40 IP, 25 H, 17 R, 17 ER, 5 HR, 39 BB, 43 K). The best I can say right now is that he owns a 12/3 K/BB over his last 8.1 innings.
RHP Joel Kuhnel (S, 4): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (53-45; 18-11 in second half) (Defeated Richmond, 5-3)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
Since promotion: .210/.325/.343 in 295 PA (12 doubles, 3 triples, 5 HR, 22 RBI, 45 R, 14-for-17 SB, 12.9% BB, 24.1% K). What do I think about his first taste of Double-A? I won’t try to convince you that he is dominating the level, as the proof is in the performance. However, given his age, I am not concerned. He has shown enough “signs” to keep me satisfied.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2B (3), K
Avina has reached base in 12 of 13 games since his promotion.
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-0
2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, BB
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, 2B (14), 2 R
.279/.344/.460 in 378 PA (14 doubles, 6 triples, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 53 R, 7.4% BB, 21.2% K). He is on an 8-game hitting streak that includes five multi-hit games.
RF-CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, R, CS (3)
Since promotion: .238/.331/.449 in 172 PA. His OPS here (.780) is higher than his number in Hudson Valley (.739).
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-2, SF, RBI
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, K
Frick’s first Double-A hit goes over the fence. He is an organizational catcher type, which always has value (and some of them make it to MLB, since they are catchers with a pulse.)
LF Cam Eden: 1-for-3, CS (3), K
DH Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 5 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
4.50 ERA (46 IP, 52 H, 25 R, 23 ER, 6 HR, 18 BB, 42 K). He finishes July with a 2.41 ERA (7.27 in June)
LHP Ryan Anderson (W, 2-1): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Indigo Diaz (S, 3): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (59-36; 22-10 second half) (Defeated Wilmington, 4-3)

CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-3, 2B (16), 2 R, BB
.247/.346/.348 in 382 PA (16 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 44 RBI, 47 R, 19-for-20 SB). He is hitting .303/.404/.474 in July.
DH Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, HR (8), 2 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Lewis is the owner of an 11-game hitting streak (18-for-52 (.346); 4 doubles, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 10 R). He is now hitting .246/.310/.455 in 185 PA since his promotion and is approaching a 20/20 campaign overall (17 HR/20 SB).
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4
Colmenares is on a 7-game hitting streak. This was the first game that didn’t feature an extra-base hit.
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, 2 K
Moylan is on a 5-game hitting streak and is 18-for-64 (.281) in July.
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4
C John Cristino: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, K

RHP Cade Smith: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
Smith threw 57 pitches today as he continues his rehab (though it isn’t technically a rehab stint!)
RHP Ocean Gabonia (W, 4-2): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Huey Morrill (S, 6): 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
At this level: 0.24 ERA (37.1 IP, 13 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 30 K). As you may suspect, this comes with a low BABIP (.151)

Tampa (46-49; 10-20 in the second half) (Split a doubleheader agaisnt Clearwater)

Game 1 (Lost, 12-5)

3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, R, K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-4
.206/.330/.324 in 385 PA. Urena, known for his extra-base hit potential, has only one (a double) in his last nine games. He is 13-for-67 (.194/.280/.284) in July.
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-3
Rodriguez left the game due to injury.
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-0, R, HBP
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, R, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-1, HR (1), RBI, R, 3 BB
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, RBI, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Brandon Decker (L, 1-4): 3.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
The results haven’t been great, but he did hit 97.1 MPH. It’s an arm you want to see develop while understanding that having a good arm is only a piece of the puzzle.
RHP Sean Hermann: 2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Juan Sanchez: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Sanchez, listed as a catcher, makes his Low-A debut as a pitcher. Given he wasn’t even reaching 70 MPH, this isn’t a “conversion” situation – they were out of pitchers with a second game on tap.

Game 2 (Won, 5-1)

SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-3
C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, 2B (8), K
Perez has a modest 5-game hitting streak (5-for-19). That said, it may be modest, but he was in a deep slump before it started.
DH Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, K
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, R
Yesterday: “He’s a good bat-to-ball guy without much pop.” Today: Hits a double and a homer during a doubleheader.
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-2, RBI, R, K
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-2, 2B (9), 2 RBI, R, K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-1, BB, K

RHP Jose M. Rodriguez (W, 1-0): 5.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
Rodriguez, making his Low-A debut, reached 94.9 MPH. The 21-year-old pitched to a 2.25 ERA in 44 innings for the FCL, striking out 45 while walking 27.
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-24)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (21-19)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 7/24: Spencer Jones Launches 3 Home Runs

Notes:

RHP Cade Smith is off the injured list as he pitched for Hudson Valley tonight. Smith was ranked 18th in the recent Pipeline update (again, it wasn’t a full update – but rather a reshuffle for the Trade Deadline). He was drafted in the 6th round in 2023 after spending 2022 and 2023 as the ace of the Mississippi State squad. He was a key cog out of their bullpen as a freshman during their 2021 College World Series championship run. Known for the spin on his breaking pitches, we will see if his ultimate destination is that of a starter or reliever. For now, you keep a talent like this in the rotation for as long as possible.

Injury Log

Scranton (56-39; 18-5 in second half) (Lost to Rochester, 10-8)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-5
Rodriguez’s hitting streak reaches 12. He is hitting .311/.408/.406 in 338 PA at this level. By the way, ever since they traded Alex Jackson and signed Jeimer Candelario, Rodriguez has stopped playing third base (no games since July 5th).
CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-5, 3 HR (13), 4 RBI, 3 R, K
All three home runs traveled over 400 feet, with two to left-center and one to center. He is hitting .400/.457/.950 (that’s his SLG – not his OPS!) in 94 PA since his promotion (5 doubles, 13 HR, 25 RBI, 27 R, 6-for-6 SB, 10.6% BB, 25.5% K). Overall, he is hitting .314/.411/.706 (my goodness) in 302 PA (13 doubles, 29 HR, 57 RBI, 69 R, 16-for-18 SB, 13.9% BB, 31.1% K). So, what does one make of this? This is one of the most interesting dilemmas I have encountered in a while. In the spirit of full disclosure, he hit all three home runs off a 30-year-old who has yet to make it to MLB. However, you can’t dismiss his day based on only that fact. Last winter, I was for trading him. Now? Like most of you (probably), I would love to see how this plays out, even if there is still an element of high risk in his game. Tough, tough, tough (did I say TOUGH) call. By the way, while I don’t know what the Yankees’ minor league record is for homers (believe it or not, Tony Lazzeri hit 60 home runs in 197 PCL games in 1925), I have found some for Jones to chase if he isn’t called up: Shane Spencer (32 in 1996; 30 in 1997); Shelley Duncan (34 in 2005; 30 in 2009), Jorge Vazquez (32, 2011), and Dermis Garcia (31, 2021).
RF Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, 3 R, 2 BB, K
.257/.356/.522 in 295 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 19 HR, 52 RBI, 66 R, 8-for-9 SB, 11.9% BB, 29.8% K)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2B (25), BB
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 4-for-20 (1 HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, 6 BB, 7 K)
3B Jeimer Candelario: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, K
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-5, HR (18), RBI, R, K
SS Nick Lopez: 0-for-4, K
LF Duke Ellis: 3-for-4, 2B (4), R, SB (14), K

RHP Brendan Beck (L, 2-1): 4 IP, 8 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 4 BB, 2 K, 4 HR
Beck, who has pitched well this season, had a tough time this morning. This spikes his Triple-A ERA to 5.93 (27.1 IP, 26 H, 18 R, 18 ER, 8 HR, 7 BB, 24 K). He allowed two home runs in 54.2 Double-A innings.
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Zach Messinger: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
As a reliever: 2.96 ERA (27.1 IP, 22 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 16 BB, 29 K)

Somerset (50-43; 15-9 in second half) (Won a dramatic game over Erie, 4-3)

RF Brendan Jones: 2-for-5, HR (5), 3 RBI, R, SB (10), K
With one out in the top of the 9th, Jones launched a 3-run home run to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 lead. He is catching on to this level, including home runs in back-to-back games and four total in July. Additionally, he is 8-for-8 stealing bases this month and is 33-for-38 in 82 games between here and Hudson Valley. He was ranked 29th on the Pipeline list, and they were complimentary towards his ability to play all three outfield positions and “sneaky” pull pop. Can he enter the picture as a #4 outfielder at some point in 2026? Certainly.
2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, BB, K
Lombard Jr. has a 7-game hitting streak. It’s not one of those “Wow, he’s insanely hot!” kind of streaks (6 one-hit games), but it is still an encouraging stretch.
DH Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, 2B (10), K
Riggio is up to 19 extra-base hits (10 doubles, 9 HR) in 35 games since his promotion.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, R, K
Jasso, a 23-year-old who has spent his entire campaign in Somerset, has back-to-back multi-hit efforts (three in his last six games). He has hit safely in eight of his last nine games.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2 K
So far, Avina has held his own since his promotion (8-for-31; 1 double, 2 HR, 8 BB, 9 K).
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, BB
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, R
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-2, 2B (7), RBI, R, SB (13), CI, BB, K
SS Max Burt: 0-for-3, SAC

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
Ranked #2 on Pipeline (and in the Top 100 overall), Lagrange owns a 3.54 ERA since his promotion (40.2 IP, 24 H, 16 R, 16 ER, 3 HR, 26 BB, 55 K). As I have said previously, the walks have spiked since his promotion (I can even claim I predicted this possibility – hey, give me a win in a sea of losses.). Overall, he owns a 119/38 K/BB over 82.1 innings and will be one of the most talked about prospects by other organizations at the deadline. Arms like his will cause drooling.
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Michael Arias: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin: (W, 3-1) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
It’s been a tough road for the 6’6″ Merda since his promotion. However, he does have four consecutive scoreless outings to build from.

Hudson Valley (53-36; 16-10 second half) (Defeated Rome, 8-1)

CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, R, 2 BB, 2 K
Jackson breaks his 0-for-15. He is now 16-for-57 (.281) with nine walks in July.
DH Dillon Lewis: 2-for-3, 2B (5), RBI, 3 R, BB
It would be so much fun if Lewis could end the season on a strong note.
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-3, HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (12), 2 BB
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, RBI, SB (6), BB, K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 2-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 SB (2)
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-2, SB (10), 2 BB, 2 K
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, R, K

RHP Cade Smith: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
Smith is unlikely to ramp up fully for a while.
RHP Matt Keating: (W, 2-1) 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Keating did a nice job as a multi-inning reliever today, as I guess they didn’t have anyone available to piggyback. He owns a 3.03 ERA in 32.2 IP (25 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 37 K).
RHP Chris Kean: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 1.90 ERA (23.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 15 BB, 30 K)

Tampa (45-44; 9-15 in the second half) (Tied with Dunedin, 0-0, in the 5th. This game was suspended due to rain)

Lineup below without notes – not that there would be anything exciting to add.

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-1, BB
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-2
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-2
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-2, K
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-1
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-1, K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-1, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-1, 2B (7)

RHP Brandon Decker: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
At least he was able to get in four innings of work before the rain ruined the night. Once this game becomes official, he will own a 3.10 ERA in 49.1 IP (43 H, 24 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 22 BB, 49 K)

FCL (28-30) (Ended their season with a 9-2 loss to the FCL Tigers. The FCL Yankees are typically good enough to make the playoffs, but it isn’t the case in 2025.)

Since this is it for 2025, I will post the full lineup:

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-3, BB, K
.157/.253/.221 in 162 PA. As stated many times this season, Peralta got off to a miserable start. He had no chance to fully recover from it, but he did hit .255/.328/.412 in July.
RF Joe Delossantos: 0-for-2, BB, K
The 24-year-old was their 10th-round pick in 2024. He hit .286/.419/.371 in 86 plate appearances for Low-A Tampa last season but this was his first appearance in 2025. Since their season is over, he’s likely going to Tampa tomorrow.
1B Johan Contreras: 0-for-1
CF Isael Arias: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, SB (12), BB
Rivera, a 19-year-old catcher signed as an undrafted free agent, finishes at .229/.346/.346 in 185 PA. All of his defensive games were at catcher. He started 13 games at designated hitter.
2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-3, SB (13), BB, K
1B-LF Santiago Gomez: 0-for-3, CS (4), HBP, K
LF-RF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-4, R, K
.277/.312/.486 in 109 PA. Known for his speed, Lara only went 4-for-9 stealing bases.
3B Kevin Verde: 0-for-3, K
C Luis Puello: 1-for-3, 2B (7), RBI, R, K
Like Rivera, he is also 19 years old. Unlike Rivera, he wasn’t asked to do much catching (only two starts). Most of his starts were in RF (14 starts). He hit .227/.290/.361 in 131 plate appearances (3 HR, 19 RBI).

RHP Jose M Rodriguez (L, 1-5): 3.2 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
RHP Josh Tiedemann: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Injuries have been an issue for the 13th-round pick in 2023. He has appeared in only seven games, with not-so-good results. The positive is 18 strikeouts in ten innings. The biggest negative is…ten career innings.
RHP Chance Nolan: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
The quarterback-turned-pitcher (a shot for every time I said that this year) finishes his season with a 1.50 ERA in 18 IP (13 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 12 K).
LHP Franyer Herrera: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Stanly Alcantara: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

DSL Yankees (14-23) (Lost to the DSL Rockies, 11-2. The Rockies are 28-9.)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 2-for-4, CS (2)
.291/.408/.350 in 142 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 0 HR, 12 RBI, 28 R, 5-for-7 SB, 14.8% BB, 27.5% K)
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Carlos Bello: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
3B Richard Matic: 2-for-3, 2B (10), RBI, BB
The team is having a rough season, but Matic isn’t. He is hitting .356/.489/.564 in 133 PA (10 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 27 R, 5-for-10 SB, 19.5% BB, 23.3% K). Negative: He is repeating the level. Positive: He was 16 years old last year, so the negative isn’t too negative.
DH Estivenzon Montero: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB
1B Edgar Jimenez: 1-for-4

RHP Jhosneyker Colina (L, 1-2): 3.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
The 17-year-old owns a 4.02 ERA (31.1 IP, 27 H, 19 R, 14 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 23 K

DSL Bombers (20-17) (Outslugged the DSL Cardinals, 10-8)

SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-5, K
It is always annoying when you see that a team scored ten runs, but one of the top prospects at the level didn’t contribute to it.
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-4, 2 R, SB (15), BB, K
.211/.322/.382 in 143 PA
2B Juan Torres: 1-for-4, CS (6), BB
Torres has a 7-game hitting streak and is 15-for-39 (.385/.422/.487) in July.
LF Jose Castro: 0-for-3, 2 R, 2 BB
C Carlos Villarroel: 2-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
.245/.374/.468 in 115 PA (3 doubles, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 21 R). The 18-year-old has eight homers in 64 career games.
C Carlos Rondon: 1-for-1, 2B (4), RBI
DH Christofer Reyes: 2-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
3B Leni Done: 0-for-1, 3 R, SB (9), 3 HBP
Interesting day for Done. His teammates took full advantage by converting the three HBP into runs.
1B Remy Veldhuisen: 1-for-3, 2B (6), 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
.321/.455/.395 in 101 PA (4-for-5 SB)

RHP Cesar Acosta (W, 1-3): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
I don’t get to see too many “wins” for starters at this level, so this was a pleasant surprise. The 18-year-old (debut season) owns a 6.20 ERA in 24.2 IP. Like many pitchers down here, control has failed him. It didn’t today.
LHP Kevin Centeno (S, 2): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K

Yankees MILB 7/23: Jesus Rodriguez Extends Hitting Streak

Notes:

Pipeline released a new Top 30 list, and Carlos Lagrange has jumped all the way to #2 (behind George Lombard Jr.). He also joined the Top 100. RHP Cam Schlittler is now third while Spencer Jones, despite his incredible hot streak, dropped to 4th. LHP Griffin Herring surged up the list to 8th. Seven of their top ten prospects are pitchers (Lombard Jr., Jones, and Rafael Flores are the position players.)

This was not a “full” update, which will come in August. They decided to update the list to better reflect prospect value at the Trade Deadline. Hence, no recent draftees appear on the list.

Injury Log

Scranton (56-38; 18-4 in second half) (Defeated Rochester, 8-6, in 11 innings)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-6, R, CS (8), K
Rodriguez increases his hitting streak to 11 (14-for-44 (.318), 9 BB).
LF Everson Pereira: 2-for-6, HR (19), 3 RBI, R, K
Pereira has homered in four of his last five games. He is tied for third in the International League in homers (though I don’t know how the players he is tied with did today/tonight).
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, SF, RBI, R, HBP, K
His Triple-A average drops below .400 (the horrors!)
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, R, 3 BB, 2 K
Flores has an interesting power profile that is elevated if he can catch even part-time (think Ben Rice, in that regard). If another organization projects him as a viable catcher, that should increase his trade value. He is Rule 5 eligible this winter.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-6, RBI, 2 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-5
If you thought he could help the third base situation, look somewhere else. He is 7-for-49 since signing.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-4, 2 2B (9), R, BB, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-2, K
Shewmake was activated off the injured list today.
2B Jose Rojas: 2-for-2, 2B (24), RBI, R
PR Duke Ellis: 0-for-0
Ellis came in to pinch run and was instantly picked off. That would fit in perfectly with the big club.
2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-1, R, SB (3)
2B-SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, 2B (13), R, BB

RHP Luis Gil: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, HR
The numbers weren’t impressive, but he got in his work. Gil used his fastball (36%), slider (43%), and changeup (21%) mix, topping out at 96.2 with the fastball (94.4 average). He generated 11 whiffs on 32 swings.
RHP Kervin Castro: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Castro hit 95.3 MPH, generating six whiffs on ten swings with his fastball. He owns a 1.69 ERA (26.2 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 36 K)
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Beeter’s live arm (maxed at 98.7) will allow him to get plenty of MLB chances. Can he harness fastball/slider combo to develop into a consistent option?
RHP Baron Stuart: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Reyzelman was humming in his first inning of work, reaching 98.4 MPH while striking out the side. They put him out there in the 10th, and the velocity was down, though he did record a 4th strikeout. Season: 4.03 ERA (38 IP, 24 H, 17 R, 17 ER, 5 HR, 39 BB, 40 K).
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (W, 2-3) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Edinson Duran (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Scranton ran out of pitchers, so they trotted out their #3 catcher to get the final out. It was his second career pitching appearance (2022).

Somerset (49-43; 14-9 in second half) (Defeated Erie, 3-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Since promotion: .231/.322/.408 in 152 PA (7 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 19 R, 9-for-10 SB, 12.5% BB, 21.1% K). It’s not always a perfect barometer, but one way to gauge a team’s sentiment about a prospect is their lineup placement.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, 2B (11), R, 3 K
Lombard Jr. has a 6-game hitting streak (7-for-26; 3 doubles, 2 HR). He owns a .404 SLG in July. While he showed off his plate discipline upon promotion, he is now showcasing more power. If he is good enough, the package will come together.
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, K
18 of his 33 Double-A hits have gone for extra bases (9 doubles, 9 HR).
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-2, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: 6-for-27 (2 doubles, 1 HR, 8 BB, 7 K). While he is hitting only .222, his small sample OBP (.400) and SLG (.481) are solid.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RBI
.263/.334/.449 in 353 PA (13 doubles, 5 triples, 12 HR, 47 RBI, 48 R, 7.9% BB, 21.8% K). Jasso’s game features a reverse split (.833 OPS vs. RHP; .615 vs. LHP)
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4
Since promotion: .227/.303/.379 in 76 PA
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, BB, K
Frick’s Double-A debut (.227/.344/.383 in 44 High-A games)
RF Cam Eden: 1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
Vrieling was pulled after 73 pitches. He owns a 4.39 ERA in 41 IP (45 H, 22 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 38 K). In July: 13.2 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 16 K.
RHP Cole Ayers (W, 1-1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Danny Watson (S, 3): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
6.48 ERA (33.1 IP, 42 H, 25 R, 24 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 36 K). July: 6 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 0 BB, 7 K. Watson hasn’t allowed a walk over his last 15 appearances.

Hudson Valley (52-36; 15-10 second half) (Lost to Rome, 6-1)

CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
.239/.335/.330 in 355 PA (14 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 40 R, 18-for-19 SB, 11.8% BB, 19.7% K). After a red-hot start to July, he is in a 0-for-15 slide (his July triple slash is still .278/.371/.426).
DH Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4
Since promotion: .221/.280/.416 in 162 PA (4 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 21 RBI, 14 R, 6-for-6 SB, 6.8% BB, 19.8% K). His BABIP is .236.
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, R, BB
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 2B (14), RBI, K
.191/.328/.321. He entered July at .170/.311/.282. Moylan had some hype as an undrafted free agent but the bat has yet to come around.
C John Cristino: 0-for-4, SB (1), 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, BB, K
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3

RHP Josh Grosz (L, 4-8): 6.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
4.14 ERA (87 IP, 66 H, 46 R, 40 ER, 5 HR, 35 BB, 94 K).
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 2 HR
His first full year as a reliever hasn’t gone to plan: 6.23 ERA (26 IP, 23 H, 19 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 16 BB, 35 K). June and July have been especially rough.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.33 ERA (40.2 IP, 20 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 42 K). Hitters have a .147/.203/.199 triple slash off of him.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (45-44; 9-15 in the second half)

Their game against Dunedin was postponed due to rain.

FCL (28-29)

Day off. Their season concludes with a game against the Tigers tomorrow.

DSL Yankees (14-22)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (19-17)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 7/11: The Spencer Jones Show Continues

Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Injury Log

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yankees MILB 7/9: The Spencer Jones Show

Notes:

As I said last night, pulling a player from the lineup doesn’t mean they were traded.

OF Everson Pereira is sick. OF Bryan De La Cruz is injured.

As for DJ LeMahieu, I have been rough on him over the last few seasons, as he hasn’t been productive. The only reason why it should be shocking that he was designated for assignment is because of the money he is owed and his clubhouse presence. Will he end up somewhere, or is he going down the path of Anthony Rizzo? I would bet more on the latter, but a team in desperate need at second base can take a flyer.

Injury Log

Scranton (48-37) (Defeated Buffalo, 7-2)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, R, CS (7), BB
Triple-A in the afternoon, MLB at night…
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
At this level: .315/.416/.417 in 303 PA with a 14.2% BB and 15.5% K. He had a 9.9% BB in 2024.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, HR (5), RBI, 3 R, SB (4), K
The home run traveled 418 feet at 110 MPH. Including his time with Somerset, he has 11 home runs in his last 23 games. Since promotion: 15-for-39 (.385/.469/.846; 3 doubles, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 12 R, 4-for-4 SB, 8 BB, 15 K). Overall, Jones has 21 home runs and 14 stolen bases. If he stays in the minors the rest of the season, he has a legitimate shot at 30 home runs. The last Yankees prospect to accomplish that was Dermis Garcia, who hit 31 in 2021.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, RBI, R, BB
Rumfield has three multi-hit efforts in his last four games (10-for-27 in July).
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Nicky Lopez: 2-for-4, 3B (1), 2 RBI
Although he has only one good offensive season on his MLB ledger, his defense has always been solid.
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-4
LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3

RHP Sean Boyle (W, 7-6): 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
4.36 ERA (84.2 IP, 76 H, 47 R, 41 ER, 10 HR, 27 BB, 83 K). Boyle keeps providing Triple-A innings.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (44-39) (Defeated New Hampshire, 9-1, in a rain-shortened contest)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, K
2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-1, 2 R, SB (5), 2 BB
At this level: .282/.358/.573 in 123 PA (8 doubles, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 22 R, 5-for-7 SB)
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-3, R, SB (6)
Flores has 26 multi-hit efforts this season.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3
CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-2, 3B (2), HR (2), 4 RBI, 3 R, SB (5), BB
Jones is getting hot (three multi-hit efforts in his last six games). He is up to .253 with a .749 OPS since his promotion (he started 3-for-26 (.115/.219/.115))
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-2, HR (2), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB
Martinez is 10-for-36 (3 doubles, 2 HR, 8 RBI) since his promotion. Overall, he has ten home runs and 44 RBI (third straight double-digit HR season). He hit 11 HR in the first 120 games in his career and 41 HR in 267 games since.
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-3, 2B (16), HR (13), 2 RBI, R
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3
LF Cam Eden: 0-for-3

LHP Brock Selvidge: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 1 K
Selvidge needed 74 pitches to record nine outs. This is his 9th start coming back from injury, so they weren’t going to push him when he didn’t “have it.” Anyway, for Somerset, he owns a 2.88 ERA in 25 innings with a 21/16 K/BB.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Hayden Merda: (W, 1-0) 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
A much-needed scoreless effort by Merda.

Hudson Valley (49-32) (Defeated Asheville, 4-1)

CF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2 HR (8), 3 RBI, 2 R
Avina hits multiple home runs for the second night in a row. These games raised his SLG from .434 to .511.
LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, K
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-2, HBP, BB
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, CS (1), BB
Vargas’ hitting streak is snapped at 16.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, 2B (12), 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, 3B (2), R, K
Moylan is 5-for-16 with a triple and a homer in July.
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-2, CS (5), BB
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2, R, HBP
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, RBI

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 4-5) 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K (ties personal best)
2.37 ERA (76 IP, 51 H, 29 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 35 BB, 65 K). June/July: 0.69 ERA (39 IP, 20 H, 10 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 40 K)
RHP Michael Arias: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
His rehab stint was moved here.
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 4): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
At this level: 1.31 ERA (20.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 25 K). This is his debut season, but he just turned 26 years old. It may be time to throw him into the Double-A fire.

Tampa (44-37) (Defeated Lakeland, 7-1)

C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB
Last 12 games: 16-for-45 (.356) with 13 walks. His triple slash has risen from .194/.353/.223 to .223/.383/.250.
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, BB, K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
.189/.312/.304 in 270 PA (11 doubles, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 36 R, 20-for-25 SB, 14.4% BB, 28.5% K)
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB
.268/.358/.353 in 316 PA (18 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 36 RBI, 41 R, 30-for-38 SB). He is on a 5-game hitting streak and is 8-for-27 (.296) in July.
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 3-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 3 R
Rodriguez hits his first Low-A homer (two in 26 FCL games). This is his first career 3-hit effort.
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, R, 2 K
RF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2B (11), 2 RBI, R, SB (27), BB, K
.306/.413/.487 in 230 PA (11 doubles, 9 triples, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 44 R, 27-for-30 SB, 15.2% BB, 20% K). Toole is third in the FSL in batting average and second in OPS. The leader in OPS (19-year-old Konnor Griffin) is now in High-A for the Pirates.
2B Austin Green: 1-for-4, RBI

LHP Allen Facundo: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K
Facundo was activated off the injured list today (5.1 rehab innings in the FCL). He was humming today, topping out at 98.3 MPH while generating 13 whiffs. Beyond that, this game didn’t have StatCast data.
RHP Jack Sokol (W, 4-1): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
3.49 ERA (28.1 IP, 25 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 23 K)
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
4.85 ERA (39 IP, 36 H, 25 R, 21 ER, 7 HR, 24 BB, 30 K)

FCL (23-24)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (12-15)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (13-14) (Lost to DSL Arizona Black, 8-6, in a rare Wednesday contest)

SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
.274/.461/.342 in 102 PA. This breaks a 5-game hitting streak, but his on-base streak is up to 15.
2B Christofer Reyes: 0-for-3, R, SB (17)
RF Jose Castro: 0-for-2, R, SB (3), BB, K
1B Remy Veldhuisen: 1-for-1, 2B (4), 2 R, HBP, BB
LF Richard Meran: 2-for-3, 2 2B (5), 3 RBI, R
The good news: .351/.442/.703 in 43 PA. The bad news: This is his third year at this level.

RHP Christopher Vasquez: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Yankees MILB 7/3: Griffin Herring Continues to Cruise

Notes:

The Yankees have signed veteran infielder Nicky Lopez to a minor league deal. This comes a couple of days after he opted out of his minor league deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Yankees likely offered him more money.

The 30-year-old Lopez played in 18 games for the Angels and Cubs this season, hitting .042/.179/.042 (1-for-24). In 2024, he was a big part of one of the worst teams in history, as he hit .241/.312/.294 in 124 games for the White Sox. Lopez’s main strength is versatility, as he has experience at 2B/SS/3B plus a handful of games at first base and left field. OAA likes him wherever he plays, while DRS isn’t fond of his shortstop play.

By far, his best season was with the 2021 Royals. That year, he produced an amazing 5.5 fWAR (he has 2.5 fWAR in all his other seasons combined), hitting .300/.365/.378 in 565 plate appearances with 22 stolen bases in 23 attempts.

Lopez once added value on the basepaths, but is only 11-for-20 stealing bases from 2023 to 2025.

Bottom line:

Lopez is a left-handed hitting bench piece who doesn’t add much value offensively. Braden Shewmake recently landed on the injured list for Scranton, so he will likely take his place. I assume he has negotiated an opt-out into this contract as well.

Several transactions for the Tampa Tarpons today. OF Wilson Rodriguez and RHP Mariano Salomon were promoted from the FCL, and 2B/OF Austin Green added to the position player logjam by being activated off the injured list. With Owen Cobb‘s activation yesterday, they will need to be creative with the lineup.

Rodriguez, their 17th-round pick in 2023, hit .263/.359/.375 in 93 plate appearances with a pair of homers and 13 RBI. He was also 8-for-10 stealing bases. Salomon (22) pitched to a 2.30 ERA (4.26 FIP) over 31.1 innings (2 starts/9 relief appearances) with 33.9% K, 6.1% BB, and 39.4% GB rates. He pitched well in the DSL in 2023 and 2024.

Despite being listed on “rehab stints,” RHPs Carson Coleman and Kevin Stevens haven’t pitched in a month. It is likely their stints have been stalled.

Hopefully, RHP Clarke Schmidt doesn’t need Tommy John surgery. Even if he doesn’t, forearm strains don’t heal overnight. Who would replace him? It won’t be Luis Gil, who is starting a rehab assignment soon but won’t be ready for weeks (he has an option left, so they can burn it to extend his rehab). I know most will want to see Cam Schlittler, despite his struggles on Wednesday night. Brendan Beck would be a long-shot choice. Sean Boyle would be a fun story, but stories don’t always equate to MLB success. Veterans Carlos Carrasco and Allan Winans don’t excite anyone.

Heading into 2025, I had concerns about their depth. Those concerns were elevated when Gerrit Cole went down early in spring training. Now, they might be without Ryan Yarbrough (who was signed for his ability to start if needed) and Schmidt for a while. This is not an ideal situation.

Injury Log

Scranton (44-36) (Lost a heartbreaker to Lehigh Valley, 6-5)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-5, 2B (2), R, K
Spencer is hitting a decent .429 since his promotion (9-for-21; 2 doubles, 3 HR, 3 RBI, 6 R). Given that he has struck out eight times, I will assume that the BABIP gods are loving him right now in this small sample size craziness.
DH Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, RBI, R, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB
2B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, RBI, R, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-4
His trip to Toronto was short-lived, as Trent Grisham‘s injury didn’t keep him down for long.
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (10), 2 RBI, CS (3), 2 K
LF Duke Ellis: 1-for-4, SB (8), 2 K
Ellis is 8-for-11 stealing bases for Scranton.

RHP Carlos Carrasco: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Carrasco is in line to be on perfect rest for Schmidt’s next start. Note: I am not advocating for that, but it would be the easy way out.
RHP Baron Stuart: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
This is not Stuart’s Triple-A debut, as he tossed a 7-inning complete game here last season.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (L, 1-3) 0.2 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen : 0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
It was only to get one out (which wasn’t accomplished), but this is the first time that Cohen has been asked to pitch on back-to-back days in his professional career.

Somerset (39-39) (Lost to Reading, 2-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, CS (2)
Since promotion: .269/.333/.591 in 102 PA (6 doubles, 8 HR, 21 RBI)
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
Since promotion: .203/.330/.308 in 221 PA (7 doubles, 3 triples, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 35 R, 14-for-16 SB, 14.5% BB, 24.4% K). There are some good things there, even if you aren’t enamored with the OPS.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, 2B (22), BB
.291/.350/.505 in 329 PA (22 doubles, 14 HR, 52 RBI, 44 R, 5-for-5 SB, 8.2% BB, 26.7% K). He owns a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-19; 2 doubles, 2 HR). Eastern League ranks: Batting average: 6th; Hits: 2nd; Doubles: 3rd; HR: 2nd (behind former teammate Spencer Jones!); RBI: 2nd; SLG: 3rd; OPS: 4th.
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, R
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4
CF Brendan Jones: 4-for-4, RBI, SB (3)
The wonder of small sample sizes: This one game raised his Double-A triple slash from .190/.256/.304 to .229/.287/.349. There’s some feast/famine in his Double-A profile, as he owns three 3+ hit games since his promotion but also has 12 zero-hit efforts. It’s part of the adjustment for a 23-year-old in his first taste of Double-A.
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-2, SB (7), CS (1), BB, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (L, 1-2) 4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
As I said the last time he started, they were likely to start amping up his pitch count. Tonight, he tossed 75 pitches. At this level: 3.27 ERA (22 IP, 14 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 20 K). Overall, he is up to 29.2 innings over eight starts.
RHP Danny Watson: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
7.14 ERA (29 IP, 35 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 33 K). Watson’s ERA was still 10.95 on May 18th. Since then: 4.32 ERA (16.2 IP, 18 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 0 BB, 17 K). The walks, or lack thereof, stand out.
RHP Bailey Dees: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
At this level: 4.47 ERA (58.1 IP, 49 H, 30 R, 29 ER, 7 HR, 30 BB, 69 K). After tossing seven shutout innings in a start for Hudson Valley (he was sent down for only one game), he came back as a multi-inning reliever. Stats: 2.93 ERA (15.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 5 BB, 17 K)

Hudson Valley (45-31) (Defeated Brooklyn, 4-1)

DH Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, R, BB
.229/.326/.305 in 304 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 37 RBI, 32 R, 13-for-13 SB, 11.8% BB, 20.1% K). The power has completely disappeared, which is interesting. He has one extra-base hit (double) in his last 28 games. He had eight extra-base hits in 18 April games.
CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 3-for-4, 2B (14), 2 RBI, R
LF Jace Avina: 2-for-2, SF, RBI, BB
.288/.407/.451 in 194 PA. I like the 14.4% BB rate.
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, RBI
Vargas increases his hitting streak to 12.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, BB, K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, CS (1), BB, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-2, R, SB (9), 2 BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, R, K

LHP Griffin Herring: (W, 2-1) 7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Since promotion: 2.14 ERA (33.2 IP, 25 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 29 K). Overall: 1.61 ERA (78.1 IP, 49 H, 16 R, 14 ER, 3 HR, 30 BB, 87 K). His ERA continues to lead all qualified minor league pitchers.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.33 ERA (27 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 22 K). Including his two games with Somerset: 0.60 ERA (30 IP, 13 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 23 K)
RHP Matt Keating (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.49 ERA (25.1 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 27 K).

Tampa (43-33) (Lead Clearwater, 3-2, in the 4th. This game was suspended. They will try to complete it tomorrow)

CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, R, K
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-2, 2B (12), K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-2, HR (5), 2 RBI, R
Once this is official, he will have three HR in his last two games.
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-2, SB (30)
While not yet official, he will be the first Yankees’ prospect to 30 stolen bases this season.
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-2
Rodriguez’s Low-A debut.
LF Austin Green: 0-for-1, R, BB, K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-2
RF Marshall Toole: 1-for-2, 3B (9), RBI
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-1, BB

LHP Xavier Rivas: 3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, HR

FCL (20-23) (Shut down the FCL Tigers, 2-0, in a rain-shortened five-inning contest. Nobody was credited with an RBI in the game)

CF Willy Montero: 1-for-2, R
DH Dexters Peralta: 1-for-2, 2B (2), K
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-1, R, HBP
3B Luis Escudero: 1-for-2, SB (10)

RHP Jose Rodriguez (W, 1-3): 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
Kyle Carr tossed a shutout for Hudson Valley last night. Rodriguez does it in the FCL today. He finally figured out that, if he wants to win, he can’t allow any runs. He is 1-3 despite a 0.84 ERA (32.1 IP, 17 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 35 K)

DSL Yankees (10-13) (Lost a pair of games to the DSL Rangers Red)

Game 1 (Lost, 10-6. This was the conclusion of a suspended game from June 16th. I won’t go into too many details.)

SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-5, R, 2 K
C Justin Capellan: 3-for-4, HR (2), 4 RBI, R
.293/.373/.534 in 67 PA (5 doubles, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R, 7-for-8 SB). Remember that the number in the line score is retrofitted back to when the game started, which is why that shows two home runs while he has three.
1B Jesus Guerrero: 2-for-3, 2 2B (2), RBI
The 18-year-old earns his first two professional extra-base hits.

RHP Jhosneyker Colina: 5 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
I bet that first name is easier to pronounce than you think!

Game 2 (Lost, 6-4)

3B Alfred Ciriaco: 1-for-3
.341/.431/.364 in 51 PA
SS Carlos Bello: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, 3 K
C Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
The 18-year-old launches his third career home run. He is hitting .285/.393/.394 in 51 career games at this level.
CF Angel Ventura: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (10), BB
Ventura has a 7-game hitting streak (9-for-24). He has stolen eight bases in those seven games.

LHP Marco Manzano: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.31 ERA (11.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 16 K)

DSL Bombers (9-12) (Defeated the DSL Mets Blue, 5-4, in a 7-inning game. They were down 4-3 entering the bottom of the 7th)

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
Marinez’s strong start continues. He is hitting .280/.500/.340 in 74 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 14 R, 9-for-11 SB, 21 BB, 15 K). He has reached base safely in 16 of his 18 games and has at least one walk in nine straight contests.
C Queni Pineda: 1-for-3, R, BB
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-3, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 R, K
.239/.329/.463 in 76 PA (3 doubles, 3 triples, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 12 R, 8-for-10 SB). He started his career 2-for-22 but has picked up the pace.
LF Browm Martinez: 1-for-2, RBI, R, 2 SB (13), 2 BB
Marinez is hitting a cool .400/.507/.636 in 67 PA (4 doubles, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 21 R, 13-for-14 SB, 8.96% BB, 11.9% K). The DSL is crazy, as Martinez is one of seven players hitting .400+ (including a kid (Cristian Arguelles, Rockies) who is 41-for-86 (.477)).
2B Christofer Reyes: 0-for-1, SF, RBI, SB (14), 2 BB
DH Jose Castro: 1-for-2, SF, RBI
No, Castillo’s 2-run home run wasn’t the hit that sent everyone home. Rather, it was the back-to-back sacrifice flies by Reyes and Castro.

LHP Junior Tavera: 4 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
RHP Chaury Gomez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
The 18-year-old makes his 2025 debut.
LHP Kevin Centeno (W, 1-1): 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, HR
He likely thought the home run in the top of the 7th would doom his squad, but they picked him up. The 19-year-old picks up his first professional win.

Yankees MILB 6/21: Spencer Jones is Scorching

Notes:

I wish I had something to offer you.

Injury Log

Scranton (37-34) (Defeated Louisville, 4-3, in ten innings)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, BB
.340/.423/.432 in 241 PA. Rodriguez has been in an extra-base hit drought lately (3, all doubles, in his last 13 games).
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, CI, K
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, 3 K
Pereira’s strikeouts remain a concern (33.2%). I “obsess” a bit over strikeout rates because MLB pitchers will exploit your holes over and over and over and over.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2B (16)
LF Brennen Davis: 2-for-4, 2 HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 R
I don’t have delusions of grandeur, but he is impressing. He is 18-for-51 (.353) with three doubles and seven home runs at this level. Overall, he has 12 home runs in 28 games (if you take out his FCL rehab games, it’s still an impressive 9 HR in 22 games).
3B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 3B (2), R
3B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-0, R
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-4, RBI
DH Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, K
PR Ismael Munguia: 0-for-0
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, K

RHP Sean Boyle: 5 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.57 ERA (69 IP, 64 H, 41 R, 35 H, 8 HR, 22 BB, 68 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K
4.18 ERA (28 IP, 14 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 32 BB, 29 K). If you are a glass 99% full type, Reyzelman is seemingly as tough to hit as ever (43 hits allowed in 78.1 career innings). He won’t survive with the 2025 walk rate.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: (W, 3-2) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Colten Brewer (S, 5): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (34-34) (Defeated New Hampshire, 11-2. 11 runs, 15 hits, 11 walks)

DH Brendan Jones: 2-for-5, RBI, R, BB, K
Jones’ numbers are improving, thanks to an 8-for-27 (.296) stretch.
2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, HBP, 2 BB
.215/.350/.326 in 177 PA (15.8% BB, 24.3% K).
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 BB, K
Jones is in one of his zones. He is hitting .268/.395/.586 in 190 PA (8 doubles, 14 HR, 29 RBI, 36 R, 10-for-12 SB, 16.8% BB, 33.7% K). He is 6-for-9 over the last two nights and 15-for-31 in his last nine games. The talent is immense, even with the warts.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-5, 2B (16), 2 RBI, BB, K
.273/.338/.473 in 287 PA. He has 16 doubles, 12 HR, and 42 RBI. He ranks third in the Eastern League in RBI and second in hits (72).
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, HR (10), RBI, R, 2 BB
Jasso has 40 doubles and 21 homers in 180 games over the last two seasons.
LF Garrett Martin: 3-for-6, RBI, 2 R
Martin has three multi-hit efforts (including a pair of 3-hit efforts) in his last six games.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-6, 2B (12), R, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-2, 2 R, 2 CS (3), 3 BB, K
SS Max Burt: 1-for-5, RBI, R, 3 K

RHP Trent Sellers: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 K, HR
4.26 ERA (50.2 IP, 38 H, 27 R, 24 ER, 6 HR, 24 BB, 60 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz: (W, 5-1) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (40-26) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 9-6)

DH Jackson Castillo: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R, K
Castillo is hitting .229 with a .644 OPS. He isn’t “hot” but is showing signs recently (9-for-31 (.290) in his last eight games).
RF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-5, 2 K
As I stated yesterday, the tools are “loud,” but he has things to work on. Hey, he’s a 22-year-old in High-A. That is where you learn.
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R, SB (10), BB, 2 K
CF Duke Ellis: 0-for-3, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, BB, 3 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-5, 2B (2), 4 RBI, R, SB (4)
A nice day for Vargas…
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-5, 2 RBI, K
2B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 2 R, K
LF Luis Durango: 2-for-4, R, CS (5)

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 2-5) 5.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 5 K
Interesting line. Carr owns a 3.05 ERA in 59 IP (42 H, 28 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 31 BB, 46 K)
RHP Tony Rossi: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Rossi’s “perfect” season is over, as he allowed two inherited runners to score. However, he maintains that 0.00 ERA (between Tampa and Hudson Valley: 20 games, 24 IP, 8 H, 0 R, 7 BB, 32 K). Insanity.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.38 ERA (24 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 19 K)
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR

Tampa (37-30) (Squeaked past Bradenton, 2-1. Anytime you can win when your 1-2-3 hitters go 0-for-12, you take it and run)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, K
LF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-4, K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, K
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, HR (7), RBI, 2 R, BB, K
.214/.342/.345 in 278 PA. Urena has a double and a pair of homers in his last four games and has three multi-hit efforts in his last eight games (13 straight games without multiple hits before this stretch). His 41 runs scored rank fourth in the FSL.
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, K
RF Hans Montero: 1-for-4, RBI, K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2B (10)
.309/.406/.483 in 175 PA (10 doubles, 5 triples, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 34 R, 19-for-21 SB, 13.7% BB, 21.1% K). Toole still doesn’t have enough plate appearances to qualify for leaderboards. If he did, his .309 average would rank second behind Konnor Griffin (Bradenton (Pittsburgh); 19 years old). Griffin is now in High-A.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3
2B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-2, BB

LHP Xavier Rivas: (W, 1-1) 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
Since promotion: 3.06 ERA (17.2 IP, 11 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 15 K). He throws in the low 90s and features a 4-seam/sinker/slider/change mix.
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
1.10 ERA (32.2 IP, 18 H, 10 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 23 BB, 24 K). He is a groundball specialist (63% entering tonight).
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach (S, 5): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.63 ERA (27.2 IP, 19 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 HR, 16 BB, 41 K). Veach has pitched well, but will need to cut down on the walk rate as he moves up.

FCL (17-19) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 11-1. Rookie League baseball at its finest – the Blue Jays scored 11 runs on seven hits and 12 walks)

1B Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-3, R, SB (7), BB, K
C Ediel Rivera: 1-for-4, RBI
.267/.343/.400 in 105 PA.
SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-4, K
RF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-4, CS (5), 2 K
I have said it before: Lara is known for his blazing speed, but the ability to steal bases requires more than that. The best thing they can do is tell him to keep running. That’s how you learn.

RHP Mariano Salomon (L, 3-2): 4.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, HR
The game didn’t get out of hand due to his performance. The 22-year-old owns a 2.73 ERA in 26.1 innings (13 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 5 HR, 6 BB, 32 K).

DSL Yankees (5-9) (Lost to the DSL Rangers Red, 14-7)

SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-3, 2 R, 2 HBP, BB, 2 K
.200/.396/.250 in 53 PA (1 triple, 5 RBI, 11 R, 2-for-2 SB, 18.9% BB, 37.7% K). It’s too early to worry about a 16-year-old’s strikeout rate.
CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-5, R, BB, K
.235/.435/.265 in 46 PA. Don’t worry about Cedeno, but Vilorio must show something in 2025.
LF Isaias Castillo: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
.333/.444/.600 in 36 PA. Castillo begins his career with a 9-game on-base streak.
DH Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-2, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
9-for-30 with a pair of homers and eight RBI. Montero (18) has 30 RBI in 40 career games.
2B Alfred Ciriaco: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, HBP, SB (3), BB

RHP Anthony Mena: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Jose Vargas: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
3.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Luis Rodriguez: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
12 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 10 K

DSL Bombers (6-8) (Lost to DSL Mets Blue, 7-4)

CF Ruben Castillo: 4-for-4, 2B (2), SB (8), CS (2)
The 17-year-old has back-to-back multi-hit efforts. Thanks to the small sample size, his triple slash spiked from .118/.231/.235 to .238/.333/.381.
DH Stiven Marinez: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
8-for-32 with nine walks and ten strikeouts. He has scored nine runs and is 8-for-8 stealing bases.
C Queni Pineda: 1-for-2, 2 R, SB (5), 2 BB, K
.361/.489/.528 in 45 PA. In 218 plate appearances at this level, the 18-year-old is hitting .277/.445/.458 with 12 doubles and six home runs. He also has more walks (50) than strikeouts (45).
LF Browm Martinez: 0-for-3, R, HBP, K
SS Christofer Reyes: 0-for-4, RBI, SB (10), K
Reyes is 31-for-40 stealing bases in 55 career games.

RHP Randy Angomas: 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
The 17-year-old is in his learning phase (9.2 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 9 BB, 4 K)

Yankees MILB 6/15: Brennen Davis Homers Again

Notes:

SS Santiago Gomez was promoted from the FCL to Tampa today.

The 21-year-old (yes, he was old for the FCL) was hitting .273/.356/.325 with a homer and 12 RBI in 90 plate appearances. Additionally, he stole 13 bases in 14 attempts. Last season, in 95 plate appearances, he put together a .321/.421/.420 line. From what I can tell, he signed for $10,000 in 2022.

While listed as a shortstop, Gomez plays multiple positions. Over his career, he has played 54 games at third base, 36 at shortstop, 33 at second, four in left field, and four in right field. He figures to use that utility in Tampa, as Roderick Arias will get the bulk of the time at shortstop. I see no indication that Arias will be promoted to Hudson Valley, nor should he be.

I will also note that Austin Green, who has played a lot of second base in 2025, has appeared in only one game since June 7th.

DH Giancarlo Stanton missed his second straight game today. It’s soggy and cold in New Jersey, and that is the likely reason. It looks like it won’t impact his return date, though.

Injury Log

Scranton (35-31) (Held off Syracuse, 8-6. The Railriders sweep the 6-game series)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, R, K
Rodriguez has reached base safely in all 12 of his June games. When you are 15-for-46 (.326) during a month and it brings your batting average down, you know you are having a great season.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (7), CS (5), BB, K
All we know about Vivas is that Triple-A isn’t presenting a challenge, but MLB is. It is too early to call him a “AAAA” player, even if you are tempted.
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
.255/.346/.485 in 191 PA (5 doubles, 11 HR, 33 RBI, 41 R, 5-for-6 SB, 11.5% BB, 32.5% K).
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB
LF Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, HR (5), 3 RBI, R
Davis has five home runs in ten games since his promotion (10 HR in 24 games overall. Again, that includes three in six FCL rehab games.) He is hitting .405/.463/.892 in Triple-A. Completely sustainable.
3B CJ Alexander: 1-for-3, R, SB (1), BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, 2 K
1B Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, HR (11), 2 RBI, R
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (9), BB
Shewmake has a 9-game hitting streak and is 5-for-5 stealing bases this month.

RHP Sean Boyle: (W, 5-5) 5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
4.50 ERA (64 IP, 56 H, 38 R, 32 ER, 8 HR, 21 BB, 63 K)
LHP Brent Headrick: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge (S, 2): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Sandridge did allow two inherited runners to score in the 9th.

Somerset (29-34) (Defeated Portland, 3-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 3B (3), 2 K
.208/.340/.296 in 153 PA here. .256/.405/.372 in 264 PA overall. If you still want to see the home run power show up, that is understandable.
2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, 3 K
After his barrage of extra-base hits, he is 1-for-14 in his last four games. Baseball!
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, R, BB
.277/.333/.475 in 264 PA.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, R, BB
.282/.349/.488 in 235 PA (9 doubles, 4 triples, 9 HR, 33 RBI, 35 R, 6.8% BB, 21.3% K). He isn’t a walk machine, but there is no denying his consistency this year. Have the Yankees found a hidden gem amongst the Junior College ranks?
PR Cam Eden: 0-for-0
3B Max Burt: 0-for-0
CF Brendan Jones: 3-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R, SB (2)
Jones earns his first Double-A multi-hit game. Like anyone of his ilk, getting on base is key. He is 25-for-29 stealing bases in 55 games.
LF Garrett Martin: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (13), K
Martin has five hits in his last two games (5-for-28 in June before these two games)
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Brendan Beck: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
1.82 ERA (54.1 IP, 38 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 52 K). He tossed 80 pitches, which is their limit for him (his season high is 81). That’s to be expected given his history of injuries.
RHP Indigo Diaz: (W, 4-1) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
At this level: 2.75 ERA (19.2 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 23 K)
RHP Kelly Austin (S, 4): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2.29 ERA (19.2 IP, 16 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 17 K). Austin is a perfect 7-for-7 closing games in his career—a random, useless stat.

Hudson Valley (36-24) (Lost to Greenville, 8-4)

RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, HR (2), RBI, R
Lewis swats his 11th home run this year (to go with his ten doubles and 15 stolen bases). His strikeout percentage is 19.7% since his promotion (28.2% for Tampa).
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, R, SB (12)
It is a little surprising that Castillo’s power isn’t showing up (he slugged .426 last season, including .514 in 21 games at this level). This year, his SLG is .314. On the bright side, he is a perfect 12-for-12 stealing bases.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2B (12), R, HBP, K
Morales is 15-for-52 (.288) in June.
LF Duke Ellis: 2-for-4, SB (1), K
I know it’s just a rehab stint, but it’s still funny to see Ellis in the cleanup spot.
LF Anthony Hall: 1-for-1, 2B (5)
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, HBP, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, 2B (7), R, SB (7), BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, RBI, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-1, SB (2), 2 HBP, BB

LHP Kyle Carr: (L, 1-5) 4 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 4 K
A rough afternoon for Carr. Season: 3.35 ERA (53.2 IP, 40 H, 25 R, 20 ER, 26 BB, 41 K)
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
The ERA is back under 1.00 (0.98; 27.2 IP, 12 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 34 K)
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.50 ERA (18 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 20 K). Keating had a full season (40 games, 69.1 IP) at this level last year.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 0 IP, 0 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Yulie has handled his transition to the pen well – today wasn’t his day.
RHP Chris Kean: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
Yulie didn’t give him much to work with, but he did allow all three inherited runners to score.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (34-28) (Split a doubleheader with Clearwater. They end the weekend 0.5 games ahead of Clearwater and two games behind Lakeland in the first-half title chase)

Game 1 (Lost, 6-3)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3
LF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-2, R, BB
DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, RBI, R, K
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
RF Hans Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (5), 2 RBI, K
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, K
2B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-2, HBP
Gomez’s Low-A debut.

LHP Xavier Rivas: (L, 0-1) 4.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 3.65 ERA (12.1 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 10 BB, 8 K)
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
5.28 ERA (30.2 IP, 32 H, 22 R, 18 ER, 6 HR, 21 BB, 23 K)

Game 2 (Won, 4-3, in eight innings)

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB, K
.171/.310/.257 in 184 PA. He is up to 163 Low-A games (736 PA) with a .218/.329/.360 triple slash. That is hardly inspiring.
CF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-3, 2B (5), BB, K
Perez has ten multi-hit efforts this season.
DH Engelth Urena: 2-for-4
Urena has eight multi-hit efforts this season.
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, BB
.275/.352/.355 in 233 PA (14 doubles, 1 triple, 0 HR, 27 RBI, 31 R, 19-for-26 SB)
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, 2 R, BB, 2 K
.291/.377/.383 in 236 under-the-radar plate appearances. Even with a hitless doubleheader, he is hitting .436/.540/.487 (17-for-39) in June.
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, HR (5), RBI, R, SAC, K
A nice day for Montero. He is hitting .250/.348/.397 in 159 PA (.282/.364/.462 in June)
LF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
He walks it off with an RBI fielder’s choice!
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K

LHP Tanner Bauman: 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
1.85 ERA (24.1 IP, 19 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 HR, 14 BB, 35 K). His run of scoreless appearances ended in his last appearance. Perhaps this is the start of a new streak.
RHP Brady Kirtner (W, 3-2): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2.51 ERA (32.1 IP, 19 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 34 K)

FCL (15-16)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (3-6)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (3-6)

Day off.