Tag: Brian Sanchez

My Take: Yankees Acquire David Bednar & Jake Bird

Other takes:

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

The Details:

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

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

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

What the Yankees get:

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

I will start with the more significant of the two.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the Pirates Get:

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

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

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

What the Rockies Get:

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

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

The Bottom Line:

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

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

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

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

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

That’s a win.

Yankees MILB 7/2: Spencer Jones Homers Again

Notes:

RHP Colten Brewer, on his third tour with the Yankees organization, was released. In 22 games for Scranton, he pitched to a 3.94 ERA and 32/15 K/BB over 29.2 innings.

A lot happened on the farm today, as the affiliates went 6-0 while scoring 46 runs.

Injury Log

Scranton (44-35) (Outlasted Lehigh Valley, 9-8)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, R
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-5, 2 R, 2 K
Rodriguez needed a game like this (4-for-38 slump entering tonight). His overall average (including his time with Somerset) has dipped below .300 (.295). For Scranton, he’s at .318/.407/.399 in 273 PA.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-3, 2B (1), HR (3), RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
The home run was crushed (412 feet at 108.1 MPH). Jones (6-for-16 since his promotion) sets a new personal best with his 19th home run (53rd game) and has nine homers in his last 17 games. This breaks his streak of homering every other day, as he has homered in back-to-back games. I am sure he isn’t disappointed. 
RF Everson Pereira: 2-for-5, 2B (6), RBI, K
.245/.336/.459 in 226 PA (6 doubles, 12 HR, 35 RBI, 45 R, 11.1% BB, 33.6% K).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, 2B (18), SF, RBI, R, BB, 2 K
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-5, 2 HR (10), 5 RBI, 2 R, K
Jackson has two multi-homer games this year. Minor league pop has never been an issue (137 doubles, 123 HR in 663 games)
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4
LF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4

RHP Cam Schlittler: 2.1 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
After two innings, it looked like another dominant start was in progress. Then the third inning happened. Schlittler, who has generated a lot of buzz, took a punch to the gut tonight. Let’s see how he responds. By the way, his velocity was fine tonight. Just one of those games.
RHP Zach Messinger: (W, 3-3)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
As a reliever: 2.25 ERA (20 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 11 BB, 21 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
3.98 ERA (31.2 IP, 19 H, 14 R, 14 ER, 4 HR, 36 BB, 31 K).
RHP Scott Effross: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 6.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 5 K

Somerset (39-38) (Swept a doubleheader against Reading)

Game 1 (Won, 9-4)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, 2B (5), 2 RBI, R, BB
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, 2B (21), SF, RBI, R
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, HR (9), 3 RBI, R, K
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, 2 K
Jones is hitting .190/.256/.304 in 90 PA since his promotion (.221/.321/.344 with 25 stolen bases in 30 attempts overall).
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB, K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-1, 2B (1), RBI, R, 2 BB
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, 2B (14), RBI, R, 2 K
LF Cam Eden: 1-for-3, R, SB (4), 2 K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (W, 3-2)  6 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K
Lagrange has been inconsistent since his promotion, alternating good and not-so-good performances. That shouldn’t be shocking as a 6’7″ 22-year-old with control concerns but extreme upside.. For Somerset: 4.97 ERA (25.1 IP, 18 H, 14 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 34 K). 
RHP Kelly Austin: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Won, 8-5)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-2, 2B (6), HR (8), 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB
Riggio goes 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles, a homer, five RBI, four runs, and three walks in today’s doubleheader. He has 15 home runs in 45 games between the FCL/Hudson Valley/Somerset (14 in 43 games if we take out the two FCL games).
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, HBP
A quiet doubleheader for Lombard, though he contributed a pair of RBI. He is hitting .208 with a .651 OPS in 50 Double-A contests.
DH Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, HR (14), 3 RBI, R, K
Flores’ 25th multi-hit effort. He has 21 doubles, 14 HR, and 52 RBI in 76 games.
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-2, HR (11), RBI, R, 2 BB, K
Jasso is trying to put his slump behind him. He still owns an .818 OPS (10 doubles, 5 triples, 11 HR, 41 RBI, 43 R). His walk rate has certainly jumped recently (15 walks in the last 26 games).
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4
Martinez is 5-for-19 with a double and homer since his promotion.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, R, HBP, K
3B Max Burt: 1-for-2, 2 R, HBP, K

RHP Cole Ayers: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Ayers’ first professional start (124th game). He didn’t start in college but made four starts in the 2019 Cape Cod League and five in the 2021 MLB Draft League. That’s your useless information for the night.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: (W, 6-1) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
LHP Will Brian: (S, 2) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 2.42 ERA (26 IP, 21 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 30 K)

Hudson Valley (44-31) (Swept a doubleheader against Brooklyn)

Game 1 (Won, 5-3)

LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI, K
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-2, SB (3), BB
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-2, R, BB
DH Jace Avina: 1-for-3, R, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-2, HR (4), 3 RBI, R, SB (6), BB, K
Vargas has a 10-game hitting streak that includes three home runs.
3B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 3B (2), R, K
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, K
RF Luis Durango: 2-for-3, R, K

RHP Ben Hess: 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
Hess’ second start since coming back. A 2-run home run in his fourth inning of work hurt his final line, but as long as he is healthy. He owns a 4.53 ERA in 45.2 IP (31 H, 27 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 28 BB, 66 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
2.95 ERA (21.1 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 35 K)
RHP Bryce Warrecker (S, 3): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
0.82 ERA (33 IP, 15 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 37 K). Possibly the most impressive reliever in the system this year, Warrecker likely deserves a trip to Somerset. Again, I base that on the assumption that they aren’t planning to move him back into the rotation. 

Game 2 (Won, 2-0)

LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3
.228/.323/.305 in 300 PA. Since June 15th, he is 15-for-57 (.263).
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-2, SB (4), BB
When Lewis gets on base, he can cause havoc (20-for-21 stealing bases in his career). Between here and Tampa, he has 12 doubles, 13 HR, 42 RBI, 43 runs, and 17 stolen bases in 18 attempts.
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3
Vargas extends his hitting streak to 11 (18-for-41).
3B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-1, R, SB (10), 2 BB, K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3, R, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-2, RBI
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-2, RBI
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2, 2 K

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 3-5) 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K
Carr needed 87 pitches (60 strikes) to accomplish the shutout. On a night like tonight, it wasn’t even enough to secure the headline. Tough crowd, I am!  He owns a 2.57 ERA in 70 IP (47 H, 28 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 35 BB, 57 K). The H/IP ratio stands out the most.

Tampa (43-33) (Outscored Clearwater, 13-7)

C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, K
Is the patience paying off?  Last nine games: 12-for-38 (.316) with ten walks. He is up to 57 walks in 307 PA (18.6%) and has 132 walks in 157 career games. A reminder that he turned 19 on May 25th and is showing off this level of plate discipline. 
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, HR (4), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB, 3 K
.284/.372/.450 in 249 PA (15 doubles, 4 triples, 4 HR, 35 RBI, 35 R, 24-for-28 SB). He has walked six times in his last three games, and all four of his homers have come since June 13th.
SS Roderick Arias: 3-for-5, 2 HR (4), 5 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
To say Arias needed a night like this is an understatement. It’s his second career multi-HR game (7/6/2023). Arias has shown a little life recently, raising his triple slash from .168/.306/.255 to .192/.316/.303. He has to start somewhere.
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, SB (8), K
Known for his pop, he has sneakily added eight stolen bases. That said, any speed catchers have in the minors tends to dissipate as they get closer to MLB. 
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-5, 2 K
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-4, CS (4), BB, 2 K
RF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 3B (7), 3 R, 2 SB (26), BB
Toole is an exciting player – whether he is an exciting career minor league player or a potential MLB player is what we need to determine. He’s hitting .295/.393/.459 in 214 PA.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, R, 3 BB, K
2B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-2, SF, 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (9), 2 BB, K
Between here and the FCL, Gomez is 22-for-24 stealing bases (9-for-10 here). He started 2-for-22 after his promotion. Since then, he is 6-for-25 (.240) with six walks and eight stolen bases. With Owen Cobb activated, it will be interesting to see how they figure out the playing time situation.

RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Arias’ rehab stint was moved here today (from the FCL)
LHP Tanner Bauman: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Cade Austin: (W, 4-1)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
He tamed the BB% after April, but the walks returned tonight.
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR

FCL (19-23)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (10-10)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (8-11)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 6/29: Spencer Jones Homers Again

Notes:

A slow weekend for news in the Yankees organization.

Injury Log

Scranton (43-35) (Defeated Worcester, 6-1)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-5
DH Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-3, CS (5), BB, K
A late slump crushed his June numbers: .247/.362/.315. He is in a 3-for-35 slide (which followed four games where he went 8-for-18. Baseball!)
LF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, HR (2), RBI, SB (1), K
Jones sets a new personal best with his 18th HR (52 games). This one went 360 feet at 95.8 MPH. He continues his recent trend of alternating games with HR (7 HR in his last 13 games – one every other game). Overall, between here and Somerset, he is hitting .277/.387/.606 (8 doubles, 18 HR, 34 RBI, 45 R, 11-for-13 SB, 14.9% BB, 34.2% K). 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, 2B (6), 2 R, BB, K
De La Cruz is hitting .250/.329/.421 in 173 PA for Scranton (6 doubles, 7 HR, 22 RBI, 25 R, 6-for-6 SB). As a pure depth piece, he’s fine.
3B CJ Alexander: 1-for-3, CS (1), BB, 2 K
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-3, 2B (7), 2 R, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-3, HR (4), 4 RBI, R, BB, K
Velazquez hit his home run 394 feet at 106.7 MPH. And Jones is considered the big prospect? Phooey!
CF Duke Ellis: 2-for-3, RBI, BB

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 3-7)  7 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
It’s been a tough year for the veteran (6.54 ERA), so it’s nice to see him have an effort like this. Leal has given them 64.2 innings.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.87 ERA (10.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 19 K)

Somerset (37-38) (Lost to Erie, 9-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4
Riggio has run into a little slump (5-for-32). He was never going to keep up his early Double-A pace.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, K
Since promotion: .209/.340/.320 in 209 PA (7 doubles, 3 triples, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 34 R, 14-for-16 SB, 15.3% BB, 23.9%K). I can’t believe he has been here for 48 games. Time flies.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (13), RBI, R
Not one of his patented multi-hit efforts, but I think he’ll take the homer. Flores is hitting .287/.347/.491 in 317 PA and should be following Spencer Jones to Scranton soon as he is up to 667 Double-A plate appearances (.281/.353/.504 with 34 doubles and 28 home runs). 
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, 4 K
Jasso has gone into the tank after I commented about his long on-base streak. I apologize to his friends and family. He is hitting .266/.340/.459 in 288 PA after a 1-for-19 end to his month.
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-2, BB, K
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 3 K
Martinez is 3-for-13 with a homer since his promotion.
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, BB
LF Cam Eden: 0-for-2, SB (3), HBP, K

RHP Trystan Vrieling (L, 0-2): 4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
5.93 ERA (27.1 IP, 35 H, 20 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 22 K). There’s no sugarcoating it: It’s been rough for Vrieling since his return. Hopefully, he can find his groove.
RHP Danny Watson: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (42-31) (Lost to Wilmington, 4-3)

LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI, BB
Castillo somewhat salvaged his June late (.239/.336/.250), with the big issue being the power outage. He is 13-for-13 stealing bases (36-for-42 in his career)
CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, RBI
Lewis had a chance to be the hero in the 9th (bases loaded, 2 outs) but it wasn’t meant to be. He is hitting .192/.238/.384 in 105 PA since his promotion with only a pair of stolen bases (hard to showcase your speed when you struggle to get on base).  Patience! (that goes for him and us)
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-4, K
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, K
  PH-RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-1, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, K
I get it – Vargas should be destroying this league, but it’s still fun to see him hit well. He is on a 9-game hitting streak.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 2B (10), R, SAC
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, RBI, R, K
   PR Luis Durango: 0-for-0
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, R
Palencia is 2-for-11 with a walk and two strikeouts since his promotion.
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, BB

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (L, 5-4)  4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
A rare off game for Rodriguez-Cruz, who owns a 2.47 ERA in 76.2 IP (50 H, 27 R, 21 ER, 1 HR, 33 BB, 91 K). He finishes June with a 0.94 ERA (28.2 IP, 19 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 34 K). There is a LOT to like in this kid’s profile.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.57 ERA (21.2 IP, 14 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 30 K). Batters are only hitting .175 against him, and his ERA has been tarnished by a few rough outings. It is what it is – when you are reliever, it doesn’t take much to kill your ERA.
RHP Matt Keating: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.59 ERA (24.1 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 25 K)
RHP Chris Kean: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (41-33) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 3-1. They are 5-4 to start the second half)

C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-5
Perez ends June on a 6-game hitting streak (10-for-24). He walked 19 times this month (17 in April, 17 in May). His plate approach is there. It’s all about whether he can add a touch of power to his profile. At 19, he has time to develop the offensive package.
RF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-2, 2B (15), R, SB (23), 2 BB
.288/.367/.444 in 239 PA. He ends June on a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-18), which bumped his final line for the month to .300/.400/.444 with 13 stolen bases in 14 attempts.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, R, SB (19), K
Arias stole eight bases in June, but the triple slash (.208/.304/.267) won’t excite you. I don’t blame you for that.
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
Urena drove home 14 runs in June, giving him 33 on the season. He’s a different prospect than Perez, though he has some of the same plate discipline qualities (44 walks).
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4
1B Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, K
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (15), 3 K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, K
Toole hasn’t been “slumping,” but his performance has leveled off. He is at .287/.387/.437 in 204 PA with a 24-for-26 stolen base rate.
2B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Brandon Decker: 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
2.61 ERA (38 IP, 32 H, 16 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 36 K). He tossed 61 pitches today after he was stretched to 60 last time out. They are slowly ramping him up and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a 70-75 limit soon.
RHP Justin Lange: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 Kter
Lange, once an intriguing pitching prospect, is having trouble hitting 90 MPH after his various injury issues. 
RHP Jack Sokol (W, 3-1): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.77 ERA (26 IP, 24 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 19 K). The undrafted free agent out of Pitt turned in a 0.00 June ERA (10 IP), though he only struck out four. 
RHP Sean Hermann: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.04 ERA (34.2 IP, 18 H, 10 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 23 BB, 27 K). Hermann has cut down on the walks nicely as the season has gone along while maintaining his ability to keep the ball on the ground. 
RHP Gus Hughes (S, 1): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (19-22)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (9-10)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (7-11)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 6/28: Rafael Flores: Another Multi-Hit Effort

Notes:

No news for you.

Injury Log

Scranton (42-35) (Lost to Worcester, 5-3, in ten innings)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RBI, R, HBP
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
Position breakdown: Catcher: 36 starts; 3B: 20 starts; DH: 9 starts. Rodriguez has experience at 1B and LF (+ a few games at second base), but the Yankees have asked him to concentrate on catching and third base in 2025.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, R, BB, 3 K
2-for-9 with a homer, walk, and five strikeouts in his first two Triple-A contests.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, SF, RBI
Rumfield has a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-16).
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, BB, K
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, BB
3B CJ Alexander: 1-for-5, RBI, K
   PR Duke Ellis: 0-for-0
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-5, 2B (8), R
LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3, SB (19), BB

RHP Brendan Beck: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
Since promotion: 10.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 1 BB, 10 K. Overall, between here and Somerset, he owns a 1.81 ERA in 64.2 IP (45 H, 14 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 62 K).
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 5 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.34 ERA (35 IP, 35 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 38 K)
RHP Scott Effross (L, 1-2): 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
What could have been…

Somerset (37-37) (Defeated Erie, 7-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, R, SB (4), BB
Riggio is 4-for-5 stealing bases since his promotion (2-for-6 for Hudson Valley). He is at .263/.314/.575 in 86 PA for Somerset.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, 2B (7), R, 3 K
Lombard Jr.’s 10th extra-base hit in June (only had two in 22 games for Somerset in May)
DH Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R
Flores has seven multi-hit efforts in his last nine games (15-for-37; .405) and nine 3-hit efforts this season.  During this streak, his triple slash has climbed from .270/.331/.464 to .288/.348/.484 (20 doubles, 12 HR, 47 RBI, 41 R, 5-for-5 SB). 
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2 BB
.271/.345/.467 in 284 PA. He has 12 walks in June (11 walks combined in April and May).
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RBI, R
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, RBI, R, HBP, BB
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (6), 3 RBI
Burt hit a key 3-run double. He has been with the system for so long that he played games for Pulaski, Charleston, and Trenton.

LHP Ben Shields: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Shields was activated from the 60-day injured list. He made four rehab starts.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 2-2)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.74 ERA (38 IP, 24 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 25 BB, 37 K). As a reliever: 17.1 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 18 K.
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (42-30) (Lost to Wilmington, 7-4)

LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-5, R, K
Castillo’s fourth 3-hit game this season (second this month). He has struggled since a strong April. All one can do is hope he snaps out of it.
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-4
DH Jace Avina: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
.283/.408/.455 in 184 PA. Over the last two seasons at this level, he is hitting .256/.346/.415 in 581 PA with 37 doubles, 14 homers, 71 RBI, and 74 runs. If not for injury, he may be in Double-A right now. 
SS Alexander Vargas:  3-for-4, R
Vargas has an 8-game hitting streak (15-for-32)
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, HR (3; grand slam), 4 RBI, R, 2 K
Moylan hits his first career grand slam. 
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 4-6)  7.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Grosz was cruising through seven innings but ran into trouble when he tried to stretch into the 8th.  Season: 3.69 ERA (70.2 IP, 51 H, 34 R, 29 ER, 3 HR, 28 BB, 76 K). He has thrown 7+ innings in four of his 12 starts (pitched into the 7th in two other starts).
RHP Tony Rossi: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
It was inevitable that Rossi would hit some turbulence. He also allowed two of Grosz’s runners to score. At this level: 1.47 ERA (18.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 21 K). Overall: 1.04 ERA (26 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 11 BB, 33 K)

Tampa (40-33) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 7-4)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, 2B (7), R, 2 BB, K
.217/.375/.248 in 291 PA. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-19; 5 BB). 
RF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (22), CI
.281/.356/.433 in 235 PA (14 doubles, 4 triples, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 31 R, 22-for-26 SB, 10.2% BB, 24.7% K). He is 9-for-24 (.375) in his last six games. So far, the 20-year-old has moved up one level per year (DSL in 2023, FCL in 2024, Low-A in 2025).
SS Roderick Arias: 3-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
Arias’ first 3-hit effort this season. Through June 28th, 2024: .210/.306/.362. This year: .184/.312/.270. 
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, 2B (11), 2 RBI
.206/.337/.333 in 306 PA. Perez and Urena are piling up the plate appearances while alternating between C/DH (Urena has 38 games behind the dish; Perez has 34)
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, 2 SB (28), BB
Matheus has a 6-game stolen base streak (9-for-9) and is second to Kyle Henley (CIN; 36) in the FSL. He is hitting .269/.359/.345. 
1B Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (8)
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-4, SB (14), K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (24), BB, K
2B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R, SB (7), 2 K

RHP Andrew Landry: 4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Landry had efficiency issues today (84 pitches).  Season: 4.11 ERA (61.1 IP, 66 H, 37 R, 28 ER, 4 HR, 23 BB, 58 K).  June: 26.1 IP, 17 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 21 K.
RHP Chris Veach: (W, 1-1)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
1.48 ERA (30.1 IP, 20 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 3 HR, 18 BB, 44 K). Veach allowed two of Landry’s runners to score.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: (S, 1) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Fristoe reached 96.5 MPH.

FCL (19-22) (Lost a tough one to the Blue Jays, 2-1. They held a 1-0 lead entering the bottom of the 8th but couldn’t hold on)

RF JoJo Jackson: 0-for-3
Jackson is looking for his first hit as his rehab continues.
C John Cristino: 1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, R, K
Cristino’s 8th inning homer not only gave them a short-lived lead – it was their only hit this morning/afternoon. There is zero doubt in my mind that Cristino (25) will be in Tampa once the FCL season concludes, if not before. By the way, this was the second time he was behind the plate. He has 13 starts at first base.

RHP Michael Arias: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
His second rehab appearance is clean.
RHP Mariano Salomon: 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
The 22-year-old is pitching well (2.73 ERA in 26.1 IP with a 32/6 K/BB). He has thrown well his entire career, with a 2.91 ERA in 117.1 innings (148/25 K/BB). I would not be surprised to see him in Tampa later this year.
LHP Jose Ledesma: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Chance Nolan (L, 1-1): 0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Nolan allows his first career earned run (12.1 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 6 BB, 9 K)

DSL Yankees (9-10) (Defeated the DSL Rangers Blue, 13-6)

DH Francisco Vilorio:  2-for-5, SF, 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
C Justin Capellan: 0-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
SS Carlos Bello: 2-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
LF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K
The 18-year-old is showing some pop in his second campaign (.310/.408/.524 in 49 PA with three homers and 13 RBI)
3B Alfred Ciriaco: 2-for-6, RBI, R, 2 SB (6)
At 18, he isn’t a young guy for the DSL – but this is his debut campaign. Ciriaco is 13-for-37 (.351) with a double and seven RBI. Impressive, he has struck out twice (0.05%).
CF Angel Ventura: 2-for-5, 2B (3), R, CS (2), BB, 2 K
1B Jesus Guerrero: 0-for-1, RBI, 2 R, SB (1), 3 BB, K
The 18-year-old is 3-for-13 in his debut campaign. He has six walks and a pair of strikeouts.
RF Eliezer Adames: 0-for-5, 5 K
2B Emmanuel Orozco: 1-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, 2 R, SB (4), BB, K
Only 16, Orozco entered the day 1-for-19 in his brief career. His two professional hits are a double and a triple.

RHP Anthony Mena (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
3.94 ERA (16 IP, 18 H, 18 R, 7 ER, 3 HR, 7 BB, 17 K)

DSL Bombers (7-11) (Defeated the DSL Cardinals, 4-3. It wasn’t as wild as the previous two days (0-2 despite scoring 29 runs), but they did win this on a walk-off. It was a 7-inning game)

CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-4, K
.236/.323/.400 in 62 PA. Castillo started the season 2-for-22. He is 11-for-33 since, including nine hits in his last five games.
SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, BB, K
I always say to not worry about it if a teenager initially struggles out of the game. However, my eyes open quickly when a 16-year-old jumps out to a big start. That’s Marinez, who is hitting .310/.500/.381 in 60 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 12 R, 9-for-10 SB, 15 BB, 13 K). You have my attention, kid.
C Queni Pineda: 0-for-3, R, BB
DH Browm Martinez: 0-for-4, R
RF Jose Castro: 2-for-4, 2B (1), HR (1), 3 RBI, R, K
Castro homered in the 6th for the appetizer. The main course was a 2-out, 2-run double in the bottom of the 7th to walk it off. The 19-year-old has appeared in only three games this season, and these were his first two hits. How can you not love this game?
3B Juan Torres: 1-for-3
1B Remy Veldhuisen: 2-for-3, K

RHP Randy Angomas: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
RHP Carlos Hampshire (W, 1-1) 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K
The 20-year-old earns his first professional win.

Yankees MILB 6/22: Another Strong Effort for Griffin Herring

Notes:

I have concluded that we aren’t receiving accurate roster updates from Hudson Valley. Today, they announced that OF Jace Avina was activated off the injured list. The problem? From what I can find, it was never announced that he was ever on the list.

Keep that in mind while you wonder what the heck happened to RHP Ben Hess (last year’s first-round pick ), who hasn’t pitched since the end of May, and infielder Parks Harber. There is a good chance that both are currently on the injured list. We just haven’t been told about it.

By the way, I am not complaining. They don’t have to tell us anything. But I assume they have to submit the transactions, so perhaps it is milb.com that is missing in action.

What do we know? That RHP Brendan Beck has been promoted to Scranton. RHP Allan Winans, who was promoted to the Yankees to take LHP Ryan Yarbrough‘s spot in the rotation, was scheduled to pitch today. Beck took his place. Is this permanent? Unknown. I don’t think Jesus Rodriguez‘s promotion was supposed to be permanent, but he forced the issue.

Either way, Beck earned this chance by posting a 1.82 ERA (2.54 FIP) over 54.1 innings. He owns a 24.8% K, 5.7% BB, and 37.2% GB.

Injury Log

Scranton (38-34) (Defeated Louisville, 3-2)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, 2B (8), 2 RBI, SB (8)
.306/.420/.442 in 183 PA (8 doubles, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 28 R, 8-for-13 SB, 13.1% BB, 7.1% K). Vivas had a 20.8% K in his brief MLB tenure.
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, BB, K
.246/.340/.470 in 212 PA. What do I think of his MLB chances? He has the power to hit home runs at the big league level. I am confident there.  I am skeptical about his swing-and-miss, and there is a fine line between a player who develops into an everyday player vs. someone like Bryan De La Cruz.
DH-1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4
.278/.366/.474 in 268 PA. As I often say, the Yankees seemingly don’t have faith in his ability to play in the big leagues (and nobody else bit during the Rule 5 draft). However, I expect him to get a shot in MLB.
LF Brennen Davis: 0-for-1, K
Davis was taken out of the game after a play in left field to close out the third inning.
  PH-LF Ismael Munguia: 2-for-3, R
He wasn’t expecting to play, but ended up having a good day.
1B CJ Alexander: 1-for-4
Alexander is 6-for-25 since joining the organization.
  P Zach Messinger: 0-for-0
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, RBI, K
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, 2B (6), R, K
Off to a hot start, Jackson has since settled in to be…well, Alex Jackson. He is hitting .237/.310/.468 and is 4-for-43 in June.
2B Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, 2B (8), R
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 1-0)  6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Well, if this was only supposed to be an emergency start, he did his best to make it a difficult decision to move him back down! One thing today gives us is Savant data! Beck used mostly a 3-pitch mix (4-seamer, slider, curve) with a cutter mixed in. Savant also picked up on one change-up, which may be a misread. His fastball maxed at 93.7 and didn’t generate a whiff. His slider, however, generated five. I don’t think Beck was ever projected as a big strikeout guy, and he could be used as trade bait next month. For now, I am impressed that he has looked so good given how much time he has missed.
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Zach Messinger: (S, 1) 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Messinger earns his fourth career save.  As a reliever: 2.87 ERA (15.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 16 K). Today, he maxed out at 96.5 MPH as he featured mostly his fastball (50%)/slider (48%) combo.

Somerset (35-34) (Knocked off New Hampshire, 12-5, to get above .500)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, R, K
Riggio is 18-for-67 with four doubles and six home runs since his promotion. You did know the home run surge would end at some point, right? He has one in his last nine games.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-5, RBI, K
Lombard Jr. started June 3-for-21. He is 15-for-53 (.283) since. It seems he is reaching a comfort level, which is what we want to see.
DH Spencer Jones: 2-for-5, HR (15), RBI, 2 R, K
Perhaps he deserved the headline for the third day in a row, but I went for variety. Given that Jones missed so much time, being only four home runs behind the minor league leader is impressive. Last ten games: 17-for-36 (.472; 2 doubles, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 12 R, 2-for-2 SB). He has three straight multi-hit games, and his OPS is an Eastern League-leading .994. His SLG, which also leads the Eastern League, is just a tad below .600 (.59876). Jones is Rule 5 eligible this winter, which only means he will be on the 40-man roster if he isn’t traded.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-5, 2 2B (18), RBI, 2 R, 3 K
Flores has 32 doubles and 27 home runs in 133 Double-A games. 
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, BB, K
Jasso is hitting .284 with a .844 OPS (10 doubles, 4 triples, 10 HR, 39 RBI, 38 R). He has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games. He has been one of the system’s most consistent bats since Opening Day.
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, SF, RBI
CF Brendan Jones: 3-for-5, 2 2B (3), HR (1), 3 RBI, 3 R, K
Jones is up to .241 with a .682 OPS since his promotion. This is due to an 11-for-32 (.344) surge over his last eight games. 
1B Tyler Hardman: 3-for-5, 2B (13), HR (11), 3 RBI, 2 R
Hardman had two shots at the cycle but couldn’t get that elusive triple. Given he only has five in 371 minor league games, that is hardly a surprise.
RF Cam Eden: 0-for-3, SB (2), 2 BB, 2 K

RHP Mason Vinyard: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
The “trickle down” effect – they needed Winans in MLB and Beck in Scranton, so someone had to start for Somerset. This was Vinyard’s first start since who knows when, as he was nothing but a reliever in college as well.
RHP Bailey Dees: (W, 3-4)  2.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Danny Watson: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Baron Stuart: (S, 1)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Stuart’s first professional save.

Hudson Valley (40-27) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 3-1)

LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, K
Between here and Tampa: .233/.295/.462 in 275 PA (11 doubles, 4 triples, 13 HR, 41 RBI, 42 R, 15-for-16 SB, 7.6% BB, 26.9% K). He has cut down on the strikeouts in Hudson Valley (23.8%), and his lower batting average (.195) could be attributed to the .204 BABIP.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-1, R, SB (11), 3 BB, K
Morales’ stolen bases were a fun storyline last year, though I have dropped it this year. He has 45 stolen bases in 174 games over the past two seasons after going 1-for-3 in 104 collegiate contests.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, SB (5), BB, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Luis Durango: 0-for-2, BB
Durango is 12-for-42 (.286/.345/..286) since returning from his rehab stint.
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, 3 K
DH Duncan Pastore: 0-for-3, K

LHP Griffin Herring: 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Since his promotion: 0.76 ERA (23.2 IP, 16 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 20 K). Overall: 1.05 ERA (68.1 IP, 40 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 23 BB, 78 K). Herring has the lowest ERA among qualified minor league pitchers at every full-season level (including the FCL and DSL would be foolish).  Can he make it to Somerset this year? That likely wasn’t the plan, but plans often change. I think it was smart not to push him there today, though there was a need. But at some point in the second half?  Sure.
RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 4-5)  3 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 5 K
3.55 ERA (63.1 IP, 44 H, 29 R, 25 ER, 3 HR, 27 BB, 73 K). His profile shows a lot of promise, including a solid strikeout rate. Additionally, he has cut down on the home run rate this year. The walks? Still needs some work there.

Tampa (37-31) (Lost to Bradenton, 5-3)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, R, BB
.194/.353/.223 in 266 PA (6 doubles, 0 HR, 19 RBI, 29 R, 4-for-5 SB, 18% BB, 21.4% K). I told myself at the beginning of the season not to worry much about his numbers, and I will stick to that…for now.
LF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
All of Sanchez’s homers have come in the last ten games. He has seven in 128 career games. Baseball!  He is hitting .273/.352/.443 in 210 plate appearances.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4
.182/.310/.261 in 210 PA (11 doubles, 1 HR, 21 RBI, 25 R, 18-for-23 SB, 15.2% BB, 27.6% K). In a sea of disappointing “stuff” on his profile, the one that strikes me the most is the power. He is showing nothing in that department.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-2, HBP, BB
.212/.344/.342 in 282 PA (9 doubles, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 41 R, 5-for-6 SB, 14.2% BB, 18.4% K). He has eight HBP – ouch. 
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, R, SB (20), BB
Matheus is third (behind Brendan Jones (25) and George Lombard Jr. (24)) in the organization in stolen bases.
RF Hans Montero: 0-for-4, 3 K
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-4, SB (20)
See the note on Juan Matheus. 
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, HBP, K
2B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-4

RHP Andrew Landry: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.26 ERA (57 IP, 61 H, 34 R, 27 ER, 4 HR, 21 BB, 56 K). June: 4 starts, 2-0, 0.82 ERA, 22 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 19 K. His ERA was 6.43 entering this month.  Landry is trying to be the latest mid-to-late round pick (16th round is now considered “late”) who the Yankees turn into something valuable.
RHP Gus Hughes (L, 4-2): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Cade Austin: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.96 ERA (27.1 IP, 26 H, 16 R, 9 ER, 3 HR, 11 BB, 30 K). 
RHP Jack Sokol: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.00 ERA (24 IP, 23 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 18 K). He has six straight scoreless appearances.

FCL (17-19)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (5-9)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (6-8)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 6/17: Jesus Rodriguez is Rolling

Notes:

Infielder Owen Cobb and infielder/outfielder Austin Green were placed on the injured list for Tampa. That likely explains the promotion of Santiago Gomez last week.

Cobb, a 23-year-old signed as an undrafted free agent out of Stanford, is hitting .333/.385/.544 in 106 plate appearances. He is 11-for-14 stealing bases.

Green, 23, was drafted in the 14th round in the 2024 draft out of Texas Tech. He is hitting .184/.295/.305 in 166 plate appearances with four homers and 29 RBI. That’s solid production for a .600 OPS, and that is courtesy of being 5-for-6 with a grand slam and 13 RBI with the bases loaded.

Injury Log

Scranton (36-31) (Defeated Louisville, 4-3. Scranton is rolling!)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, 2B (12), RBI, R
Rodriguez has five multi-hit efforts in his last 11 games and has nine 3-hit games this season.  He has enough plate appearances to qualify for rate statistics and leads the International League in batting average (.358) and is second in on-base percentage (.442).
3B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5, 2 2B (7)
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, HR (12), RBI, R, HBP, K
Pereira has three doubles and two homers in his last five games. He ties Roc Riggio and Spencer Jones for the organizational lead in home runs. Jose Rojas, Rafael Flores, and Dillon Lewis have 11.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, RBI, K
Rumfield has three multi-hit efforts in his last six games. 
RF Brennen Davis: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
LF CJ Alexander: 2-for-5, R, K
C Alex Jackson: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 2-for-4, 2 2B (6), R, CS (1)
Shewmake has a 10-game hitting streak (16-for-37; 4 doubles). 
2B Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, RBI, CS (2), SAC

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 7-0)  6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
0.90 ERA (50 IP, 39 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 59 K).  Winans continues to hum along.
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
1.35 ERA (13.1 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 22 K). Beeter has walked only two (ten strikeouts) in 5.1 June innings. He is likely ready to contribute, but where do they place him?
RHP Colten Brewer: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Reyzelman is a mess, but at least he (somewhat) cleaned it up this time. He owns a 4.44 ERA (26.1 IP, 14 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 29 BB, 27 K)

Somerset (29-34)

Their game against New Hampshire was postponed. They will attempt to play a pair tomorrow.

Hudson Valley (37-26) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 1-0)

CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, K
.223/.321/.313 in 246 PA. He has struggled to find a groove.
RF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-4
  PR Luis Durango: 0-for-0
LF Duke Ellis: 1-for-4
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3
DH Anthony Hall: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 4-4) 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Tough luck loss, which isn’t uncommon for Yankees’ pitchers nowadays.  Season: 3.28 ERA (60.1 IP, 41 H, 26 R, 22 ER, 3 HR, 22 BB, 68 K). Grosz has pitched seven innings in three of his last five starts (6+ innings in four of the five).
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
For Hudson Valley: 14.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 7 BB, 17 K. Overall: 22.1 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 7 BB, 29 K. In case you are wondering, Rossi has inherited five runners, and none have scored. This is about as perfect a season as a reliever can have.

Tampa (35-28) (Defeated Bradenton, 4-1)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB, K
.208/.369/.234 in 244 PA. 
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R
Both of Sanchez’s homers have come in his last five games.  After a tough April (.236/.286/.389), Sanchez has picked up the pace in May (.349/.420/.535) and June (.286/.393/.449).  The 20-year-old (turns 21 on July 4th) isn’t small (6’3″), so he can still grow into some home run power. As is, he intrigues as a speedy center fielder.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (17)
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, BB, K
LF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-3, BB
.297/.383/.388 in 240 PA. Despite a little 0-for-8 slide heading into this game, Wilson is still hitting .452/.556/.500 this month.
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, R, SB (10), BB, K
RF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, SB (18)
Toole is hanging onto his .300 campaign (.302/.406/.475 in 165 PA). He is 18-for-19 in the stolen base department.
2B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-3, K

RHP Andrew Landry: (W, 4-3)  6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
51% 4-seamer, 21% slider, 14% curve, 14% change-up. He generated four whiffs on five swings with his changeup. Last two starts: 13 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 10 K.
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Sean Hermann: (S, 2)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
1.15 ERA (31.1 IP, 18 H, 10 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 22 BB, 22 K). He hasn’t allowed an earned run since April 25th (allowed four unearned runs in the appearance before this)

FCL (16-17) (Defeated the FCL Phillies, 5-4, in 12 innings)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-4, CS (2), BB, 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, R, BB, K
LF Gabriel Lara: 2-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, 2 R, SB (3), BB
.360/.418/.600 in 55 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 12 R, 3-for-7 SB). He is 12-for-28 in June.
RF Luis Puello: 0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, R, HBP, K
3B Kevin Verde: 2-for-5

RHP Jose M  Rodriguez: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 9 K
Rodriguez continues to shine (0.81 ERA; 22.1 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 25 K).  Four of his six starts have been scoreless efforts. Rodriguez is 21 years old, but has limited experience as he missed all of 2024 to injury.
LHP Franyer Herrera: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.15 ERA (15.2 IP, 14 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 20 K)
LHP Jose Ledesma (W, 1-0): 2.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
LHP Pedro Rodriguez (S, 1): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Rodriguez, activated off the 60-day injured list today, makes his first appearance since 2023. That season, while in the DSL, he posted a 1.93 ERA in 28 IP with a 36/10 K/BB.

DSL Yankees (4-7) (Split a pair of games with DSL Miami)

Game 1 (Lost, 9-5. I won’t get into much detail, as it was the completion of a game started a few weeks ago)

SS Mani Cedeno went 1-for-2 with a run and two walks…DH Francisco Vilorio was 2-for-5 with an RBI and run scored…3B Richard Matic doubled twice, drove home a run, and scored a run…LF Isaias Castillo stole three bases.

Game 2 (Won, 4-3)

DH Mani Cedeno: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
Cedeno is 5-for-29 (.172) with a pair of RBI and five runs. He is still looking for his first professional extra-base hit.
CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Carlos Bello: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, 2 K
The 17-year-old is off to a 4-for-27 (.148) start. He does have a homer and seven runs scored.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-1, 2 R, 2 BB
.296/.394/.667 in 33 PA. He has four doubles and a pair of homers.
C Diego Flores: 2-for-2, 2B (2), 2 RBI, 2 CS (2), HBP
Deuces wild!

RHP Emanuel Vargas: 4 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
The 19-year-old owns a 4.35 ERA and 8/3 K/BB over 10.1 innings.
RHP Rafael Arias: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Fredy Penuelas (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
Penuelas earns his first professional win.

DSL Bombers (5-6) (Won two games over DSL Colorado)

Game 1 (Won, 7-3. I won’t get into much detail, as it was the completion of a game started a few weeks ago)

2B Juan Torres had to wait a while for it to become official, but he hit his first professional home run…CF Ruben Castillo scored two runs, stole a pair of bases, and drew a walk.

Game 2 (Won, 3-0)

CF Ruben Castillo: 0-for-3, SB (6), BB
The 17-year-old is off ot a 4-for-34 start, perhaps making the six stolen bases more impressive.
SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-3, R, 2 SB (7), K
The bonus baby continues to play well (.280/.457/.280 in 35 PA; 7 runs, 7 BB, 7-for-7 SB).
2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-3, 2B (1), R, K
Reyes’s first extra-base hit this season. He is 7-for-7 stealing bases.
1B Leni Done: 1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Done launches his first professional home run. The 18-year-old is 6-for-27 in his professional debut.
3B Adrian Feliz: 2-for-3, K
The 16-year-old is 5-for-17 with a double. This is his first career multi-hit effort.

RHP Alexander Almonte (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
The 18-year-old earns his first professional win. He hasn’t allowed an earned run in 12 innings this year (6 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 14 K)
RHP Christopher Vasquez: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
This is the 18-year-old’s 2025 debut. He pitched to a 7.80 ERA in 15 innings during his 2024 debut campaign.
LHP Ronald Tejada (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Yankees MILB 6/13: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz Ks 8

Notes:

No news.

Injury Log

Scranton (33-31) (Stayed hot by defeating Syracuse, 10-3. The Railriders crushed Frankie Montas (1.2 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 1 BB, 1 K))

C Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, 2 2B (11), R
Rodriguez is amazing. This is his 8th 3-hit effort this season and 18th multi-hit game. The new triple slash for Scranton: .354/.442/.453 in 215 PA. Those numbers are impossible to ignore. 
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 R, HBP, BB
CF Everson Pereira: 2-for-5, 2B (5), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Back-to-back multi-hit efforts with three doubles.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 3B (1), 2 RBI, K
LF Brennen Davis: 2-for-4, 2B (3), HR (4), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Davis is crushing this level (14-for-33, 3 doubles, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 8 R). He has five multi-hit efforts this month.
3B CJ Alexander: 1-for-4, R, K
Alexander earns his first hit as a member of the Yankees’ organization.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, R, K
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, 2B (16), RBI, R, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-4, 2B (7), 2 RBI, 2 R

RHP JT Brubaker: (W, 1-0)  5 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
With his rehab clock approaching zero, Brubaker puts together a strong start. He hit 94.5 MPH with his sinker, which he featured 50% of the time. The question is where he would fit in on the current roster, especially with Marcus Stroman nearing a return.
RHP Zach Messinger: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
More scoreless outings, please!
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
He hit 96.4 MPH and generated six whiffs on nine swings against his 4-seam fastball. Sandridge with control has potential. That’s always been known. He owns a 12/4 K/BB over 6.1 innings at this level.

Somerset (28-33) (Defeated Portland, 4-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, K
RF Spencer Jones: 2-for-3, R, BB
It feels strange to see Jones compile two singles. He is hitting .241/.362/.533 in 163 PA and is 6-for-11 in his last three games.
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, K
CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, R, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, R, K
9-for-34 (.265/.375/.500) with a double, two triples, and a homer in June.
DH Garrett Martin: 3-for-3, 3B (1), R, SB (12)
.229/.323/.415 in 218 PA. This is his second 3-hit effort in 2025.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-2, 2B (5), 2 RBI, BB
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (W, 1-1)  5.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, HR
An impressive outing for Selvidge (5th start since coming back from injury, second at this level). In those five combined starts, he has a 2.76 ERA in 16.1 IP with a 16/9 K/BB.
RHP Danny Watson: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Ryan Anderson (S, 2): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (36-23) (Shut down Greenville, 1-0. The Renegades compiled two hits and allowed two hits)

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, BB
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-2, SB (9), BB
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, 2B (11), R
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, CS (4), K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 K
A seemingly harmless sacrifice fly in the 5th inning turns out to be the only run all night.
DH Duncan Pastore: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Ben Shields: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
Shields’ third rehab start (one in the FCL, one in Tampa, one here)
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.41 ERA (22 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 17 K). He also had two appearances for Somerset (3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 2 K)
RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (W, 4-2)  5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
Before you panic, he was simply piggybacking tonight – he isn’t moving to a bullpen role!  Rodriguez-Cruz is cruising along. Season: 2.70 ERA (60 IP, 37 H, 20 R, 18 ER, 0 HR, 25 BB, 74 K). There is some element of luck involved when you throw 60 innings without allowing a home run, but it is still mightily impressive. 

Tampa (33-26) (Split a pair of games against Clearwater)

Game 1 (Lost, 4-2)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, K
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, K
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-2, BB, K
.207/.371/.229 in 229 PA (4 doubles, 0 HR, 19 RBI, 24 R, 4-for-5 SB, 19.2% BB, 21.8% K). A lot of his metrics aren’t far off from what he did in the rookie leagues. His BB% is remarkably consistent. His strikeout rate, as expected, has increased but it isn’t bad (plus, his swinging strike percentage is 6.9%, which is excellent). The ground ball percentage (50% entering today) isn’t ideal and is likely the biggest reason for the .207 batting average. I have been a broken record all season: The Yankees have to keep throwing him out there. It’s all about the reps, reps, reps.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-2, R, BB
3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-3, 2B (14), R, SB (18)
Matheus has three 3+ hit games this season. 
LF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-2, RBI, 2 CS (7), BB
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-2, BB, K

RHP Brandon Decker: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
2.25 ERA (28 IP, 24 H, 12 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 27 K). In his four starts: 11 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 7 BB, 7 K. Obviously, they haven’t asked him to stretch out yet. 
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
3.86 ERA (18.2 IP, 16 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 19 K). 
RHP Chris Veach (L, 0-1): 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
A rare misstep for Veach, who hadn’t allowed a run since April 27th. He owns a 1.97 ERA in 20 games (23 IP, 18 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 HR, 13 BB, 35 K)
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
2.64 ERA in 21 games (30.2 IP, 19 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 34 K).
All four pitchers who threw in Game 1 are in their debut campaigns.

Game 2 (Won, 7-6, in a walkoff fashion)

DH Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (10), RBI
We need to see a lot more of this the rest of the season.
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R
Sanchez isn’t known for home run power (5th career HR in 119 games). It’s his ability to compile other types of extra-base hits that allows him to put up solid SLG numbers. This year, he is hitting .291/.364/.450 in 173 PA.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, 2B (8), R, K
SS Juan Matheus: 2-for-3, R, SB (19), 2 CS (7), BB
Matheus puts together a 5-hit day. That’s how you go from .266/.344/.348 to .284/.360/.368. 
RF Tyler Wilson: 3-for-4, RBI, R, SB (16)
Wilson had the walk-off RBI single to increase his hitting streak to nine. Like Matheus, he compiles a 5-hit day. It increased his triple slash from .286/.370/.385 to .303/.385/.399. 
LF Marshall Toole: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
3B Hans Montero: 2-for-2, 2 RBI, R, BB
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, CS (3)
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, 3B (2), RBI, BB

RHP Gage Ziehl: 5 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
4.19 ERA (43 IP, 43 H, 22 R, 20 ER, 3 HR, 7 BB, 35 K). You have to love the control numbers.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 0 K
RHP Cade Austin (W, 3-0): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (15-15) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 5-4. They allowed three runs in the bottom of the 7th (final inning) to lose it)

CF Isael Arias: 1-for-4, RBI, K
SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-2, R, BB, K
Peralta is off to a 6-for-55 (.109) start. His BABIP is .167.
DH Ediel Rivera: 1-for-3, 3B (1), K
.268/.365/.408 in 85 PA. He has five doubles, a triple, and a homer.
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
RF Luis Puello: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 SB (2)
After hitting .361 in the DSL last season, Puello (19) has struggled in the FCL this year (.205/.270/.324).

RHP Edinzo Marquez: 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
3.72 ERA (29 IP, 26 H, 16 R, 12 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 24 K). The mission is always to do enough to get to Low-A. So far, Marquez is accomplishing that.

DSL Yankees (3-5) (Lost to the DSL Mets Blue, 11-3)

CF Isaias Castillo: 1-for-3, RBI, K
His strong start continues (6-for-15; 2 doubles, 1 HR, 3-for-3 SB)
2B Alfred Ciriaco: 1-for-2, R, HBP
3B Richard Matic: 1-for-3, 2B (2), SB (2), K
The 17-year-old compiled eight extra-base hits (all doubles) in 46 games in 2024. This season, he has four (2 doubles, 2 HR) in seven games.
DH Justin Capellan: 1-for-3, RBI, R, 2 SB (4)

LHP Carlos De La Rosa (L, 0-1): 3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
5.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 8 K

DSL Bombers (3-5) (Lost to the Phillies Red, 4-3)

CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-4, R, 2 SB (5), K
The left-handed bat is only 3-for-26, but he has a pair of triples and five stolen bases.
SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-2, SB (5), BB, 2 K
LF David Carrera: 1-for-3, SB (3), BB
2B Juan Torres: 1-for-4, SB (2)
6-for-20 with a pair of doubles and a homer.
3B Adrian Feliz: 1-for-4, R, SB (1), K
Only 16, Feliz is 3-for-14.
RF Eddinson Charles: 1-for-3, R, SB (1), 2 K
C Carlos Rondon: 2-for-2, 2B (1), 2 RBI, BB
1B Edgar Jimenez: 1-for-3, SB (1), K
The 18-year-old is 3-for-8. Jimenez is listed as a catcher, but he has only caught three innings in his short career (last year). He is playing more first base (8 games) and second base (10). 

RHP Cesar Acosta: 4 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
7.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 12 K

Yankees MILB 6/10: Pitching Rules the Night

Notes:

RHP Bryce Cunningham‘s return from the injured list was short-lived, as he is back on the list after only one start.

Cunningham has arguably impressed the most from last year’s pitching class, compiling a 1.93 ERA (3.33 FIP) over 46.2 innings with a 25.7% K, 6% BB, and 45.4% GB.

The Yankees released veteran LHP Brandon Leibrandt. In 41 innings for Scranton, Leibrandt posted a 2.85 ERA (4.70 FIP). He was recently placed on the inactive list before his release.

According to Erik Boland, RHP Jake Cousins has halted his rehab stint due to “feeling something” in his elbow. That’s never good. A pleasant surprise for the 2024 club, Cousins compiled a 2.37 ERA (4.06 FIP) with a 34.2% K and 12.9% BB over 38 innings.

Unless you live under a boulder, you already know about Giancarlo Stanton‘s rehab stint. It will be interesting to see what the Yankees do with their roster when he returns. No doubt that Pablo Reyes is their most dispensable player, but he does nothing more than occupy bench space. The biggest question is what happens with Ben Rice, who figures to lose the most playing time. Rice’s numbers have dipped lately, but a look at his Savant page shows a strong hitter who may be hitting in bad luck (his June BABIP is .176).

Injury Log

Scranton (30-31) (Defeated Syracuse, 5-3)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2 K
Rodriguez has a 6-game hitting streak (9-for-23; .391). 
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, K
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, HR (7), RBI, R, 2 K
His first HR since May 14th (broke a 19-game slump)
DH Brennen Davis: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-3, HR (5), RBI, 2 R
De La Cruz has three homers in seven June games. 
RF Jose Rojas: 2-for-3, 2B (15), HR (9), 3 RBI, R, K
C Alex Jackson: 0-for-3, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3

RHP Anthony DeSclafani: (W, 1-1)  6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
His first win as a member of the Yankees’ organization.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
Even when he has an “encouraging” outing, he allows a homer. One has to hope that something clicks to turn his season around.
RHP Clayton Beeter: (S, 1) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.64 ERA (11 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 17 K). These are the outings that will get him back to MLB. He earns his first professional save in the process. 

Somerset (26-30) (Defeated Portland, 8-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-5, 2 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, K
Since promotion: 9-for-27 (3 doubles, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R, 1-for-1 SB). Riggio has yet to draw a walk, but who in their right mind would complain about this output?  He has shown the ability to take walks in the lower minors. 
DH Giancarlo Stanton: 2-for-3, 3 RBI, BB
If he is healthy, the rehab stint should be a quick one.
  PR-DH Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-0, R
As you should know by now, rehabbing players don’t play full games at first. The fact that Stanton doesn’t need to get any time in the field, however, hastens his stint.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, R, BB
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (6), R, SB (8), K
16 of his 27 hits have gone for extra bases (6 doubles, 10 HR). You can’t look past the strikeout rate as that is the one thing that will keep him from reaching his potential. That said, he is hitting more flyballs and showing off his power.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, R, K
Flores has a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-21). 
RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, SF, 3 RBI
Hopefully, Jones is starting to get more comfortable here.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 3B (3), RBI, K
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, R, SB (11)
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, R, BB, K

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 5-2)  6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Beck needed only 69 pitches in an incredibly efficient appearance. Season: 1.99 ERA (49.2 IP, 34 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 11 BB, 47 K).
RHP Cole Ayers: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (35-22) (Defeated Greenville, 2-1)

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, 3 K
Lewis is 17-for-18 stealing bases in his 67-game career. The strikeout rate (27.4%) is certainly elevated.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, SB (8), BB
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-3, 2B (10), R, BB, K
Harber has a 7-game hitting streak (10-for-26). Since promotion: .326/.396/.488. Overall: .318/.405/.510 in 227 PA (14 doubles, 3 triples, 6 HR, 37 RBI, 31 R, 6-for-8 SB). 
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-3, R, SB (6), BB
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, K
DH Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-3, K

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 1-4)  6.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, HR
3.44 ERA (49.2 IP, 36 H, 21 R, 19 ER, 5 HR, 21 BB, 37 K). Carr has put together back-to-back solid starts after posting a 5.75 ERA in May (2.16 in April).
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Between here and Tampa: 20.1 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 6 BB, 26 K. Silly.
RHP Huey Morrill (S, 3): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (32-25) (Shut down Clearwater, 4-0)

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, 2B (9), R, K
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-5, R, 3 SB (17), 2 K
.287/.364/.434 in 165 PA (13 doubles, 4 triples, 0 HR, 23 RBI, 18 R, 17-for-21 SB). Sanchez is 9-for-28 with a 7-for-8 stolen base rate in June.
DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 BB
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-2, 3 BB
Urena draws three walks for the second time this season. His BB% is 15.1.
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, R, K
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, R
Wilson owns a 7-game hitting streak (12-for-25; 2 doubles, 8 RBI, 9 R, 5-for-6 SB, 7 BB, 2 K)
RF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (17)
Toole owns a 7-game hitting streak (10-for-22; 1 double, 1 triple, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 6 R, 7-for-7 SB, 8 BB, 2 K)
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, SB (9), BB
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-4

RHP Andrew Landry: (W, 3-3)  7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
Landry’s longest career outing. He has a mix of good and not-so-good outings this season. Numbers: 5.09 ERA (46 IP, 55 H, 32 R, 26 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 47 K)
RHP Sean Hermann: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
1.23 ERA (29.1 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 21 BB, 22 K). He allowed a lot of walks early in the season. He hasn’t allowed a run since April 25th (12 straight scoreless outings).

FCL (14-14) (Lost to the Phillies, 1-0)

C Manuel Palencia: 3-for-4
Palencia compiled three of their five hits. He is 11-for-22 in June.
2B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-3, SB (13), K
RF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-4
Lara is 12-for-20 in his last six games.

RHP Jose M. Rodriguez (L, 0-2): 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
That’s a tough luck loss. Rodriguez owns a 1.04 ERA in 17.1 innings (11 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 16 K).
RHP Hansel Rosario: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
14 IP, 9 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 21 K. 

DSL Yankees (2-4) (Defeated the DSL Tigers 2, 9-2)

SS Mani Cedeno: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Cedeno is 4-for-19 to begin his professional journey. These were his first career RBI.
CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-2, 2 BB, K
Vilorio is 3-for-12 with a double and nine walks. That’s how you compile a .571 OBP.
DH Carlos Bello: 1-for-3, RBI, R
3B Richard Matic: 2-for-3, RBI, R, K
His solid start continues (5-for-15, 1 double, 2 HR, 5 RBI)
   PH-3B Emmanuel Orozco: 1-for-1, 2B (1), RBI
The 16-year-old earns his first professional hit.
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
The 18-year-old launches his second career home run.
2B Alfred Ciriaco: 2-for-3, R
RF Alfiery Matos: 1-for-2, R, BB
LF Angel Ventura: 2-for-3, 2 2B (2), RBI, 2 R, SB (1), K
Causing havoc from the bottom of the lineup. The 19-year-old was 18-for-20 stealing bases in 33 games last season.

RHP Enixon Sanchez: 3 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
LHP Luis Rodriguez: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
LHP Marco Manzano (W, 1-0): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

DSL Bombers (2-4) (Lost to the DSL Cardinals, 6-1)

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-3, RBI, K
Marinez is 5-for-18 with four walks and two stolen bases.
DH Queni Pineda: 2-for-3
The 18-year-old is hitting .258/.426/.437 in 197 PA at this level. I can’t guarantee anything, but a trip to the FCL is likely in store for 2026.
RF Eddinson Charles: 1-for-3, 2B (1), K
Charles earns his first professional extra-base hit.
2B Adrian Feliz: 1-for-3, 2B (1), R, K
Feliz earns his first professional extra-base hit.

RHP Alexander Almonte: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
The 18-year-old sets a new personal best for strikeouts in a game. He hasn’t allowed an earned run in seven innings this season.
LHP Ronald Tejada: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Yankees MILB 6/7: Cam Schlittler Hums in His Scranton Debut

Notes:

A few days ago, OF Brando Mayea was pulled from the game due to an apparent injury. Today, he was placed on the FCL’s injured list. Ranked #26 by MLB Pipeline, the 19-year-old is hitting .297/.373/.500 (132 wRC+) with three homers and 19 runs scored. This is his second season in the FCL, but he was making a push to get to Low-A.

LHP Brock Selvidge‘s rehab stint is over. He started this evening for Somerset.

Injury Log

Scranton (28-31) (Lost to St. Paul, 4-1)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, RBI
The slumping Rodriguez is only 7-for-21 (.333) with seven walks in June. I can’t wait to see people taking that sentence seriously. Back to the seven walks: He walked only eight times in May.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, BB
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4
C Alex Jackson: 0-for-4, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-4
2B Jose Rojas: 2-for-3, 2B (13), R, SB (5), BB, K
LF Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, 2B (1), K
Davis is 7-for-15 with a double and a homer at this level and 22-for-60 (.367) with three doubles and six home runs overall. Yes, some of that was a rehab stint in the FCL.
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-2, SB (16), BB, K
Velazquez can’t hit the ball, but he has speed and can field the ball. In other words, better than Pablo Reyes. Why is Reyes rostered again?

RHP Cam Schlittler: (L, 0-1)  5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
Schlittler hit 98.7 MPH and averaged 96.3. StatCast had a correction after the game – at first, it was showing that he featured the fastball over 70% of the time. However, the numbers appear accurate now: 45% sliders, 33% 4-seamers, 13% curveballs, and 9% sweepers. St. Paul swung at his 4-seamer 14 times and missed six times.
RHP Sean Boyle: 3 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
4.63 ERA (58.1 IP, 52 H, 36 R, 30 ER, 8 HR, 20 BB, 59 K). Boyle is a fun guy to root for, given the work he has put in as a 28-year-old. Whether he realizes his MLB dream or not, who knows?

Somerset (25-29) (Lost to Binghamton, 5-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, K
Riggio has homered in back-to-back games. In 26 games (which includes two FCL rehab games), he is hitting .260/.398/.615 (5 doubles, 1 triple, 9 HR, 21 RBI, 24 R)
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B (2), 3 K
The strikeouts have started to pile up a bit (25.6%; but, more importantly, ten in six June games). I don’t care what level you are at, it’s a game of adjustments. If he is good enough, he’ll adjust. As simple as that (and I think he is good enough).
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 3 K
.226/.360/.530 in 139 PA. His strikeout rate is 38.1% (last season, it was 36.8%).
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3
RF Cam Eden: 0-for-3
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, K
3B Max Burt: 1-for-3, R, 2 K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (L, 0-1)  3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
He threw 64 pitches tonight. Results aren’t important…yet.
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (34-21) (Lost to Aberdeen, 3-2, in ten innings)

CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, 2B (1), RBI, R, K
Lewis lives for the extra-base hit (6-for-26 with a double, triple, and home run since his promotion). Overall, 23 of his 50 hits have gone for extra bases and he has reached double digits in doubles (10), homers (10), and stolen bases (13).
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, SB (7), BB
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-5, 2 K
3B Parks Harber: 2-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, 2 K
Harber had no trouble in Low-A (.304/.422/.551) and is having little trouble in High-A (.325/.390/.488). Yeah, I would be considering a promotion to Somerset.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 2 BB
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, SB (1)
DH Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
RF Luis Durango: 1-for-4, R, SB (5)

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz:  7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
2.95 ERA (55 IP, 35 H, 20 R, 18 ER, 0 HR, 23 BB, 66 K). No home runs in 55 innings is an impressive feat and it fits with his career (9 homers in 238.1 innings). His ground ball rates are solid (consistently over 50%). Combine ground balls with strikeouts and you have yourself a fun prospect.
RHP Jake Cousins: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
He is on the road back….
RHP Matt Keating (L, 1-1): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa (31-24) (Knocked out Jupiter, 7-3. They weren’t as efficient tonight on the basepaths (3-for-5 SB), but they compiled ten hits and took advantage of five errors. The other day, I said their hot streak may have started too late to make a run at the first-half title. Now? They are 1-game behind Lakeland)

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, RBI, CS (4), 2 K
RF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, 2B (13), R, SB (14)
Sanchez is on fire. He is on a 6-game hitting streak (9-for-22; 2 doubles, 7 R, 9 BB, 6-for-7 SB). As impressive as that is, if we look at his last 13 games: 21-for-50 (.480; 5 doubles, 2 triples, 15 RBI, 12 R, 12 BB, 9-for-11 SB). He had a .217/.275/.361 triple slash before this stretch. Now, it’s .293/.374/.451.
DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, 2B (13), R, 3 K
1B Tyler Wilson: 4-for-4, 2 R, CS (5)
.281/.365/.378 in 211 PA.  He is 9-for-18 in June as he tries to follow-up his solid May (.275/.320/.451). The 22-year-old was selected in the 8th round in last year’s draft and is auditioning for a trip to Hudson Valley.
LF Austin Green: 0-for-3, R, BB
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, K
Cobb is maintaining the 1.000+ OPS (.363/.411/.600 in 92 PA)
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (16), BB
.319/.431/.522 in 137 PA (7 doubles, 5 triples, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 30 R, 16-for-17 SB, 16.1% BB, 21.2% K). Toole is 7-for-14 with a double, triple, and two home runs in June. He had one career home run in 48 games before June.

LHP Xavier Rivas: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Rivas doesn’t throw hard (though a 91.6 MPH sinker can work), but he confused hitters with his change tonight (six whiffs on eight swings). 
RHP Sean Hermann: (W, 2-1): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
1.32 ERA (27.1 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 21 BB, 22 K)
RHP Cade Austin: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Fristoe hit 97.6 MPH with the 4-seamer.

FCL (13-13) (Outlasted the Tigers, 13-12. All 11 players who played for the Yankees scored at least one run. The teams combined for 25 runs, 29 hits, and eight walks. Additionally, they committed nine errors. What a game.)

CF Duke Ellis: 1-for-2, 2B (1), R, SB (1), BB
   CF Isael Arias: 1-for-3, R, SB (9)
DH Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, R, SB (5), BB
SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-3, R, SB (5), CS (1), 2 BB, K
RF-LF Wilson Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Rodriguez is 12-for-36 (2 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 3 R)
2B Luis Escudero: 0-for-4, RBI, R, CS (2), BB, K
3B Kevin Verde: 2-for-5, 2 2B (4), 3 RBI, 2 R, K
LF Gabriel Lara: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, SB (1), K
I would give Lara more playing time. He is 12-for-31 (.387/.441/.677; 3 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 10 R) and is on a 5-game hitting streak that features four multi-hit games.
   PH-1B John Cristino: 1-for-1, R
1B-RF Johan Contreras: 2-for-5, HR (1), 4 RBI, R, 2 K
Contreras has two 4-RBI games in his career. He is 20 years old and this is his fourth season in rookie ball (his first in the FCL).
C Luis Puello: 1-for-5, R, 2 K

RHP Sunayro Martina: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Martina deserves as much credit as anyone for this win.
RHP Chance Nolan (W, 1-0): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Nolan earns his first professional win.
RHP Alexis Paulino (S, 2): 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
Paulino has a 19/4 K/BB ratio in 12 innings. Coming into this season, he owned a 107/81 K/BB over 82.1 innings. 

DSL Yankees (0-4) (Lost to the DSL Twins, 9-4. The object of baseball is to score more runs than the other team. Just in case someone needs to remind them of that)

DH Mani Cedeno: 0-for-4, 3 K
Good or bad, I am going to report on Cedeno every day as he is the big bonus baby. The 16-year-old is 2-for-13 to begin his professional career.
CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
Vilorio is 1-for-8 with five walks.
SS Alfred Ciriaco: 2-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, R, SB (1)
The 18-year-old left-handed bat earns his first two professional hits. Whenever I see a teenager who actually plays shortstop (and isn’t just listed as one), I become interested. That said, Ciriaco was not a high profile signing.
3B Emmanuel Orozco: 0-for-2, R, SB (1), BB, K

LHP Fredy Penuelas: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (2-2) (Defeated the DSL Nationals, 6-3)

C Queni Pineda: 1-for-3, R
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-2, 2 R, BB, K
CF Browm Martinez: 1-for-1, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (4), BB
Martinez is off to a nice start (3-for-8, HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 4-for-4 SB)
3B Leni Done: 3-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, SB (1)

RHP Carlos Hampshire: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
The 20-year-old posted a 7.91 ERA in 19.1 innings in his 2024 debut campaign.
RHP Diego Carrillo (W, 1-0): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
LHP Kevin Centeno (S, 1): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Yankees MILB 6/6: Carlos Lagrange’s Double-A Debut

Notes:

I have nothing to report.

Injury Log

Scranton (28-30) (Defeated St. Paul, 5-1)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, BB, K
Reaching base twice in five plate appearances feels like a “meh” night for Rodriguez. He is 8-for-21 (.381) with four doubles in his last six games.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, BB
LF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, K
DH Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, 2B (4), R, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, HR (4), RBI, R, BB
De La Cruz is 9-for-23 with a double and two homers in his last six games.
SS Braden Shewmake: 2-for-4, RBI, R
Shewmake may beg to stay here (series: 7-for-16; 2 doubles, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R). He had a .596 OPS entering this series. It is now .700.
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, R, SB (14)
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 5-0)  5.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
0.23 ERA (39 IP, 28 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 45 K). This is insanity. He has been so good that 5.2 scoreless innings dropped his ERA only 0.04 points.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Beeter reached 98.6 MPH with his fastball. 
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR
Before 2025 started, I would have told you that Reyzelman was on the verge of breaking into MLB. I don’t know what is wrong, but there is no denying that he has fallen off (25 walks in 23 innings).
RHP Colten Brewer (S, 4): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (25-29) (Defeated Binghamton, 10-4)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-5, 2B (1), HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Riggio launches his first Double-A home run. He has eight homers in 25 games this season.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, R, BB, 3 K
C Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, 3 R, K
Flores has seven 3-hit games this season. He is hitting .284/.345/.507 in 232 PA. He is a hitter. That’s the best way to describe him.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, 2B (9), 3 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
.274/.337/.484 in 208 PA. The undrafted free agent has been solid since Day 1 this year. I have no idea if he can do it, but I wonder if they would see if he can play LF in addition to 1B/2B/3B. 
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, R, 2 BB, 2 K
Jones is 1-for-13 since his promotion. Growing pains.
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RBI, R, SB (10), 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
DH Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB, 3 K
LF Cam Eden: 2-for-5, 2 2B (2), R, 3 K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (W, 1-0)  6 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
Lagrange impresses in his Double-A debut (allowed a 2-run home run in the first before settling in). Including his time with Hudson Valley, he owns a 70/13 K/BB over 47.2 innings. Entering this season, he had a 133/63 K/BB over 95.2 innings. The improvement in his walk rate is remarkable. His 70 strikeouts place him in the top ten in all of minor league baseball, but that could have changed based on other outings tonight.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.55 ERA (17.2 IP, 15 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 7 BB, 22 K)

Hudson Valley (34-20) (Shut down Aberdeen, 6-0)

CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, RBI
Lewis is 5-for-21 (.238) with a triple and a homer since his promotion.
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (6), HBP, BB, K
Castillo is 8-for-29 (.276) in his seven games. Hopefully, he is coming out of his slump.
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
Morales has a 5-game hitting streak.
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-4, RBI, R, BB
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-5, 2B (6), HR (7), 2 RBI, R, K
Martinez has 21 doubles and 20 homers in 150 High-A games. He is on a 5-game hitting streak.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, R, K
2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-3, R, K
  2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-1, K

RHP Bailey Dees: (W, 1-0) 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K
Dees spent all of 2024 and the first two months of 2025 in Somerset. It’s not fun getting demoted, but he handled it well tonight. Hard to know if this is a permanent assignment or if they needed an arm for tonight’s start.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.96 ERA (18.1 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 24 K). He is handling the bullpen just fine, though he will eventually be asked to pitch on shorter rest.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
0.46 ERA (19.2 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 15 K)

Tampa (30-24) (Knocked out Jupiter, 11-4. 11 runs, 7 hits, 15 walks. They are scorching hot. After going 9-for-9 stealing bases last night, they went 7-for-7 tonight. Think they have a scouting report?)

DH Roderick Arias: 0-for-2, 3 R, 3 SB (16), 4 BB, 2 K
His .160 batting average comes with a .327 OBP, so there’s that. He once had a 5-walk game (2022), and this is his second 3-SB effort.
RF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, 2B (12), RBI, 4 R, SB (13), 3 BB
Nowhere in my Pitching for Dummies manual does it refer to walking the first two batters seven times as an effective strategy. Sanchez is hitting .287/.367/.442 in 150 PA (12 doubles, 4 triples, 23 RBI, 16 R, 13-for-17 SB, 11.3% BB, 25.3% K). He is on a 5-game hitting streak (has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games).
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, RBI, HBP, BB, K
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, RBI, 3 BB
1B Tyler Wilson: 1-for-5, SF, 3 RBI, K
.265/.353/.365 in 207 PA (6 doubles, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 26 R, 14-for-18 SB, 12.1% BB, 25.6% K). Wilson was hitting .219/.315/.228 after games of May 11th.
LF Austin Green: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-5, HR (4), RBI, R, 2 K
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, R, SB (11), BB, 2 K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (14), 2 BB
June: 6-for-11 (1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 4 R, 4-for-4 SB, 7 BB, 1 K). That works.

RHP J.T. Etheridge: (W, 2-0)  5 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 2 HR
Etheridge hit 94.1 MPH with his fastball and heavily featured his slider (56% of his pitches). This was his first Low-A start, though his first two appearances were extended relief outings. Between Tampa and the FCL, he has 40 strikeouts in 25.2 innings.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.71 ERA (17 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 17 K)

FCL (12-13) (Lost to the Tigers, 6-3)

DH Duke Ellis: 0-for-4, 2 K
Ellis begins his rehab stint. Along with Cam Eden, they fulfill the “speedy outfielder depth” quota.
SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-4, R, K
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
2B Luis Escudero: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
3B Kevin Verde: 2-for-2, 2B (2), RBI, SB (5), BB
1B John Cristino: 1-for-3, SB (2), K

RHP Edinzo Marquez (L, 0-2): 5.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Jose Martinez: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
5.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 10 K
LHP Jose Ledesma: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL Yankees (0-3) (Lost to the DSL Marlins, 4-3)

CF Isaias Castillo: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, K
Castillo (16) is officially 4-for-8 with a double and a homer to begin his career. I say “officially” because he was 1-for-2 with three stolen bases in a suspended game yesterday. Those stats will eventually count.
3B Richard Matic: 2-for-2, 2B (1), HR (2), RBI, R, SB (1), BB
Matic hit zero home runs in 46 games last season. He has two in three games this year.

LHP Carlos De La Rosa: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, HR
A solid professional debut for the 17-year-old.
RHP Jose Vargas: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Vargas (17) makes his professional debut.

DSL Bombers (1-1) (Lost to the DSL Phillies Red, 4-1)

2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-3, SB (2), K
RF Richard Meran: 1-for-2, HR (1), RBI, R, K
Meran’s first home run since 2023.

RHP Cesar Acosta: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Acosta (18) makes his professional debut.
LHP Andre Avila: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Avila’s first professional appearance.