Tag: Cam Schlittler

Yankees MILB 7/27: Josh Grosz Dominates

News:

Nothing to report.

Just kidding.

The Yankees acquired IF/OF Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Marlins today for three prospects – C/1B Agustin Ramirez, 2B/SS Jared Serna, and IF Abrahan Ramirez.

The most significant prospect is Agustin Ramirez, who blossomed into arguably the best Yankees minor league bat over the past two seasons. Between Somerset and Scranton this season, he hit .269/.358/.504 (136 wRC+) with 17 doubles, 20 home runs, and 69 RBI over 386 plate appearances. His numbers were suppressed by a tough start after his promotion, but he is on an 8-game hitting streak that improved his Triple-A triple slash to .224/.328/.364. His profile points to a player who could be an above-average MLB bat. His future position (Catcher? First base? DH?) remains a question. If you are a 1B/DH long-term, the offensive bar increases accordingly.

The Yankees like to target smallish infielders who require smallish bonuses on the international market. That description fits Serna, who stands only 5’7″. He packs a punch in his frame, given his .253/.341/.444 (120 wRC+) line in 393 plate appearances for High-A Hudson Valley this season. Like Ramirez, he doesn’t strike out much (15.3%). Serna’s future position is clearly defined. While he has played a lot of shortstop with the Yankees, most experts point to him as a second baseman long-term.

Most of these trades usually include a lottery ticket. That is where Abrahan Ramirez comes in. Only 19 years old, the infielder hit .348/.447/.513 (161 wRC+) in 189 plate appearances for the FCL squad this season. It was his first taste of the level after spending 60 games in the DSL between 2022 and 2023. While his stats are impressive, there is a long way to go before he is a viable prospect, never mind a viable MLB player.

By the way, Agustin Ramirez was on the 40-man roster while Serna is Rule 5 eligible for the second straight winter.

As for Chisholm, he isn’t a “perfect” player. However, any notion that he doesn’t improve a team is wrong. For Miami, he hit .249/.323/.407 (104 wRC+) with 13 home runs and 22 stolen bases. His 24.9% K rate is above the MLB average but shows improvement over previous seasons. While the Marlins have forced him into CF duty the past two seasons, his versatility should be useful. If he can handle CF, he should be able to handle the corners along with his experience at 2B. I wouldn’t be shocked if he is playable at SS and 3B. The Yankees must be creative in their usage if no other moves are made.

I don’t know how many times Yankees fans have complained about the Yankees needing versatility, athleticism, and speed. Chisholm provides that. Again, he’s not a perfect player. Not many are. Does he fit with the Yankees? I think so.

Bottom Line:

I am not giving this trade five stars out of five. It’s not an obvious, no-brainer. Not many trades are.

However, the Yankees acquired a good player with breakout potential and 2.5 years of control to reach that potential. I don’t think you can say “No” to that. Will it work? Time will tell.

As for the Marlins, I like their return. They received three legitimate prospects, one of whom has a Top 100 level bat. That’s the cost of doing business.

If I was the Yankees’ GM and this deal was offered to me, I would say “Yes.” That is how I have to judge it.

Scranton (56-44) (Defeated Worcester, 9-7, in 11 innings)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 4-for-6, RBI, 3 RS, SB (31), K
.298/.401/.386 in 254 PA (15 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 32 RBI, 37 R, 31-for-35 SB). He is 11-for-22 during his 5-game hitting streak.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-6, 2B (7), RBI, 3 RS, SB (12), K
Vivas is 5-for-14 with a double, 4 RBI, 5 runs, and 3 stolen bases in his last three games. He was slumping for a while but is back on track.
3B Oswald Peraza: 3-for-5, HR (3), 3 RBI, RS, SB (14), HBP
Peraza walked it off with a 2-run homer. He is hitting .239/.345/.318 in 236 PA. He is 21-for-76 (.276) in July with two home runs. He has three 3-hit games this month.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, 2B (17), 2 RBI
Rumfield is 16-for-61 (.262) in July with 3 doubles, 3 HR, and 10 RBI this month.
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
SS Kevin Smith: 1-for-5, RS, 2 K
RF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4, 2B (14), BB
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-4, SAC, 3 K
Palensky’s first Triple-A game this season (played 9 games here in 2023)
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3, RS, SB (3), 2 BB, K

RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Scranton went with a bullpen game tonight. That is an understatement.
RHP Art Warren: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
3.81 ERA (49.2 IP, 32 H, 25 R, 21 ER, 5 HR, 27 BB, 62 K). This ends his 10-game scoreless streak.
RHP Phil Bickford: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
For Scranton: 11.1 IP, 13 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 10 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Victor Gonzalez (W, 3-0): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (48-47) (Lost to Portland, 3-0)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, CS (5), BB, K
.234/.317/.400 in 369 PA. He is 11-for-67 (.164) in July with 8 walks and 34 strikeouts. He has at least one strikeout in ten straight games.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-2, 2 BB
Taking walks is a part of Flores’ game (12 in 109 PA since his promotion (11%) and 14.6% overall)
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3, BB, K
LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, CS (5), HBP, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, K

RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 2-8) 6 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
3.76 ERA (107.2 IP, 88 H, 62 R, 45 ER, 7 HR, 36 BB, 106 K). Messinger might be the most snakebit pitcher in professional baseball history. He carries a decent 4.12 minor league ERA over 73 games (55 starts). His record? 4-26.
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Last 7 appearances: 6.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
RHP Joey Gerber: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Colby White: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
White can strike hitters out (190 in 129.2 career IP). Walks have been an issue, including 27 in 26 IP this season.

Hudson Valley (45-48) (Lost to Wilmington, 2-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2B (17)
.226/.356/.394 in 332 PA (17 doubles, 4 triples, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 52 R, 17-for-22 SB). 
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, BB, K
.235/.370/.408 in 319 PA (17.2% BB, 22.9% K)
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RS, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, K
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-2, SF, RBI
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, K
3B Beau Brewer: 0-for-3, K

RHP Cam Schlittler (L, 5-4): 7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, HR
2.64 ERA (81.2 IP, 54 H, 33 R, 24 ER, 7 HR, 37 BB, 99 K). This is the longest outing in his brief professional career.
RHP Luis Arejula: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.97 ERA (39.1 IP, 33 H, 18 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 37 K)

Tampa (39-54) (Swept a doubleheader against Clearwater. They are playing better in the second half, as they are 15-12 and in the playoff race)

Game 1 (Won, 4-3, in 9 innings. They walked it off on a combination of events, none of which were pretty)

DH George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RS
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 K
It is a big 2-run single for Castillo, who continues his impressive campaign.
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, RS, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-3, 2B (11)
   PH Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-0, BB
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-4, RS, K

RHP Josh Grosz: 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
4.19 ERA (73 IP, 69 H, 47 R, 34 ER, 9 HR, 27 BB, 93 K). He had a tough time in an emergency start for Somerset on 6/23. Since coming back: 0.397 ERA (22.2 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 25 K). That is dominance. Grosz throws primarily 4-seamers and sliders while mixing in a change.
RHP Matt Givin: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Givin (25) has missed most of the season due to injury. He is not technically here on a rehab stint, but that is what it is.
RHP Ocean Gabonia (W, 3-2): 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
3.88 ERA (48.2 IP, 46 H, 25 R, 21 ER, 4 HR, 12 BB, 55 K)

Game 2 (Won, 2-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-2, 2B (17), RS, HBP
Lombard Jr. has a .237/.708 OPS line. He owns a pair of 2-hit efforts in his last three games (five in his last ten games).
DH Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 K
Arias is at .223 with a .687 OPS.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, BB
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, 3B (2), RS, K
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-2, RBI, BB, K
Montero brings in Montero for the winning run in the bottom of the 6th.
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-1, CS (3), 2 BB
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-3, K

RHP Cade Smith: 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
3.48 ERA (82.2 IP, 56 H, 38 R, 32 ER, 38 BB, 109 K). Smith, their 2023 6th-round pick out of Mississippi State, is one of their most consistent 2024 performers. He is more of a mix guy than an overpowering type, but that is fine. We’ll see how it translates as he moves up.
RHP Aaron Nixon: (W, 3-2)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (35-22) (Lost Game 1 to the Pirates, 4-3. The semi-finals are best-of-3)

CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
Mayea took his share of walks and hit .281 in 35 games. He didn’t homer but don’t read into that. The power can come later. For example, Oswald Peraza hit one home run in 94 rookie league games. Three years later, he hit 18 as a 21-year-old in full-season leagues.
1B Engelth Urena: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, BB
It wouldn’t surprise me if the Marlins asked about Urena as the “lottery ticket”. Urena is impressive – he might be the next Agustin Ramirez-like riser. 
RF Joel Mendez: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RS, BB
3B-SS Santiago Gomez: 2-for-3, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Making the playoffs allowed Lagrange to add to his innings total. He needs more, given the late start to his campaign.
RHP Chris Kean: 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
I expect Kean to go to Tampa once the FCL squad is done. He’s 22 years old and dominated during the regular season (1.31 ERA in 20.2 IP with a 27/3 K/BB).

DSL Yankees (13-25) (Defeated the DSL Bombers, 6-3. They are playing playoff spoiler against their own organization mates!)

SS Dexters Peralta: 2-for-3, 3B (1), RS, 2 SB (18), CS (3), K
.226/.299/.304 with 18 stolen bases in 21 attempts. The triple slash may not jump out at you, but he just turned 17 years old.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-0, 2 RS, SB (3), 2 BB
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-3, 2B (4), 4 RBI
Capellan’s first career multi-RBI game.
RF Louis Pierre: 0-for-1, RS, 2 SB (10), CS (2), 2 BB, K

RHP Jorge Luna: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
1.65 ERA (32.2 IP, 21 H, 11 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 37 K)
LHP Ronald Tejada (W, 3-0): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.42 ERA (19 IP, 12 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 16 K). It is the 17-year-old’s debut season.

DSL Bombers (22-17) (Lost to the DSL Yankees, 6-3)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Kevin Verde: 1-for-2, 2B (7), 2 RS, SB (9), BB
The 18-year-old has 16 doubles and 17 stolen bases in 55 DSL games.

LHP Jose Ledesma: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Yankees MILB 7/21: Cade Smith Ks 8 in 5 Innings

News:

We are closing in on the trade deadline. I will watch closely to see if any prospect gets pulled out of a game over the next week. Today, I noted on Twitter that George Lombard Jr. has played third base and Roderick Arias has played shortstop in all three games since the All-Star Break. Is this a “weekend showcase” for scouts, or a coincidence?

Scranton (51-42) (Defeated Buffalo, 4-0)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RBI
For Scranton: .255/.394/.414 in 183 PA (15.8% BB, 21.9% K, 9-for-13 SB). 
1B Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RS, SB (5)
Since promotion: .186/.304/.349 in 102 PA with a 12.7% BB and 17.6% K. Earlier this season, his BABIP was lagging – eventually, he ended up with a normal .292 mark for Somerset. For Scranton, it is .185. There is likely another correction coming.
2B Oswald Peraza: 3-for-4, RBI, RS, 3 SB (12)
Peraza has reached base 8 times in the last two games, increasing his triple slash from .210/.325/.251 to .234/.348/.286.
DH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-3, RS, BB
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, K
Escarra is 6-for-9 in two games since his promotion. That pace should be easily maintained.
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-3, RBI
LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-3

LHP Tanner Tully: 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Effross’ 4th straight scoreless appearance (4 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 3 K). He relies on command to generate outs, so the Yankees will wait until they are satisfied that his command is back. It looks like it is heading in that direction.
LHP Chasen Shreve: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.86 ERA (46.2 IP, 31 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 4 HR, 27 BB, 60 K). He has a 9-game scoreless streak (11.1 IP).
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.57 ERA (35 IP, 25 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 5 HR, 21 BB, 35 K)

Somerset (46-44) (Squeaked past Altoona, 3-2)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
Jones is hitting .238 with a .716 OPS
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, HR (9), RBI, RS, K
Cowles, who has already set a personal best in doubles, is one away from his best in home runs (10, set last year).
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-2, RS, BB, K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3
Dunham has hit safely in 22 of his last 23 games
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-2, SAC
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-2, CS (2), BB
DH Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, SF, RBI
3B Max Burt: 1-for-3, 2B (5), RS, K

RHP Zach Messinger: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
3.90 ERA (101.2 IP, 85 H, 59 R, 44 ER, 7 HR, 34 BB, 103 K).
RHP Joey Gerber: (W, 1-0)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Sauer: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Kevin Stevens (S, 6): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.76 ERA (32.2 IP, 27 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 46 K)

Hudson Valley (44-44) (Defeated Rome, 3-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, BB
.227/.359/.400 in 316 PA. Last 4 games: 6-for-16 (1 triple, 2 HR). 
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-4, K
.248/.339/.429 in 378 PA. He is 10-for-50 (.200) in July with only three extra-base hits (all doubles). That said, he has struck out only four times. Following him over the last few years, I have noticed a streaky trait in his profile.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, HR (10), RBI, RS, 2 K
In his last two seasons, Martinez has 28 HR, 103 RBI, and 119 walks in 744 PA (15.99%).
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, K
DH Christopher Familia: 2-for-3
Familia is 13-for-77 (.169/.256/.286) at this level with a pair of home runs.
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, RS
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, SB (9)
3B Beau Brewer: 1-for-3, RBI
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 5-3)  5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
For Hudson Valley: 2.77 ERA (74.2 IP, 48 H, 31 R, 23 ER, 6 HR, 37 BB, 94 K). He had a tough emergency start for Scranton earlier this year, but I am not concerned about that.
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Cohen’s rehab stint is over and he was assigned here. I thought they might place him in Somerset (where he finished in 2023).
LHP Joel Valdez (S, 3): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.16 ERA (42.2 IP, 29 H, 19 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 50 K). In 2023, he allowed 10 HR in 78.2 IP. In his 172 other career innings, he has allowed 4 HR.

Tampa (35-53) (Defeated Bradenton, 9-6)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 HBP, K
July: 16-for-60 (.267/.343/.483; 4 doubles, 3 HR, 5 BB, 18 K, 4-for-5 SB).  Season: .237/.358/.356 in 324 PA. 
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, RBI, 3 RS, SB (26), BB
July: 16-for-52 (.308/.431/.365; 12 BB, 12 K, 12 R, 7-for-9 SB). I won’t ignore the warts but I will point out that July has been a good month for him.
1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, 2B (22), 2 RBI, K
Jasso leads the FSL in doubles (22) and is second in RBI (52).
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-4, SF, 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
July: 15-for-51 (.294/.403/.431; 4 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 9 BB, 9 K, 3-for-3 SB). The 21-year-old was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Nevada in 2023 and is overachieving. He owns a 16.8% BB and 19.2% K.
LF Willy Montero: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, SB (9), 2 BB
.245/.298/.361 in 329 PA (15 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 40 R, 9-for-10 SB, 6.7% BB, 22.5% K). Montero is a free-swinging type.
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, RS, SB (10), BB
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2 RS, BB
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, SF, RBI, HBP
Gonzalez is 9-for-34 (.265) since his promotion. He has three doubles and six RBI.
DH Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, RS
Frick’s first game since July 4th. He was never placed on the injured list.

RHP Cade Smith: (W, 6-6) 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
3.61 ERA (77.1 IP, 53 H, 37 R, 31 ER, 5 HR, 36 BB, 103 K). July: 14.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 22 K. Last year’s 6th-round pick out of Mississippi State (the Yankees love SEC pitchers nowadays!) doesn’t throw exceptionally hard (averaged 91.4 with the 4-seamer) but generates whiffs with his slider. He also mixes in a curveball.
RHP Gabriel Barbosa (S, 1): 4 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
It looks like they went the “tandem start” route today. In other words, I wouldn’t be concerned about Smith being pulled after five innings with a low pitch count. Barbosa has a 4.95 ERA (87.1 IP, 86 H, 52 R, 48 ER, 8 HR, 28 BB, 89 K)

FCL (34-21)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Yankees (11-22)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (20-14)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 7/12: Cam Schlittler Dazzles

News:

2B/3B Jorbit Vivas was promoted to the Yankees today as 1B/3B J.D. Davis went on the injured list.

How much will Vivas be used? Who knows? Because Davis’ IL stint is retroactive, he will be eligible to return right after the All-Star Break. Vivas may only be here for three games.

However, if he isn’t going to be used, they could have brought up Oswald Peraza to sit on the bench and pinch-run. This leads me to believe that Vivas will play.

See what is going on? The Yankees are leading me to a state of confusion. The good news? They face RHP Grayson Rodriguez tomorrow, so we’ll determine how committed they are to using him.

Scranton (48-41) (Lost to Syracuse, 4-3)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-4, 2 SB (30), BB, 2 K
Lockridge reaches 30+ stolen bases for the second straight season. Last year, he stole 40 bases and is well on his way to doing that again. I have used the name Tim Locastro many times and still think he can become that type of MLB player. The opportunity must come, however.
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-4, BB
Ramirez is in a little 1-for-13 slump after his extended hot streak. Baseball is a game of adjusting, re-adjusting, re-re-adjusting, etc.
2B Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4
DH Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-4
Narvaez has a 7-game hitting streak. He has one hit in all seven games and only one of them for extra-bases (double). 
1B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, HR (17), RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-4
SS Jeter Downs: 1-for-4, SB (15), K
I can guarantee you that Downs will get another MLB opportunity. That tends to happen with players who have “prospect pedigree”. He is still only 25 years old.
3B Kevin Smith: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (10), CS (1)

LHP Edgar Barclay: (L, 3-8) 4.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
Barclay has run into a wall in Triple-A. Between last year and this year, he owns a 7.09 ERA in 119.1 IP with a 117/73 K/BB and 31 HR allowed.
RHP Alex Mauricio: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.00 ERA (27 IP, 19 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 32 K). I will forever root for prospects like Mauricio to get to MLB. He is 27 years old and has consistently pitched well since entering the organization in 2017. Like every minor leaguer, he missed the 2020 season. On top of that, he missed the entire 2021 season, which put him behind the curve. 
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (42-43) (Lost to Erie, 7-1. A hitting clinic, this was not)

SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, RBI
.296/.375/.475 in 344 PA. His 23 doubles and 47 RBI are personal bests.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2 K
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, K
Dunham’s 17-game hitting streak is snapped.
DH J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, K
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, K
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, RS, BB
3B Max Burt: 1-for-3, 2B (4), K

RHP Bailey Dees: (L, 4-5) 4.1 IP, 4 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 6 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
Dees allowed a grand slam in the first inning and couldn’t get on track. This bumps his ERA to 4.45 in 89 IP (77 H, 49 R, 44 ER, 13 HR, 34 BB, 94 K). One thing you worry about is Dees hitting a wall. This is his first season starting, even though he was often asked to go multiple innings as a reliever.
RHP Colby White: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Watson has allowed zero runs in four of his last five outings as he continues his recovery from injury.
RHP Matt Sauer: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (42-41) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 6-1. They scored 5 in the first and never looked back)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, RS, 2 K
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-5
Serna is 8-for-41 (.195) with three doubles in July. That said, he has struck out only four times. 
DH Jace Avina: 1-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, RS, BB, K
It is hard to give up on someone who had/has the potential of Gomez. It would be nice to see some signs of prospect life the rest of the season.
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-5, RBI, RS, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RBI, RS, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
Gabrielson has a 5-game hitting streak.
3B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 4-3)  6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
2.84 ERA (69.2 IP, 45 H, 30 R, 22 ER, 6 HR, 33 BB, 89 K). He fell one strikeout short of tying his best.
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
3.64 ERA (29.2 IP, 28 H, 17 R, 12 ER, 6 HR, 8 BB, 32 K)
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Minor league baseball can be a numbers game, but I would not have demoted Calderon.

Tampa (30-53) (Lost to Dunedin, 3-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-2, CS (11), 2 BB
Arias has at least one walk in four straight games. In July, he is hitting .265/.390/.353 (9-for-34; 3 doubles, 7 BB, 8 K, 4-for-6 SB).
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 2 K
Jasso’s single broke up a no-hitter in the 7th.
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3
Castillo, who bats left-handed, has struggled against LHP (9-for-43) but is hitting .267/.405/.439 against RHP with all six home runs. He is 21, so there is time to figure it all out.
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-2, BB
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3
DH Anthony Hall: 0-for-3
Hall’s rehab was moved here from the FCL.
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, K

RHP Chase Hampton: (L, 0-1)  2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
Hampton reached 91.7 MPH with his 4-seamer but averaged 90.1. Don’t be concerned about velocity yet. He has compiled only 5.2 innings during his rehab.
RHP Gabriel Barbosa: 5.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
He stranded a runner for Hampton and dominated from there. He owns a 4.86 ERA in 83.1 IP (82 H, 47 R, 45 ER, 7 HR, 25 BB, 87 K). Drafted in the minor league phase of the Rule 5, Barbosa uses a wide arsenal that includes a slider, cutter, curve, 4-seam fastball, and changeup. According to Savant, he threw two sinkers as well. He is intriguing because organizations don’t target players in the Rule 5 draft for fun. While these players typically do not become MLB players, they can be useful. In 2017 for example, the Yankees traded Yefry Ramirez to the Orioles for international bonus pool money. Ramirez subsequently pitched in 31 MLB games.

FCL (30-17) (Defeated the FCL Tigers, 7-1. This increases their lead to 2 over the Tigers (3 in the loss column). They play the Phillies tomorrow. The Phillies are 3.5 back (4 in the loss column))

CF Brando Mayea: 2-for-3, RS
Mayea’s first game since June 24th. He was never placed on the Injured List. I wouldn’t worry that he was pulled – that is standard procedure for a returning player. The bonus baby is hitting .272/.370/.301 in 119 PA with a 10.9% BB and 26.9% K. Hopefully, the injuries are over with (he missed time at the beginning of the season as well) and he can play consistently over the final few weeks of the season.
  PH-RF Ramiro Altagracia: 1-for-2, 2B (1), RBI, RS
C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 BB
.301/.466/.414 in 176 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 29 R, 21.6% BB, 16.5% K). An impressive season for Perez, who doesn’t turn 19 until May 2025.
1B Engelth Urena: 2-for-5, 2B (9), 2 RS, K
.294/.407/.559 in 123 PA (9 doubles, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 24 R, 13.8% BB, 13.8% K, 4-for-5 SB. Urena turns 20 on August 17th. He likely would be in Low-A now if he didn’t miss the entire 2023 season). He has a 7-game hitting streak and is hitting a ridiculous .516/.634/1.129 in July (16-for-31, 7 doubles, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 12 R, 9 BB, 4 K, 4-for-5 SB). He has passed the early test. Next up is a full-season league.
2B Abrahan Ramirez: 1-for-3, 3B (3), RBI, K
Unlike with Mayea, it is a little concerning that Ramirez was pulled. He is hitting .370/.470/.551 in 165 PA.
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
LF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, BB
.306/.398/.526 in 166 PA
DH Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-4, RS, SB (13)
Terrero is a perfect 13-for-13 stealing bases (14-for-20 in 2023).
RF-LF Joel Mendez: 1-for-2, RS, SB (2), 2 BB
3B-2B Santiago Gomez: 2-for-3, CS (5), BB

RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
“Who did the Yankees acquire for Lucas Luetge?” Your first answer (Caleb Durbin) is obvious. The second answer is Diaz, a 25-year-old RHP who pitched to a 4.26 ERA in 31.2 IP between Hudson Valley/Somerset in 2023 (43/21 K/BB).
LHP Henry Lalane (W, 1-1): 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
“Will Lalane get to Tampa once the FCL season ends?” He needs innings so I assume he will make his way there.
RHP Andrew Landry: 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
Being a 22-year-old draftee from last year, Landry should pitch well at this level. He didn’t start his season until June 22nd, which is why he is still here to begin with.
RHP Omar Gonzalez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL Yankees (10-17) (Defeated the DSL Arizona Black, 11-4. They earned 7 hits while walking 6 times and being hit by 6 pitches. Arizona also had four errors. DSL baseball!)

DH Justin Capellan: 1-for-2, 2B (6), RBI, RS, SB (5), BB, 2 HBP, K
That is what you call an eventful day.
RF Estivenzon Montero: 3-for-4, 3B (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS
The 17-year-old is 8-for-36 with two doubles and a triple in his debut campaign.
LF Dilan Medina: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, HBP
There’s only so much playing time to distribute, even with two DSL teams. Medina is 7-for-23 with a double and 3 RBI. He is an 18-year-old right-handed bat.

RHP Emanuel Vargas: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Michell Chirinos: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
The 20-year-old owns a 28/13 K/BB over 18.2 IP.
RHP Jesus Mejia (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Mejia earns his first professional win. He hasn’t allowed a run in 8.2 innings.

DSL Bombers (17-11) (Shut down the DSL Giants Orange, 1-0, in a 7-inning game)

DH Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, K
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-3, 2B (3)
The 16-year-old is hitting .216/.326/.257 with three doubles and 8 RBI.
C Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-3, RS, SB (1)
The 17-year-old picked a good time for his first career stolen base (bottom of the 7th)
LF Browm Martinez: 1-for-3, RBI
Walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 7th.

RHP Mariano Salomon: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
0.98 ERA (27.1 IP, 15 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 32 K). He is 20 years old and this is his second season here, so take that into consideration. However, the only way to get off the island is by playing/pitching well.
RHP Enixon Sanchez (W, 2-0): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Sanchez turned 17 on July 7th. He owns a 2.57 ERA in 14 IP with a 12/11 K/BB.

Yankees MILB 6/29: Cam Schlittler Ks 7

News:

C/1B Josh Breaux was released. The 2nd round pick in the 2018 draft showed off his trademark power at times (69 HR, .457 SLG in 326 games) but the rest of his game didn’t develop. Injuries didn’t help in his progression.

C/1B Josue Gonzalez was moved from the FCL to Tampa. After a spectacular 2023 in the DSL, Gonzalez wasn’t hitting as much in the FCL (.233/.395/.433), though he did launch 6 homers and drive in 21 runs in 35 games. Gonzalez did nothing but catch in the DSL, but has played more first base in the FCL (21 starts at first base, 13 games at catcher).

Scranton (45-33)

Their game against Worcester was postponed due to rain. They will attempt to make this up on July 24th. Tomorrow’s weather is iffy in Scranton, which is likely why they didn’t schedule two games.

Somerset (36-38) (Lost to Richmond, 11-3)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (11), RS, 2 K
Jones has doubled in three straight games.
SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-4, K
Cowles’ 9-game hitting streak is snapped.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RBI, K
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 3B (3)
DH Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
He launched 18 HR in 92 games (including 5 in 15 games here) last season.
2B Anthony Seigler: 2-for-4, 2 2B (12), RBI
.205/.303/.384. He has 19 extra-base hits in 59 games (10 in 67 games in 2023).
RF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-3, 2B (5)

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (L, 7-6) 3 IP, 10 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
5.88 ERA (82.2 IP, 92 H, 57 R, 54 ER, 9 HR, 26 BB, 81 K). I am not saying the Yankees made a mistake. I am saying that you are seeing why the vast majority of prospects don’t start their careers in Double-A. He’s had good moments (including a 7 IP, 1 R effort two starts ago) but this is not easy. 
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
For Somerset: 2.10 ERA (25.2 IP, 19 H, 11 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 21 K)
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Back-to-back scoreless efforts for Watson, who hopefully is finding his groove.
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
This is the first time he has allowed multiple runs since April 23rd (17 straight appearances)
RHP McKinley Moore:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (38-35) (Defeated Wilmington, 4-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2B (14), K
Riggio has doubled in five straight contests (six straight with at least one extra-base hit – he homered in the other game). Additionally, he has an 18-game on-base streak and has reached base safely in 38 of his last 39 games. Impressive.
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-4
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-3, 2B (21), HR (8), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Avina has an 8-game hitting streak (13-for-29 (.448), 4 doubles, 2 HR, 4 BB). Overall, he is hitting .289/.369/.481 in 271 PA.
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
Martinez has 44 walks in 248 PA (17.7%). 
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
Gomez’s first home run since June 22, 2023.
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, CS (2), K
Moylan with a walk-off RBI single in the 9th. He has an 8-game hitting streak (13-for-30 (.433), 3 doubles, 2 HR). His average is up to .254 (it hasn’t been this high since he was hitting  .261 on April 17th)
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3

RHP Cam Schlittler: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, HR
For Hudson Valley: 2.44 ERA (59 IP, 36 H, 23 R, 16 ER, 6 HR, 30 BB, 78 K).  This was his first start since an emergency appearance with Scranton.
RHP Eric Reyzelman:  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Since joining Hudson Valley: 9.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 17 K.
RHP Trent Sellers: 2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Sellers deserves props for keeping Reyzelman’s ERA at 0.00, as he stranded two baserunners with one out in the 7th.
RHP Matt Keating: (W, 2-1) 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (27-45) (Their game against Fort Myers was suspended. They trail 2-0 in the second inning. I have no idea why they even tried to start this one. They will try to make it up tomorrow. This game will go the full nine innings, while Game 2 will go seven innings)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-1, SB (22)
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-1, K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-1, K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-1
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-1
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-1, SB (6)
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-1, K
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-0
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-0

RHP Cade Smith: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
This will go down as a wasted start, but that is OK. 

FCL (24-13) (Their game against the FCL Blue Jays was postponed due to wet grounds. Maybe this squad will play again by 2026)

DSL Yankees (8-12) (Defeated DSL Phillies White, 6-1)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
.193/.281/.228 in 64 PA. Peralta, a switch-hitter, turns 17 on July 11th.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-3, RBI, BB
CF Louis Pierre: 1-for-2, 2 RS, SB (2), BB, K
1B Niurby Asigen: 1-for-1, 2B (2), SF, RBI, RS, BB

RHP Jorge Luna (W, 1-2): 4.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
1.50 ERA (18 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 22 K). 
RHP Rafael Arias: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
The 20-year-old has a 7/1 K/BB in his first 2.2 professional innings.

DSL Bombers (11-8) (Lost to DSL Giants Orange, 6-0)

DH Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, 2 K
He played a partial game yesterday and a full contest at DH today. This is the typical formula for a player coming back from injury.
2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-3, CS (2)
A 5’8″ middle infielder. Two things the Yankees like to target (probably because they think they are undervalued and can grab them for small bonsues): Small-ish middle infielders and tall pitchers. Escudero is hitting .371/.549/.486 in 51 PA

RHP Jerson Alejandro (L, 0-3): 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
Speaking of tall pitchers, Alejandro is 6’6″ and listed at 255 pounds.

Yankees MILB 6/2: Spencer Jones: 2B, RBI

News:

RHP Gerrit Cole, a good #6 starter, will start his first rehab in Somerset on Tuesday.

Scranton (34-23) (Lost to Toledo, 7-2)

2B Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-2, 3B (2), RS, SB (21)
.276/.404/.371. He had a strong May (.354/.475/.458) and is trying to build off that. However…
  PR-2B Kevin Smith: 1-for-2
After the stolen base, Lockridge left the game due to injury.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Since joining Scranton, Peraza has struggled (7-for-47, though he does have 11 walks to go along with the 15 strikeouts). 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, RS, BB
.279/.341/.395 in 164 PA at this level (7.9% BB, 20.7% K)
RF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-4, K
LF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-4, RBI, K
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-4, 3 K
C Josh Breaux: 0-for-4, 2 K
The Yankees haven’t promoted or signed anyone, so the catching duties in Scranton belong to Carlos Narvaez with Breaux as the backup (for now).
CF Greg Allen: 0-for-4, K

LHP Edgar Barclay: (L, 3-4) 5 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, HR
6.35 ERA (51 IP, 55 H, 39 R, 36 ER, 10 HR, 31 BB, 47 K)
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
4.01 ERA (24.2 IP, 32 H, 18 R, 11 ER, 4 HR, 10 BB, 20 K). De Los Santos pitched well in May (2.31 ERA in 11.2 innings with a 10/2 K/BB)

Somerset (25-26) (Lost to Bowie, 6-3)

DH Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, RS, 2 K
Last 3 games: 6-for-12 (1 double, 1 triple, 1 home run). He is up to .228/.317/.348 and has a 16-game on-base streak.
CF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-2, 2 K
Since joining Somerset, Dominguez is 12-for-38 (4 HR, 2 BB, 11 K)
   PH-CF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-2, 2 RBI
1B Ben Rice: 0-for-3, BB
.256/.377/.506 in 213 PA (14.6% BB, 21.6% K, 8-for-8 SB).  He has a .831 OPS vs. LHP and .899 OPS vs. RHP.  Rice takes more walks against RHP (.395 OBP vs. .320), where much of the difference lies. 
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2B (10), SB (12)
.271/.373/.553 in 201 PA (13.4% BB, 17.4% K, 12-for-12 SB). He hasn’t homered since May 14th (15 games without one)
SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-4, SB (8), 2 K
.310/.391/.515 in 202 PA (11.4% BB, 16.8% K, 8-for-8 SB (31-for-35 over the last two seasons))
3B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4
LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, K
2B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-3, RS
RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, RS, BB, K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (L, 4-4)  5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 4 K
3.25 ERA (52.2 IP, 39 H, 26 R, 19 ER, 3 HR, 27 BB, 53 K). The walk rate is up, but teams aren’t hitting for power off of him (.293 SLG). 
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.79 ERA (19.1 IP, 18 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 22 K)
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
For Somerset: 2.19 ERA (12.1 IP, 12 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 14 K). He hasn’t allowed a home run in 22 innings between here and Hudson Valley (he allowed 10 HR in 54.1 IP in 2023).
RHP Jack Neely: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
2.03 ERA (26.2 IP, 18 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 43 K). This is the first time he has allowed multiple runs in a game this season. 
RHP Carlos Gomez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (24-24) (Lost to Aberdeen, 7-3)

SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, SB (7), RS, BB, K
He is hitting .246 with a .833 OPS (14.3% BB, 18.4% K, 7-for-12 SB).
LF Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-5, SB (6), RS
Rodriguez is hitting .324 with a .898 OPS. He has 18 multi-hit games and is third in the South Atlantic League in batting average.
1B Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, BB
Flores, hitting .296 with a .863 OPS, is on an 8-game hitting streak (multiple hits in 3 of his last 4 games)
DH Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, 2B (1), BB, 2 K
Hardman is 7-for-34 at this level. The double was his first extra-base hit (he hit 26 HR in 77 games for Somerset in 2023). It is possible (probable) that his stroke isn’t back yet.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, BB, K
Martinez is hitting .237 with a .809 OPS. 
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, HBP, K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, BB
2B Beau Brewer: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (L, 3-2) 5 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
1.97 ERA (45.2 IP, 21 H, 18 R, 10 ER, 4 HR, 22 BB, 56 K). While the walks are a little high, there isn’t much to complain about for the 23-year-old.
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
3.41 ERA (31.2 IP, 21 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 3 HR, 12 BB, 36 K).
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (19-32) (Lost to Palm Beach, 9-4)

DH George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, SB (13), K
.213/.363/.268 in 157 PA (17.8% BB, 22.3% K, 13-for-14 SB). Righties have given him trouble (.196/.339/.237). He is comfortable vs. LHP (.267/.436/.367).
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, CS (7), 2 K
.207/.317/.319 in 221 PA (12.7% BB, 34.8% K, 13-for-20 SB). His struggles against left-handed pitching is known (7-for-41 with one walk and 19 strikeouts)
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
.251/.347/.426 in 213 PA (11.3% BB, 27.2% K). He is in a little 1-for-19 slump.
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, 2 RS, SB (9), BB
.250/.383/.429 in 141 PA (18.4% BB, 19.9% K, 9-for-10 SB). 
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
.232/.330/.378 in 94 PA. Montero had a hot streak going but is in a 1-for-23 slide. He has walked five times during this stretch,
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, RBI, K
.190/.255/.247 in 191 PA. 
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, RBI, CS (2), BB
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-4
3B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-3, RS, 2 SB (6), BB, K
Escanio has three multi-hit games during his 5-game hitting streak. He has four stolen bases during this stretch.

RHP Luis Serna: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
4.87 ERA (40.2 IP, 33 H, 22 R, 22 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 46 K). Serna’s highest inning total is 41.1 (2022). 
RHP Aaron Nixon: (L, 1-1) 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 0.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

FCL (12-9)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Yankees (0-0) and DSL Bombers (0-0)

Their seasons get started tomorrow.

Yankees MILB 5/26: Cam Schlittler Dominates

News:

RHP Matt Sauer was returned to the Yankees after he cleared waivers.

Chosen by the surprising Royals in the Rule 5, Sauer went 0-0 with a 7.71 ERA in 14 games (16.1 IP). His rate numbers were not great (13.1% BB/10.7% K/31.7% GB).

The Royals would have likely accepted that if they weren’t playing so well. They are off to a 34-19 start, which hinders developing Sauer at the MLB level.

The Yankees do not have to add Sauer to their 40-man roster. I am not sure what his free agency status is, but if he is selected in this year’s Rule 5, the team that selects him would not have to offer him back.

Scranton (32-18) (Lost to Syracuse, 10-2)

1B DJ LeMahieu: 0-for-2, BB
The Yankees will insert someone with a .000 Triple-A batting average into their everyday 3B slot? Anyway, I figured the Yankees would give him a rep at first base….
   1B Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-2
RF Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, 2B (12), SF, RBI, K
3B Oswald Peraza: 0-for-3, 2 BB
DH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, 2 K
  C Josh Breaux: 0-for-1
The Railriders activated Breaux from the Development List.
C-P Luis Torrens: 2-for-4, HR (4), RBI, RS
.287/.351/.465 in 114 PA.
LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Jeter Downs: 0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP, 2 K
CF Greg Allen: 1-for-4
2B Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-3, BB, K
Lockridge’s first career start at second base.

RHP Will Warren:  (L, 3-4) 3 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
Nobody wants May to end more than Warren, who now has an 8.53 ERA in 44.1 IP (51 H, 44 R, 42 ER, 13 HR, 19 BB, 48 K). Warren was in contention for a rotation spot this spring and had a strong April in Triple-A. However, it’s been downhill from there. There must be a reason for it….
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
0.82 ERA (11 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 11 K)
RHP Cody Morris: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Josh VanMeter: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Luis Torrens: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
Scranton is so thin that they needed two position players to eat innings today.

Somerset (22-23) (Lost to New Hampshire, 13-1)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
.215/.301/.311 in 153 PA (11.1% BB, 35.3% K). Please, please, please stop bragging about a prospect’s contact rate in spring training.
DH Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
6-for-22 with a homer and 3 runs batted in.
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-4, 2 K
.275/.385/.577 in 179 PA (14.5% BB, 18.99% K). He’s hitting, he’s taking walks, and he’s running (11-for-11 SB). I am a Keep it Simple Stupid type – prospect analysts shouldn’t overthink things with Ramirez. He belongs somewhere on the Top 100 lists – and could even threaten a Top 50.
SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-4
.320/.406/.527 in 180 PA with a 7-for-7 SB rate. He has 30 starts at SS, 8 at 3B, and 5 at 2B. He has also appeared in a game in LF (didn’t start it though)
1B J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4
LF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, SB (5), HBP, 2 K
3B Jordan Groshans: 0-for-4, 3 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, K
RF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-3, RS, SB (8), K

RHP Blane Abeyta: (L, 2-5)   4 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
LHP Josh Maciejewski: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 2 HR
RHP Jack Neely: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
1.54 ERA (23.1 IP, 15 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 34 K). This ends a streak of six straight scoreless outings.
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (21-21) (Defeated Brooklyn, 4-2)

DH Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 3 K
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-5, RBI, 3 K
Serna is 2-for-24 in his last six games. He tends to run streaky.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, RS, BB
C Jesus Rodriguez: 4-for-5, 2 2B (11), RS, SB (4), K
Rodriguez has 4 3+ hit games (including 2 4-hit efforts) and 15 multi-hit games.  He is hitting .318 with a .891 OPS (11 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 22 RBI, 27 R, 4-for-7 SB). Rodriguez just rakes. It is as simple as that.
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-5, 2B (14), 2 K
18 of Avina’s 38 hits have gone for extra bases.
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-2, 2B (12), 2 RBI, 2 BB
17-for-49 in May (7 doubles, 12 RBI, 12 BB).
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, BB, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, RS, HBP

RHP Cam Schlittler: 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
Schlittler sets a new best for strikeouts in a game. He owns a 1.77 ERA (40.1 IP, 18 H, 14 R, 8 ER, 4 HR, 19 BB, 50 K). He generates ground balls and strikes out a high percentage of hitters. That is a prospect the Yankees love to work with. He should get to Somerset in 2024.
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Arejula: (W, 2-3)  2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

Tampa (18-27) (Defeated Jupiter, 5-2. Tampa won the final four games of this series by a combined 20-4 score. Jupiter (24-21) is a good pitching squad but they do have the worst offense in the FSL)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 3B (1), 2 RS, BB
His first career triple. He is hitting .229/.382/.286 in 131 PA (18.3% BB, 24.4% K)
DH Roderick Arias: 2-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 RS, SB (11), K
.211/.328/.337 in 198 PA (7 doubles, 4 triples, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 26 R, 11-for-17 SB, 14.1% BB, 33.8% K). 
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB
.276/.362/.465 in 185 PA
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, 2 SF, 2 RBI
Productive outs!
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, SB (6)
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, 3 K
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-3, K

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (W, 1-6) 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, HR
5.27 ERA (41 IP, 44 H, 24 R, 24 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 45 K)
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
1.74 ERA (20.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 HR, 11 BB, 23 K). He allowed a pair of home runs in his second appearance, but only one since (zero in 9.2 May innings)
RHP Aaron Nixon: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.28 ERA (24.2 IP, 18 H, 13 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 20 BB, 25 K).
RHP Jordy Luciano (S, 1): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB,0 K

FCL (9-7)

Scheduled day off.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 5/7: A Big Day for Agustin Ramirez

News:

The following players are on the FCL 7-day injured list (according to the roster page):
OF Brando Mayea
RHP Carlos Lagrange
LHP Henry Lalane

Essentially, three of their top Rookie League prospects are hurt. That’s not what you want to see.

If you are wondering about his whereabouts, infielder Rougned Odor is also on the 7-day injured list. For now, he will have to strike out in his sleep.

Scranton (23-10) (Lost to Rochester, 8-5)

2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, SB (15), HBP
.293/.417/.455 in 152 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 23 R, 15.1% BB, 9.9% K, 15-for-16 SB). He has been a nightmare for opposing pitchers and defenses.
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, BB, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, HBP, K
Rumfield has 8 doubles in 18 games since his promotion. 
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 3 K
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, BB, K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-4, RS, K
Gonzalez is 6-for-20 since returning from his rehab stint (also went 6-for-20 on the rehab stint)
3B Josh VanMeter: 0-for-4, K
SS Jeter Downs: 1-for-3, 2B (4), SF, RBI, RS
.259/.340/.481 in 95 PA.
LF Luis Gonzalez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (5), RS, K

RHP Will Warren: (L, 3-1) 6 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
Warren’s first rough outing since Opening Day. He allowed four runs without recording an out in the first and had trouble settling in. Season: 4.86 ERA (33.1 IP, 28 H, 20 R, 18 ER, 8 HR, 10 BB, 36 K)
RHP Nick Burdi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
You can’t ask for much more in his first rehab appearance. He averaged 98 MPH (peaked at 98.8) with his fastball and threw his full slider/fastball/sinker combination. I assume he will be back in New York soon enough.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
LHP Clayton Andrews: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Somerset (13-14) (Knocked down Altoona, 8-1)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RS, SB (5), BB
.250/.316/.417 in 79 PA. Jones has 60 stolen bases in 159 career games (15 caught stealing; 80%)
DH Agustin Ramirez: 3-for-3, 2B (2), HR (10), 3 RBI, 3 RS, SB (6), 2 BB
Ramirez gets the OPS over 1.000 (.258/.405/.618). This is the second time he reached base five times in a game this season and his BB% (18.9%) is better than his K% (18.0%). Flaws in his offensive game are difficult to find.
C Ben Rice: 0-for-5, 2 K
.263/.387/.505 in 120 PA. He is 5-for-18 with three walks in five May games but is looking for his first extra-base hit.
SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-5, 2 K
Not a good day for those named “Ben,” but their bright days outshine their darker ones in 2024.
1B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 RS, HBP
3B Jordan Groshans: 2-for-5, 2B (1), RBI, K
LF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, 2 2B (10), RS, K
.308/.375/.513 in 88 PA. He is tied with Cowles for the Eastern League lead in doubles and is 9th in average. The fun thing is that this is a continuation of what he did in 15 games at this level in 2023. When I combine the numbers, he is hitting .321/.396/.565 with 11 doubles, 7 homers, 25 RBI, and 10 stolen bases in 36 Double-A games.
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, RS, 3 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, 2 BB

RHP Bailey Dees (W, 2-2): 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
4.55 ERA (29.2 IP, 26 H, 15 R, 15 ER, 5 HR, 15 BB, 31 K). Since allowing 8 runs in 3.1 innings in his 2024 debut: 2.39 ERA (26.1 IP, 21 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 10 BB, 28 K)
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (14-11) (Lost to Aberdeen, 4-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, SB (4), K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RS, SB (2), K
Serna now owns a 6-game hitting streak (13-for-29; 4 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 6 R, 2 BB, 3 K)
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, 2B (5), 3 K
Avina has five doubles and two home runs in 15 games. 
C Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-4, 2 HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 RS
Rodriguez’s second career 2-HR game and third 3+ hit game this season (10th multi-hit game). He is at .330 with a .956 OPS and has five HR in 23 games (13 HR in 185 games entering 2024).
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, BB
LF Nelson Medina: 2-for-4, K
Medina has three multi-hit games in his last four games played.
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3

RHP Cam Schlittler: 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
1.04 ERA (26 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 3 HR, 11 BB, 33 K). An impressive start to his 2024 campaign…
LHP Ben Shields: (L, 1-1)  2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
The typically reliable Shields has his first tough outing in his short career. It happens. Season: 2.41 ERA (18.2 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 22 K)
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (9-20) (Split a doubleheader with Clearwater)

Game 1 (Won, 8-2)

CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 3 RS, 2 SB (6), BB
DH Oswald Peraza: 2-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, SB (1), BB
This is one way to show the organization that you are healthy…
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-2, 2 CS (5), 2 BB, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
LF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, K
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, CS (1)
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-2, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, BB
Frick, who has reached base in all 13 of his games, launches his first professional home run.
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-3

RHP Luis Serna: (W, 1-2)  5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
6.97 ERA (20.2 IP, 20 H, 16 R, 16 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 24 K).  Serna had a 2.2 IP/7 H/8 R start in April which he is trying to overcome.
RHP Montana Semmel: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
1.80 ERA (15 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 12 K)
RHP Kris Bow: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Bow threw one sinker at 97.2 MPH.

Game 2 (Lost, 4-3)

CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-1, RBI, SB (7), 3 BB, K
Castillo’s solid doubleheader brings his triple slash up to .184/.344/.347 in 61 PA. He owns a 19.7% BB and 27.9% K. The 21-year-old was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
Before his injury last year, Hardman hit an incredible 26 homers in 77 games for Somerset. He is here on a rehab stint.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, RS, K
Jasso is 11-for-30 (.367) in May with 3 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, and 7 runs scored.
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-3, 2B (5), RS, BB
.184/.243/.235 in 107 PA. His start was so slow (.095/.208/.143 in his first seven games) that recovery has been a long process. In May, he is 6-for-24 with a pair of doubles, three walks, and four strikeouts.
SS Hans Montero: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3, 2B (4), 2 RBI, RS
.278/.322/.352 in 59 PA. Contact is his forte (11.9% K rate) and he has a .301 career average. He is looking for that elusive first career homer (he has played in 120 games).
LF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-2, BB, K
2B Dayro Perez: 0-for-2, BB, K

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (L, 0-4) 6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
4.94 ERA (27.1 IP, 28 H, 15 R, 15 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 28 K). Overall, his pitching is better than his record would indicate. He generates a lot of ground balls (54.4% entering tonight) and hasn’t allowed a homer.
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (1-2) (Lost to the FCL Phillies, 4-3, in a 7-inning game. Yeah, even on days where they don’t play doubleheaders, games might be limited to seven innings)

C Josue Gonzalez hit the squad’s first home run of 2024. The 20-year-old is off to a 4-for-9 start with a double and homer…
DH Josh Tiedemann compiled a pair of hits, giving him his first multi-hit game…
CF Fidel Montero went 1-for-2 with a walk, run scored, and two stolen bases. After stealing 40 bases in 59 games in 2023 (my goodness), he is 3-for-3 in three games in 2024…

RHP Danny Flatt, in his professional debut: 4 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K. The 19-year-old was their 14th-round pick in 2023 (South Carolina High School)

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/28: Cam Schlittler: 6 IP, 2 R, 7 K

News:

As expected, RHP McKinley Moore cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton. The arm is tempting, but it is hard for organizations to carry it on a 40-man roster.

This is why the outright rule exists. A player can only be outrighted once in their career. After that, they can refuse the outright and become a free agent. This is different from player options. An “outright” happens when you are removed from the 40-man roster and sent through waivers. If you have less than three years of service time, a team can send you to the minors without your permission. However, they can only do that once, regardless of your service time.

Scranton (17-9) (Lost to Durham, 6-2)

CF Greg Allen: 0-for-3, BB
Allen’s first game since April 6th.
  CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-0
2B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-3, BB, K
.296/.426/.469 in 122 PA (9 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 19 R, 17.2% BB, 11.5% K, 12-for-13 SB). As of this writing, he is tied for 6th in the International League in RBI and second in stolen bases.
DH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, 3 K
At this level: .279/.319/.395 in 47 PA. Overall: .296/.370/.380 in 81 PA (6 doubles, 11 RBI, 11 R, 11.1% BB, 23.5% K)
1B Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RS, 2 K
.211/.376/.342 in 101 PA. 
3B Jeter Downs: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RS
.281/.365/.531 in 75 PA. As long as he keeps hitting, he will get playing time. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-18 with a double and two homers)
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, K
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, K
C Josh Breaux: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Josh VanMeter: 0-for-2, BB, K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 HR
4.60 ERA (15.2 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 3 HR, 7 BB, 20 K). He has thrown 15.2 innings in five starts. The Yankees are probably building him up as a multi-inning relief type over a true starter (but if true, why is he on a starter’s schedule rather than coming out of the bullpen every 3-4 days?). Yes, I find his development plan for 2024 (his final option year) a little strange.
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.03 ERA (13.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 16 K). The three runs allowed are all solo homers. 
RHP Alex Mauricio: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.79 ERA at this level (9.2 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 14 K)
LHP Clayton Andrews: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (9-12) (Lost to Reading, 6-3)

C Ben Rice: 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, RS, 2 K
Rice led off the game with a homer. His 25.8% K rate is a tad high (it was 18.9% at this level last year) but the production has been high as well (22 HR, 57 RBI in 68 games)
3B Jon Berti: 0-for-3, 2 K
Berti began his rehab stint today.
  SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-1, K
DH Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2 K
He is hitting .260 with a 1.030 OPS (15.9% BB; 19.3% K)
SS-3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, HR (3), RBI, RS, K
Cowles has homered in back-to-back games and has three in his last four games. He is on a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-29, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 7 RBI). He is hitting .356 with a 1.086 OPS.  As of this writing, he leads the Eastern League in average and OBP. He is third (just ahead of Ramirez) in OPS. 
1B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, RS, BB, K
Wegner is on a 12-game hitting streak (14-for-45 (.311), 2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR)
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-4, 2 K
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, 2 SB (4), HBP

RHP Zach Messinger: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
5.14 ERA (28 IP, 25 H, 22 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 10 BB, 30 K)
RHP Luis Velasquez: (L, 1-1) 0.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Jack Neely: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
0.82 ERA (11 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 17 K). A 2024 debut is not out of the question, but there can be a logjam if Tommy Kahnle, Scott Effross, and Lou Trivino return. It would be a nice problem to have.

Hudson Valley (12-8) (Doubled up Bowling Green, 6-3)

CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
.303/.439/.424 in 41 PA. I suspect they will keep the 20-year-old here all season, but a player can always force the issue.
SS Jared Serna: 3-for-4, 2B (3), RBI
Serna’s first 3-hit game of the season. He had 11 3+ hit games in 2023 (including four 4-hit games)
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 2 BB
.262/.392/.459 in 74 PA. 
2B Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RS, 2 SB (2), K
Rodriguez was 21-for-25 stealing bases in 2023, so it isn’t a foreign concept to him. He is hitting .304/.368/.420 in 76 PA and is at .314/.402/.464 in 911 career plate appearances. Rodriguez is only 22 (won’t be 23 until next April)
DH Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, RBI
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, RS, HBP, BB, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RS, K
LF Kyle Battle: 2-for-2, HR (1), SF, 3 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Battle’s 7th career HR (99 games)

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 3-0) 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 2 HR
Schlittler allowed solo homers in the first and second, and that was it. Season: 1.29 ERA (21 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 3 HR, 9 BB, 26 K). He has struck out seven batters four times in his brief career, his personal best.
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Joel Valdez (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (5-16) (Lost to Lakeland, 9-3)

DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-4, 2 K
.289/.344/.325 in 94 PA (3 doubles, 10 RBI, 10 R, 7.4% BB, 22.3% K, 7-for-9 SB). He hit 8 home runs in 96 DSL/FCL games, but home run power is not likely to be a part of his game. Versatility, contact, and speed will be his route to MLB if he makes it.
1B Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, RS
Gonzalez is 6-for-20 with a triple and two homers during his rehab stint.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4
Arias has reached base safely in nine straight games. The single was hit at 107.5 MPH, his hardest-hit ball of the season. He is at .225/.340/.400 in 94 PA (4 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 10 R, 13.8% BB, 37.2% K, 4-for-7 SB). The strikeout rate continues to fall.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Jasso’s second career HR (he hit a homer and drove home 20 runs in 17 FCL games in 2023). He is hitting .254/.400/.418 in 85 PA with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 17.6% BB, and 25.9% K.
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-2, BB, HBP
CF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-4, K
C Edinson Duran: 0-for-2, BB,HBP,  K
RF Daury Arias: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, K

RHP Ryan Harvey: (L, 0-1)  1.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Toss it out and move on to the next.
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
4.00 ERA (9 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 10 K). 
LHP Brady Rose: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR
RHP Aaron Nixon: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
3.00 ERA (12 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 14 K). Many Yankees’ farmhands are sinker/slider-curve/change types – Nixon is your old-fashioned 4-seamer/slider type. He maxed out at 95 MPH today.
RHP Cade Austin: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/7: Caleb Durbin is on Fire!

News:

Spencer Jones continues to be out of action with his stiff neck. Get that man a sleep number bed and memory foam pillow.

Scranton (4-4) (Defeated Syracuse, 7-2)

2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-2, 2 2B (4), SF, 4 RBI, RS, 2 SB (7), 2 BB
The Yankees received a player with legitimate MLB potential (perhaps as a super-utility type) for Lucas Luetge. Luetge is someone they revived after years of not pitching in MLB. He is now 13-for-28 (4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 6 R, 8 BB, 2 K, 7-for-7 SB)
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, SB (1), HBP, 4 K
Pereira is 6-for-30 with a whopping 15 strikeouts.
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-1, 3 BB
Narvaez is 3-for-20 but has 11 walks.
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
C Luis Torrens: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, K
3B Kevin Smith: 1-for-3, 2 RS, HBP, K
SS Jeter Downs: 0-for-3, RS, HBP, K
6-for-19 with a triple and a homer.
RF Luis Gonzalez: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
1B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, BB

RHP Cody Poteet: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 1 BB,7 K
The 29-year-old is on the 40-man roster. If you like “kitchen sink” types, you will like him. He featured six pitches today, averaging 93 with his 4-seamer and 92.1 with his sinker. He allowed two homers in the fifth inning.
RHP Phil Bickford: (W, 1-0) 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Mauricio was cutter-heavy today (57% of his 37 pitches). He also featured a 4-seamer and a slider.  The 27-year-old pitched to a 3.14 ERA and 45/19 K/BB in 48.2 innings for Somerset in 2023.
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: (S, 1)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (2-1) (Shut down Richmond, 8-0)

DH Ben Rice: 2-for-4, RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
Rice is 4-for-14 with a homer.
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-5, HR (3), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
Ramirez has homered in three straight games to start his campaign. He is 4-for-14 with six RBI.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-1, RS, SB (1), 3 BB
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, RS, SB (1), BB
He has the athleticism to play an up-the-middle position. Can he stay healthy and hit a little? We’ll see.
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, RS, K
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
SS Ben Cowles: 3-for-4, 2B (2), 3 RBI
Cowles was their 10th-round pick in the 2021 draft (Maryland). The Yankees have played him at 2B/SS/3B (plus two outs in left field)
RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 1-0) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
This is his professional debut (yes, he was thrown right into the Double-A fire). He was drafted in the third round of the 2022 draft but missed the 2023 season. He did make five starts (10.2 innings) in the Arizona Fall League.
RHP Tanner Myatt: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Health and control have been issues for the 6’7″ Myatt, who has 232 strikeouts in 194 innings. 
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
The 6’6″ lefty pitched well last season (2.17 ERA in 37 games).
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Watson could make his MLB debut in 2024, even though he isn’t on the 40-man roster. He is a tall kid with a funky motion who pitched to a 1.58 ERA in 62.2 IP with an 82/25 K/BB in 2023.

Hudson Valley (2-1) (Shut down Bowling Green, 3-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, 2B (1), K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
After going 28 games without a home run at this level, he has homered in back-to-back games. 
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, BB, K
LF Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, RS, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-4, SB (1), 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 1-0) 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
The 6’6″ 23-year-old was drafted in the 7th round of the 2022 draft (Northeastern). He pitched to a 4.11 ERA and 50/21 K/BB over 46 innings last year (FCL/Tampa/Hudson Valley)
LHP Ben Shields: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Signed as a non-drafted free agent, this is the 25-year-old’s professional debut. I know nothing about him beyond the fact that he pitched for George Mason in 2023. The baseball-reference linker will take you to a pitcher from the early 1900s. That Shields went 4-0 with an 8.27 ERA in his brief career.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Gilbert was their 13th-round pick in the 2022 draft.

Tampa (1-2) (Lost to Fort Myers, 5-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, RS, SB (2), 2 BB
The 18-year-old is 1-for-11 but has drawn four walks and stolen a pair of bases. This is his first 2024 start at shortstop, as they switched Lombard and Arias today. We’ll see more of that.
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, 3 K
Nobody said baseball is easy, teenager! He is 3-for-13 with a triple, a homer, and seven strikeouts. You should expect a mixed bag from a teenager making his full-season debut. The goal is for the good to outweigh the bad.
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (2), K
Speaking of teenagers, Tejeda will play this entire year as a 19-year-old. He is 4-for-12 with four runs batted in.
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-4
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, SB (1), 2 BB, K
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-3, SB (2), BB, K
The 19-year-old is 2-for-10 with a double, two walks, and two stolen bases.
RF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-3, 2B (1), SB (1), BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, BB
Drafted in the 15th round in the 2023 draft out of North Carolina, this represents his professional debut.

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 0-1) 3.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 6 K
This is Grosz’s professional debut. The 21-year-old was drafted in the 11th round out of East Carolina. He throws a sinker/slider/change, a mix the Yankees like to work with.
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
According to Savant, Gabonia used a 5-pitch mix among his 11 pitches. There could be an error in the tracking, of course. His fastball/sinker was in the lower 90s.
RHP Montana Semmel: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Semmell maxed out at 94.4 MPH, equally mixing his 4-seamer and slider. He had some long-term buzz about him when he was drafted out of high school in 2019 and is still young enough (22) to tap into that potential.

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 9/14: Clayton Beeter Ks 13

News:

LHP Clay Aguilar stayed in Double-A for 24 hours or so. He was promoted to Scranton today.

The Rule 5 eligible 24-year-old pitched to a 2.25 ERA (3.30 FIP) over 44 innings down in Hudson Valley with a 34.1% K and 13% BB. He missed the entire 2022 season.

Scranton (68-71; 34-31 in the second half) (Lost to Buffalo, 7-1)

RF Franchy Cordero: 1-for-3, 2 BB, K
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-5, K
3B Andres Chaparro: 0-for-1, 2 BB, HBP
2B Jamie Westbrook: 1-for-4, K
1B Jake Lamb: 1-for-3, BB, K
LF Michael Hermosillo: 2-for-4, 2B (5), RS, K
C Josh Breaux: 0-for-2, BB, HBP
SS Jesus Bastidas: 1-for-3, BB, K, SB (10)
Bastidas has 13 HR and 11 stolen bases between Somerset and Scranton. I think he has a chance to make it to MLB as a utility type – probably not with the Yankees.
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-4

RHP Clayton Beeter: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 13 K
Beeter sets a new personal best for strikeouts in a game. He owns a 5.40 ERA in 60 innings at this level (57 H, 37 R, 36 ER, 13 HR, 37 BB, 75 K). Overall, he owns a 151/68 K/BB over 120.2 IP. Unless they use him in a deal, Beeter is going to be protected from the Rule 5 draft this winter.  Tonight, he featured two pitches in his 100-pitch effort: 49 sliders + 48 4-seam fastballs (three changeups).
LHP Clay Aguilar: (L, 0-1) 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
Aguilar’s Triple-A debut.
RHP Michael Gomez: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR

Somerset (81-53; 39-27 in the second half) (Defeated New Hampshire, 6-2)

CF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-5, 3 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, RS, 3 K
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RS
Ramirez is hitting .217 with a .594 OPS in 130 PA since his promotion. 
DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, 2 RS, BB
2B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-3, 2B (12), 2 RBI, K
If not for his injuries, Durbin easily steals 50+ bases this season. As is, he is 36-for-44 in 67 games.
   PH-2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-0, RS, BB
LF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, HR (4), 3 RBI, RS
Richardson is 17-for-45 since his promotion (1 double, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R). His 17 HR between Hudson Valley and Somerset is a new personal best. He is a 24-year-old left-handed bat who has too much swing-and-miss in his profile to date – if he can clean that up, he has a chance.
RF Jeisson Rosario: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Eduardo Torrealba: 0-for-3, BB, K, 2 SB (4)
SS Max Burt: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Zach Messinger: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
A nice Double-A debut for Messinger, who pitched to a 4.36 ERA in 97 innings for Hudson Valley (82 H, 13 HR, 53 BB, 113 K).
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Cohen’s Double-A debut. He pitched to a 3.86 ERA in 49 IP between Tampa and Hudson Valley (40 H, 23 R, 21 ER, 5 HR, 24 BB, 64 K)

Hudson Valley (70-62; 31-35 in the second half)  (Defeated Jersey Shore, 6-2. The series is tied at 1-1. The decisive third game is tomorrow night)

3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-4
2B Jared Serna: 1-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 BB
Serna was on his way to a 20/20/20 (doubles/HR/SB) season, but couldn’t put a ball over the fence after his promotion here. That said, he wasn’t overmatched here either. The full package is a kid who should break into Double-A at some point in 2024. 
DH Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 K
LF Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-3, RS, BB, K, SB (1)
Rodriguez is 4-for-7 in two playoff games. When you combine that with his regular season performance, he is hitting .315. I keep talking about this kid because I think performance still should matter. He has hit all season long at a young age while being asked to play four positions (C/1B/3B/LF). I simply cannot ignore that regardless of the Top 30 lists.
  LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-0
I hope this move was for defensive purposes only (as I have said before: In the playoffs, minor league managers can often be a little more “strategic”)
1B-C Rafael Flores: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, K
Hall struggled a bit after his promotion – good to see him compile a multi-hit game tongiht.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-0
I am not sure why Gomez left the game early.
  1B Spencer Henson: 2-for-4, 2B (1), HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
Not bad for a player who wasn’t in the starting lineup.
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, 2B (1), K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 1-0) 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K
A strong performance by Schlittler, who tossed 46 regular season innings between the FCL/Tampa/Hudson Valley this year (professional debut season)
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Rodriguez has the talent to move quickly. He is still only 21 years old (if it feels he has been around forever, he has been – since he debuted in 2019). He just has to start putting the puzzle together.
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (61-69; 30-34 in the second half) 

Their season is over.

FCL Yankees (35-22; 1-2 in the playoffs)

They lost to the Braves in the championship series. Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (33-19)

Their season is over, as they missed the playoffs by a half-game.

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.