Tag: Carlos Lagrange

Yankees MILB 9/18: Carlos Lagrange Ks 7

Notes:

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

Updated look at the trade deadline.

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Arizona Fall League Players

The Yankees and Rays completed the Jose Caballero transaction today, as the Bronx Bombers sent Low-A outfielder Marshall Toole to the Rays.

Toole feels like a Rays-type prospect, doesn’t he? In 2025, he hit .305/.406/.420 (148 wRC+) with 44 stolen bases in 50 attempts. He was first in the Florida State League in batting average and triples while finishing second in OBP, SLG, OPS, and wRC+. While center field was his primary position, he also saw time in the outfield corners.

Toole was neither on the Yankees’ Top 30 list before the trade nor the Rays’ Top 30 list after the trade. That said, if he is going to develop his tool set, Tampa seems like the organization for the type of player he is.

Often in trades like these, the teams agree to a list of players at the time of the trade, and one is chosen by a specified date. One famous Yankees’ story was the Texas Rangers choosing Joaquin Arias over Robinson Cano a few months after the Alex Rodriguez trade was announced. It made sense – Arias was a solid shortstop prospect, and a team will typically choose that over a second base prospect. It does show you how inexact the science can be.

The Rays ended up with a power prospect (Everson Pereira, who is now on the MLB roster) and Toole in exchange for Cabellero.  My viewpoint doesn’t change. It was a solid acquisition for the Yankees. Pereira wasn’t a part of their present, and Toole is typically not the type of prospect the Yankees utilize on the MLB roster. Brett Gardner was an exception to that rule.

Injury Log

Scranton (85-59; 47-25 in second half) (Lost to Buffalo, 2-0, in an uneventful afternoon affair.)

Syracuse won last night. Tonight, they are down, 4-1, in the 5th inning. If Lehigh Valley wins, Scranton will have a 3-game lead with three games to play. If my research earlier this week is correct, Syracuse would win a potential tiebreaker.

A reminder that, in Triple-A, there’s only one round of playoffs in each league. If Scranton wins the second half, they will play Jacksonville for the International League title. The winner of that series will play the winner of the Pacific Coast League in the Triple-A Championship Game (yes, only one game) in Las Vegas. Speaking of Las Vegas (ATH), they won the first half in the PCL and will likely play Tacoma (SEA) for the PCL Championship.

3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-2, 2B (20), 2 BB
.268/.390/.362 in 450 PA (20 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 56 R, 12-for-21 SB, 14.2% BB, 10% K). As someone pointed out to me earlier this season, Vivas is out of options next year. His ability to make contact will likely draw interest.
DH J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, BB
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2 K
Jones has a 20-game on-base streak (.256; 5 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 15 R, 8.2% BB, 51.8% K (not a typo)).  With Scranton: .273/.339/.555 in 289 PA (13 doubles, 1 triple, 19 HR, 46 RBI, 58 R, 18-for-21 SB, 8.3% BB, 37% K). Overall: .274/.360/.571 in 497 PA (21 doubles, 1 triple, 35 HR, 78 RBI, 100 R, 28-for-33 SB, 11.3% BB, 35.6% K).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Brennen Davis: 0-for-4, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
RF Duke Ellis: 0-for-3, SAC, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Joel Kuhnel (L, 4-2): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
1.80 ERA (50 IP, 25 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 29 BB, 58 K). We don’t have to wait much longer to see what the organization thinks of him. Do they add him to the 40-man roster to keep him away from the Rule 5 draft? Do they try to trade him before the Rule 5 draft? Or, do they leave him exposed? 
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Erick Leal: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Interesting that they went with four relief pitchers to start the afternoon and finished it off with three innings from a starter. 

Somerset (Lost to Binghamton, 5-4. Binghamton takes the series, 2-0. The Patriots fell behind, 5-0, but scored four runs in the 7th. That was the extent of their offense, however. There is no shame in admitting that they were outclassed by a team that won both halves. That doesn’t diminish their season, as you will see in the next paragraph.)

In the regular season, Somerset compiled a 73-65 mark (38-31 in the second half). Four of their top pitching prospects (Carlos Lagrange (#2), Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (#5), Ben Hess (#6), and Kyle Carr (#13)) joined Brock Selvidge (#10), who made it here last season, in a prospect-laden rotation. It feels like a century ago, but Cam Schlittler‘s 2025 journey also began here. Additionally, their top overall prospect (George Lombard Jr.) and a solid outfield prospect (Brendan Jones (#15)) made their presence known.

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 4 K
This isn’t the way Lombard Jr. wanted to go into the off-season, but there is no doubting the strides he made this season.
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, R, BB
Avina was another mid-season promotion from Hudson Valley. Their #25 prospect struggled in his first taste of this level, hitting .224/.314/.341 in 194 plate appearances.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, R, K
Jasso, unranked by Pipeline (not surprising), was a consistent performer for the Patriots. A 22-year-old hitting .257/.326/.400 (114 wRC+) in his first taste of Double-A shouldn’t be brushed off. He is at least worth a further look.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, R, BB, 3 K
DH Jackson Castillo: 2-for-3, RBI, R, BB
The undrafted free agent (2023) went 4-for-7 in two postseason games after going 11-for-35 (.314/.405/.457) in 18 regular-season September contests. The left-handed bat is 22 years old.
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, RBI, K
2B Max Burt: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
A shoutout to Burt, the 29-year-old organizational utility player who has been with the franchise since 2018 (28th round pick out of Northeastern). Whether he will return next season is unknown, but his longevity suggests that the organization values something about him. That doesn’t mean they think he is an MLB player…
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, SAC

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 0-1)  5 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
It’s odd to see Lagrange get hit around a bit, since it’s typically a lack of control that gets him in trouble. That does not diminish his campaign, as he placed himself firmly in the conversation for best pitching prospect in the system. MLB Pipeline thinks so, due to the overpowering stuff that one expects from a pitcher of his size. Work is still needed on control, but a healthy Lagrange is likely to make his debut in 2026.
RHP Zach Messinger: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
The 25-year-old found some traction as a reliever, but is unlikely to be protected this winter.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
In his first action since 2022, Coleman pitched to a 1.59 ERA in 17 regular-season games (17 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 15 K). Whether it is with the Yankees or elsewhere, Coleman making it to the big leagues would be a nice story. 
RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

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

Their season is over.

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

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

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

Notes:

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

Updated look at the trade deadline.

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Arizona Fall League Players

Injury Log

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Their season is over.

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

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/5: Carlos Lagrange Strikes out 10

Notes:

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

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

I will be in Yankee Stadium tomorrow. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t carry my laptop everywhere to do these reports. I am just a loser who is always at home. Anyway, tomorrow’s report will be delayed.

Injury Log

Scranton (80-53; 42-19 in second half) (Lost to Worcester, 7-4)

Syracuse split a doubleheader against Buffalo and is now four games back. Teams trying to hang in there include Toledo, Indianapolis, and Lehigh Valley. Scranton owns a solid lead over Lehigh Valley, but they do play a 6-game series next week. The season ends on September 21.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, HR (17), RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Jones is up to 33 home runs, the first to do so since Peter O’Brien in 2014. The last Yankees’ farmhand to reach 34 was Shelley Duncan in 2005. The last Yankee to hit more than 34 was the legendary Mitch Jones, who crushed 39 Double-A (Trenton) home runs as a 26-year-old in 2004. FYI: Jones is a good Immaculate Grid candidate. He played in eight games for the 2009 Dodgers, going 4-for-13 (.308) with a double. That was his only taste of big league action.
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-3, 2B (35), RBI, R, BB, K
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, 2 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, RBI
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, 2 K
Martinez is hitting .210/.306/.306 in 72 PA since his promotion.
LF Duke Ellis: 1-for-3, SB (33), CS (7), K
   LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-1

RHP Brendan Beck: (L, 7-3)  4.2 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
At this level: 4.91 ERA (70.2 IP, 61 H, 43 R, 43 ER, 12 HR, 25 BB, 63 K). Beck was brilliant last time out (7 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K), but didn’t have it tonight.
RHP Scott Effross: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 1.80 ERA (25 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 25 K). Cohen allowed five homers in 52.1 innings in his 2023 debut campaign. He has allowed two in 74 innings since.

Somerset (68-62; 33-28 in second half) (Shut down New Hampshire, 4-0. New Hampshire isn’t good and Somerset is taking advantage.)

Hartford (1.5 games back) is leading their game while Portland (3 games back) lost.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, RBI, SB (19), 2 BB
Jones is hitting .242/.361/.419 at this level and has 42 stolen bases in 50 attempts overall.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (20), RBI, SB (22), BB, 2 K
Lombard Jr. has three extra-base hits (2 doubles, 1 HR) in four September games and is on a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-18; 2 doubles, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 3-for-3 SB). His Double-A triple slash reads .214/.336/.359. An adage says that current doubles often become future home runs as a prospect matures. I don’t think people say that much anymore, but we are seeing those doubles pile up for Lombard Jr.
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-3, 2B (2), HR (2), RBI, R, BB
Castillo has a much-needed night. It’s been a tough go for him since his promotion.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, BB, K
DH Garrett Martin: 0-for-2, R, SB (19), BB, K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3, R, SB (1), K
Palencia is 13-for-57 (.228) at this level. 
2B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-2, R, SB (2), BB

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (W, 6-6)  5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K
The formula seems “simple”: Low walks = strong outing. If you look at his game log, it should be no surprise when you see the correlation (though, thanks to his elite stuff, he is sometimes able to prevent runs even when he doesn’t have his control). At this level: 3.48 ERA (72.2 IP, 50 H, 31 R, 28 ER, 4 HR, 48 BB, 99 K).  Overall, he owns a 163/60 K/BB over 114 innings, and this outing pushes him past teammate Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz for second place in strikeouts amongst all minor league pitchers. The leader (Jonah Tong) is now in Queens, but it’s going to be hard to catch him (he has 179, and Lagrange has only one more start). Anyway, isn’t it cool to have two Yankees farmhands high on the list?
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Zach Messinger: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (78-49; 40-23 second half) (Defeated Greensboro, 3-1)

I didn’t even think we would get this far: Hudson Valley needs to win on Saturday and Sunday to overtake Greensboro for the second-half title. Adding to the drama is the rain in tomorrow’s forecast. I assume they would try to play two on Sunday if a rainout happens. You know where assuming gets you.

3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-5, 2 2B (9), K
Matheus is up to .287 at this level thanks to a surge that includes back-to-back 3-hit efforts. He is on a 6-game hitting streak (12-for-24). You know you are hot when you average two hits per game during a hitting streak. As for the doubles, he is up to 32 in 121 games between here and Tampa. 
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, SB (11), HBP, K
Lewis is 25-for-27 stealing bases between here and Tampa.
DH Core Jackson: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-4, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, R, BB, 3 K
C Engelth Urena: 3-for-4, R
Urena had a pair of hits two nights ago as he tries to end his season on a good note.
RF Camden Troyer: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
Troyer is hitting .261 (18-for-69; 8 RBI, 11 BB, 11 K).
2B Connor McGinnis: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Luis Durango: 1-for-3, R, SB (17), BB, K

RHP Andrew Landry: (W, 3-4)  6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
What a performance by Landry. Since his promotion: 3.95 ERA (43.1 IP, 30 H, 19 R, 19 ER, 2 HR, 25 BB, 39 K). Overall, Landry finishes his second professional season with a 4.34 ERA in 112 innings (107 H, 63 R, 54 ER, 7 HR, 52 BB, 105 K). Always keep in mind that my “final stats” assume players won’t move up to levels that still have games next week. I doubt Landry goes to Somerset, however.
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Tony Rossi: (S, 9) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
The ninth inning was an adventure, but Rossi got out of the jam.

Tampa (62-63; 26-34 in the second half)

Their game against Clearwater was canceled due to rain and will not be made up.

The weekend has further thunderstorm chances, but hopefully they can get at least one of their final two games in as they try to finish at or above .500.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/24: Carlos Lagrange’s Solid Effort

Notes:

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

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

No other news today.

Injury Log

Scranton (74-49; 36-15 in second half) (Defeated Buffalo, 5-3)

Syracuse has fallen three games behind the pace (33-18) while Toledo (31-19) has surged past Indianapolis (31-20). Toledo’s game is still in-progress today.  These are the four teams currently in the mix for the second-half title. Whoever has the best record will take on Jacksonville for the International League championship for a spot in Las Vegas to play the PCL winner for the overall Triple-A title.

3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, CS (8), 2 BB
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
LF Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, K
    PR-CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-1, R
Spencer Jones, pinch-run specialist!
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
Rumfield is trying to hang onto that .300 average (.301/.390/.483)
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, 2 K
1B Jeimer Candelario: 2-for-4, 2 R
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, R, BB, K
.247/.323/.372 in 252 PA.
2B Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-3, SF, RBI, SB (24), K
CF-LF Duke Ellis: 1-for-4, 2B (14), 2 RBI, SB (32)
Ellis increases his hitting streak to seven, all 1-hit games (even with that, he is 24-for-56 this month). He has 16 stolen bases in August. 

RHP Erick Leal: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
RHP Zach Messinger: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Messinger reached 96.1 MPH with his fastball today. 
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 1.35 ERA (20 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 10 BB, 19 K). I was asked if the 26-year-old is a legit relief prospect. I would say “Yes,” but he isn’t your typical hard-throwing reliever. He tries to get outs more with his cutter-change mix. And, yes – it is still true that most of your top relievers were starters who needed to convert for one reason or another. Regardless, I think Cohen makes it to MLB – from there? Who knows?
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 2-4) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Finally, I was able to use him for SF, < 3.00 ERA in the Immaculate Grid!  As for this season, he owns a 1.41 ERA in 38.1 IP (22 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 48 K)
RHP Joel Kuhnel: (S, 5) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (62-58; 27-24 in second half)  (Lost to Hartford, 1-0. This lineup isn’t deep to begin with – when Dylan Jasso (who was pulled in last night’s game) and Brendan Jones get a day off, the lack of offense stands out even more.)

Their lead for the second-half title is 0.5 games, as Hartford comes to New Jersey and takes 5-of-6. The mediocre records allow for Portland, despite being under .500, to dream of a second-half title as well).

Making life tougher for Somerset is this week’s series against Binghamton, the best team in the Eastern League (they will win the first and second half titles, which is what opens the door for someone else to make the playoffs)

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

3B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, 2 BB
Lombard Jr. has 14 walks in August (.213/.359/.347). If you want to say, “We were fooled by Anthony Volpe – why should we trust George Lombard Jr.?”, that’s valid. But just because one highly-touted infielder is failing doesn’t mean the next one will. 
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, K
My nephew, who was at the game, commented on how hard Avina was hitting the ball today without any results. 
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, 2B (21), HBP, K
With the bases loaded and one out early in the game, he hit a fly ball to RF that was converted into an inning-ending double play. That’s how it goes.
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 3 K
It’s been a tough season for Martin, who is hitting .206/.275/.358 with 11 homers in 87 games. Last year, for Hudson Valley, he hit .216/.326/.422 with 12 homers in 87 games. More patience with more extra-base hits. Double-A is not easy, folks.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
SS Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, K
2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-3
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-2, BB

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 5-5)  5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
Always nice when Lagrange keeps the walks to a minimum. At this level: 3.68 ERA (63.2 IP, 43 H, 29 R, 26 ER, 4 HR, 41 BB, 83 K). Overall: 3.84 ERA (105.1 IP, 74 H, 49 R, 45 ER, 8 HR, 53 BB, 147 K). Most importantly is that he is getting a lot of reps this year after tossing only 21 innings in 2024.
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.87 ERA (37.2 IP, 31 H, 14 R, 12 ER, 1 HR, 21 BB, 35 K)
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
5.55 ERA (47 IP, 56 H, 30 R, 29 ER, 6 HR, 8 BB, 48 K). Watson, who carries a .373 BABIP, should be commended for not losing confidence after a dreadful start to his campaign. He was injured late in 2023 then pitched in a few games in April 2024 before going back on the injured list. Did it simply take him a while to find his groove? I don’t know the answer to that. He’s Rule 5 eligible.

Hudson Valley (71-45; 34-19 second half) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 9-1)

Hudson Valley’s season ends on September 7th.
Their goal this coming week is to stay within striking distance of Greensboro (37-17), as the two squads square off in the season-ending 6-game series. It may seem unfair for Hudson Valley to miss the playoffs, but Greensboro is 82-37 with no guarantee that they will make the playoffs.  These are the two best squads in the Sally League this year but Brooklyn did just enough in the first half to hold off Greensboro.

CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
Lewis is hitting .238/.319/.443 with a 10-for-11 stolen base rate at this level. 
SS Core Jackson: 1-for-4, CS (1), K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
Matheus is one of those prospects who walked more than he struck out when he was in the rookie leagues, but (predictably) hasn’t been able to do that with his move to full-season leagues. That said, he still has 54 walks in 462 plate appearances this year (11.7%).
DH Kaeden Kent: 0-for-4, K
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, 2 K
Urena is hitting .114 (5-for-44) since his promotion. He just turned 21 last week, but there is no doubt that his trademark pop hasn’t showed up much this season.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, BB
Wilson is 13-for-42 (.310) since his promotion. He is a switch-hitter, if you didn’t know that already.
RF Camden Troyer: 0-for-4, K
2B Connor McGinnis: 0-for-3, R

RHP Cade Smith (L, 0-1): 3.2 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 2 K, HR
Smith threw 74 pitches today. We won’t get a read on him this season – it’s just good that he was able to get in some work before the season concluded.
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Gabonia has sneakily put up a solid season. He owns a 2.83 ERA in 35 innings (28 H, 16 R, 11 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 39 K).  He has pitched well enough in 35 High-A games to get a shot in Somerset next season.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.95 ERA (50.2 IP, 30 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 54 K). If Hudson Valley doesn’t make the playoffs, I wonder if they will send Warrecker up to Somerset after next week to get his feet wet. 

Tampa (56-60; 20-31 in the second half)

Their doubleheader against Ft. Myers was canceled due to rain. The games will not be made up.

Tampa’s season ends on September 7th.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/13: Strong Effort by Carlos Lagrange

Notes:

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

RHP Bryce Cunningham, ranked fifth in the Yankees’ Top 30 on MLB Pipeline, was activated from the injured list today. He was on the hill for Hudson Valley.

Injury Log

Scranton (68-45; 30-11 in second half) (Defeated Indianapolis, 6-5)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, R, SAC
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, K
Rumfield’s 2-run single with one out in the bottom of the 9th walked it off.  He has 34 multi-hit games and is hitting .310/.393/.499 with 29 doubles, 1 triple, 14 home runs, and 79 runs batted in.
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, K
Jones isn’t completely over his slump, despite the home run the other day. He is 6-for-46 (.130) in August. His ony extra-base hit was that home run.
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, HR (21), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-4, 2B (12)
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, R, BB
LF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, 3B (2), 2 RBI, R, BB
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
Since promotion: 5-for-18 with a double, a triple, and six runs batted in.
   PR Duke Ellis: 0-for-0, R

RHP Allan Winans: 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, HR
His impressive Triple-A season continues (1.20 ERA in 75 innings)
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Bird: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
I hope Bird is working on things. There is a decent chance he doesn’t get back to MLB in 2025, which is fine even if it may not have been the initial plan.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: (W, 2-0)  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (59-51; 24-18 in second half) (Defeated Portland, 6-3)

LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-5, 2 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, 2B (14), 2 R, BB, K
He’s only 8-for-42 in August but he has two doubles, a triple, and a home run in his last seven games.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-5, R, K
Since promotion: .241/.333/.373 in 96 PA. 
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, RBI, CS (3), BB, K
RF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-4, RBI, R, K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3, 2B (2), SF, RBI, HBP, K
2B Duncan Pastore: 3-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI
It is always fun to see a prospect like Pastore have a big day. He doesn’t play often, and has even spent time on the Development List this season.

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (W, 5-3) 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Since promotion: 3.44 ERA (55 IP, 33 H, 23 R, 21 ER, 3 HR, 37 BB, 74 K). Overall: 3.72 ERA (96.2 IP, 64 H, 43 R, 40 ER, 7 HR, 49 BB, 138 K). His control has been off lately (14 walks in his three prior starts), so this was nice to see.
RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2.78 ERA (35.2 IP, 29 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 33 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz (S, 5): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.14 ERA (43 IP, 29 H, 17 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 35 K)

Hudson Valley (66-41; 28-15 second half) (Defeated Aberdeen, 1-0, in ten innings)

CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, 2 K
DH Kaeden Kent: 0-for-5, 3 K
Kent is off to a 2-for-24 start to his career. Is that meaningful? Nah.
3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-5, RBI, SB (2), CS (1)
It certainly stands out when a player compiles three of a team’s seven hits. Matheus is hitting .308 (8-for-26) since his promotion and has 37 stolen bases in 46 attempts between here and Tampa. He leads the organization in stolen bases.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Core Jackson: 1-for-4, 2B (3), 2 K
Jackson has four hits, three of which are doubles.
LF Robbie Burnett: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
2B Connor McGinnis: 1-for-4, K
RF Joe Delossantos: 1-for-3, SB (1), BB
C John Cristino: 0-for-4, 2 K
  PR Owen Cobb: 0-for-0, R

RHP Bryce Cunningham: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
Cunningham’s first appearance since June 4th. He tossed 30 pitches. Season: 1.88 ERA (48 IP, 34 R, 12 R, 10 ER, 3 HR, 14 BB, 47 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.84 ERA (31.2 IP, 26 H, 15 R, 10 ER, 12 BB, 33 K). Gabonia has been sneaky good since a rough April.
RHP Sebastian Keane:  2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.67 ERA (32.1 IP, 21 H, 13 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 18 BB, 33 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.62 ERA (34.1 IP, 23 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 49 K)
RHP Huey Morrill: (W, 4-1)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
0.21 ERA (42.1 IP, 13 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 36 K). Imagine giving up one earned run in 42.1 innings (he also allowed one earned run in three innings for Somerset).

Tampa (51-56; 15-27 in the second half) (Defeated Dunedin, 13-6)

2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, 2 BB
I would love to see what Tejeda can do with a full season’s worth of plate appearances. Last year’s injury, which extended into this season, prevented us from seeing that. We’ll see what 2026 brings.
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, RBI, R, 3 SB (36), CS (4), 2 BB, 2 K
Toole’s second career 3-SB effort. As of this writing, he has fallen one point behind Edward Duran (TOR) in the race for the Florida State League batting title. That said, Duran will fall off the list eventually as he was promoted to High-A a few weeks ago.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, HR (7), RBI, R, BB, K
Arias is 13-for-44 (.295) with four doubles, one home run, and five stolen bases in August.
1B Kyle West: 3-for-4, 2B (2), 3 R, BB
West has six hits in his last three games.
LF Willy Montero: 3-for-5, 2B (5), RBI, 2 R, SB (1)
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 3B (1), 3 RBI, 2 R
Back-to-back multi-hit efforts and he is 7-for-20 overall.
DH Wilson Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 3B (2), HR (2), SF, 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Rodriguez, a 20-year-old drafted in the 17th round in 2023, ranked 23rd on Pipeline’s recent list. Like with Brendan Jones, he is lauded for his ability to play all three outfield positions. He is hitting .241/.340/.398 in 25 games since his promotion.
RF Eric Genther: 0-for-2, R, SB (1), HBP, 2 BB, K
C Ediel Rivera: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R, HBP, 2 K

RHP Sunayro Martina: 3 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
LHP Tanner Bauman: (W, 4-7)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.74 ERA (46 IP, 37 H, 22 R, 14 ER, 5 HR, 26 BB, 60 K)

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

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

DSL Yankees (22-29)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (27-24)

Day off.

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

Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Injury Log

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

Game 1 (Won, 2-0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game 1 (Lost, 1-0)

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

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

Game 2 (Lost, 8-6)

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

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

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

Game 1 (Lost, 1-0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

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

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

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

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

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

None of the pitching lines are worth posting.

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

Notes:

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

Injury Log

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yankees MILB 7/13: Carlos Lagrange: 5 Hitless Innings

Notes:

RHP Luis Gil made his first rehab appearance today for Somerset.

The draft is tonight. The Yankees, along with the Dodgers and Mets, were penalized for having the audacity to improve their roster and had their draft position dropped ten slots. They will pick 39th.

Recent history suggests that the Yankees will likely select someone who attended an SEC school or was committed to one. Four of their last six top picks fit that description (Anthony Volpe, Spencer Jones, George Lombard Jr., Ben Hess). The two exceptions were Austin Wells (Arizona) and Trey Sweeney (Eastern Illinois).

The latest mock from Pipeline has them choosing either Alabama RHP Riley Quick (Jonathan Mayo) or Tennessee RHP Marcus Phillips (Jim Callis). Both are playing the percentages. When you read their scouting reports, they feel like the types of pitchers the Yankees would target. Quick is big (6’6″) and powerful. His write-up feels like Ben Hess 2.0. Phillips can reach triple digits, but he has command issues.

As stated yesterday, all full-season leagues are on a 4-day break after today. What will I be doing? Likely nothing, though maybe I will type up a “mid-season, though it isn’t” review.

Injury Log

Scranton (52-37; 14-3 in second half) (Defeated Buffalo, 5-4)

By the way, Triple-A playoffs are different than the rest. Because they play an “overall championship” game between the PCL and the International League, the regular playoffs are condensed into one championship series. The division you play in doesn’t matter – the best record in the first half faces the best record in the second half for the title. The good news is that Scranton has the overall second-half lead right now.

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, CS (6), 2 K
Rodriguez has a 9-game hitting streak. Since they traded Alex Jackson, he has become an “iron man” catcher. They are giving him five days off from those duties. Between here and Somerset, he enters the break at .291/.389/.381 in 352 PA (.310/.410/.410 for Scranton).
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (7), RBI, R, K
Jones’ 23rd HR places him one behind minor league leader Ryan Wood (Dodgers), who has 24 in 87 games. Wood is a 27-year-old minor league veteran who consistently hits a bunch of homers. Of more significance is a player Jones is tied with: 21-year-old Mariners’ prospect Lazaro Montes, the 28th-ranked prospect in baseball (Pipeline). Anyway, he is hitting .362/.426/.776 in 68 PA here and .296/.399/.639 in 276 PA overall. With his K%, you may wonder what his BABIP is. It is certainly high (.377) but perhaps not as insane as you would have expected it to be. That’s because of all the home runs. Regardless, what a season he is having. 
RF Everson Pereira: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
Rumfield doesn’t want the break to come. He is in a 5-game hitting streak and is 16-for-43 (.372) in July. 
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, K
Candelario is 2-for-24 since signing. That won’t give the Yankees any incentive to give him a chance!
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, R, SB (22)
C Edinson Duran: 1-for-3, R, SB (1)
Duran’s first game since April 27th. I guess if I were on the sidelines for that long, I would be frisky on the basepaths too! Signed by the Yankees in 2021, the 22-year-old has played in only 122 games. In 2023, in the FCL, he hit .314/.405/.457 in 32 games.
LF Duke Ellis: 1-for-2, 2 SB (12), BB

RHP Carlos Carrasco: (W, 2-2)  7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Cohen allows his first run since his promotion (9.1 IP)
RHP Kervin Castro (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
1.88 ERA (24 IP, 10 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 31 K). Can the 26-year-old be an addition to the 2025 bullpen?  He isn’t a fireballer, though he is in the 91-93 range with his cutter. The Yankees need to look for something better, but Castro is proving to be decent depth.

Somerset (45-41; 12-6 in second half) (Defeated New Hampshire, 5-1)

LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-5, HR (3), RBI, R, K
Jones’ HR was a leadoff blast. Since promotion: .241/.323/.420 in 130 PA (7 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 16 R, 7-for-8 SB, 11.5% BB, 19.2% K). He is 12-for-37 (.324) with three doubles, a triple, and two home runs (.622 SLG) in July.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-3, 3B (1), HBP
Flores is an extra-base hit machine, but it usually manifests as doubles and homers. This is only his second career triple (first since 2023). He goes into the break hitting .284/.342/.495 in 365 PA with visions of Scranton in his dreams.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, K
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, R
Since promotion: .255/.321/.447 in 53 PA. 
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, R, BB
RF Cam Eden: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (1), K
SS Max Burt: 1-for-3, SB (10), HBP, K
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-4, 2 K
I assume Pastore will be back in Hudson Valley once Lombard Jr. is back on Friday.

RHP Luis Gil: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
Gil’s first rehab start. He tossed 50 pitches (36 strikes)
RHP Luis Pacheco: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Carlos Lagrange: (W, 4-2) 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
I always wonder if going from “starter” to “piggyback” impacts a youngster in any way. The answer is an emphatic “no” from Carlos Lagrange. For Somerset: 3.79 ERA (35.2 IP, 20 H, 15 R, 15 ER, 3 HR, 22 BB, 49 K). Overall: 8-4 with a 3.96 ERA (77.1 IP, 51 H, 35 R, 34 ER, 7 HR, 34 BB, 113 K). He leads Yankees’ farmhands in strikeouts and is in the top five in all of minor league baseball.

Hudson Valley (52-33; 14-7 second half) (Defeated Asheville, 3-2. Eight of Hudson Valley’s starters collected at least one hit, though only one went for extra bases)

LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, R
July: 15-for-39 (.385; 2 doubles, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 9 R, 5-for-6 SB, 5 BB). He was hitting .225 after the June 26th game. He is now hitting .251.
CF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, 2B (4), R, K
Lewis has a modest 4-game hitting streak (6-for-15; 1 double, 2 HR). Hopefully, this is the start of a strong finish.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4
2B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-4, R, K
3B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, RBI, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, K
DH Kiko Romero: 1-for-3
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-3

RHP Ben Hess: 3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
Speaking of first-round picks, Hess blew away Asheville hitters today (they are limiting his pitches after he was out for nearly a month between late May and June. In his last start before being shut down, he tossed 99 pitches.) He owns a 4.08 ERA in 53 IP (34 H, 28 R, 24 ER, 2 HR, 32 BB, 80 K). His 34% K rate entering today will be going up.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Warrecker reaches the break with a 0.96 ERA in 37.1 IP (17 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 39 K). I think that is more than enough to get him to New Jersey.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: (W, 2-2) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.74 ERA (21.2 IP, 23 H, 14 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 19 K)
RHP Jordany Ventura: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Huey Morrill: (S, 4)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.29 ERA (31 IP, 12 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 22 K)

Tampa (45-40; 9-11 in second half) (Lost to Lakeland, 3-2)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, R, BB
Perez is hitting .214/.375/.240 in 344 PA (7 doubles, 0 HR, 25 RBI, 38 R, 5-for-6 SB, 18.6% BB, 18.6% K). One has to like the 1.00 K/BB. After a nice surge, he went 0-for-12 in his final three games before the break. He’s played a lot this year (75 games; 51 was his previous high), and fatigue can certainly set in, even as a teenager. Let’s hope he comes back refreshed.
RF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-2, 2 BB
.278/.371/.436 in 285 PA (24-for-28 SB). The 21-year-old has adjusted nicely in his first year in a full-season league. 
DH Roderick Arias: 2-for-4
It’s been a tough go for Arias from the start. At no point during the first half did he reach .200 (.194/.315/.306). His continued lack of success against LHP hurts (7-for-51 with one extra-base hit), but he isn’t crushing RHP either (.209/.333/.346). He has a major uphill battle.
LF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, 2B (2), K
Montero is 9-for-25 with a pair of doubles and a triple. He has multiple hits in four of his six Low-A games.
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB
.263/.355/.349 in 332 PA (19 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 38 RBI, 41 R, 31-for-39 SB (79.5%), 12.7% BB, 20.8% K). He has six starts at second base, 24 at shortstop, and 48 at third base.
CF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, R, SB (7), K
SS Owen Cobb: 0-for-3, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, K

RHP Gage Ziehl: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Including his one emergency start with Somerset: 4.25 ERA (78.1 IP, 85 H, 45 R, 37 ER, 7 HR, 14 BB, 67 K). Last year’s 4th-round pick (Miami) has pitched well enough to be intriguing. By the way, he wasn’t drafted in the 4th round to “save money” as he received a slightly over-slot bonus ($637,000).
RHP Chris Veach: (L, 2-2)  2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (25-26)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (12-18)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (15-15)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 7/8: Carlos Lagrange Ks 8

Notes:

RHP Cade Smith, ranked 14th in the organization by Pipeline, made a rehab appearance for the FCL yesterday. He went two perfect innings, striking out three.

Last season, in 93.2 innings between Tampa and Hudson Valley (8 innings), Smith went 6-7 with a 3.65 ERA (3.37 FIP). 42.8% GB, 30.6% K, and 11.1% BB. He was drafted in the 6th round in the 2023 draft out of Mississippi State.

OF Everson Pereira being pulled from tonight’s lineup in Scranton is interesting, only because the Yankees are (obviously) in the third base and bullpen markets. Most of the time, this is just a way for people on Twitter to get impressions by making you think a trade is imminent. It could be a trade. It could be an injury. It could be an illness. It could be a mistake in the original lineup. It could be that he is about to be summoned to MLB for some reason. Have fun with it, but don’t automatically think a trade is imminent.

As for the debut of RHP Cam Schlittler, I like the move. At the very least, he will get his feet wet in MLB, which I find more valuable than going with Carlos Carrasco. How will he do? We know he throws hard. We know that one concern was his ability to command pitches. I never expect much from rookie pitchers, but he has the swing-and-miss stuff that intrigues and can get through an order a few times. Either way, whether he sticks for a while or not, it will be a learning experience.

Injury Log

Scranton (47-37) (Defeated Buffalo, 5-2)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 3-for-4, RBI, BB, K
Vivas has seven 3-hit efforts this season. He is hitting .285/.408/.394 in 242 PA with more walks (34) than strikeouts (23).
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB
Rodriguez is 7-for-23 with seven walks in July. 
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, SB (3), 2 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 13-for-35 (3 doubles, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R, 3-for-3 SB, 8 BB, 14 K). We focus on the power (11 doubles, 20 HR) and the strikeouts, but we shouldn’t ignore the 40 walks in 58 games.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-5, K
DH Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
Candelario’s Scranton debut. 
2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-4, K
LF Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2 2B (20), R, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, R, SB (20)
RF Ismael Munguia: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (20), K
.231/.304/.314 in 259 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 33 R, 20-for-25 SB). This is his first career 20+ SB season.

RHP Carlos Carrasco: (W, 1-2)  5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 8 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 7 K. 13 of his 18 pitches tonight were cutters, and he generated four whiffs on six swings with that pitch. His 4-seamer sits comfortably in the low 90s.
RHY Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.71 ERA (34 IP, 21 H, 14 R, 14 ER, 4 HR, 37 BB, 35 K). He’s done a decent job of preventing runs lately, but we need to see a consistent run of good control. By the way, he reached 96.2 MPH with his 4-seamer (averaged 94.9).
RHP Joel Kuhnel (S, 3): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
First save as a member of the Yankees’ organization (had two for Lehigh Valley this year).

Somerset (43-39) (Defeated New Hampshire, 5-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, R
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4
Riggio is 10-for-25 in July (4 doubles, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 4 BB, 2 K)
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (15), RBI, R
Flores is third in the Eastern League in HR, behind Ryan Clifford (Binghamton) and former teammate Spencer Jones.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-3, 2 R, BB
CF Brendan Jones: 3-for-4, 2 2B (7), RBI, R
Jones is 8-for-22 with three doubles in July. He has seven doubles in 27 games since his promotion. 
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, 2B (3), SF, 3 RBI, K
Martinez is 8-for-34 with three doubles, a homer, and five RBI since his promotion.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, HBP, BB
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 8 K
Since promotion: 4.40 ERA (30.2 IP, 20 H, 15 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 42 K). Pure talent. Between here and Hudson Valley, he owns a 106/33 K/BB over 72.1 innings. Yes, his BB rate has risen considerably since his promotion. That does not shock me.
RHP Luis Pacheco (W, 2-0): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (48-32) (Defeated Asheville, 7-6)

CF Jace Avina: 3-for-4, 2 HR (6), 4 RBI, 2 R, K
One of the homers was a lead-off blast. This is his fourth career 2-HR game (last one was in 2023) and he is on a 6-game hitting streak (9-for-22). He is hitting .294/.406/.476.
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, SB (5), BB
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-4, SB (13), K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, R, CS (1), BB, 2 K
Castillo is now 14-for-15 stealing bases. He is 8-for-24 (.333) with three walks and five strikeouts in July.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, R
Vargas increases his hitting streak to 16 (this was his 8th straight 1-hit game). He is 23-for-59 (.390) during the streak.
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, CS (4), HBP, K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, R, K
DH Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, HR (4), 3 RBI, R, K
Moylan is on a bit of a run (10-for-28 with two homers in his last eight games). 
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, R, 2 K

RHP Ben Hess: 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K
In his third start back, Hess tossed 53 pitches. He owns a 4.20 ERA in 49.1 IP (32 H, 27 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 31 BB, 72 K). Missing bats, missing the strike zone. There is plenty of time to work on the latter.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Sebastian Keane (W, 5-0): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
3.32 ERA (19 IP, 13 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 22 K). His stay in Somerset was short-lived (one game), so it was likely a “need” thing.

Tampa (43-37) (Lost to Lakeland, 10-5)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, HBP, BB, K
RF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, 3B (5), R, 2 BB
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, K
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-2
In the inning before he was pulled, Urena was wiped off the basepaths due to a line drive double play. Hopefully, no injury occurred on that play. I will let others try to tell you that the Yankees are packaging Pereira and Urena for a random superstar.
   C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R, HBP
The presence of Perez and Urena hasn’t allowed Gonzalez to get much time behind the plate (5 games, 1 start).
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, R, HBP
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 3B (1), 2 RBI, R
Montero’s rehab stint is over.
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-4, BB
Since promotion: 1-for-12 with a stolen base, four walks, and only one strikeout.
1B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, BB
2B Owen Cobb: 2-for-4, 3B (3), RBI

RHP Gage Ziehl: (L, 4-4)  5 IP, 10 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
4.08 ERA (68.1 IP, 70 H, 39 R, 31 ER, 6 HR, 11 BB, 57 K). He’s pitched well lately, so we’ll toss this one aside.
LHP Tanner Bauman: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Justin Lange: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

FCL (23-24) (Defeated the FCL Blue Jays, 4-2. By the way, the regular season ends on July 24th)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-2, SB (6), BB, 2 K
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-2, K
Tejeda has played 2B/SS/3B in his career (one game in LF).
1B John Cristino: 2-for-2, 3B (1), RBI, 2 R, HBP
Cristino continues to beat up FCL competition. He is hitting .323/.397/.538 in 73 plate appearances and will hopefully make his way to Tampa after the FCL season ends (at the latest).
2B Luis Escudero: 2-for-3, HR (2), 3 RBI, R, CS (5)
.223/.338/.317 in 151 PA (23 BB, 21 K, 12-for-17 SB)

RHP Jose Martinez: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

DSL Yankees (12-15) (Lost to the DSL Tigers, 13-1)

SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-3
Since the rookie leagues are the only leagues in action, I tend to skip Monday reports. Of course, Cedeno had one of his better games yesterday (2-for-4, 3 runs, 2 BB). That temporarily moved his average over .200. After today, he’s hitting .195/.374/.247.
CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3
Vilorio has reached base safely in 21 of his 22 games (14 straight).
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-1, 2 BB, K
.314/.444/.571 in 90 PA. He has reached base safely in 21 of his 22 games (20 straight).
LF Estivenzon Montero: 2-for-2, 2 2B (3), RBI, BB
.338/.427/.549 in 82 PA (3 doubles, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 10 R, 5-for-7 SB, 12.2% BB, 29.3% K). Montero (18) is having a solid year in his second tour at this level.

RHP Enixon Sanchez (L, 0-2): 3.1 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
3.00 ERA (21 IP, 21 H, 11 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 18 BB, 29 K). The 18-year-old hasn’t allowed a home run in his first 50 professional innings.

DSL Bombers (13-13) (Outscored the DSL Cardinals, 10-9)

SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-5, RBI, R, CS (4), K
.286/.469/.357 in 98 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 18 R, 13-for-17 SB, 24.5% BB, 19.4% K). He is on a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-17).
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-4, 2B (4), R, SB (10), BB, K
.216/.310/.432 in 100 PA (4 doubles, 3 triples, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 15 R, 10-for-13 SB)
2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-4, 2 R, SB (16)
Reyes is 16-for-17 stealing bases in 19 games.
RF Jose Castro: 0-for-2, 2 R, SB (2), 2 BB, K
3B Juan Torres: 3-for-5, 2B (4), 3 RBI, 3 R
The 17-year-old records his first career 3-hit game.
DH Remy Veldhuisen: 3-for-5, 2B (3), 2 RBI, K
Veldhuisen’s 7th multi-hit game. He had a 4-hit game on 7/5.
LF Richard Meran: 2-for-4, R, BB, 2 K

RHP Alexander Almonte: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
3.32 ERA (21.2 IP, 16 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 23 K). In 14 DSL starts, the 18-year-old owns a 3.42 ERA in 47.1 IP (36 H, 25 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 22 BB, 49 K)

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.