Dax Kilby Archives - Tom's Sports Blog

Yankees Notes and Opinions for 12/2

Other off-season pieces:
11/28/25
11/25/25
11/18/25
11/15/25
11/7/25
10/30/25
Japanese Free Agents
Rule 5 Primer

1. Devin Williams to the Mets (3 years/$50M)

Hours after securing a casino deal, Steve Cohen placed his first big bet by throwing a ton of money at a reliever coming off an uneven season.

I have written many times, going back several weeks, that I wouldn’t mind if the Yankees re-signed Devin. He is a good bounce-back candidate, though my mantra that we shouldn’t just ignore the conventional statistics remains. Are we just going to ignore the times he blew up on the mound and say he was mostly “unlucky”? Call me old school, but I can’t accept that.

As for what this means for Edwin Diaz, it’s hard to say. Williams has his big contract and isn’t looking at a Hall of Fame closer career. In other words, does he care if he is a setup guy instead of a closer?

Williams joins Ryan Helsley on the list of relievers being paid good money based on what teams think he can be instead of what he was. Helsley was bad for the Mets after they acquired him. The best I can say about Williams is that he was up-and-down.

What does this mean for the Yankees? Likely not much, unless they are thinking of dipping into the high-end market, which still includes Diaz, Robert Suarez, and Brad Keller. Rubber-armed Tyler Rogers may intrigue, but he is far from a power arm.

Keller has some Luke Weaver in him – a failed starter who suddenly blossomed out of the bullpen. It’s fair to question whether 2025 was an outlier that will be difficult for him to replicate.

There are still plenty of arms available, including some potential trade options. I am not discouraged that the Yankees have yet to find one.

2. The Yankees are interested in Sandy Alcantara

In the least shocking rumor thus far, the Yankees are reportedly interested in a Marlins pitcher! We have heard these rumors for years.

Alcantara is often seen as the big fish, although we’ve also seen Edward Cabrera rumors in the past.

I will get this out of the way: Alcantara wasn’t good in 2025. bWAR was especially down on him (0.1), though fWAR was more forgiving (1.7). Numbers-wise, he was 11-12 with a 5.36 ERA (4.28 FIP) over 174.2 innings with a 19.1% K, 7.7% BB, and 46.5% GB.

Those numbers probably don’t encourage you, but it was his first taste of action since 2023, as he missed the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery. Most of his bad 2025 performances occurred early, as he compiled an 8.31 ERA in April and an 8.64 ERA in May. Everything improved across the board in the second half compared to the first.

As for his contract, he has one guaranteed year left on his deal ($17.3 million). However, there is a reasonable $21 million team option for 2027. His contract also includes a $1 million trade bonus.

What would the Yankees need to give up? A good pitcher with two years of control won’t be cheap. The Marlins will likely ask about Spencer Jones and one of the Yankees’ top pitching prospects. Add in a low-level “deal sweetener,” and you have yourself the makings of a good package. You have to be prepared for a Jasson Dominguez ask.

Bottom Line:

I like Alcantara. I wish he struck out more batters, but he is more of a ground baller who keeps the walk rate down. I am willing to ignore his overall 2025 performance. It takes time to find your rhythm, even when your Tommy John rehab is complete.

3. Baseball America talks up Dax Kilby

Included in the list of the Yankees’ Top Ten prospects, Baseball America did a best tools blurb. 2025 draftee Dax Kilby was placed at the top of the best hitter, fastest baserunner, and best athlete tools. This was enough to rank Kilby third, behind only George Lombard Jr. and Elmer Rodriguez.

Kilby’s first 18 professional games couldn’t have gone much better. He hit .353/.457/.441 in 81 plate appearances with a 16% BB and 13.6% K. Additionally, he stole 16 bases in 17 attempts.

It is too early to make any proclamations about his future. It doesn’t appear he is a long-term shortstop, though they didn’t play him anywhere else. We will likely see him play a few different positions in 2026, because that is what teams do with prospects. Not many questions about Lombard Jr.’s ability to play shortstop, but he is still asked to play some second and third base.

As for him being ranked 3rd, there are two ways to look at that:

He progressed so rapidly that Baseball America had no choice but to push him near the top.
The Yankees’ system isn’t strong, so a draftee getting off to a hot start was able to take a giant leap on their list.

The Yankees’ farm system made noticeable strides in 2025, and Cam Schlittler’s rapid ascent to the majors was a huge win. That said, I think it lacks a true superstar-level prospect. I am hoping for Lombard Jr. to provide us with one in 2026. Kilby being third can be seen as a warning signal. He only has 81 plate appearances, after all. That shouldn’t dampen our excitement about what seems to be an up-and-coming prospect.

Bottom Line:

Because the Yankees had the gall to spend money, MLB punished them by dropping their first-round pick to 39th. It feels like poetic justice if they end up with a future All-Star—someone they might have passed on had they kept their original draft position.

4. The Yankees sign OF Yostin Pena to a minor league contract.

This signing isn’t inconsequential, as the Cardinals gave the teenager a hefty $300,000 signing bonus in January.

His transaction page doesn’t offer much insight, so you may wonder: What’s happening here?

From what I could find, he may have been released due to questions about his age. Honestly, the only two things that make sense are age or disciplinary reasons. It seems unlikely they would hand $300,000 to a prospect, not play him, and release him for talent reasons. That’s what you do when they fail for several years, like most of the prospects from the ill-fated 2014-2015 Yankees’ international signing bonanza-turned-embarrassment. Heads should have rolled based on that class alone.

Bottom Line:

So, how old is Pena? If this is an age-related issue, who knows? He is officially listed as an 18-year-old, for now. Regardless, if there is talent to tap into, I don’t care how old he is.

“Wait! You used a Twitter link! I thought you hated that place!” True that. However, a web search didn’t yield many results beyond the RedBird Farmhands Xwitter page. I can’t confirm whether that page is reliable, but the information seems reasonable.

5. Winter Meetings!

On Sunday, the annual frenzy known as the Winter Meetings kicks off. The Yankees, as always, will be active. Whether “active” means something will actually get done instead of laying groundwork, who knows?

I am old enough to remember the days when you had to watch SportsCenter at 11 PM to get Winter Meetings updates from Peter Gammons. Yankees fans like myself would get excited over Greg Maddux talking to the Yankees. It was like a high school kid getting excited to talk to the head cheerleader, only for her to run off with the quarterback.

The end of the Winter Meetings brings the Rule 5 draft. As of now, the Yankees have plenty of space to add someone, though history suggests they will not. They will likely add depth through the Minor League phase of the draft. Last season, they brought in outfielder Luis Durango from the Guardians. He showed off his speed in Hudson Valley (17 stolen bases in 40 games), but power continues to elude him. He hasn’t homered since 2021.

In 2023, they added pitchers Gabriel Barbosa and Kervin Castro. After spending a year in the Yankees organization, the Phillies grabbed Barbosa in last year’s minor league phase. Castro, drafted from the Astros, should be considered a success story given that he was added to the 40-man roster to prevent him from entering free agency this winter.

Bottom Line:

The Winter Meetings have a mixed history. Sometimes, moves happen rapidly enough that it is hard to keep track. Other times, it’s a lot of rumor and conjecture with little action. To me, they have lost a little flavor because the world is better connected now than ever. You don’t need to rush into Brian Cashman’s suite (better knock first) to get something done before the flights take off.

That said, it’s still a fun few days for baseball fans. Maybe the Yankees will surprise us with something to talk about.

Yankees MILB 9/6: Cade Smith Pitches a Gem

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.

Nothing.

Injury Log

Scranton (80-53; 42-19 in second half)

Their game against Worcester was postponed. They will try to play a pair tomorrow.

Syracuse won and is 3.5 games behind. Lehigh Valley, Toledo, and Indianapolis are way back. The only team of the three with more than a faint pulse is Lehigh Valley, only because they play Scranton next week.

Scranton’s 80-53 overall mark is the best in the International League, but that is just a fun footnote as it has no playoff meaning.

Somerset (69-62; 34-28 in the second half) (Scored two in the bottom of the 9th to stun New Hampshire, 3-2)

Hartford lost and is now 2.5 games back. Portland lost and is 4.5 games out.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Jones has a 6-game walk streak (he has four stolen bases during the streak). The ability to take walks and create havoc on the basepaths is a major plus. After all, Jones is only 1-for-15 during this 6-game stretch.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Jace Avina: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
.266/.333/.417 in 502 PA (17 doubles, 6 triples, 13 HR, 71 RBI, 62 R, 7.4% BB, 23.5% K)
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, R, 3 K
RF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
CF Garrett Martin: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (20)
The ability to steal bases is there. The bat has not developed much, though.
2B Jake Gatewood: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 K
C Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-3, K

LHP Brock Selvidge: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
5.03 ERA (68 IP, 63 H, 40 R, 38 ER, 4 HR, 37 BB, 56 K). Selvidge should get a final regular-season start next week.
RHP Baron Stuart: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
1.20 ERA (15 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 1 BB, 14 K).
RHP Michael Arias (W, 2-0): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (79-49; 41-23 second half) (Squeaked past Greensboro, 1-0. Hudson Valley’s pitching has shown up this week.)

Hudson Valley entered this week needing to go 5-1 against Greensboro to win the second-half crown. That was a tall task, given how dominant Greensboro has been all season. They are almost there, going 4-1 to set up a “winner goes to the playoffs” matchup for Sunday. Greensboro (87-43) will easily win the “overall” title, but a loss tomorrow keeps them out of the playoffs.

3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, RBI
Matheus drove home the only run in the bottom of the 6th. The switch-hitting utility type has a 6-game hitting streak.
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Core Jackson: 0-for-3, K
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-3, CS (2)
Moylan has six multi-hit efforts in his last ten games (14-for-35).
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-3, K
RF Camden Troyer: 0-for-3, K
C John Cristino: 1-for-3, R, K
A big hit for Cristino, as it set up Matheus’ RBI single. After predictably hitting well in the FCL, Hudson Valley is proving to be a challenge (11-for-62, 3 doubles, 1 home run).
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-2, CS (7), K

RHP Cade Smith (W, 2-1): 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
There is a reason why Smith is highly regarded. For Hudson Valley: 2.76 ERA in eight starts (32.2 IP, 20 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 35 K). Overall, he finishes the season (assuming he doesn’t go to Somerset) with a 2.50 ERA over 11 starts (39.2 IP, 24 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 18 BB, 42 K).
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Gabonia has been an unsung contributor this season, compiling a 3.27 ERA in 41.1 IP (34 H, 20 R, 15 ER, 0 HR, 15 BB, 42 K).
RHP Brady Kirtner (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K. Including his time with Tampa, he compiled a 2.70 ERA in 46.2 IP (32 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 52 K)

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half) (Defeated Clearwater, 6-2)

Tampa’s season ends on Sunday.

SS Dax Kilby: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (16), 2 BB, K
Kilby has turned Low-A into his personal playground, hitting .353/.457/.441 in 81 PA (2 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 19 R, 16-for-17 SB, 13 BB, 11 K). Those are “lead-off hitter” numbers, though we are far away from knowing if he will maintain it.
3B Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, R, SB (34), BB, 2 K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-5, 2B (3), RBI, 3 K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, R, SB (44), 2 BB, K
Toole would have to go 0-for-6 on Sunday to finish his FSL season under .300. As stated the other day, the FSL batting title is sewn up.
DH Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 2-for-5, 2 R, 2 SB (6), 2 K
Martin-Grudzielanek is 19-for-77 (.247/.294/.416; 2 doubles, 4 triples, 1 HR) in 24 games.
LF Richie Bonomolo: 0-for-5, 2 K
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, RBI, K
1B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, BB, K
.269/.357/.431 in 334 plate appearances.
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4, R, SB (14), K

LHP Henry Lalane: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
2025 was nothing more than a “get healthy, and do something” season for Lalane, who tossed only 19.1 innings between here and the FCL.
RHP Jose M. Rodriguez (W, 4-1): 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 8 K
Since promotion: 5.14 ERA (28 IP, 24 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 3 HR, 19 BB, 28 K). He falls one shy of his personal best for strikeouts in a game.
LHP Tanner Bauman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.30 ERA (58.2 IP, 46 H, 32 R, 28 ER, 9 HR, 32 BB, 46 K). Fristoe followed up a 2.19 ERA in August with 3.2 hitless, scoreless innings in September.
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.53 ERA (57 IP, 46 H, 26 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 29 BB, 75 K). A solid debut campaign for Veach.

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 9/4: George Lombard Jr. Homers

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.

Nothing to report.

Injury Log

Scranton (80-52; 42-18 in second half) (Defeated Worcester, 6-2)

Syracuse’s game against Buffalo was postponed (they will try to play two tomorrow), so Scranton increases its lead to 4.5 games. 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.

DH Austin Slater: 0-for-2, R, BB
PH-DH Duke Ellis: 0-for-1, SF, RBI
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, CS (9), BB
Vivas is on a 5-game hitting streak and has hit safely in ten of his last 11 games. He’s hitting .274/.400/.361 at this level.
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, K
LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-1, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (11), R, 3 K
Some may think I focus too much on the strikeouts. I do it for a reason: You aren’t surviving in MLB with these strikeout rates. If this insane surge is due to his back injury, that can explain it. But that happened over a month ago. If his back is still hurting, why is he playing at all? Hence, I assume he is healthy and pitchers have adjusted to him.
LF-RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 R, BB
1B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, RBI, R, SB (12)
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-4, 2B (18), 2 RBI, K

RHP Allan Winans: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
RHP Bailey Dees: (W, 2-0) 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Headrick begins his rehab stint. Since he has options, they could leave him here once the stint is over.
RHP Yerry De los Santos: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel (S, 6): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (67-62; 32-28 in second half) (Defeated New Hampshire, 4-1, in a rain-shortened contest)

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

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

DH Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, R, SB (18), BB, K
Yankees’ minor league stolen base leaders: Marshall Toole: 43; Brendan Jones: 41; Juan Matheus: 40.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, HR (8), RBI, R, K
Lombard Jr. hit one home run for Hudson Valley, so he is within one of a double-digit campaign. He has also drawn 80 walks between the two levels (20.7% BB in Hudson Valley; 13.4% here). Don’t worry that the rate is lower – it is still solid, and that is expected.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-1, BB
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, RBI, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-2, R
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-2, 3B (2), RBI
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2
2B Jake Gatewood: 2-for-2, 2 2B (12), R
C Diomedes Hernandez: 1-for-2, RBI, K
The rarely-used Hernandez is 3-for-16 in six games. The 20-year-old has spent most of the season on the Development list.

RHP Ben Hess: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Since promotion: 2.93 ERA (30.2 IP, 19 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 39 K). He is up to 97.1 innings in his debut campaign (133/44 K/BB). Yeah, if he stays healthy, a 2026 debut is within range.

Hudson Valley (77-49; 39-23 second half) (Defeated Greensboro, 10-0, in a rain-shortened game.)

As a reminder, Hudson Valley has to win the final three games in this series to win the second-half title.

3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-4, SF, 2 RBI
Matheus has a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-19). He has nine 3+ hit efforts this season (three with Hudson Valley). I don’t have illusions of greatness, but he could be a legitimate utility prospect. Let’s see how he handles the upper minors.
CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, RBI
SS Core Jackson: 1-for-5, 2B (7), R, 2 K
DH Kaeden Kent: 2-for-5, RBI, R
1B Josh Moylan: 3-for-5, 2 2B (21), 2 R, K
Moylan’s experienced bat is helping a roster that is young/inexperienced. He has five multi-hit efforts in his last eight games.
RF Camden Troyer: 0-for-2, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
2B Connor McGinnis: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R
McGinnis owns a 6-game hitting streak.
C John Cristino: 0-for-1, 2 R, 2 HBP, BB
LF Luis Durango: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K

LHP Xavier Rivas: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 10 K
Since promotion: 1.23 ERA (29.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 14 BB, 44 K). Rivas has four 10+ strikeout efforts this season, including three at this level (8/15, 8/22, 9/4). Between here, Tampa, and the FCL, he owns a 113/50 K/BB over 85.1 innings. The walks are high, but one should be intrigued by his ability to miss bats.
RHP Jack Cebert: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
5.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K

Tampa (62-63; 26-34 in the second half) (Lost to Clearwater, 7-3. The Tarpons need to finish 2-1 to finish at .500)

Their season ends on Sunday.

SS Dax Kilby: 3-for-5, R, SB (14), K
Kilby’s insane run continues. He is now 23-for-65 (.354/.447/.446; 2 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 18 R, 14-for-15 SB, 11 BB, 10 K) and has eight multi-hit efforts in his last 12 games. I wonder if questions about his ability to play shortstop caused him to slip in the draft. The answer is likely “Yes,” to some extent.
3B Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (19), RBI, BB, 2 K
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (12), BB
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-4, BB
With three games to play, Toole is at .304/.403/.481 in 367 PA. The Florida State League batting title is sewn up, as nobody else is above .281. It’s all about trying to be the only qualified FSL player to hit .300 this season.
2B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-5, 2 K
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, K
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-1, SB (6), CS (1), 3 BB
Rivera hadn’t drawn a walk in seven straight games heading into tonight (he had two walks in August!)
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-3, SB (25), BB, 2 K
After stealing zero bases in July, he is 10-for-12 in August/September. This was his 15th start in LF (33 at first base; 19 at second base; 11 at third base; 3 in right field).
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 R, K

RHP Mariano Salomon: (L, 1-5) 3.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
LHP Franyer Herrera: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
It’s a bit deceiving after this performance, but he still owns a 0.00 ERA since his promotion (10 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 12 K)
RHP Cade Austin: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
3.08 ERA (52.2 IP, 46 H, 25 R, 18 ER, 5 HR, 24 BB, 57 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.60 ERA (45 IP, 46 H, 27 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 22 BB, 40 K)

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

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

Notes:

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

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

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

Injury Log

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

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

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

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

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

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

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Their season ends on Sunday.

Game 1 (Won, 6-2)

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

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

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

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

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

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/2: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: 6 Shutout Innings

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.

Nothing to report. Maybe they move someone from Hudson Valley to Somerset for the final week of the Double-A season, but, for the most part, I wouldn’t expect newsworthy items over the final few weeks.

Injury Log

Scranton (78-52; 40-18 in second half) (Outlasted Worcester, 8-7. The Railriders were down, 5-0, entering the top of the 6th. A 7-run 7th inning was the key to the comeback.)

Syracuse lost, so Scranton owns a 4-game lead over the Mets for the second-half crown. Toledo also lost, so they are five games out. The season ends on September 21.

LF Austin Slater: 1-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
Slater still has yet to play a full game in the field. For now, J.C. Escarra is with the big club.
PH-LF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-1, 2B (11)
2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5, 2B (15), 3 RBI, R, K
Vivas has five 3-RBI efforts this season.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, 2B (10), 2 RBI, 4 K
A big 2-run double in the middle of his four-strikeout night.
DH Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, RBI, R, HBP, 2 K
PR-DH Duke Ellis: 0-for-0
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, R, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, R, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, 3B (4), RBI, R, K

RHP Sean Boyle: 4 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: (W, 2-1) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3.80 ERA (21.1 IP, 16 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 3 HR, 20 BB, 31 K)
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
At this level: 1.88 ERA (24 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 24 K)
RHP Kervin Castro: (S, 4) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (65-62; 30-28 in second half) (Shut down New Hampshire, 1-0)

Hartford (0.5 games back) and Portland (1.5 games back) also won.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
Jones has a 14.9% walk rate since his promotion.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, 2B (19), RBI, SB (20), K
With two outs in the bottom of the 8th, Jones drew a walk, followed by a Lombard Jr. double to score the game’s only run.
LF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3
RF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3
Castillo has a big extra-inning home run on his Double-A resume, but it has otherwise been a struggle (7-for-49; 1 double, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, 4 BB, 14 K)
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, K
2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-3

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
For Somerset: 2.81 ERA (51.1 IP, 38 H, 19 R, 16 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 59 K). Overall, the 22-year-old owns a 2.47 ERA in 135 innings (90 H, 46 R, 37 ER, 3 HR, 53 BB, 158 K). Rodriguez-Cruz slowed down in his previous three starts (11 runs in 13.1 innings, though the strikeout rate was still strong), so it is nice to see him bounce back tonight.
RHP Baron Stuart (W, 1-2): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Carson Coleman (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Not the most important number ever, but Coleman is 26-for-30 (86.7%) converting saves in his minor league career.

Hudson Valley (76-48; 38-22 second half) (Shut down Greensboro, 4-0)

I missed a half-game somewhere. Instead of pulling within two games of Greensboro’s lead, Hudson Valley is now 2.5 games out with five games to go. Does it matter? No. They will still need to go 4-1 the rest of the week to take the second-half championship.

3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (2), BB, K
At this level: .239/.356/.352 in 104 PA (14.4% BB; 19.2% K).
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4
2B Core Jackson: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Kaeden Kent: 1-for-4, R
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, R
As noted previously, Urena has been struggling since his promotion. This is his first multi-hit game as a member of the Renegades. Let’s see if he can finish off the season with a little hot streak.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
RF Camden Troyer: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
DH Connor McGinnis: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
8-for-44 (.182) with six walks and 14 strikeouts.
LF Luis Durango: 1-for-2, SAC, BB

RHP Brandon Decker: (W, 2-1) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K
4.39 ERA (26.2 IP, 22 H, 14 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 34 K). A clutch performance by the 23-year-old.
RHP Brady Kirtner: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.68 ERA (47 IP, 34 H, 17 R, 14 ER, 1 HR, 25 BB, 56 K)
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
For Hudson Valley: 2.45 ERA (36.2 IP, 15 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 0 HR, 24 BB, 51 K).

Tampa (60-62; 24-33 in the second half) (Lost to Clearwater, 6-5, in ten innings)

This officially eliminates them from the second-half title chase. The season ends on Sunday.

SS Dax Kilby: 2-for-4, 3B (2), RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (12), 2 BB
Kilby has caught on quickly to Low-A. The 18-year-old is hitting .333 (18-for-54) with a pair of doubles and triples to go along with his 12-for-13 stolen base rate. Additionally, he has more walks (10) than strikeouts (6) and has multiple hits in seven of his last nine games. Will he start 2026 in High-A? I doubt it, but a quick promotion is possible.
3B Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, RBI, BB, K
2025 will likely be remembered as a lost season for Arias. It may also end his prospect status.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, RBI, R, BB
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-5, RBI, SB (43), K
I hope he can maintain his .300 average in the final week. He has some cushion (.307). He is 43-for-49 stealing bases.
LF Eric Genther: 1-for-2, 2B (4), 2 BB
DH Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, SB (5), 2 BB, K
Bonomolo tied the game in the top of the 9th with a walk.
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-5, 3 K
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, R, SB (13)
PH Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-1
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-0, HBP

RHP Edinzo Marquez: 4 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 0 K
RHP Josh Tiedemann: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Mendoza has some life on his fastball, reaching 97.2 MPH (averaged 95.6). He also flashed an impressive sinker that reached 96 MPH.
RHP Chris Veach: (L, 2-4) 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

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

Notes:

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

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

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

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

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

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

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

Injury Log

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

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

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

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

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

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tampa’s season ends on September 7th.

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

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

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

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

Notes:

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

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

No news to report.

Injury Log

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

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

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

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

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tampa’s season ends on September 7th.

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

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

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/26: Dax Kilby’s Big Night

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.

The Yankees have released RHP Leonardo Pestana, who was pitching for Triple-A Scranton.

The 26-year-old started his professional journey in 2018 and was primarily a starter through 2023. Injuries were a major part of that journey, as he has never tossed more than 54.1 innings in a season.

This year, he pitched to a 6.49 ERA (6.99 FIP) in 43 innings with a 24.6% K, 17.1% BB, and 45% GB.

RHP Yerry De los Santos was demoted to Scranton, while RHP Wilking Rodriguez, one of the final cuts during Spring Training, was activated from the 60-day injured list.

Injury Log

Scranton (75-49; 37-15 in second half) (Defeated Syracuse, one of the teams trying to run them down in the standings, 9-4)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, BB, K
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-5, HR (1), RBI, R
Escarra isn’t sulking down here, as he is hitting .314 (16-for-51).
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 3 K
Jones is 15-for-91 (.165) with 37 strikeouts in August. He was hitting better lately, to be fair, though tonight’s game is one to toss.
LF Brennen Davis: 1-for-3, HR (10), RBI, R, BB
Davis has ten home runs in 20 Triple-A games. My goodness.
PR-LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-0, R, SB (23)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 3-for-4, RBI, 2 R
The veteran masher is 22-for-65 (.338) in August. In an interesting twist, De La Cruz (who is known as an all-or-nothing hitter) hasn’t homered this month.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
The veteran has homered in three of his last four games. According to GameCast, this home run went 534 feet. I have this sneaky suspicion that is a glitch in the system.
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, HR (24), 2 RBI, R, SB (11), 2 BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, K

LHP Ryan Yarbrough: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Yarbrough tossed 63 pitches tonight and has to be close to a return. The Yankees may see something in Paul Blackburn and wish to keep him, but is he not the most logical candidate to cut? Yarbrough can slide right into the same role.
RHP Bailey Dees: (W, 1-0) 0.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Rodriguez’s first appearance since June 4th. The 35-year-old grinder, who hit 97 MPH tonight, is still trying to get back to MLB for the first time since 2014 (two scoreless innings for the Kansas City Royals. It was the only time he has ever appeared in MLB. This takes dedication, folks.)
RHP Jake Bird: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
I know it’s only Triple-A, but Bird needed an outing like this.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Scott Effross: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (62-59; 27-25 in second half) (Lost to Binghamton, 8-1. Somerset picked the wrong time to go into a slump. The only good news is that Hartford also lost, so the Patriots remain 0.5 games ahead in the race for a playoff berth.)

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 2 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
I again remind myself of all the fools who were calling for the Yankees to use him right out of Spring Training. The best part about that is he won’t be the last one to get this treatment from fans who think earning some hits against Joe Quadruple-A in Spring Training is somehow meaningful.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, BB, K
Thankfully, if he was injured on Saturday, he wasn’t out for long. He is hitting .276/.344/.438 (16 doubles, 13 HR, 63 RBI) in 459 PA and has a 5-game hitting streak.
LF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-4, K
DH Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, 2B (22), R, K
Hardman, who is auditioning for everyone at this point, is having a nice August (20-for-72 (.278); 5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR).
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, BB
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, K
2B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (L, 2-5) 4.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
At this level: 5.09 ERA (58.1 IP, 53 H, 34 R, 32 ER, 4 HR, 32 BB, 45 K)
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
With De los Santos and Rodriguez pitching for Scranton, Stuart was sent back to Somerset.
LHP Will Brian: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Coleman becoming a legitimate relief prospect again would be quite the story.

Hudson Valley (71-46; 34-20 second half) (Somehow lost to Brooklyn, 10-9. They jumped out to a 7-0 lead and still held a 9-7 edge heading into the bottom of the 9th. Brooklyn’s Nick Roselli hit a 2-out, 3-run walk-off home run to stun the Renegades. It was the 22-year-old’s first High-A home run (28th game). Wow.)

Greensboro won, so they have a 3-game lead over Hudson Valley. They face each other in the last week of the season (next week). Hudson Valley wants those six games to mean something.

CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, 2B (12), R, SB (11), 3 BB, K
Since promotion: .239/.326/.445 in 283 PA (12 doubles, 3 triples, 11 HR, 47 RBI, 11-for-12 SB, 10.95% BB, 19.8% K). This is his first career 3-walk effort.
2B Core Jackson: 2-for-5, 2B (5), 2 R, BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, 2B (7), 2 BB
Matheus’ 30th double (112 games) between here and Tampa. He will never come close to 30 home runs (understatement), so a 30/30 doubles/stolen bases season is a fun accomplishment for him.
SS Kaeden Kent: 1-for-5, 2 RBI, R, HBP, K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-5, R, BB, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, BB, K
RF Camden Troyer: 2-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, R, BB, K
Troyer is hitting .310/.383/.357 in his first 47 professional plate appearances. He has five walks and four strikeouts.
LF Luis Durango: 3-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, 4 SB (14), HBP, BB
Speed is Durango’s game. He hasn’t homered since his 2021 debut season, but he does have 101 career stolen bases (80.8% success rate) in 217 games. In case you forgot (and why would you remember?), he was chosen in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft out of the Cleveland organization.
DH Joe Delossantos: 1-for-5, 3B (1), RBI, R, K

RHP Brandon Decker: 5 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Since promotion: 5.40 ERA (21.2 IP, 20 H, 14 R, 13 ER, 9 BB, 28 K).
RHP Brady Kirtner: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Kean: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, BB, 0 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Making matters worse: Rossi struck out the first two batters in the bottom of the 9th.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: (L, 1-3) 0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
Yulie has zero saves and six blown saves this season.

Tampa (57-60; 21-31 in the second half) (Destroyed Bradenton, 13-2. The Tarpons don’t have a playoff berth to fight for, but they can make a run at a .500 season.)

C Edgleen Perez, traded to the Pirates as part of the David Bednar trade, is playing for Bradenton. He is 7-for-41 with a pair of doubles since the trade. However, he has walked (9) more times than he has struck out (6).

Tampa’s season ends on September 7th.

SS Dax Kilby: 4-for-5, 3B (1), 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 SB (8), BB, K
While I have been consistently saying that what he does in 2025 shouldn’t be overanalyzed, I can say that it is impressive how quickly the 18-year-old is adjusting to professional baseball. This is his 4th multi-hit performance in his last five games, and his triple slash reads .308/.400/.410 in 45 PA.
3B Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R, SB (32), BB
.214/.330/.325 in 425 PA (17 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 50 RBI, 58 R, 32-for-41 SB, 14.1% BB, 28.7% K). While he has hit better lately (23-for-81 (.284) in August), his overall OPS is still 73 points below his 2024 number.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
Tejeda’s hitting streak ends at ten. His on-base streak is up to 17.
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
1B Jackson Lovich: 2-for-2, 3B (2), 2 RBI, R, BB
The good news: Lovich remains red hot to start his career (14-for-22 (.636; 4 doubles, 2 triples) + hitting safely in all six games, including five multi-hit efforts.) The bad news: I am not sure why he was pulled from the game.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1
RHP Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 0-for-5, 2 K
RF Willy Montero: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R
Montero’s third 3-hit effort in August. He is 22-for-72 (.306) this month.
LF Eric Genther: 2-for-4, 2B (3), 3 R, HBP, K
The undrafted free agent signing is 9-for-36 (.250; 3 doubles, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 10 R, 7 BB, 6 K)
C Ediel Rivera: 1-for-5, RBI, R, SB (3), 2 K

RHP Luis Serna: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Serna tossed 39 pitches in his third start, coming off an injury. As I said about Cade Smith on Sunday, we aren’t going to get much of a read on the 21-year-old this year. Someone mentioned the possibility of sending him to the Arizona Fall League. That seems possible.
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Franyer Herrera: (W, 2-0) 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Since promotion: 6.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K. He had a 2.33 ERA and 28/9 K/BB over 27 innings for the FCL squad.
RHP Tyler Boudreau: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 6/22: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz Ks 9

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 (72-48; 34-15 in second half) (Defeated Buffalo, 7-4)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, 2B (2), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, 2B (8), 3 K
Jones has a pair of doubles and a homer in his last five games. Hey, it’s something.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
Rumfield has 13 walks in 21 August games.
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-3, R, CS (2), 2 BB, K
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-5, 3 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, HR (5; grand slam), 4 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, 2B (10), R, 2 K
RF Duke Ellis: 1-for-3, R, SB (31), BB, K
Ellis has 15 stolen bases in 18 August games. He is on a 6-game hitting streak.

RHP Kenta Maeda: (W, 4-5) 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 K, HR
One great outing, one bad outing, and one in-between outing (tonight) since he was signed.
RHP Bailey Dees: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Since promotion: 1.08 ERA (8.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 9 K). Overall, he owns a 3.49 ERA in 77.1 IP (55 H, 32 R, 30 ER, 7 HR, 36 BB, 89 K)
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (61-57; 26-23 in second half) (Lost to Hartford, 4-3. Hartford has taken the first four games in the series, allowing them to pull within a half-game for the second-half title.

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B (17), BB, K
Lombard Jr.’s 5th double in his last 11 games and 25th in 112 games (he also had 25 in 110 games in 2024).
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-5, 2B (7), RBI, K
Avina is hitting .215/.298/.336 in 121 plate appearances since his promotion.
CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, 2 BB, K
Jones has walked 15 times in 19 August games (.250/.400/.406)
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-5, RBI, K
Jasso has gone into an extra-base hit slump (1 double, 1 HR in 19 August games).
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, R, SB (10), BB
DH Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, HBP, 2 K
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4
C Manuel Palencia: 3-for-4, RBI, 2 R
Palencia has seven 3+-hit games in 55 contests this season (Five in the FCL, one in Hudson Valley, one in Somerset).

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (L, 3-2) 6.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, HR
Rodriguez-Cruz has allowed three home runs in 126.1 innings. For Somerset: 2.32 ERA (42.2 IP, 33 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 47 K). He only tossed 76 pitches, which could mean one of two things: 1. They are starting to ease him down the stretch; 2. Fernando Cruz is nearly at the end of his rehab, and they wanted to use him in the middle of an inning. Or a combination of both!
There’s always a chance that Rodriguez-Cruz will be on the trade block this winter. If not, barring injury, we are likely looking at a 2026 rotation option at some point.
RHP Fernando Cruz: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2.30 ERA (31.1 IP, 24 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 34 K). Injuries have impacted his career, but one thing you like to see is that he has allowed only one home run in 50.1 career innings.

Hudson Valley (71-43; 33-17 second half) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 3-0. The pitching has been there, but the offense is in a slump)

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
DH Core Jackson: 1-for-3, 2B (4), BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, K
SS Kaeden Kent: 1-for-4, CS (1), 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
Urena is 4-for-40 with nine walks and nine strikeouts since his promotion.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-3
Wilson is 12-for-35 (.343) since his promotion.
RF Luis Durango: 0-for-3, K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-3, K
Cobb is off to a 2-for-15 start at this level.

LHP Xavier Rivas: (L, 1-1) 5.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 10 K, HR
His second straight 10+ strikeout effort (third overall). Since promotion: 1.50 ERA (18 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 27 K). Overall, across three levels (FCL, Tampa, Hudson Valley), he owns a 3.77 ERA in 74 innings (47 H, 34 R, 31 ER, 6 HR, 45 BB, 96 K). An interesting debut campaign for the 23-year-old (he spent most of the season as a 22-year-old). Tough to hit, too many walks, plenty of strikeouts.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (56-60; 20-31 in the second half) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 11-2. They have put together back-to-back 11-run games. They lost last night, though)

SS Dax Kilby: 2-for-6, RBI, 2 R, SB (6), 2 K
Since starting 0-for-9: 8-for-25 with a pair of doubles, three walks, and six stolen bases. He won’t turn 19 until November.
3B Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (31), HBP, BB, K
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R, SB (8), HBP, 2 K
Tejeda has a 9-game hitting streak. This was his first multi-hit game during the streak.
1B Jackson Lovich: 2-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI, R, BB
Lovich is loving life as a professional baseball player. He has hit safely in all five of his professional games, four of which are multi-hit efforts (12-for-20, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 7 RBI, 8 R, 3 BB, 3 K, 3-for-3 SB)
2B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-5, 3B (2), 3 RBI, R, K
Martin-Grudzielanek clears the bases with a triple.
RF Richie Bonomolo: 1-for-5, 2B (3), R, K
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
LF Eric Genther: 0-for-4, BB
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4, 2 R, 2 SB (12), 2 BB

LHP Henry Lalane: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 4 K
At this level: 0.75 ERA (12 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 12 K). An intriguing tall left-hander, Lalane topped out at only 92.6 MPH tonight. While he is Rule 5 eligible this winter, it is hard to imagine anyone jumping on him if left unprotected. It isn’t 0%, though.
RHP Edinzo Marquez: (W, 1-2) 5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
A solid effort for the 20-year-old.
RHP Gus Hughes: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/20: Spencer Jones Hits #31

Notes:

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

Today was another promotion day in the system.

LHP Geoffrey Gilbert and RHP Huey Morrill, two key cogs in a dominant Hudson Valley bullpen, were promoted to Somerset. Morrill made one appearance for Somerset earlier this season.

Replacing them in Hudson Valley are right-handed pitchers Brady Kirtner and Jack Cebert. The 23-year-old Kirtner pitched to a 2.59 ERA in 30 relief appearances for Tampa. Cebert was the Yankees’ 15th-round pick in the 2025 draft out of Texas Tech (he spent three years at South Florida before transferring). While he was assigned to the FCL after the draft (paper move), he has yet to make his professional debut.

RHP Ty Boudreau was assigned to Tampa. Also out of Texas Tech, the 22-year-old Canadian was signed as an undrafted free agent. He spent most of his college years pitching for Sylvan Lake, a Canadian summer collegiate league squad.

You know the drill by now: With roster shuffling comes unfortunate releases.

The Yankees released RHP Luis Pacheco and LHP Ryan Anderson. The Yankees signed Pacheco in 2024, giving him his first taste of affiliated baseball since 2019, when he was a member of the Phillies organization.

Anderson was with the organization for a while. Drafted in the 12th round in the 2019 draft, he pitched to a 4.46 ERA in 252.1 minor league innings. He made it as high as Scranton (two games) but spent the majority of the last three seasons in Somerset.

I am not ignoring the Core Jackson story. It needs a separate blog post, which I am working on. Hopefully, I will have something to post tomorrow. Bottom line? There’s no place for that, and using “I was stupid” as an excuse insults everyone’s intelligence.

Injury Log

Scranton (70-47; 32-14 in second half) (Lost to Buffalo, 4-1)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4
Vivas is 17-for-64 (.266/.422/.313) in August. I mentioned a few weeks ago that he can settle into a role as a shuttle infielder. As someone mentioned to me, he is out of options after 2025. Hence, scratch that idea.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB, K
.305/.392/.495 in 477 PA.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (15), RBI, R, K
This bomb went 443 feet at 111.2 MPH. At this level: 295/.368/.628. Overall: .284/.379/.610 in 390 PA (15 doubles, 31 HR, 66 RBI, 83 R, 25-for-29 SB, 12.6% BB, 31.3% K).
DH Brennen Davis: 0-for-4, K
Of all their minor league signings last winter, Davis was the most intriguing. Injuries have derailed his 2025 campaign (and have been a problem throughout his career). He is hitting .321/.381/.750 in 63 plate appearances at this level.
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, SB (10), CS (1), BB, K
Rojas reaches double digits in stolen bases for the first time since 2018.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-2, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-1
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-2, BB, K
Martinez is hitting .242/.350/.333 in 40 plate appearances since his promotion. In 92 games between three levels, he is at .227/.325/.373 in 385 plate appearances.

LHP Ryan Yarbrough (L, 0-1): 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Yarbrough was pulled after 50 pitches. He is likely close to his return.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Jake Bird: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
No, I am not surprised that Allan Winans was called up instead of Bird. I think they are doing a hard reset with Bird. Additionally, it makes sense to bring up someone who can give you bulk innings.
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
Hamilton’s Triple-A ERA is an unsightly 9.64 (9.1 innings). If he is working on something, that’s fine; however, Hamilton has dropped off considerably after being one of their many bullpen surprises.
RHP Baron Stuart: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (61-54; 26-20 in second half)

Their game against Hartford was postponed. They will try to play a doubleheader tomorrow.

Hudson Valley (69-42; 31-16 second half)

Their doubleheader against Jersey Shore was postponed. It’s been raining down here all day. They will attempt a doubleheader tomorrow. As of now, the second game hasn’t been rescheduled.

Tampa (55-59; 19-30 in the second half) (Swept Ft. Myers in a doubleheader)

Game 1 (Won, 15-4)

SS Dax Kilby: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 R, SB (3), BB
Kilby is 6-for-17, including back-to-back multi-hit efforts, since his 0-for-9 start.
3B Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, R, SB (29), BB, 2 K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-5, RBI, R, K
CF Marshall Toole: 4-for-5, RBI, 3 R, 4 SB (42)
Toole sets personal bests for hits and stolen bases in a game. I guess he was too tired to play in Game 2. His numbers: .307/.408/.491 in 333 PA (13 doubles, 12 triples, 5 HR, 45 RBI, 59 R, 42-for-47 SB, 13.8% BB, 20.4% K). He is the first Yankees’ minor leaguer to clear 40 stolen bases since Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez in 2023. I never claimed it was long ago. As for 50 stolen bases, that wasn’t long ago either: Anthony Volpe stole exactly 50 in 2022.
1B Jackson Lovich: 3-for-4, 2B (2), 3B (1), 2 RBI, 4 R, SB (1), BB
Lovich follows up his 4-hit debut with a 3-hit effort.
DH Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (2), 2 R, 2 BB
RF Willy Montero: 3-for-4, 5 RBI, R
Montero’s second career 5-RBI effort (2022).
LF Eric Genther: 2-for-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, R, HBP, BB
Genther’s first professional home run. He joins Kaeden Kent in the “Home runs by 2025 draftees” club (technically, Genther was an undrafted free agent).
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-4, BB, K

RHP Sunayro Martina: 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 1 K
Martina maxed at 94.3 MPH (generated six whiffs on 18 swings against his 4-seamer). He heavily features his fastball and curve.
RHP Jackson Fristoe (W, 5-2): 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Fristoe reached 96.6 with his 4-seam fastball today.
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Mendoza looks like a sinker/slider type (84% of his pitches today). He generated three whiffs with the slider.

Game 2 (Won, 4-0)

DH Dax Kilby: 0-for-2, 2 SB (5), CS (1), 2 BB
Methinks Kilby is starting to settle into being a professional baseball player. If there weren’t questions about his ability to stick at shortstop, he likely goes earlier in the draft – but those questions exist, so it could come down to whether his bat can “carry” at a less demanding defensive position. Reports are favorable.
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, CS (9)
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, R, BB
Tejeda is on an 8-game hitting streak that features eight 1-hit efforts (8-for-32; 4 BB, 2 K).
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Jackson Lovich: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (2), 2 K
You mean he wasn’t going to be able to keep up a 7-for-8 pace? I guess he will accept 8-for-12.
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-2, R, 2 SB (3), 2 BB, K
9-for-36 with five walks.
RF Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-2, 2 R, SB (3), BB
The Yankees drafted a Richie and signed an undrafted Robbie in July. These sound like kids who were hanging out playing stickball in the 1970s.
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3
LF Hans Montero: 2-for-2, 2B (11), 3B (1), 2 RBI, SB (18), BB

RHP Ty Boudreau: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Boudreau’s professional debut. He reached 94 MPH with his 4-seam fastball. He also featured a curve, slider, and change-up.
RHP Mariano Salomon: (W, 1-4) 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Since promotion: 4.71 ERA (28.2 IP, 26 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 5 HR, 9 BB, 24 K)
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
His first appearance since July 26th.
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.