Tag: Dillon Lewis

My Take: Yankees Acquire Ryan Weathers

The specifics (MLB Pipeline rankings in parentheses)

The Yankees acquire LHP Ryan Weathers from the Marlins for OF Dillon Lewis (16), OF Brendan Jones (15), UTIL Juan Matheus (Unranked), and UTIL Dylan Jasso (23)

From the Yankees’ perspective:

They’ve explored acquiring a starting pitcher, with Freddy Peralta, MacKenzie Gore, and Edward Cabrera (who has since been traded) among the rumored targets.

Instead, they end up with Weathers, who is the son of former Yankees’ postseason hero David Weathers. It is amazing when I look at his career, because hardly anybody would guess that he had a 964-game career, which ranks 19th all-time.

If Ryan had that level of durability, maybe I could understand this trade more.

Alas, he does not. Weathers has 70 games (55 starts) of MLB experience over his five-year career. Those 281 innings haven’t produced great results, as he owns a 4.93 ERA (5.03 FIP), 19.4% K, 8.2% BB, and 43.1% GB. Oof. For comparison, Ryan Yarbrough has a 4.22 ERA (4.30 FIP) over 832 innings with a 18.8% K, 5.6% BB, and 38.7% GB.

I use Yarbrough because that is the lowest bar I want to clear when making an acquisition. Ideally, you want someone higher on the chain than that: A pitcher you feel comfortable with every five days while Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon rehab.

I am trying to find a reason why Weathers clears that bar. He’s always hurt, and success has eluded him.

Are there positives?  Sure. Weathers has a pedigree, as he was the 7th overall pick in the 2018 draft by the San Diego Padres. However, the return the Padres received for him wasn’t great (Garrett Cooper, Sean Reynolds), so his value dipped considerably when that trade was completed in 2023.  If I squint hard enough, his last two seasons have shown improvement. In 24 starts between 2024 and 2025, he owns a 3.74 ERA (4.26 FIP) over 125 innings. That’s a decent pitcher, though not a durable one, and certainly not one I am throwing out there in the postseason. Additionally, he saw his velocity spike in 2025, as his four-seam fastball averaged 96.9 MPH. However, the Pitch Value metric on Fangraphs still shows it as a negative pitch.

One other positive is team control. Weathers isn’t a free agent until 2029. Hence, whatever innings he gives the organization will be cheap innings.

From the Marlins’ perspective:

The Marlins once again target the Yankees’ position player prospect pool, adding this quartet to Agustin Ramirez, Abrahan Ramirez, Jared Serna, and John Cruz. Typically, other franchises target our arms. The Marlins do not.

These four prospects are an intriguing bunch.

I will start with the unranked Matheus, a 21-year-old utility player who has been with the Yankees since 2022. In 2025, he received an extended look in full-season leagues, hitting .275/.365/.376 in 520 plate appearances between Tampa and Hudson Valley. Additionally, he stole 40 bases in 51 attempts. He flashed patience, doubles power (32), and speed to go along with his versatile profile. His ceiling is likely that of a backup, which isn’t so bad for the prospect regarded as fourth best in a prospect package.

Lewis has surged in prospect circles, though the numbers need to catch up to the increased hype.  Drafted in the 13th round in the 2024 draft out of Queens University of Charlotte, Lewis made it to High-A Hudson Valley in his first full season of professional ball. While his numbers don’t jump at you (.228/.320/.426; 13 HR, 13 stolen bases), he cut down his strikeout rate considerably from his time in Low-A Tampa. Overall, including his time with Tampa, he reached 20/20 status (22 homers, 26 stolen bases) while maintaining his ability to play center field.

Interestingly, Pipeline still ranked Jones higher than Lewis, but one place means nothing. Drafted in the 12th round in that same 2024 draft out of Kansas State, Jones did one better than Lewis, reaching Double-A Somerset. He held his own at that level, hitting .250/.365/.415 in 340 plate appearances. Between Hudson Valley and Somerset, he compiled 20 doubles, 8 triples, and 11 home runs while stealing 51 bases in 60 attempts. Although I’m not usually one to draw MLB comparisons, Jones’ profile bears a striking resemblance to Brett Gardner.  He has some pop to the pull side, plays strong defense, and gets on base.  It wouldn’t surprise me if he reaches the MLB club in 2026, even though Pipeline projects his ETA as 2027. The odds he overachieves like Gardner aren’t great. I realize that.

Jasso was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. In his first full season in 2024, he didn’t jump out, hitting .243/.329/.399 in 508 plate appearances between Tampa and Hudson Valley.

That was enough for the Yankees to bump him up to Somerset for 2025.  He didn’t disappoint, hitting .257/.326/.400 in 537 plate appearances with 17 doubles, 13 home runs, and 76 RBI. Like Matheus, he projects as a utility player, though he isn’t the same type of player. He doesn’t possess any speed, but he has some pop and run production. Also, unlike Matheus, he won’t be playing shortstop. He may have enough range to cover second base, but is likely more of a “corners” type, including the potential to play some outfield.

Bottom Line:

You get what you pay for.

Peralta and Gore are likely going to cost prospects higher on the chain than the Yankees gave up. That assumes that either pitcher is traded. If they are, it appears it won’t be to the Yankees.

It’s funny that Talkin’ Yanks was throwing Lewis out there in Cabrera packages, only for him to end up in Florida for Weathers. I am not going to claim that the Yankees gave up future All-Stars here. However, I don’t quite understand this trade. Someone can try to enlighten me on the reason, because I’m having trouble figuring it out.

The Yankees’ Opening Day rotation is probably Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Ryan Weathers, Luis Gil, and one of Will Warren, Ryan Yarbrough, or Paul Blackburn. Arrange those pitchers however you like under Fried.

The Yankees are hoping that Weathers, once a Top-100 prospect by Baseball America (2021) and Pipeline (2019), can stay healthy and live up to the talent he once was.

I am skeptical it will happen. Maybe settling into a bottom-of-the-rotation/swingman type of pitcher is good enough for the Yankees.

It isn’t good enough for me.

Yankees MILB 8/30: Brendan Beck Strikes out 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.

A question I received last night was about Hans Montero and Willy Montero and their prospect status.

Hans is one of the most expensive players in the system. He cost $1.7M and was handed the organization’s highest signing bonus in 2021. Montero was signed as a shortstop but hasn’t played there in 2025 (only two starts there in 2024). It’s never a good thing when an organization takes a player away from a premium position. Can he still make it as a multi-position player? I don’t rule anything out for a player as young as he is. He is hitting better in Tampa this year than he did last, but is still repeating the same level.

Willy doesn’t have the big bonus attached to him. Last night, I mentioned that power isn’t his thing (he hit his first home run of the season).  That is the issue because Montero’s power was often cited as one of his better attributes. In 2023, as an 18-year-old, he put his name on the map with a .331/.389/.436 campaign for the FCL squad. His stint in Low-A Tampa hasn’t been kind. Entering tonight, in 159 games, he was hitting .253/.314/.353 with 28 doubles and 8 home runs for Tampa.

A third Montero (Fidel Montero) was a mid-range international signing who lasted four seasons in the organization (2021-2024) before being released. The White Sox signed him and turned him into a pitcher.

A new Montero has also entered the chat. Estivenzon Montero is an 18-year-old outfielder with a .268/.375/.451 line in 77 DSL games. We should see him in the FCL in 2026.

That’s the Montero Update you never asked for.

Injury Log

Scranton (77-51; 39-17 in second half) (Lost to Syracuse, 2-0. Syracuse is now four games back in the second-half title race.)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-3, BB
It’s been an interesting month for Vivas, who is drawing walks (21; .392 OBP) but has shown little power (four doubles; .290 SLG). Unless he is about to go on a strikeout binge, he is likely to end his Scranton campaign with more walks (he has 57) than strikeouts (38). While he didn’t hit much in his first taste of MLB, his strikeout rate was reasonable (19.7%).
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, BB
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Jones is hitting .278/.347/.582 in 222 plate appearances for Scranton. There is no hiding that he hasn’t been good in August (.178/.250/.308 with 45 strikeouts and nine walks. His strikeout rate this month is 37.5%).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, 2 K
Rumfield is down to .290/.380/.465 in 518 PA. A solid season, obviously – just not quite where he was earlier this month.
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, K
LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K

RHP Brendan Beck (L, 7-2): 7 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, HR
This is what you call a tough-luck loss. Beck, who pitched seven innings for the first time in his career, owns a 4.26 ERA in 61.1 innings since his promotion (47 H, 29 R, 29 ER, 12 HR, 17 BB, 53 K) and owns a 105/29 K/BB over 115.2 innings overall. As stated many times, Beck doesn’t throw hard for a modern pitcher (he can dial it up into the 93-94 range). If he can stay healthy, a bottom-of-the-rotation innings eater is somewhere he can settle in.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
A rare hiccup for Cohen.

Somerset (64-61; 29-27 in second half) (Lost to Binghamton, 2-1)

Hartford lost to Portland, so both teams are 1.5 games behind Somerset in the race for a playoff berth.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
The batting average isn’t there this month, but he has shown off some pop (6 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR) and patience (19 walks). 
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 2 K
Jasso has hit safely in eight of his last nine games.
CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (11), R, 2 K
Jones is at .250/.357/.436 in 280 PA at this level. He had a .362 SLG for Hudson Valley. 
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, 3B (4), RBI, BB, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
SS Jake Gatewood: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 5-6)  3.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 6 K
Lagrange can be an adventure at times. He owns a 3.74 ERA in 67.1 innings at this level, which is fine, as are the 89 strikeouts. The issue? 47 walks.  I would place him somewhere on the 2026 depth chart but work is needed.
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
5.29 ERA (51 IP, 58 H, 31 R, 30 ER, 6 HR, 8 BB, 50 K). His BABIP is an elevated .356 and he continues to show off impeccable control.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (74-48; 36-22 second half) (Lost to Brooklyn, 5-4)

Greensboro lost and owns a 3-game lead over Hudson Valley for the second-half title. It would be nice to cut it to two games heading into next week’s season-ending series, but they definitely don’t want it to be four.

DH Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, HR (13), RBI, R, 2 K
Lewis is hitting .242/.328/.457 at this level.  Since coming up to Hudson Valley, he isn’t showing any major split advantage (.246/.321/.469 vs. RHP and .242/.346/.451 vs. LHP)
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, BB, K
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-5, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-5, R, K
Moylan has three multi-hit efforts in his last four games. After a tough start to his campaign, he hit .281/.387/.422 in July and is hitting .272/.378/.420 in August.
   PR Owen Cobb: 0-for-0
CF Camden Troyer: 0-for-3, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
The 23-year-old hasn’t shown much pop in his first 15 professional games, but does have a .350 OBP.
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-4, K
2B Connor McGinnis: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, 2 K
McGinnis earns his first professional extra-base hit (7-for-41).
RF Robbie Burnett: 1-for-4, RBI, K
C John Cristino: 1-for-4, 2B (3), 3 K

RHP Andrew Landry: (L, 2-4) 6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
At this level: 4.58 ERA (37.1 IP, 29 H, 19 R, 19 ER, 2 HR, 23 BB, 31 K). For Tampa, he owned a 4.59 ERA in 68.2 innings.
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (60-61; 24-32 in the second half) (Defeated Bradenton, 9-4. They are making a strong run at .500)

Tampa’s season ends on September 7th.

SS Dax Kilby: 0-for-4, R, BB
Kilby has reached base safely in 11 straight games.
3B Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, K
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, 2 R, HBP, K
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-3, 2 R, BB
Toole is hitting .309 with a .902 OPS. Last five games: 9-for-20.
2B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-4, 2B (2), 3 RBI, R
Martin-Grudzielanek has been productive (14 RBI in 19 games). He has hit well with RISP in his brief career.
LF Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 0-for-3, RBI, R, BB
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, RBI, R, SB (5), HBP, K
1B Hans Montero: 1-for-2, HR (10), 3 RBI, R, SB (23), BB, K
Well, if Hans wants to have nights like these, he will jump back on the radar. This is his first career double-digit home run campaign.

LHP Henry Lalane: 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
1.88 ERA (14.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 16 K)
RHP Sunayro Martina: 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
LHP Franyer Herrera: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 8.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K
RHP Ty Boudreau: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Veach: 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.

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 8/14: Dillon Lewis’ Big Day

Notes:

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

Released on August 3rd, UTIL Andrew Velazquez was re-signed today and assigned to Scranton. He didn’t sign anywhere else over the past several days.

Catcher-turned-pitcher Antonio Gomez was placed on the 7-day injured list today. Gomez, routinely hitting the high-90s and touching into the 100+ range, was (predictably) struggling with other aspects of pitching. Hopefully, this is just the Yankees shutting him down for a bit (possibly the rest of the season) and not a significant injury.

RHP Fernando Cruz and LHP Ryan Yarbrough are officially on rehab stints. When Cruz is ready, Yerry De los Santos (who has done a solid job, Wednesday night notwithstanding) is a logical demotion.  Sorry to say it, but Cam Schlittler is the most logical to end up back in Scranton once Yarbrough is ready.

Injury Log

Scranton (68-46; 30-12 in second half) (Lost to Indianapolis, 9-6)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, 2B (12), R, SB (11), HBP, 2 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-5, K
LF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, R, 3 K
Jones has struck out 12 times in his last seven games. 
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-3, 2B (28), HR (22), 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 4-for-5, RBI
De La Cruz, known for his power that comes with little else, swats four singles tonight. It’s his first 4-hit effort at any level since May 22, 2023 (for Miami in Colorado). Interestingly, all of those hits were singles as well.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-5, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 2-for-4, 3B (2), 2 R, HBP
C Rob Brantly: 1-for-4
Brantly’s first game since being signed.
CF Duke Ellis: 1-for-4, 2B (12), 2 RBI, 2 SB (24), K
July/August: 34-for-80 (.425) with 11 doubles and 21 runs. He has stolen 17 bases in 18 attempts. 

LHP Ryan Yarbrough: 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
He tossed 37 pitches tonight.
RHP Fernando Cruz: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Remember that the stats don’t matter during a rehab stint. He threw 14 splitters amongst his 21 pitches.
RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 7-9)  4.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Zach Messinger: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Messinger allowed both inherited runners to score.
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 6.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 5 K

Somerset (59-52; 24-19 in second half) (Lost to Portland, 3-2)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, BB
Since promotion: .235/.345/.428 in 223 PA
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B (15), R, 2 K
Keep the extra-base hits coming!  He has doubled in three of his last four games. His overall Somerset triple slash will not wow you (.207/.324/.347 in 349 PA), but I hope he can finish strongly.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, RBI, R, K
.279/.348/.451 in 428 PA (15 doubles, 6 triples, 13 HR, 57 RBI, 58 R, 7.7% BB, 21.96% K). He is third in the Eastern League in hits and runs and fourth in RBI. Yes, I understand that he has been here all year, while others have not.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, BB
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4
DH Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Castillo is 2-for-17 since his promotion.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, BB
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, K
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-3, K

LHP Brock Selvidge: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Selvidge needed an outing like this. For Somerset, he owns a 4.69 ERA in 48 IP (39 H, 27 R, 25 ER, 4 HR, 30 BB, 37 K).  The walks are an issue (70 in 132.2 Double-A innings)
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Merda’s chances to have a low Double-A ERA were crushed early after his promotion. However, after his ERA was 14.54 after games of July 5: 11 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 8 K
LHP Will Brian (L, 2-1): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
2.45 ERA (29.1 IP, 23 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 34 K)
RHP Cole Ayers: 0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The game ended on a walk-off wild pitch.

Hudson Valley (67-41; 29-15 second half) (Destroyed Aberdeen, 10-1. If this team goes on a run to make the playoffs, the lineup accomplishing it is essentially Dillon Lewis, 2025 draftees, and kids recently promoted from Tampa.)

CF Dillon Lewis: 3-for-5, 2 2B (10), HR (11), 5 RBI, R, K
Lewis joins Spencer Jones in the organization’s 20/20 club (20 HR, 22 SB between here and Tampa). He has three 3-hit performances in his last seven games, and he is hitting .251/.321/.479 in 241 PA since his promotion. Overall, he is hitting .251/.322/.478 in 436 PA with 19 doubles, 5 triples, 20 HR, 74 RBI, 61 R, and 22 stolen bases in 24 attempts. He owned a high K% in Low-A, but has dropped it considerably at the higher level. He is a legit prospect to watch as he marches towards Somerset.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, BB
   PH-DH Edison Vivas: 0-for-1
Vivas (19) has played in only 30 games in his 3-year minor league career. This was his first plate appearance in 2025.
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, 2B (4), 2 R, BB, K
Matheus has 27 doubles and 37 stolen bases in 102 games between here and Tampa. The 21-year-old switch-hitter has played only third base since his promotion, but has experience at second base and shortstop as well.
SS Core Jackson: 2-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, 2 R, SB (1), BB
Jackson is making his hits count, as he has three doubles and a triple in his first seven professional games.
1B Tyler Wilson: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, BB
Wilson is 6-for-18 with a double in five games since his promotion.
RF Cam Troyer: 1-for-3, R, BB
Troyer is 4-for-17 with three walks and two strikeouts in his first five professional games.
LF Robbie Burnett: 1-for-3, R, BB
Burnett is only 2-for-13, but he has walked five times in five games.
2B Connor McGinnis: 0-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
McGinnis is 2-for-17 to begin his professional journey.
C John Cristino: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 R, 2 K

LHP Kyle Carr (W, 6-6):  6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
His strong season continues: 2.19 ERA in 107 innings (74 H, 35 R, 26 ER, 6 HR, 44 BB, 91 K). If you don’t include the traded Griffin Herring, he is second in the organization in ERA (behind Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz). He ranks 10th among all non-rookie league pitchers in that category.
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.93 ERA (40 IP, 30 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 46 K). Keating owns a 3.54 ERA in 67 games (109.1 innings) over the past two seasons at this level. Move him up!
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
If it feels like Coleman is on a never-ending rehab assignment, I get it. The rehab clock likely reset at some point (he had a large gap of inactivity during this rehab stint). Does it matter? Not really as he isn’t on the 40-man roster and will likely just be assigned to Scranton when they think he is ready.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2.08 ERA (47.2 IP, 29 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 11 BB, 50 K). He’s allowed some hits recently, and that is likely his BABIP normalizing (it’s now .241)

Tampa (52-57; 16-28 in the second half) (Split a doubleheader against Aberdeen)

Game 1 (Won, 4-1)

SS Dax Kilby: 1-for-3, R, SB (1)
Kilby, their first-round pick, earns his first professional hit and stolen base.
DH Roderick Arias: 1-for-2, R, CS (8), BB, K
1B Kyle West: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, RBI, R
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-3, 3B (12), RBI, CS (5)
Toole’s 12 triples are the most in the organization since Hoy Park hit 12 in 2016. Up next is Jose Pirela, who swatted 13 in 2010. Going back 20 years, the high-water mark is 15, set by Dustin Fowler in 2016. He didn’t play in Game 2, so his stat line reads .300/.403/.483 in 315 plate appearances. He is the only Florida State League qualifier who is hitting .300 or better.
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-3, RBI
A little 4-game hitting streak for the 20th-round pick.
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-2, CS (2)
LF Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 0-for-1, SB (2), HBP, K
I will assume he left the game due to the HBP.
   LF Eric Genther: 0-for-0
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, R, SB (9)

RHP Jose M. Martinez (W, 2-1): 5.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Since promotion: 2.97 ERA (15.2 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 11 K). The 21-year-old also pitched well in the FCL this season.
RHP Cade Austin: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR

Game 2 (Lost, 16-7)

3B-2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, R
Tejeda is on a 4-game RBI streak. He is 13-for-59 (2 doubles, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 12 R, 18 BB, 8 K)
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (17), RBI, R, 2 K
Arias has a 5-game hitting streak (16-for-50 with five doubles in August). 
DH Kyle West: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, K
West has three multi-hit efforts in his last five games. He is hitting .257 in his first ten professional games.
   3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-0
LF Willy Montero: 1-for-4
CF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
RF Eric Genther: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, R, HBP
C Ediel Rivera: 1-for-3, RBI, R, K
Rivera is 5-for-22 since his promotion.
2B-P Hans Montero: 0-for-1, R, 2 BB

RHP Edinzo Marquez (L, 0-2): 2.2 IP, 9 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
We’ll pretend tonight didn’t happen.
RHP Jack Sokol: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Kirtner was activated off the injured list today. He owns a 2.61 ERA in 41.1 IP (27 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 2 HR, 20 BB, 47 K)
LHP Franyer Herrera: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Herrera’s Low-A debut. The 20-year-old was a consistent rookie league performer, pitching to a 2.23 ERA in 96.2 innings with a 116/34 K/BB. He threw a lot of sinkers tonight (65%), averaging 93.9 MPH while maxing out at 95.8. That works. He also threw a slider and a change.
RHP Hans Montero: 0.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
The 21-year-old utility player won’t be a 2-way star.

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 (22-30) (Lost to the DSL Tigers, 8-7)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-4, 2B (10), R, K
How often do “top” prospects stay in the DSL for multiple campaigns? I am sure I can find examples of MLB players who did it, especially position players who started at 16 or 17 and pitchers who stayed at this level even longer. In other words, I am not downgrading Vilorio much for spending two years here.
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-3, R, BB, 3 K
The most worrisome part of Cedeno’s debut campaign is the 35.4% strikeout rate. Contact skills *can* be developed, but it is something that can linger with prospects. He turned 17 years old today, so time is on his side.
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 R, SB (16), 2 BB
DH Estivenzon Montero: 2-for-3, RBI, R, CS (4), HBP
RF Wilberson De Pena: 0-for-2, R, SB (8), CS (2), BB
De Pena is 2-for-19 with a 3-for-4 SB rate since being acquired for Oswald Peraza.

RHP Rafael Arias: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

DSL Bombers (28-24) (Defeated the DSL Rangers Blue, 7-1 in a 5-inning game. The Bombers are tied for 19th in the league standings. The team ranked 16th is currently 29-23. They are very much in it.)

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-2, 2 R, SB (22), BB, K
Marinez’s time away lasted two games. He is on a 9-game hitting streak (15-for-35) and is hitting .276/.425/.378. I would be disappointed if he isn’t in the Opening Day lineup for the FCL squad in 2026.
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-3, 3B (5), 2 RBI, R
The 17-year-old has shown some extra-base power (8 doubles, 5 triples, 3 HR) and speed (20-for-29 SB).
LF Jose Castro: 0-for-2, 2 RBI, R, 2 SB (16), BB
1B Remy Veldhuisen: 1-for-2, HR (1), RBI, R, K
Veldhuisen, who is already 20, launches his first professional home run. Congrats!
DH Angel Ventura: 0-for-0, 2 R, SB (19), 2 BB

LHP Kevin Centeno: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Ronald Tejada (W, 2-3): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Yankees MILB 8/10: Spencer Jones Hits #30

Notes:

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

My concern about J.C. Escarra being pulled last night? I should have been more concerned about Amed Rosario not being in the lineup against a left-handed pitcher yesterday. It’s too bad that the Yankees finally cared about adding some bench pieces to counteract teams going heavy with left-handed pitchers, only for Rosario and Austin Slater to end up on the injured list. Jose Caballero is also better against LHP, but it is a stretch to say he is a lefty masher.

Injury Log

Scranton (67-44; 29-10 in second half) (Outlasted Lehigh Valley, 9-7)

Right now, the second-half title is a two-horse race between Scranton and Syracuse, who are 29-10. They have one series left (August 26-31 in Scranton). Indianapolis has fallen off the pace (24-15) but can get back into it this week, as they play Scranton.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
Vivas is 9-for-23 with 11 walks in August.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, K
LF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (14), RBI, 2 R, SB (15), HBP, 2 K
Jones becomes the first Yankees’ farmhand to reach 30 home runs since Dermis Garcia in 2021 and is up to 25 stolen bases in his quest for a 30/30 campaign. This one went 436 feet at 110.9 MPH. If you haven’t noticed yet, Jones doesn’t hit many cheapies.
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-5, 3B (4), R, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 3 RBI, R, K
For as long as Escarra is in New York, Martinez (4-for-13 since his promotion) figures to get the overwhelming majority of the catching reps in Scranton. They activated Edinson Duran off the Development List to back him up.
SS Jake Gatewood: 2-for-3, 2 HR (5), 3 RBI, 3 R, BB
Gatewood hasn’t shown off much of the trademark power that continues to get him jobs (though this season is his first taste of affiliated ball since 2022). 
CF Duke Ellis: 2-for-4, 2 2B (10), RBI, R, K
Ellis is hitting .366/.408/.482 in 123 PA at this level. After going 16-for-41 (.390) in July, he is 15-for-32 (.469) in August. That’s what I call ridiculous, regardless if you are a top prospect or just an organizational depth piece.
RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, SB (22)

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 5-1) 5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
Since promotion: 4.67 ERA (44.1 IP, 39 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 10 HR, 12 BB, 36 K). Overall, this was his 10th win of the season (10-3, 3.10 ERA; 98.2 IP, 77 H, 35 R, 34 ER, 12 HR, 24 BB, 88 K)
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
The Yankees likely feel that Bird needs a reset. They can afford to give him time.
RHP Baron Stuart: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Zach Messinger (S, 3): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (58-50; 23-16 in second half) (Outdueled Binghamton, 2-0. This was another battle between rising Somerset pitcher Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and minor league strikeout leader Jonah Tong. They also faced each other on Tuesday. Rodriguez-Cruz won that duel as well.)

Somerset is 1.5 games up on Hartford in the race for the second-half title. Binghamton is ahead of both, but that is irrelevant since they won the first-half title.

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, 3B (4), RBI, R, BB, K
Jones hit his RBI triple off of Tong. 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B (13), RBI, 2 K
Lombard Jr. has a double, a triple, and a home run in his last five games. He had two extra-base hits (double, triple; .224 SLG) in his first 24 Double-A games and 21 extra-base hits in his last 54 games (12 doubles, 3 triples, 6 HR). 
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, K
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-3, R, SB (1), 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3
2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-3, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (W, 3-1) 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
At this level: 1.41 ERA (32 IP, 20 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 30 K). Overall, he owns a 129/45 K/BB over 115.2 innings with only two home runs allowed. Oh, did I mention he has tossed 19 scoreless innings over his last three starts?
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.26 ERA (38 IP, 28 H, 18 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 19 BB, 40 K)
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kelly Austin (S, 7): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (65-40; 27-14 second half) (Lost to Brooklyn, 8-4)

At 65-40, the Renegades are having a fantastic season – one that can easily end without a playoff berth. Unfortunately for them, Brooklyn won the first-half tiebreaker over Greensboro. That’s important, as Greensboro is 31-11 in the second half. That would be irrelevant if they won the first half, but that’s how it goes.

DH Dillon Lewis: 3-for-5, 2 R, SB (9), K
Lewis has two 3-hit efforts in his last four games. He is up to .246/.314/.463 in 227 PA since his promotion (8 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 26 R, 9-for-10 SB, 8.4% BB, 18.9% K). His K% with Tampa was 28.2%. At first, I thought the reduction was small sample size noise, but it doesn’t appear to be the case. 
3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-4, 2B (2), HR (1), 3 RBI, R, SB (1), BB, K
Matheus may be your next small-ish infielder obsession. He leads the organization with 36 stolen bases (44 attempts) and has 25 doubles, 2 triples, and 3 home runs in 98 games.  His combined triple slash is .271/.359/.379 in 410 PA.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-5
Urena is 2-for-20 since his promotion. On a good note, he has struck out only four times in 23 plate appearances (17.4%).
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, SF, RBI, K
SS Core Jackson: 2-for-4, 2 2B (2), BB
This year’s 5th-round pick is 3-for-15.
LF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-4, BB
Wilson is 4-for-10 since his promotion and is hitting .287/.378/.376 in 325 plate appearances overall.
RF Cam Troyer: 0-for-4, K
CF Robbie Burnett: 1-for-4, K
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, R, SB (1), K
Cobb’s High-A debut after hitting .313/.366/.492 in 39 games for Tampa (missed time due to injury)

RHP Cade Smith: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 4 K
Smith is continuing to ramp up after missing a lot of time to injury. He tossed 59 pitches today.
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker (L, 2-1): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
A rare 2025 misstep for Warrecker. This spikes his ERA to 2.12 (46.2 IP, 27 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 50 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
0.41 ERA (44.1 IP, 15 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 36 K). Simply a ridiculous season.

Tampa (48-56; 12-27 in the second half) (Lost to St. Lucie, 8-5)

SS Dax Kilby: 0-for-4
  3B Hans Montero: 1-for-1, RBI, R
DH Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, 2B (15), RBI, R, K
1B Kyle West: 2-for-5, 2B (1), K
West is 3-for-18 with a double to begin his professional journey.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-2, CS (2), 3 BB
Tejeda has 14 walks and seven strikeouts in 14 games.
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-5
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, R, K
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB
3B-SS Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 2-for-4, RBI, R
Martin-Grudzielanek is 4-for-13 with a pair of walks and three strikeouts to begin his professional career. He’ll want to make it to MLB as a Yankee, as I am not sure how that name will fit on the back of most uniforms.
C Ediel Rivera: 1-for-3, RBI, K
Rivera earns his first Low-A hit (1-for-12).
  DH Eric Genther: 0-for-1

LHP Allen Facundo: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Facundo has touched the upper-90s this season, but settled in at 94-95 today. At this level: 1.71 ERA (21 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 19 K). 
RHP Chris Veach (L, 2-3): 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Antonio Gomez: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Gomez continues to hum, hitting 100.3 MPH. The results do not matter at this point.
RHP Sean Hermann: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Mariano Salomon: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 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 (22-27) 

Day off.

DSL Bombers (26-23) 

Day off.

Yankees MILB 8/7: George Lombard Jr. Goes Yard

Notes:

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

More promotion news:

OF Jackson Castillo was promoted from Hudson Valley to Somerset. Castillo, a 22-year-old outfielder, was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. For Hudson Valley this year, he hit .242/.337/.336 with five home runs, 47 RBI, and 21 stolen bases in 22 attempts. He will be joined by SS Alexander Vargas and 1B/OF Coby Morales (both played for Somerset earlier this season)

Hudson Valley will welcome OF Joe Delossantos (who has played in only one game this season – a rehab game before the FCL season ended) and several 2025 draftees/signings: Outfielders Camden Troyer (12th round) and Robbie Burnett (undrafted free agent), along with SS Core Jackson (5th).

Once again, movement comes with releases. The Yankees released OF Anthony Hall and 1B Kiko Romero. Hall, their 4th-round pick in 2022, hit .234/.333/.358 in 182 minor league games. A standout for the University of Oregon, Hall injured himself during his first professional at-bat in 2022. Whether that impacted his career, we won’t know. However, the bat never caught on. Romero, drafted in the 7th round in 2023 out of Arizona, hit .213/.351/.371 in 125 minor league games.

The Yankees released JT Brubaker. Since they couldn’t trade him, the two options (if no team claimed him) were either an outright assignment to Scranton (something he could have rejected) or release. The Yankees would have saved a little money if he had been claimed, but it wasn’t worth it to them. The Yankees were buying low on Brubaker (they sent Keiner Delgado to Pittsburgh), hoping they could work with him. Injuries ruined his progression. The Yankees also received international bonus pool money in that deal.

Injury Log

Scranton (66-42; 28-8 in second half) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 4-1)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, R, K
I can see Vivas being valuable as a shuttle infielder over the next few seasons. He likely doesn’t have enough to be an everyday contributor for the Yankees, but he has enough where you aren’t afraid to plug him in if someone goes on the injured list for a few weeks.  I don’t envision them cutting him from the 40-man roster, but trade possibilities also exist.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R, SB (14), 2 K
He hasn’t homered recently, but he has six stolen bases in his last six games. His race to 30/30 now shows 29 home runs and 24 stolen bases. He still leads minor league hitters in home runs, but Ryan Ward has closed in (28). 
DH T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, HR (14), 2 RBI, R
Rumfield is up to .314 with a .910 OPS (29 doubles, 14 HR, 77 RBI).  He ranks in the top ten in all of minor league baseball in runs batted in. 
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
1B Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, 2B (11), BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-2, SB (7), 2 BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, CS (6), K

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 10-0) 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
His MLB performances haven’t stood out, but we can still marvel over this minor league campaign. He owns a 1.16 ERA over 70 innings with a 77/22 K/BB.
RHP Zach Messinger: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Somerset (56-49; 21-15 in second half) (Lost to Binghamton, 5-4)

LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, HBP, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, R, K
Lombard Jr. follows up yesterday’s triple with a home run. He is now at .208/.321/.347 with 22 extra-base hits (12 doubles, 4 triples, 6 HR) at this level. Given he had only two extra-base hits (double, triple) in his first 25 games after his promotion (.224 SLG), that’s not so bad.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-3, HBP, CS (1)
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, HR (16), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Hardman has 16 homers in 86 games this season (10 in 96 games last year). I think his overall power profile (which includes 26 HR in 77 games before getting injured in 2023) could earn him an MLB shot down the road. I doubt that would be with the Yankees.
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2B (1), R, K
Morales was 3-for-19 in an earlier stint at this level.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4
Always nice to get that first hit out of the way quickly.
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
2B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 7 K
At this level: 3.49 ERA (49 IP, 29 H, 21 R, 19 ER, 3 HR, 36 BB, 70 K). The raw talent is obvious. 70 strikeouts in his first 49 Double-A innings will raise an eyebrow or two. Like many tall kids, it’s about the control. For the first time in his minor league career, he showed off decent control in his stint with Hudson Valley this year (7.1%), but it has spiked here. The hitters are more advanced and are making him work.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (L, 3-3) 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.60 ERA (27.2 IP, 23 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 31 K)
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (63-39; 25-13 second half) (Defeated Brooklyn, 7-1)

LF Dillon Lewis: 3-for-5, 3B (3), 3 RBI, K
Could Lewis move to Somerset?  Even though he hasn’t gotten off to a good start in August (5-for-25, but with a triple and two home runs), I think he is somewhere in the queue. I also don’t have an issue with him finishing his campaign here and starting fresh in Somerset in 2026. A lot goes into this that we aren’t privy to.
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-5, 2B (1), RBI, K
Matheus earns a hit in his High-A debut. It’s appropriate that it was a double, given he hit 23 in 94 games for Tampa.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
SS Core Jackson: 0-for-4, R, K
Jackson is a 21-year-old left-handed bat out of Utah. It’s probably just a coincidence that many of their drafted middle infielders are left-handed hitters (Jackson, Kaeden Kent, Dax Kilby, Connor McGinnis).
1B Josh Moylan: 3-for-4, 2B (15), 2 R, BB, K
If you are going to get hot, you may as well do it when they are making cuts. I don’t know if Moylan was on the potential list, so I am just kidding. Anyway, he is 8-for-23 with a double and two home runs in August after hitting .281/.387/.422 in July.
RF Camden Troyer: 1-for-5, 2B (1)
I believe he earned the first extra-base hit among 2025 draftees. Troyer is a 23-year-old left-handed bat out of Liberty.
LF Robbie Burnett: 0-for-2, 2 R, BB, K
The undrafted free agent out of Georgia hit an amazing .307/.477/.693 in 256 plate appearances against some of the best college talent in the land. He spent only one year at Georgia after transferring from UNC Asheville.
2B Connor McGinnis: 1-for-4
McGinnis earns his first professional hit.
C John Cristino: 0-for-3, R, BB, K

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 5-6)  7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Carr required only 78 pitches to accumulate 21 outs. That’s incredible efficiency. Why didn’t they keep him out of there for the 8th? Honestly, I am not sure. Anyway, after tossing 104 innings of 4.76 ERA ball at this level in his 2024 debut campaign, he has a 2.23 ERA in 101 innings with an 86/40 K/BB this year. His strikeout rate is down a bit from last season, but he has compensated for that with a reduction in his walk rate.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
0.43 ERA (42.1 IP, 15 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 15 BB, 34 K). 15 hits in 42.1 innings is both ridiculous and lucky. 

Tampa (48-52; 12-23 in the second half) 

Their game against St. Lucie was postponed. They will try to play two tomorrow.

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 (20-27) (Lost to the DSL Angels, 8-7. A DSL special, as the Yankees walked 13 times but compiled only four hits. I expected to see that they left 5,000 runners on base, but they left eight and went 1-for-6 with RISP. Strange game.)

DH Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, 2 BB, K
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-2, R, 3 BB, K
.179/.370/.255 in 189 PA. He has walked eight times and stolen five bases in his last four games.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-3, 2 R, SB (9), 2 BB, K
.356/.500/.583 in 176 PA. This is the first step of many, but he will reach the FCL as an 18-year-old next year.
RF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
CF Isaias Castillo: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (12), BB, 2 K
.298/.429/.491 in 70 PA. He missed July for some reason, but this is still a nice season for a kid who didn’t turn 17 until June 15th.
C-1B Edgar Jimenez: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
1B-C Jose Lavagnino: 0-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB

RHP Varis Villarreal: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (25-22) (Lost to the DSL Cardinals, 18-7)

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-5, SB (21)
.257/.407/.338 in 189 PA (21-for-27 SB). He is trying to finish strongly (9-for-22 with a double and a homer in August). Because I don’t report on Mondays, I missed his first professional home run on August 4th. Oops.
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-5, 3B (4), R, 2 K
LF Jose Castro: 2-for-3, 2B (3), SF, RBI, SB (13), HBP, K
2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
3B Juan Torres: 2-for-5, 2B (8), 3 RBI
His magic carpet ride continues, as he is hitting .349/.392/.504 in 143 plate appearances during his debut campaign. He has hit safely in 15 of his last 16 games.
1B Leni Done: 2-for-5, HR (4), RBI, R, 2 K
Done has hit well in his debut season (.268/.392/.447 in 148 PA). He turned 18 on June 5th.
RF Angel Ventura: 0-for-2, SB (18), 2 BB

LHP Kevin Centeno: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
The 19-year-old owns a 4.80 ERA and 51/22 K/BB over 30 innings. This is his debut campaign.
RHP Jesus Guerrero: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
The seldom-used 18-year-old catcher (47 plate appearances) has a 0.00 ERA in three games (3.1 innings) this season.

Yankees MILB 8/5: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz Dominates

Notes:

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

The Yankees promoted 2024 first-round pick Ben Hess to Somerset. The 22-year-old pitched to a 3.51 ERA and 94/33 K/BB over 66.2 innings for Hudson Valley. The Renegades have three active starters (Kyle Carr, Andrew Landry, and Cade Smith) on their roster. They will figure that out. You don’t stall a prospect’s development because of the void he will leave behind.

2025 draftees Kaeden Kent and Connor McGinnis were assigned to Hudson Valley today. In their debuts tonight, Kent played shortstop while McGinnis played second base.

The Yankees promoted C Engelth Urena to Hudson Valley. To replace him in Tampa, 19-year-old Ediel Rivera was promoted from the FCL. Urena wasn’t having a special year in Tampa (.208/.329/.331). This is likely a situation where they think Urena will start 2026 in Hudson Valley, so they want to give him a taste now.

With all this activity usually comes releases, which is the unfortunate part of the business.  Somerset outfielders Jared Wegner and Cam Eden were both released today.  Wegner, their 9th-round pick in 2023 (Arkansas), was hitting only .168/.262/.242 with two home runs in 47 games this season. Eden, who played in five games for the 2023 Blue Jays, was in his second year with the organization. In 26 games for Somerset, he hit .176/.247/.270. He was 6-for-9 stealing bases.

The Yankees signed RHP Kenta Maeda to a minor league deal. Signing Maeda to a 2-year, $24 million contract didn’t work out well for the Tigers, as he went 3-7 with a 6.21 ERA (5.04 FIP) over 120.1 innings. The Yankees are only on the hook for the prorated league minimum. After trading Carlos Carrasco and choosing to go with Cam Schlittler over Marcus Stroman, their pitching depth took a hit. Maeda will fill that void.

As for the demotion of Jake Bird, that’s how it goes sometimes. A few rough outings + having options + needing to find room for a returning pitcher makes that decision easier than you may think. While disappointing since he was recently acquired, the Yankees also see him as a long-term asset with enough relief depth to make this move now. We’ll see if the Yankees make any changes while he is away. Judging by his 3-game sample with the big club, it already appears as if the pitching gurus are going to ask him to emphasize his slider more. He used that pitch more than 50% of the time after he was acquired. I can’t tell you that Bird will become a worthwhile asset down the line. I can tell you that it’s impossible to know based on only three games.

Somerset, Hudson Valley, and Tampa played the Mets’ affiliates today and went 3-0.

Injury Log

Scranton (64-41; 26-7 in second half) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 7-1)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5, 2B (10), RBI, R, K
Vivas had zero extra-base hits in his last 25 games entering tonight.
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-2, 2 R, SB (11), HBP, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: 11.4% BB, 25.2% K, 11-for-12 SB.  For Somerset this season, he had a 15.4% BB and 33.7% K.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, R, BB
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 3 RBI, R, BB
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, 2B (10), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, 2B (10), RBI, K
De La Cruz was designated for assignment on July 31st. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton.
   RF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-1
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4
LF Duke Ellis: 2-for-4, R, K
Ellis’ crazy run continues. He has a 9-game hitting streak (19-for-32; .594). 

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 4-1)  6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, HR
At this level: 4.35 ERA (39.1 IP, 33 H, 19 R, 19 ER, 9 HR, 10 BB, 34 K). Overall, Beck has tossed 93.2 innings between here and Somerset (Due to injuries, he pitched only 34 career innings before 2025, all in 2023.)
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (56-47; 21-13 in second half) (Defeated Binghamton, 3-2. This was a battle between two pitchers who have shown off strikeout stuff this year. Binghamton starter Jonah Tong is the minor league leader in strikeouts. Somerset starter Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz entered the day 10th. Neither starter allowed a run.)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
Since promotion: .247/.352/.457 in 193 PA (7 doubles, 3 triples, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 30 R, 10-for-13 SB, 14.5% BB, 19.2% K). Overall, he has 33 stolen bases in 40 attempts.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, SB (16), 2 K
Since promotion: .203/.320/.327 in 316 PA (12 doubles, 3 triples, 5 HR, 22 RBI, 46 R, 16-for-19 SB, 12.7% BB, 25% K). Remember when some on social media were clamoring for him to make the roster out of spring training? Pepperidge Farm remembers.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, K
.283/.348/.467 in 399 PA (15 doubles, 6 triples, 13 HR, 54 RBI, 55 R, 0-for-2 SB, 7.5% BB, 21.3% K). 
DH Jace Avina: 1-for-4, 2B (4), 2 K
Since promotion: .228/.353/.404 in 68 PA. He has four doubles and a pair of home runs. 
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, CS (3), BB, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-3
Since promotion: 7-for-22 (.318) with a double and a home run.
2B Max Burt: 0-for-1, R, SAC, BB, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (W, 2-1): 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
Since promotion: 1.73 ERA (26 IP, 17 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 23 K). Overall: 2.13 ERA (109.2 IP, 69 H, 35 R, 26 ER, 2 HR, 43 BB, 122 K). Strikeouts, ground balls, keeping the ball in the ballpark. Three things you love to see.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Danny Watson (S, 5): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
6.23 ERA (39 IP, 49 H, 28 R, 27 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 41 K). Watson’s BABIP is high (.384). He has not allowed a walk in his last 26.2 innings (25 strikeouts)

Hudson Valley (62-38; 24-12 second half) (Defeated Brooklyn, 4-2)

CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, HR (10), 2 RBI, R
Lewis has homered in back-to-back games and has five homers in his last 15 games. He is one home run away from a 20/20 campaign.
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-4, K
Kent’s professional debut. As a 21-year-old college bat (chosen in the third round), it isn’t a shock that they moved him straight to this level.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4
Urena’s High-A debut.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, HBP
2B Connor McGinnis: 0-for-3, BB, K
McGinnis’s professional debut. The Yankees drafted the 22-year-old left-handed bat in the 10th round out of Houston.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, R
DH Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, R, K
Moylan has homered in back-to-back games.
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-3, 2B (7), R

RHP Cade Smith: 3 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Smith tossed 61 pitches tonight as he continues to build himself back up.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
2.59 ERA (31.1 IP, 23 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 45 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia: (W, 5-2)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Gabonia got off to a rough start (4 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 4 ER in April) but has been solid since, allowing only six earned runs in 24.2 IP (2.19 ERA).
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 6): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
At this level: 2.00 ERA (27 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 18 BB, 34 K)

Tampa (48-51; 12-22 in the second half)  (Held off St. Lucie, 5-4)

3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-5, 2B (23), 2 RBI, 2 R
Matheus, who is on an 8-game hitting streak (13-for-35), has 24 multi-hit efforts in 2025, including six 3+-hit games.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-5, 2 K
SS Roderick Arias: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, K
Arias is once again knocking on the .200 door (.197/.312/.302). It’s a number he hasn’t reached once this season.
LF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, 2 K
Montero is hitting .291/.317/.354 in 82 plate appearances.
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2 K
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-4, 2 K
Rivera’s Low-A debut. The 19-year-old hit .229/.346/.346 in 185 FCL plate appearances. He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Puerto Rico in 2024.
1B Tyler Wilson: 2-for-3, 2B (9), R, BB
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, R, 3 K
DH Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-4, 2B (8), R, K

LHP Henry Lalane: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Lalane tossed 45 pitches tonight, showing off incredible efficiency.  He maxed out at 95 MPH, which is an encouraging sign (I don’t have full StatCast data, as Tampa doesn’t have that technology in their temporary home.)
RHP Jack Sokol: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.44 ERA (36.2 IP, 36 H, 21 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 30 K)
RHP Cade Austin: (W, 5-1) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.79 ERA (42 IP, 35 H, 20 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 18 BB, 44 K). He is up to 88.1 innings at this level after being drafted in the 19th round in the 2023 draft out of South Carolina.
RHP Chris Veach: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Jackson Fristoe (S, 2): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (20-26) (Lost to the DSL Cardinals, 10-2)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-4, BB
Vilorio is off to a slow August start (3-for-17) after a strong July (.309/.378/.420).
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-4, R, SB (20), BB, K
2B Carlos Bello: 3-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, R, K
Bello, a 17-year-old in his debut season, has three 3+-hit efforts.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-2, HBP, BB, K
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-4, K
DH Isaias Castillo: 0-for-2, SB (11), 2 BB, K

RHP Jose Vargas: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.86 ERA (11.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 8 K). Vargas is 17 years old.

DSL Bombers (25-21) (Defeated DSL Colorado, 7-3)

SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-5, R, K
.259/.413/.343 in 184 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 34 R, 20-for-26 SB, 20.1% BB, 23.4% K). To me, he’s done enough to get to the FCL in 2026.
2B Christofer Reyes: 2-for-3, 2B (6), R, 2 SB (24), CS (4), 2 BB, K
.252/.336/.330 in 131 PA
LF David Carrera: 2-for-3, SF, RBI, R, CS (6)
DH Richard Meran: 0-for-2, CS (5), 2 BB, K
3B Leni Done: 1-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, SB (11), CS (3), BB
.263/.392/.424 in 143 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 28 R, 11-for-14 SB)
RF Angel Ventura: 1-for-4, 3B (2), R, 3 K
C Carlos Rondon: 2-for-4, RBI, R, K

RHP Diego Carrillo (W, 4-0): 3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.60 ERA (30 IP, 24 H, 14 R, 12 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 23 K)
RHP Christopher Vasquez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

Yankees MILB 8/3: Dillon Lewis Hits a Slam

Notes:

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

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

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

Injury Log

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (20-24) 

Day off.

DSL Bombers (23-21)

Day off.

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

Notes:

A boring day for minor league news overall.

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

Injury Log

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game 1 (Lost, 12-5)

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

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

Game 2 (Won, 5-1)

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

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

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-24)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (21-19)

Day off.