Yankees MILB 9/3: Josh Grosz Spins Another Gem

News:

Nothing.


Scranton (75-56) (Defeated Syracuse, 4-1, to move within 0.5 games of Rochester. Worcester, who is playing Rochester this week, is also 0.5 games out)

3B Jon Berti2-for-4, K
Berti’s rehab was moved here from Somerset today. 
CF Jasson Dominguez1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB, K
Dominguez is hitting .262 (32-for-122) since returning from his latest injury. If you want to find a criticism, he has compiled only eight extra-base hits during this timeframe.
1B Ben Rice: 1-for-4, K
Rice reported back to Scranton today. He had his share of highlights with the Yankees (including a 3-HR game) but the league seemed to adjust to him. Nobody can tell you with confidence where his career will lead. For now, we will say he earned valuable experience.
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-3, SF, RBI
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4
LF Taylor Trammell0-for-3, CS (4), BB, K
DH Carlos Narvaez0-for-4, K
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-3, 2B (11), HR (3), RBI, 3 RS, BB, K
Escarra is hitting .291 with a .869 OPS since his promotion (11 doubles, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 26 R). I don’t know if it would be with the Yankees, but Escarra is one you root for to make MLB.
RF Oscar Gonzalez1-for-4, RS, K

LHP Edgar Barclay:(W, 7-9)  7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
6.30 ERA (130 IP, 139 H, 97 R, 91 ER, 28 HR, 62 BB, 107 K)
RHP Yerry De Los Santos1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Nick Burdi (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K


Somerset (66-59)

The Patriots played on Labor Day, so today was a day off. They play a doubleheader tomorrow.


Hudson Valley (69-57) (Defeated Asheville, 4-3, to move 3.5 games ahead of Jersey Shore. Jersey Shore is currently losing, 6-3. Greensboro, also in the mix, is losing 5-4 in the 8th. Bottom line? If the Renegades can win three of their final five games, they clinch)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 SB (26), 2 BB, K
Riggio stole home tonight. He is hitting .221/.348/.398 in 461 PA (25 doubles, 5 triples, 11 HR, 45 RBI, 68 R, 26-for-32 SB). His BABIP, a problem most of the season, is now .263.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, SB (7), 2 BB
His hitting streak is snapped at 7 but he still owns a 9-game on-base streak. Between here and Tampa, he is 37-for-45 stealing bases (82.2%).
1B Josh Moylan0-for-4, RS, BB, K
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-4, 2B (15), SB (15), BB, 2 K
DH Omar Martinez0-for-4, BB, 3 K
LF Jackson Castillo1-for-2, SB (4), 3 BB, K
Castillo has four 3-walk games this season. He is hitting .321/.409/.536 in 66 PA since his promotion.
3B Dylan Jasso2-for-5, RBI, 2 K
Jasso walked it off with an RBI single in the 9th.
CF Brendan Jones0-for-3, BB
C Antonio Gomez1-for-3, 2B (14), RBI, RS, SB (2), BB, 2 K

RHP Josh Grosz: 7 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
Grosz hadn’t allowed a homer in his previous 7 starts or 3+ earned runs in 9 starts. If those streaks were destined to be broken, this is a stat line you can live with.
RHP Sebastian Keane1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.67 ERA (81 IP, 73 H, 45 R, 42 ER, 7 HR, 41 BB, 82 K). He was moved to the bullpen on 7/24, which I assume was done to limit his innings. 
RHP Blane Abeyta: (W, 3-2)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K


Tampa (54-69) (Their game against Dunedin was postponed. They will attempt to play a doubleheader tomorrow. The lineup was posted, and it is below with a few notes)

SS Roderick Arias0-for-0
Arias is hitting .229/.333/.385 (109 wRC+) with a 12.4% BB and 30.9% K. He is 1st in the FSL in runs (73), RBI (72 – tied), triples (8) and is second in stolen bases (32). Yes, a caveat applies: He has played here all season while many others have moved up. It’s still an impressive season – one that should have you looking forward to seeing him in Hudson Valley in 2025.
CF Willy Montero0-for-0
The 20-year-old is hitting .249/.311/.364 in 466 PA (23 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 58 RBI, 62 R, 12-for-13 SB, 7.7% BB, 21.5% K). 
LF Tyler Wilson0-for-0
3B Hans Montero0-for-0
The 20-year-old bonus baby played well in the FCL last year (.257/.419/.404 in 234 PA) but has struggled in his first taste of a full-season league (.211/.308/.345 in 371 PA)
DH Dillon Lewis0-for-0
Lewis has reached base safely in all 8 of his professional starts (0-for-1 as a PH in his other game)
1B Parks Harber0-for-0
RF Joe Delossantos0-for-0
Delossantos is 16-for-57 (.281/.423/.351; 12 walks, 19 strikeouts). He is splitting time between LF and RF.
C Josue Gonzalez0-for-0
2B Owen Cobb0-for-0

RHP Danny Flatt0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.


DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/4: Spencer Jones Homers, Doubles Twice

News:

Nothing.


Scranton (60-47) (Defeated Louisville, 5-2. Scranton is having a season where their overall record is good, but they didn’t win the first half and are currently behind in the second half).

DH Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, SB (4), K
For Scranton: .302/.343/.460 in 67 PA. Since his most recent comeback from injury: 5-for-27 (.185) with one extra-base hit (double). Patience.
2B Jorbit Vivas0-for-3, BB
SS Oswald Peraza2-for-4, 2 HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
.243/.348/.376 in 265 PA (9 doubles, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 38 R, 16-for-20 SB). Peraza has 6 HR in his last 12 games. Before this stretch, his triple slash was .229/.344/.279. 
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-1, HBP, 2 BB
CF Taylor Trammell1-for-3, RBI, CS (3), BB, K
RF Jahmai Jones0-for-4, 2 K
Jones cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton.
C J.C. Escarra1-for-3, RS, BB
Since promotion: .356/.482/.511 in 56 PA with more walks (9) than strikeouts (6).
3B Kevin Smith1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
LF Josh VanMeter0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Edgar Barclay: (W, 5-8)  7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
6.22 ERA (102.2 IP, 109 H, 76 R, 71 ER, 22 HR, 50 BB, 91 K). Last 4 starts: 23 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 BB, 21 K
LHP Tim Mayza1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K


Somerset (52-50) (Swept a doubleheader against Bowie. The Patriots are 20-13 in the second half as they make a push for the playoffs (1 game out))

Game 1 (Won, 4-1. Because this was the conclusion of a suspended game from last night, it went the full nine innings)

DH Caleb Durbin0-for-3, 2 BB
Durbin is only 3-for-24 since being placed here but has six walks and only three strikeouts.
CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, BB, K
1B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-4, 2 K
Since promotion: 9-for-45 (.200) with three home runs. He missed a month due to injury.
C Rafael Flores1-for-3, RS, BB, K
3B Tyler Hardman0-for-3, RS, BB, K
RF Elijah Dunham1-for-4, 2B (17), 2 RBI, RS, K
LF Grant Richardson0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler1-for-2, HR (9), RBI, RS, 2 BB
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-4, K

RHP Colby White2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Ben Shields: (W, 2-1)  6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, HR
Since promotion: 1.95 ERA (27.2 IP, 22 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 30 K). Overall, he owns a 3.20 ERA in 81.2 IP (65 H, 37 R, 29 ER, 7 HR, 22 BB, 102 K). His ERA was hurt by an emergency appearance in Scranton, where he allowed 9 runs in 1.2 IP.
RHP Joey Gerber (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Game 2 (Won, 6-1. This was a 7-inning game)

CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-4, 2 2B (19), HR (13), 4 RBI, RS
Jones is hitting .245 with a .758 OPS in 402 PA (19 doubles, 3 triples, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 55 R, 21-for-27 SB, 10.9% BB, 36.6% K). This is the 5th time this season he has compiled 6+ total bases. His high is 11, set on June 30th.
1B Tyler Hardman1-for-4, RS
C Rafael Flores1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, K
Flores has brought a power game with him to Somerset. He has 6 doubles and 7 HR in 32 games (17 singles).
DH Elijah Dunham1-for-4, RS
RF Grant Richardson1-for-4, 2B (22), SB (12)
2B Anthony Seigler0-for-4, K
LF Jared Wegner1-for-2, RS, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-2, RS, BB
3B Max Burt1-for-2, RS, BB

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 8-7)  5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
5.22 ERA (112 IP, 116 H, 68 R, 65 ER, 10 HR, 37 BB, 103 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 10.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 16 K. The Yankees set their bullpen for 2024 at the deadline (Reyzelman was a long-shot candidate regardless), but he should be in the mix sometime in 2025.
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Stevens allows his second career HR (43.2 IP). 


Hudson Valley (52-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 7-5)

2B Roc Riggio1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
.217/.342/.382 in 364 PA (18 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 30 RBI, 56 R, 14.0% BB, 17.3% K, 17-for-22 SB). His BABIP hasn’t normalized much this season (.248). 
CF Jace Avina1-for-3, RS, HBP
.250/.329/.403 in 365 PA (22 doubles, 9 HR, 44 RBI, 43 R, 8.8% BB, 26.3% K). Last season, he owned a 29.6% K in Low-A (for the Brewers’ organization)
1B Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, 2 HR (13), 4 RBI, 2 RS
Martinez’s third career multi-HR game (he had a 3-HR effort on August 1, 2023). He is hitting .236/.367/.419 in 346 PA. 
C Antonio Gomez2-for-4, 2B (8), RS, K
Gomez has three multi-hit efforts in his last five games and has doubled in five straight contests. 
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, RS, K
3B Kiko Romero0-for-4, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson0-for-1, RS, SB (12), 2 BB, HBP
DH Anthony Hall0-for-4, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-4, SB (5)

RHP Trent Sellers4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
12 up, 12 down. His ERA is now 2.40 (63.2 IP, 34 H, 25 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 30 BB, 74 K). He has four no-hit performances in his last five games (17.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 18 K). That’s an impressive run.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 5-2) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.60 ERA (35 IP, 28 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 20 BB, 48 K)
LHP Joel Valdez0.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
It has been a rehab year for Cohen. Will he get to Somerset this year? He did get there briefly in 2023.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.53 ERA (35.2 IP, 32 H, 19 R, 14 ER, 6 HR, 11 BB, 39 K)
RHP Sebastian Keane (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.84 ERA (70.2 IP, 64 H, 39 R, 38 ER, 6 HR, 35 BB, 69 K). Keane started most of the season. They could be limiting his innings down the stretch.


Tampa (43-56)

Their game against Lakeland was canceled due to Tropical Storm Debby. It will not be made up.


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (15-27) 

Scheduled day off.


DSL Bombers (23-21) 

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 7/30: Spencer Jones Homers, Steals 2 Bases

News:

The Yankees released IF Jeter Downs today, allowing him to sign in Japan.  Downs hit .264/.360/.498 (117 wRC+) in 274 plate appearances for Scranton.

The Yankees signed Brett Phillips to a minor-league deal. They signed him as a pitcher, which could be fun. Phillips’ best attribute as a position player was his Immaculate Grid game, as he appeared in 393 games for five different clubs. He recently threw 97 MPH in an NBC World Series game, whatever that is (Update: The NBC World Series is an annual event going back to 1935! I never heard of it).

It will be fun to follow his progress.

Trades:

LHP Caleb Ferguson was traded to Houston for international bonus pool money and RHP Kelly Austin

The Yankees acquired a pair of left-handed relievers from the Dodgers over the winter, and neither panned out. Ferguson pitched to a 5.13 ERA (4.27 FIP) over 33.1 IP with a 26.5% K, 10.3% BB, and 1.35 HR/9. The Yankees acquired him because of his ability to miss bats, and his strikeout rate was his highest since 2020. However, he didn’t impress overall. The Yankees acquired him for LHP Matt Gage and RHP Christian ZazuetaThe Dodgers traded Gage to the Mets (he was called up yesterday) while Zazueta owns a 7.10 ERA in 41.1 innings for the Dodgers’ Rookie League/Low-A affiliates.

Austin (23) was signed by the Astros as an undrafted free agent in 2023. The UCLA product owns a 2.21 ERA (3.60 FIP) over 36.2 IP between Low-A/High-A with impressive strikeout (31.1%) and walk (4.7%) rates.

IF Ben Cowles and RHP Jack Neely were traded to the Chicago Cubs for RHP Mark Leiter Jr.

Cowles and Neely have raised their stock in 2024, and the Yankees cashed in the chips. I sound like a broken record, but if you are a Yankees fan, your reality has to be that most prospects are built up as trade chips.

Leiter Jr. doesn’t throw hard, but he generates a ton of strikeouts, a need for the Yankees’ bullpen. A starter in the minors (he made some starts for the Phillies in 2017), Leiter has found a groove as a relief pitcher. Over the past three seasons, he owns a 3.85 ERA (3.62 FIP) over 168.1 innings with a 28.8% K and 8.8% BB. While his ERA is up in 2024 (4.21), his FIP (2.11) is the best of his career.  This season, he abandoned his 4-seam fastball while increasing his slider/sweeper usage. When pitchers move to the bullpen, they dump most of their pitches and concentrate on two or three. That isn’t the case with Leiter, who continues to throw a 5-pitch mix. In back-to-back games in late May, he allowed 7 runs while recording only three outs. Beyond that and a hiccup in mid-June, he has pitched well.

Cowles is hitting .294/.376/.472 (141 wRC+) in 378 plate appearances in Double-A. The University of Maryland product has played second, short, and third base. He could have been in the 2025 mix at second base/utility, but players of his ilk don’t typically make it to the Bronx. He will have an opportunity in Chicago.

Neely was the Yankees’ top relief prospect. The 24-year-old owns a 2.81 ERA in 41.2 IP between Double-A and Triple-A with a 63/16 K/BB. He stands an impressive 6’8″ and will likely debut for the Cubs this season.

While I label Neely as their top relief prospect, the Yankees are good at building up relief prospects. As I stated the other day, the Yankees likely would have considered Neely if they couldn’t find someone on the market.

OF Brandon Lockridge was traded to the San Diego Padres for RHP Enyel De Los Santos and RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.

De Los Santos is a 28-year-old who misses bats (28.2% K). He also allows an insane number of home runs (2.45/9 this season). However, his home run rates were fine in 2022 and 2023. Unlike Leiter, he is traditional as he comes at hitters with a mid-90s fastball, a slider, and an occasional change-up. His profile doesn’t “wow” me, but the Yankees had an obvious objective to acquire relievers who can strike hitters out. If they feel his HR rate will normalize (20.9% HR/FB is ridiculous), maybe they have a diamond in the rough.

Balboni Jr. (it doesn’t appear that he has a relation to former Yankees’ first baseman Steve Balboni) was drafted by the Padres in the 15th round of the 2022 draft out of Northeastern. The 23-year-old pitched for Low-A Lake Eisinore this season, compiling a 4.46 ERA in 34.1 IP with a ridiculous 38.2% strikeout rate. However, he walks batters at a 12.7% clip.

Lockridge is a speedy grinder (34-for-38 stealing bases this year) with a 4th/5th outfielder profile. He hit .295/.405/.383 for Scranton this season. He is 27 years old and might be approaching minor league free agency.

Overall Deadline Thoughts:

Jazz Chisholm Jr. is the headline move. How you think about this deadline is how you evaluate him (so far, so good). The Yankees did not add to their rotation but added a pair of strikeout arms to their bullpen (an obvious need).

The Dodgers pulled off a deal for RHP Jack Flaherty. The return included former Yankees’ farmhand Trey Sweeney. In theory, the Yankees could have beat the Dodgers offer.  However, it is hard to know how organizations value prospects. Hence, when people tweet “comparable packages” on Twitter, that is based on prospect rankings and values that may not (probably don’t) match the Tigers’ internal evaluations.

It wasn’t a bad deadline. I tend to agree that it feels incomplete.


Scranton (57-45) (Squeaked past Louisville, 2-1)

CF Jasson Dominguez0-for-2, SB (3), BB
When Dominguez starts playing full games in the field, the “call-up” clock starts. They won’t do it unless there is a clear path to playing time.
  LF Josh VanMeter0-for-1
2B Jorbit Vivas0-for-2, 2 BB
For Scranton: .244/.385/.381 in 221 PA. He owns a 14.9% BB rate at this level.
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-2, 2 BB, K
Peraza has a 13.1% BB rate for Scranton (9.7% in 2023)
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-4, RS
DH Oscar Gonzalez0-for-3, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra0-for-3
3B Kevin Smith2-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS
Smith’s 2-run HR in the 7th won the game.
RF-CF Taylor Trammell0-for-3, K
LF-RF Aaron Palensky0-for-3, K

LHP Edgar Barclay6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
6.59 ERA (95.2 IP, 106 H, 75 R, 70 ER, 21 HR, 49 BB, 84 K). Last 3 starts: 16 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 6 BB, 14 K.
LHP Chasen Shreve (W, 2-1): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Phil Bickford (S, 5): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K


Somerset (48-49) (Lost to Bowie, 7-6)

DH Caleb Durbin1-for-4, RS, CS (1), BB, K
Durbin was CS in the top of the 9th, down by a run with no outs and Spencer Jones at the plate. Tsk, tsk.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, HR (12), 2 RBI, RS, 2 SB (21), BB, K
When he has nights like this, you become excited. I believe the Yankees were willing to deal Jones, but not for a rental starter. That would have taken him off the table for Jack Flaherty.
3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-5, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, 3 K
Rodriguez is 6-for-31 (.194) since his promotion. He missed a month due to injury.
C Rafael Flores0-for-4, K
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-4, 2 K
LF Elijah Dunham1-for-4, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson2-for-4, RS, K
2B Anthony Seigler2-for-4, HR (8), RBI, RS
Seigler had a home run binge earlier this season. This is his first since June 20th.
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Vargas is hitting a respectable .252 with a .676 OPS at this level.

RHP Trystan Vrieling5.1 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
5.47 ERA (107 IP, 115 H, 68 R, 65 ER, 10 HR, 35 BB, 97 K). This season has been a learning experience for Vrieling. Here’s hoping he finishes strongly.
RHP Danny Watson1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
With Neely leaving the nest, Watson moves up the list of relief prospects. An injury delayed his progress in 2024, but six of his last seven appearances have been scoreless. 
RHP Luis Velasquez (L, 3-3): 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR


Hudson Valley (47-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 6-1)

2B Roc Riggio0-for-5
CF Jace Avina0-for-5, K
DH Omar Martinez0-for-4, 3 K
C Antonio Gomez2-for-3, 3 RS, 2B (4), HBP
1B Josh Moylan2-for-2, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
.248/.368/.366 in 296 PA. Last 6 games: 8-for-23 (1 double, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 6 R, 3 BB, 4 K).
RF Garrett Martin1-for-4, 2B (11), RS, 2 K
LF Christopher Familia2-for-3, 2B (4), 3 RBI, BB
.191/.277/.303 in 101 PA. Familia has struggled somewhat in High-A (.240/.313/.416) after annihilating Low-A pitching (.290/.368/.611).
3B Kiko Romero1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-3, RBI, BB, K

RHP Trent Sellers4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
2.56 ERA (59.2 IP, 34 H, 25 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 30 BB, 73 K). As a starter (3 starts): 10.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 14 K. 
RHP Sean Boyle (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Sebastian Keane2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
4.91 ERA (69.2 IP, 64 H, 39 R, 38 ER, 6 HR, 34 BB, 67 K). Keane was a starter until recently. I assume they are controlling his innings down the stretch.
RHP Harrison Cohen1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Tampa (39-54) 

Their game against Lakeland was postponed.


FCL (35-22)

I was wrong. Will wonders never cease? When the FCL squad lost to the Pirates on Saturday, their season ended. The semi-finals are single elimination.


DSL Yankees (14-25) (Destroyed Arizona Black, 12-1)

SS Dexters Peralta0-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (20), 2 BB, 2 K
While strong stolen base rates are common at this level, it impresses me that he is 20-for-23 given his inexperience.
DH Richard Matic1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
C Justin Capellan1-for-4, 2B (9), 3 RBI, RS, SB (7), 2 BB
CF Gabriel Lara2-for-5, RS, SB (12), BB, K
2B Jelson Coca2-for-5, 2B (2), 3B (1), 3 RBI, 2 RS
Coca entered the game 4-for-58. This was likely a relief for him!
1B Niurby Asigen2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, BB, K

RHP Edinzo Marquez (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
The 19-year-old owns a 1.99 ERA (31.2 IP, 24 H, 11 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 36 K). Goal 1 for an international signee: Get off the island and come stateside. Marquez is likely earning that for 2025.
RHP Jesus Mejia2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The 18-year-old owns a 1.88 ERA (14.1 IP, 12 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 11 K)


DSL Bombers (23-19) (Split a doubleheader against the DSL Rangers Red)

Game 1 (Won, 3-0)

CF Francisco Vilorio0-for-4, 2 K
C Queni Pineda: 1-for-3, RS, 2 K
SS Christofer Reyes1-for-3, RS, SB (13)
Still 16, Reyes is hitting .200/.313/.227 in 128 PA.
2B Luis Escudero2-for-2, 3B (4), RBI, RS, SB (23), BB
1B Carlos Villarroel2-for-3, RBI, SB (2), CS (3)

RHP Franyer Herrera (W, 2-1): 5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
2.34 ERA (34.2 IP, 29 H, 13 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 44 K). Herrera hasn’t allowed an HR in 55 career IP.
LHP Jose Ledesma (S, 6): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.10 ERA (16.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 20 K)

Game 2 (Lost, 6-5)

CF Browm Martinez1-for-4, 2B (3), RS, SB (17), 2 K
17-for-23 SB in 29 games.
DH Carlos Villarroel1-for-1, 2B (3), RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
  PR-DH Luis Escudero0-for-1
.303/.479/.472 in 121 PA with a 23-for-28 stolen base rate. He has 28 walks and 11 strikeouts.

Yankees MILB 7/19: Hudson Valley’s No-Hitter

News

The draft was interesting for the Yankees. Everyone assumed the Yankees had an “all pitching” mentality but that doesn’t appear to be the case. I applaud the Yankees for not “reaching” for a position player just because they had already drafted many pitchers. The draft fell in a way where the most valuable thing on their board was pitching.

Will this cause a glut of pitching? Potentially, but that’s a concern for 2025 and beyond. As college arms, you want them to move up the chain quickly. However, not all of them will. A lot will happen between July 19, 2024, and the beginning of the 2025 season. I am not worrying about a logjam now.

As for my favorite pick, just based on what I am reading it is RHP Bryce Cunningham, their second-round pick. He seemingly can move fast with Keith Law claiming that he zoom up to Double-A next season. The arm that jumps out at you is RHP Greysen Carter, who has dialed it up to 103. An arm like his would be a no-doubt first-round pick if not for that thing called control. I like pitchers who come into the system with a plus pitch in their arsenal. Cunningham’s changeup and Carter’s fastball will play in professional ball, though Carter needs work.

Anyway, I will give more background as the players start filtering into levels and making their debuts. A reminder that they changed the FCL schedule in 2024. Instead of a month left in the season, there’s one week. Hence, there isn’t a “get your feet wet” spot. If players sign quickly, we could see them in Tampa this season. With many college pitchers selected, Low-A is not a daunting place to start. Times have changed and organizations have adjusted.

(For a full review of the draft, check out this article from VirginiaYankee1)

The Yankees have released Jose Rojas from his minor-league contract for the second time this season. Rojas is hitting .254/.359/.561 with 18 home runs and 57 RBI in 67 games. While I haven’t read anything to indicate why, the odds are good that Rojas negotiated an opt-out when he re-signed in June and exercised it. That is what happened the first time he was released.

The Yankees have signed 30-year-old LHP Thomas Pannone to a minor league deal. Pannone, released by the Cubs on July 17th, has appeared in 50 MLB games (13 starts), going 7-7 with a 5.46 ERA (5.06 FIP) over 118.2 innings. He owns a 19.6% K, 9.0% BB, and 33.8% GB. With the Iowa Cubs this season, he went 4-8 with a 4.37 ERA (4.78 FIP) in 19 starts. He spent time in Korea in 2022 and 2023. Recently, the Yankees signed fellow left-handers Chasen Shreve and Tim Mayza, but they are relievers. Pannone can give Scranton innings as a starter or long reliever.

As we enter the post-ASB portion of the season, none of the full-season leagues won their first-half titles (the “first half” ended a while ago, but I never noted that). As of now, it looks unlikely that a full-season affiliate will make the playoffs as the second-half standings aren’t favorable. There’s still time, though.

Scranton (49-42) (Lost to Buffalo, 1-0, in ten innings)

CF Brandon Lockridge0-for-5, 4 K
We all have bad days…
2B Jorbit Vivas1-for-4, 2B (6), 2 K
It isn’t a complete loss (he spent three days on an MLB roster), but it still felt meaningless to bring him up if his playing time was going to be zero. It is interesting that Oswald Peraza didn’t play tonight in the first game after the All-Star Break.
C Agustin Ramirez1-for-3, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-4, K
Rumfield is 7-for-24 with four walks in July.
SS Jeter Downs0-for-4, 3 K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Taylor Trammell0-for-3, HBP, 2 K
3B Kevin Smith0-for-3, SB (11), HBP, K
DH Josh VanMeter0-for-4, 4 K

LHP Edgar Barclay 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
I have documented how he hasn’t done well in Triple-A. It is nice to see him have a strong outing here.
RHP Jack Neely 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 7 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
RHP Scott Effross1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
The Yankees luckily had options to use on Effross as he continues his rehab-that-technically-isn’t-a-rehab. I assume it won’t be long until he is up with the big club.
RHP Ron Marinaccio1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Victor Gonzalez1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: (L, 2-1)  0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Hard to blame any reliever when a ghost runner scores!


Somerset (44-44) (Toss a 1-hitter against Altoona in a 2-0 win)

DH Spencer Jones1-for-4, RS, K
Has Jones’ trade value taken a hit? Maybe, but not as much as you think it has. Teams will still be interested in the crazy ceiling. Will the Yankees move him? I think it would have to be a special trade for them to give him up. Don’t expect him to be trade bait for a swing-and-miss reliever. 
SS Ben Cowles1-for-3, RS, BB
.299/.380/.474 in 358 PA. Cowles has never spent a full season at one level. I would expect the 24-year-old to finish up in Scranton (he went there briefly in 2023 before being sent to the Arizona Fall League).
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-4, K
C Rafael Flores3-for-4, RBI
On a night where pitching was the story, Flores stands out. He broke a 0-0 tie in the bottom of the 8th.  Since his promotion: .229/.325/.400 in 80 PA. He had a pair of 3-hit efforts for Hudson Valley earlier this season.
RF Elijah Dunham2-for-4, RBI, 2 K
Dunham didn’t let the break cool him off. He is 20-for-48 (.417) in July (6 doubles, 4 HR, 13 RBI)
CF Grant Richardson0-for-4, 2 K
LF Jared Wegner0-for-3, K
2B Anthony Seigler0-for-2, BB
3B Max Burt1-for-3, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
Outstanding performance by Vrieling. It lowers his ERA to 5.21 (96.2 IP, 100 H, 59 R, 56 ER, 9 HR, 33 BB, 91 K). In July: 14 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 BB, 10 K. 
RHP Carlos Gomez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP McKinley Moore: (W, 2-0) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Moore is a work in progress. If they unlock him, the dividends will be high. But he will be a tough one to unlock.
RHP Eric Reyzelman (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 2.84 ERA (6.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 10 K). He is a contender for the 2025 bullpen. 


Hudson Valley (43-43) (No-hit Rome, 1-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-4, HR (7), RBI, RS, CS (4)
Riggio walks it off in the bottom of the 9th, earning the Renegades a combined no-hitter!  He is hitting .222/.356/.393 in 307 PA and has homered in back-to-back games.
SS Jared Serna0-for-3
.252/.344/.437 in 369 PA. He is only 9-for-46 (.196) in July.
CF Jace Avina0-for-3, K
C Omar Martinez1-for-3, K
DH Antonio Gomez0-for-3, K
1B Josh Moylan0-for-3, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin1-for-3, SB (9)
Martin is 9-for-10 in the stolen base category.
LF Cole Gabrielson0-for-3, 2 K
3B Brenny Escanio1-for-3, K

LHP Kyle Carr5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
A much-needed outing for last year’s 3rd round pick. It lowers his ERA to 6.04 (67 IP, 70 H, 54 R, 45 ER, 5 HR, 43 BB, 58 K). Last time out, he allowed 7 runs (6 earned) over 3 IP. Can he get into a second-half groove?
RHP Trent Sellers3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.94 ERA (53.2 IP, 33 H, 27 R, 19 ER, 2 HR, 32 BB, 65 K). He started his last time out, but they moved him back to the bullpen tonight. He tossed three innings, so is there a major difference?
RHP Huey Morrill: (W, 2-2)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.52 ERA (30.2 IP, 28 H, 17 R, 12 ER, 6 HR, 9 BB, 33 K). The 24-year-old was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State in 2022. The plot twist? He played shortstop for Oklahoma State (though he did make 17 appearances on the hill in college). 


Tampa (32-53) (Tied with Bradenton, 0-0, in the 5th. The game is in a delay. I will update this if they conclude the game tonight)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-2, K
SS Roderick Arias0-for-1, SB (25), BB
1B Dylan Jasso0-for-2, K
CF Jackson Castillo0-for-2
RF Willy Montero1-for-2
2B Hans Montero0-for-2, 2 K
DH Coby Morales0-for-1
C Josue Gonzalez0-for-1
LF Daury Arias0-for-1

RHP Chase Hampton3.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Hampton retired 11 of the 12 batters he faced (hit a batter) and averaged 92 MPH (94 max). He threw 45 pitches (30 strikes) and should be on his way to Somerset shortly.
RHP Aaron Nixon0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Nixon was used as a “bridge” between Hampton and Serna.
RHP Luis Serna1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
That bridge will be meaningless, as Serna will not return to this game.


FCL (33-20) (Lost to the Tigers, 4-0. With five games left, they own a 1.5-game lead over the Tigers. The two squads play a doubleheader tomorrow and have another matchup beyond that. There is a wild card in this league. The Tigers are currently in that position, but there’s a 3-team race in the South. The two teams that lose that race will be in the wild-card race. Those teams will undoubtedly play games against each other, so the Yankees are in good shape. The FCL squad and one of the DSL teams could be the only playoff representatives we get in 2024)

CF Brando Mayea1-for-4, K
Mayea is hitting .288 (good) though the power has yet to show up. At 18 years old, there’s time for the power to shine.
C Edgleen Perez1-for-3, BB
1B Engelth Urena2-for-3, K
His magical season continues (.308/.421/.575 in 145 PA with 7 homers and 29 RBI). In July, he is an incredible 23-for-49 (.469/.587/.959) with nine doubles and five home runs. Is the 19-year-old (20 on August 17th) ready for a full-season test?

RHP Chalniel Arias (L, 0-1): 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
RHP Indigo Diaz2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
His rehab continues.
RHP Sabier Marte3 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
Marte is getting his work in (he leads the league with 49 IP). In those 49 IP, he owns a 2.76 ERA and 44/16 K/BB.


DSL Yankees (11-22) (Their game against the DSL Mets Orange was suspended. They own a 6-1 lead in the 5th)

So far, SS Dexters Peralta is 2-for-3, while CF Gabriel Lara (1 hit) and LF Isael Arias (2 hits, SB) have an RBI and run scored.

RHP Jorge Luna4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K


DSL Bombers (20-14) (Defeated the DSL Giants Orange, 5-4)

CF Francisco Vilorio1-for-3, 2B (5), K
.200/.278/.325 in 90 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 13 RBI)
SS Christofer Reyes1-for-3, RS, SB (12)
2B Luis Escudero0-for-2, RS, BB
DH Angel Ventura1-for-3, 3B (1), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
I haven’t said much about Ventura, but the 18-year-old is hitting .276/.382/.328 in 68 PA.
LF Browm Martinez1-for-3, 2B (2), 2 RBI, RS, SB (16), K
.271/.369/.300 in 84 PA with 16 stolen bases in 20 tries.

RHP Jerson Alejandro: 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
4.07 ERA (24.1 IP, 14 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 0 HR, 23 BB, 38 K). The eight strikeouts are a personal best.
LHP Jose Ledesma (S, 5): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Yankees MILB 5/3: Ben Rice Reaches Base 4 Times

News:

C Josh Breaux has been added to the Development List. Essentially, the Development List is…what you think it is. A place where organizations place players for help in their development. Breaux is no longer a young prospect, so you can wonder what they are trying to develop (could be as simple as first base reps outside of doing it during a game). Breaux can do everything he typically does and continues to get paid. However, he cannot play in games.

Players on the Development List do not count towards Scranton’s roster. They do count against the organization’s overall roster.  An organization is “only” allowed to have 180 players in their minor league systems (this does not include the Dominican Summer League (DSL)). Breaux still counts against that while not counting against Scranton’s roster limit.

There will be a quiz on this topic next week.

IF Enmanuel Tejeda, hitting .330 after back-to-back 4-hit nights, was placed on the 7-day injured list for Tampa. They replaced him on the roster with IF Hans Montero, a $1.7 million bonus baby signed in 2021. At ages 17-18. Montero struggled in the DSL. At 19, he had a good year in the FCL, hitting .257/.419/.404 (127 wRC+) in 234 plate appearances with 5 HR, 23 RBI, 41 runs, and 17 stolen bases.

Scranton (21-9) (Defeated Jacksonville, 7-2)

SS Caleb Durbin1-for-4, 2B (12), 2 RS, HBP
Durbin is on a 9-game hitting streak (12-for-37; .324) and is up to .287/.411/.461 in 142 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 22 R, 22 BB (15.5%), 14 K (9.9%), 13-for-14 SB (92.9%).
DH Everson Pereira0-for-5, 4 K
.257/.331/.523 in 121 PA (6 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 20 R, 9 BB, 46 K (38.0%), 3-for-5 SB). He owned a 27.8% K rate for Scranton in 2023. A 10.2% increase is not what anyone wants to see, including trade partners.
1B T.J. Rumfield2-for-5, 2B (6), HR (2), RBI, RS, K
Rumfield is at .300/.338/.500 in 65 PA since his promotion (6 doubles, 2 HR, 12 RBI).
C Carlos Narvaez2-for-4, 2B (5), 3 RBI, BB, K
Narvaez got a taste of MLB life (and now has their health insurance plan).
3B Jose Rojas1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, RS
2B Josh VanMeter1-for-3, 2B (5), RS, BB, K
LF Greg Allen0-for-3, RS, SB (4), BB, 2 K
RF Luis Gonzalez1-for-3, RBI, RS, SB (3), BB
CF Brandon Lockridge1-for-4, RBI, RS, K

LHP Edgar Barclay (W, 3-1): 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Barclay allowed a pair of runs in the first inning but settled in from there. Season: 3.07 ERA (29.1 IP, 24 H, 13 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 32 K)
LHP Clayton Andrews2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Somerset (11-14) (Defeated New Hampshire, 4-3)

CF Spencer Jones0-for-5, 4 K
Jones’ strikeout rate has ticked above 30% (31.4) thanks to ten strikeouts in his last 19 plate appearances. He will have swing-and-miss in his game – it’s just the nature of the beast. This also shows you to calm down a bit – there’s still development time needed. He is hitting .266/.329/.438 in 70 plate appearances.
1B Ben Rice: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, SB (3), 2 BB
Rice’s hitting streak reaches 7 (10-for-27; 2 doubles, 2 HR, 8 walks). He is hitting .286/.414/.549 and does not belong here. 
C Agustin Ramirez1-for-2, SB (5), 2 BB, K
Ramirez has five walks in his last two games and 19 walks in 23 games. He is hitting .233/.377/.558 in 106 PA.
SS Ben Cowles1-for-4, RBI
.337/.417/.596 in 103 PA (10 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 15 R, 12 BB, 17 K, 3-for-3 SB). He hasn’t run much this season but he was 23-for-27 in that category in 2023.
3B Jordan Groshans1-for-3, RS, BB
DH J.C. Escarra0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
LF Grant Richardson1-for-3, BB, K
Richardson is up to .296/.363/.453 in 80 PA (8 doubles, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 10 R, 6 BB, 18 K, 5-for-6 SB). He has ability – whether it becomes MLB viable is the question.
RF Elijah Dunham0-for-1, RBI, RS, SB (2), 2 BB, HBP
2B Alexander Vargas1-for-1, RBI
Vargas left the game due to injury after his RBI single (he was thrown out trying to go to second)
   2B Anthony Seigler1-for-3, K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (W, 2-1) 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
This game was a slog for Selvidge (including his error), but he used the power of the ground ball to fight through it. Season: 1.73 ERA (26 IP, 21 H, 10 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 28 K).  Selvidge has allowed seven homers in 200 career innings. He should be a contender for the 2025 rotation, though we have seen Brian Cashman flip plenty of upper-level pitchers over the last few years.
RHP Carlos Gomez2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
0.73 ERA (12.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 HR, 8 BB, 9 K). Throughout his career, walks have been the problem.
RHP Luis Velasquez: (S, 1) 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K


Hudson Valley (14-10) (Lost to Wilmington, 13-8. GameCast had issues with this game. I know that Juan Crisp came into this game to pitch in the 9th, for example – GameCast doesn’t yet show it. UPDATE: GameCast is fixed)

RF Jace Avina1-for-6, 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
SS Jared Serna2-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
Serna has 12 hits in his last five games. He has turned around his season quickly and is up to .244 with a .835 OPS. 
C Omar Martinez1-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-3, 2 RS, SB (3), 2 BB
Rodriguez is hitting .310 with a .864 OPS. 
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RS, BB
DH Kiko Romero: 1-for-5, RS, 3 K
CF Nelson Medina: 3-for-5, 3 RBI, RS, SB (3), K
LF Cole Gabrielson1-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
2B Beau Brewer: 2-for-4, RS, BB

LHP Kyle Carr: (L, 0-2)  4 IP, 9 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
This is one of those starts you toss into the wastebasket.
RHP Luis Arejula1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
1.80 ERA (15 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 20 K)
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Juan Crisp0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Crisp was activated today – he isn’t a pitcher, however. He is a catcher who was sitting on the Development List. He replaced C Ramon Flores on the roster, who was placed on the injured list today.


Tampa (7-18) (Lost to Dunedin, 5-2)

DH Coby Morales2-for-3, RBI, RS, SB (6), BB, K
Morales was the offense tonight and is now hitting .225/.355/.258 thanks to a solid start to May (5-for-12)
SS Roderick Arias0-for-4, 3 K
Arias is in a 0-for-14 slump that includes eight strikeouts. I have a feeling that this is going to be a streaky season, which is fine as long as he is showing progress.
1B Dylan Jasso0-for-4, 2 K
CF Willy Montero0-for-4, K
3B Hans Montero0-for-4, K
RF Daury Arias0-for-4, 2 K
C Edinson Duran0-for-2, HBP
LF Tayler Aguilar0-for-2, RS, BB, 2 K
2B Dayro Perez0-for-2, BB, K

LHP Allen Facundo5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 8 K, HR
He maxed out at 96.4 MPH (averaged 93.9) and threw mainly sliders (54%) and 4-seamers (34%) with some sinkers and change-ups mixed in. Season: 2.76 ERA (16.1 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 15 K). Before tonight, Facundo hadn’t allowed a home run in 90.1 career innings. In his debut season (2021), Facundo struck out 84 hitters in 48.2 IP (40.6% K rate) in the DSL. He missed all of 2022 before tossing 30.1 innings in 2023.
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Kris Bow1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.97 ERA (11.1 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 12 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia: (L, 0-1) 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K


FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.


DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/26: Agustin Ramirez’s Big Night

News:

2B Jorbit Vivas, who played in two games since returning from his eye injury, was placed on the 7-day injured list today.

RHP Brian Hendryreceiving buzz in prospect circles, was placed on the 7-day IL today for Hudson Valley. His outing yesterday was short. It is often hard to know if a short outing is a part of a plan or injury. In this case, it was injury.

Scranton (16-8) (Defeated Durham, 6-2)

3B Caleb Durbin1-for-4, RS, CS (1), HBP, K
DH Everson Pereira2-for-5, 2B (6), 2 RS
.256/.340/.593 in 97 PA (6 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 18 RBI, 17 R, 9 BB, 33 K, 2-for-4 SB)
1B T.J. Rumfield2-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Since promotion: 9-for-34 (.265/.316/.353). He has yet to homer in 17 games after hitting 17 HR in 86 games last year (that was the outlier season in his short career)
C Carlos Narvaez: 2-for-4, SF, 2 RBI, RS
2B Luis Torrens: 1-for-4, HBP, K
LF Josh VanMeter0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
SS Jeter Downs2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 K
.281/.364/.491 in 67 PA. 
RF Luis Gonzalez1-for-4, K
CF Brandon Lockridge0-for-4, 2 K

LHP Edgar Barclay: (W, 2-1) 5.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
2.70 ERA (23.1 IP, 19 H, 11 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 26 K)
LHP Josh Maciejewski2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K


Somerset (8-11) (Crushed Reading, 13-2)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2 2B (3), RBI, RS, CS (3), BB, K
Jones is 14-for-40 (3 doubles, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 9 R, 4 BB, 12 K, 3-for-6 SB)
1B Agustin Ramirez: 3-for-4, 2B (1), HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
I find it funny that Ramirez had no extra-base hits other than home runs entering tonight. He is hitting .246 with a 1.011 OPS (1 double, 8 HR, 17 RBI, 13 R, 12 BB (15.2%), 13 K (16.5%))
C Ben Rice2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RS, 2 BB, 2 K
Rice is hitting .254 with a .862 OPS (2 doubles, 5 HR, 8 RBI, 15 R, 11 BB (13.1%), 21 K (25%))
3B Ben Cowles1-for-5, RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Cowles is at .344 with a 1.020 OPS (8 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 12 R, 11 BB, 14 K, 3-for-3 SB)
DH J.C. Escarra2-for-6, 3B (2), 2 RBI, 2 RS
RF Jared Wegner1-for-5, RBI, RS, BB
LF Grant Richardson3-for-6, 2B (6), HR (2), 3 RBI, RS
Richardson is at .281 with an .835 OPS (6 doubles, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 8 R, 4 BB, 15 K). He has hit safely in seven of his last eight games.
2B Anthony Seigler1-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, RS, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-5, 2B (1), RBI, RS, 2 K

RHP Blane Abeyta: (W, 1-3) 7.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
Abeyta struck out ten and 11 in games last year.
RHP Tanner Myatt1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K


Hudson Valley (11-7) (Defeated Bowling Green, 5-1)

CF Jace Avina1-for-3, RBI, HBP, K
Avina is 9-for-25 with a double, home run, and 3 RBI.
SS Jared Serna0-for-4, SB (1), 2 K
Serna hasn’t been able to get on base enough to show off his speed. He stole 29 bases in 37 attempts in 2023.
DH Omar Martinez1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, 2 K
.296/.415/.519 in 65 PA. 
2B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, RS, BB
.306/.377/.419 in 69 PA. He continues to hit while playing all over the field.
1B Josh Moylan0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
.225/.385/.300 in 52 PA with a home run, ten walks, and 16 strikeouts.
C Rafael Flores1-for-3, 2B (5), RS, BB, K
3B Kiko Romero1-for-3, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS
RF Nelson Medina0-for-3, 3 K
LF Cole Gabrielson1-for-2, 2B (1), RS, HBP

RHP Sebastian Keane: (W, 1-2) 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
Keane sets a personal best for strikeouts in a game. Season: 5.63 ERA (16 IP, 19 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 19 K). He has two strong starts and two not-so-great starts. They are building up his innings load.
RHP Matt Keating: (S, 2) 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
11.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 14 K


Tampa (4-15) (Lost to Lakeland, 6-4, in 10 innings)

2B Enmanuel Tejeda1-for-5, RBI,K
Tejeda has a 7-game hitting streak. He is at .316/.365/.355 in 85 PA with three doubles, six walks, and 18 strikeouts.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 2 RBI, K
SS Roderick Arias0-for-4, BB, 3 K
Arias has drawn exactly one walk in seven straight games. He is hitting .208/.329/.361 in 85 PA with 12 walks and 34 strikeouts (40%)
3B Dylan Jasso0-for-5, 2 K
1B Coby Morales1-for-5, RS, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo2-for-3, SB (2)
  LF Tayler Aguilar0-for-1
CF Willy Montero0-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
DH Tomas Frick1-for-3, RS, HBP
Frick is 7-for-24 with five walks and five strikeouts.
C Edinson Duran2-for-4, RS, K

LHP Allen Facundo4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
2.31 ERA (11.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 7 K). The 6’0″ 21-year-old reached 96.5 MPH with his 4-seamer, though none of his fastballs resulted in whiffs. Just someone to put somewhere on your “watch” list.
RHP Kris Bow2.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
RHP Montana Semmel: (L, 1-2) 3 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 1 K


FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.


DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/9: Everson Pereira: HR, 4 RBI

News:

Nada.

Scranton (5-4) (Shut down Norfolk, 5-2. Norfolk entered tonight with 100 runs (29 HR) and a 1.104 OPS in nine games. Life is going to become a little easier for opposing pitchers, as Jackson Holliday (the top prospect in baseball) was promoted to MLB after this game)

CF Caleb Durbin2-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RS
The Railriders have used Durbin at five different positions in nine games. He likely will never be known for power, but he does have 44 doubles in 852 career plate appearances. Up-to-the-second numbers: 15-for-32 (5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 8 R, 8 BB, 2 K, 7-for-7 SB)
DH Everson Pereira2-for-4, HR (3), 4 RBI, RS
8-for-34 (1 double, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R, 4 BB, 15 K, 1-for-2 SB)
1B Carlos Narvaez0-for-3, BB, K
3-for-23 with 12 walks and eight strikeouts.
LF Jose Rojas0-for-4, K
   LF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-0
C Luis Torrens0-for-4, 2 K
2B Kevin Smith0-for-4, 3 K
RF Luis Gonzalez: 1-for-3, RS, SB (1), BB, K
SS Jeter Downs0-for-3
3B Josh VanMeter1-for-3, RBI, RS, K

LHP Edgar Barclay: (W, 1-0) 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 7 K
Barclay did a nice job shutting them down. He used his 4-seam/change/curve mix to befuddle them, generating 19 swings & misses. With a revolving door of pitchers, Barclay could provide some MLB innings this year.
RHP Cody Morris3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
It would be shocking if Morris didn’t pitch for the Yankees this year. He still has options, so they won’t need to expose him to waivers if they need to send him back down.
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
The Yankees must love his sinker, but he is all over the place to start the season.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: (S, 1) 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
He saved the day.


Somerset (2-2) (Lost to New Hampshire, 8-2)

C Ben Rice0-for-3, SB (2), 2 BB, 3 K
4-for-17 with a homer (first AB of the season). Rice is not known for speed but he did steal 11 bases in 14 attempts last year.
DH Agustin Ramirez1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
.278 (5-for-18; 3 HR, 8 RBI, 3 R, 1 BB, 6 K).
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-4, 2 K
RF Elijah Dunham0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Ben Cowles1-for-4, 2B (3), 2 K
6-for-16 with three doubles 
CF Grant Richardson0-for-4, 3 K
LF Jared Wegner0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-3, SB (2), RS, BB
Seigler once had a 16 SB season (2022). It was more evidence that he wasn’t your prototypical catcher. Injuries, injuries, injuries.
3B Max Burt0-for-3, RS, HBP, 3 K

RHP Blane Abeyta: (L, 0-1)  4 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
On the bright side, he put up three zeroes after a 5-run first.
RHP Carlos Gomez2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Luis Velasquez: 2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 3 K
Control has been an issue for Velasquez throughout his career.


Hudson Valley (2-1)

Their game in Rome was postponed. All that traveling for nothing.

They have an 11:00 AM game tomorrow followed by a doubleheader on Thursday.


Tampa (1-3) (Lost to Dunedin, 6-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-1, RS, CS (1), 3 BB, HBP, K
Lombard has a perfectly normal .083 batting average with a .450 on-base percentage.
2B Roderick Arias0-for-5, 5 K
Arias has a triple and a homer in four games but has 12 strikeouts without a walk. Growing pains are going to happen.
DH Enmanuel Tejeda1-for-4, RS, CS (2), BB, K
5-for-16 (all singles) with four RBI and a pair of runs scored. He is 2-for-4 stealing bases. In the rookie leagues, he owned an 85/69 BB/K. We’ll see how that translates as he moves up the ladder.
LF Coby Morales0-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso3-for-4, RBI
Jasso had a pair of 3-hit games in 2023 (his debut season)
CF Jackson Castillo1-for-4, 2B (1), K
RF Willy Montero0-for-4, K
C Edinson Duran1-for-4, 2 K
3B Brenny Escanio1-for-4, K

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (L, 0-1)  4.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
The 22-year-old Barbosa, formerly a Rockies prospect, was selected in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. He used six pitches tonight, with the curve (36%) being the most prominent. 
RHP Osiel Rodriguez2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Doesn’t it feel like Rodriguez has been around forever? The 22-year-old maxed out at 95.9 with his sinker and 95.4 with his 4-seamer. There could be something to work with, but he has to start moving.
RHP Steven Fulgencio2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
The 23-year-old didn’t pitch well in the rookie leagues over the past few years but gets a shot with Tampa. In his small professional sample size, he has generated a strong GB%. That makes sense as he came out of the bullpen throwing sinkers (maxing out at 95.8)


FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.


DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/4: Everson Pereira Goes Yard

News:

The Yankees released the Somerset/Hudson Valley/Tampa rosters this week. I don’t read too much into that, to be honest. The Yankees have their reasons for placing players at certain levels.

The biggest surprise, to me, was Keiner Delgado not being assigned to a full-season level. While it is true that George Lombard Jr. and Roderick Arias are occupying spots in Tampa, they could have found playing time for Delgado.

However, it isn’t a life sentence. Delgado will get to Tampa soon enough is my guess.

Tomorrow begins the insane portion of the season, as Somerset, Hudson Valley, and Tampa are scheduled for their openers. The weather looks chilly but fine for Somerset and Hudson Valley (road against Bowling Green (Kentucky)), while Tampa’s trip to Fort Myers should be met with plenty of sunshine.

RHP Zach Messinger is announced as the starter for Somerset, while RHP Sebastian Keane and LHP Cade Smith are listed as the scheduled starters for Hudson Valley and Tampa. For Smith, it will be the 2023 draftee’s professional debut. Keane pitched mostly out of the bullpen in 2023 but made a pair of starts for Low-A Tampa.

Scranton (2-2) (Lost an ugly game (especially in the 9th) to Syracuse, 5-4)

CF Greg Allen0-for-5, 4 K
2B Caleb Durbin: 4-for-5, 3B (1), RBI
Not known for his power, three of Durbin’s first eight hits have gone for extra bases (two doubles, one triple). 
DH Carlos Narvaez0-for-4, 3 K
RF Everson Pereira1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
It is easy to toss a prospect out of your mind when their first taste of MLB doesn’t go well. I wouldn’t dismiss Pereira quickly, especially since many people weren’t surprised by his initial struggles. For now, he is MLB depth and a potential trade piece.
1B Jose Rojas1-for-4, K
C Luis Torrens1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
Torrens’ first official game back with the organization since September 5, 2016. Since he is on the 40-man, Narvaez is the default #3 catcher but Torrens (with his MLB experience) is also in the mix.
SS Jeter Downs: 2-for-4, 3B (1), HR (1), RBI, RS, 2 K
I can’t be the only one hoping that Downs earns at least a cup of coffee with the big club. This home run went an impressive 409 feet.
LF Luis Gonzalez1-for-4, K
3B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RS

LHP Edgar Barclay4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Barclay survived the Rule 5 over the winter. Last season, he pitched well as a reliever for Somerset before struggling as a starter for Scranton. Barclay doesn’t throw hard (topped out at 91.6 MPH tonight, averaged 89.8) so he relies more on commanding his stuff than overpowering you. He also featured a changeup (41%) and curve (16%) tonight. He generated nine whiffs amongst the 19 swings when he threw the changeup.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
Underwood threw a changeup that registered 91.3 on the gun. That could be an error.
RHP Yerry De Los Santos1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
De Los Santos threw a 94.9 MPH sinker – that is not likely an error.
LHP Clayton Andrews: (L, 0-1) 0.1 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 0 K
Ooph.
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
He had a chance to stop the bleeding, but couldn’t do it.


Somerset (0-0)

The season starts on 4/5.


Hudson Valley (0-0)

The season starts on 4/5.


Tampa (0-0)

The season starts on 4/5.


FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.


DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 9/22: Edgar Barclay Ks 8

News:

The Yankees have promoted RHP Yoendrys Gomez from Somerset to the big league roster. He is the first player to ever be promoted directly from Somerset to the big leagues. Keep in mind that Somerset didn’t become an MLB affiliate until 2021.

Gomez, who has been on the 40-man roster since 2020, has dealt with injuries in his career. He has logged only 275 innings since his debut season (2017), and this year’s 65.1 innings are his personal best.  In those innings, he has a 3.58 ERA (3.83 FIP) with a 28.5% K and 13.5% BB.

According to Fangraphs, this is Gomez’s last option year. That said, we thought 2022 was Deivi Garcia‘s last option year – only to discover that MLB granted the Yankees an additional option for 2023. That isn’t done out of the goodness of their hearts – criteria need to be met and all that jazz.

If it is his final year, a big winter/spring is coming up. Let’s get this out of the way: Gomez is not going to be in the 2024 Opening Day rotation. Cross that thought out of your mind – if he isn’t traded, his best bet to make the squad in 2024 would be out of the bullpen. He has the stuff that would carry well in the bullpen. There are questions about whether he can handle a starter’s workload anyway.

The AFL rosters were announced today. The Yankees will be playing for Mesa but you aren’t going to see any of their top names playing. It is good to see that RHP Trystan Vrieling (#17 prospect according to Pipeline) will get some work in. He was drafted in 2022 but was unable to make his debut in 2023 due to injury.. The other players on the list aren’t going to jump out at you, though IF Caleb Durbin had a standout 2023 season that was marred by an injury. RHP Kevin Stevens got his feet wet in 2022 but didn’t appear in 2023. He was an undrafted free agent signing. UTIL Ben Cowles played mostly at Hudson Valley in 2023, promoted to Scranton after the Renegades were eliminated. While there isn’t much buzz around RHP Nolberto Henriquez, I checked out Savant after he was promoted to Tampa. He was throwing hard sinkers, which is something the current Yankees’ regime seems to like. It doesn’t shock me that they want to give him more innings after he tossed only 30.2 in 2023 with mixed results. OF Nelson Medina dealt with injuries for most of the season. He is getting some extra at-bats in Scranton as their season comes to a close – perhaps the promotions to Scranton should have hinted to us who was going to Arizona. It doesn’t seem like a coincidence that Cowles and Medina were promoted and are now on their way to Arizona. RHP Baron Stuart was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Pitt. Unlike others on the list, he threw a good number of innings (100.2) in his debut professional season. I guess it is a good sign for him that they want him to throw more before he shuts down for the year.

Scranton (71-75; 37-35 in the second half) (Lost to Syracuse, 4-3, in ten innings). As for the last two games of the season, the weather up in Syracuse is actually not forecasted to be bad this weekend. There could be some rain on Sunday evening/night, but hopefully, it stays away during the afternoon.

C Carlos Narvaez0-for-4, BB, K
RF Franchy Cordero1-for-5, RS, K
3B Jamie Westbrook2-for-4, 2B (20), BB, 2 K
The minor league veteran reaches 20 doubles/20 home runs for the first time in his career.
DH Andres Chaparro1-for-5, 2B (24), RBI, 3 K
Chaparro is up to 88 RBI. The last Yankees’ prospect to reach 90 RBI was Peter O’Brien, who drove home 96 runs back in 2013. O’Brien would eventually play in 72 MLB games (most recently with the Marlins in 2019), hitting .209/.275/.434 with 11 home runs in 200 plate appearances.
1B Mike Lamb1-for-4, RS
SS Jesus Bastidas1-for-3, HR (12), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
Bastidas’ 2023 numbers are pretty much right in line with his 2022 numbers. Between here and Somerset, he has 15 homers, 44 RBI, 64 runs, 40 walks, and 105 strikeouts in 445 plate appearances, Last year, playing only for Somerset, he hit .240/.323/.427 in 453 plate appearances (18 HR, 55 RBI, 56 R, 38 BB, 115 K, 11-for-18 SB)
LF Aaron Palensky0-for-4, 2 K
  LF Ben Cowles: 0-for-0
I think Cowles was brought into the game in the 10th inning to give Scranton an extra infielder when the winning run was on third with nobody out.
2B Wilmer Difo0-for-4, 2 K
CF Nelson Medina2-for-4
Medina is 5-for-36 since his promotion. He started off 0-for-19, so it is nice to see him get some hits before the season comes to a close.

LHP Edgar Barclay: 5.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 8 K
A solid final effort for Barclay, who is pitching to a 5.89 ERA in 44.1 IP since his promotion to Scranton. Prior to that, he compiled a 1.32 ERA in 34 IP for Somerset. All of his games (11) were relief appearances for Somerset, while his ten appearances for Scranton are all starts. He doesn’t throw hard (max fastball was 90.7 tonight, and he averaged 88.7), but he has solid secondary offerings that allow him to be a tantalizing MLB prospect. I don’t expect him to be a starter, but there is no harm in developing him as a Swiss-army knife type of pitcher. 
LHP Matt Krook: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Gomez: (L, 2-6)  1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (84-53; 42-27 in the second half)

They lost to Binghamton in the semi-finals. Their season is over.

Hudson Valley (70-62; 31-35 in the second half) 

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

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

Their season is over.

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

Their season is over. They missed the playoffs by a half-game.

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/10: Estevan Florial: 2 HR, 6 RBI

News:

As I suspected, veterans Matt Bowman and Anthony Misiewicz were called up today. We’ll see if this is permanent or temporary. This is a good time to get Will Warren and Clayton Beeter some innings in MLB, even as long relievers.

Beeter may have the inside track as he needs to be protected this winter while Warren does not need to be.

Scranton (67-68; 33-28 in the second half) (Crushed Columbus, 13-2)

LF Estevan Florial3-for-5, 2 HR (28), 6 RBI, 4 RS, BB, 2 K
Florial has hit two home runs four times this season. He sets a new personal best with the six RBI and has 79 RBI this season. The 28 homers lead the organization. He is building up his resume for other teams to look at for 2024. Should he get AB instead of someone like Jake Bauers at this point? Of course. Just reward the kid for playing well while being stuck in purgatory all year.
1B Andres Chaparro2-for-5, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Chaparro is up to 83 RBI, which continue to lead the organization.
RF Franchy Cordero2-for-6, 2 RBI, K
DH Jamie Westbrook1-for-4, SF, HBP, RBI
3B Jake Lamb1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, K
C Josh Breaux1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, BB
Breaux has 7 HR in 47 career Triple-A games.
CF Brandon Lockridge0-for-4, RS, BB
2B Wilmer Difo3-for-3, 4 RS, 2 BB, SB (20), CS (9)
SS Jesus Bastidas: 2-for-4, 2 RS, HBP, K

LHP Edgar Barclay: (W, 1-3)  5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
Barclay’s best performance since his promotion. He ties his personal best for strikeouts in a game (previously done on 8/13/2021)
RHP Aaron McGarity1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Michael Gomez1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Zach McAllister1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (79-52; 37-26 in the second half) (Defeated Erie, 8-5. I have said a few times that their season ends today. Nope – they still have one regular season week before the playoffs)

SS Trey Sweeney1-for-4, RS, BB, K, SB (17)
Sweeney is 2-for-15 since coming off of the injured list. Could he still get to Scranton for a week? Maybe.
C Ben Rice2-for-4, HR (15), RBI, RS, BB, K
At this level: .343/.404/.674 in 198 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR, 45 RBI, 35 R). Overall, Rice has 19 homers and 65 RBI in 68 games. One can only imagine what kind of season he could have had if not for injury.
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-5, 2B (13), RBI, RS, K
DH Grant Richardson: 3-for-3, HR (3), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Richardson, who hit .204/.306/.389 with 13 HR for Hudson Valley, is 12-for-35 with three homers since moving to Somerset. The 16 HR tie his personal best, set last year.
CF Elijah Dunham0-for-3, BB, K
2B Mickey Gasper1-for-4, HR (6), 3 RBI, RS
RF Jeisson Rosario1-for-4, HR (10), RBI, RS, K
.222/.360/.365 in 409 PA.
3B Max Burt1-for-4, RS, K, SB (17)
LF Aaron Palensky0-for-3, BB

RHP Richard Fitts (W, 10-5): 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, 2 HR
3.58 ERA (146 IP, 127 H, 59 R, 58 ER, 22 HR, 42 BB, 152 K). One could worry a bit about his HR rate as a right-handed arm trying to get to Yankee Stadium, but his overall profile in 2023 is a solid one. I think the homers come down to the reports that he sometimes loses his command inside the strike zone.
RHP Bailey Dees1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo (S, 1): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (70-62; 31-35 in the second half)  (Lost to Jersey Shore, 10-9, in 11 innings. They begin their playoff journey on Tuesday)

RF Anthony Hall0-for-6, K
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-6, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-5, RBI, RS, BB, K, 2 SB (6)
One of the reasons why they are likely moving him around the field is because he has some athleticism. This season, he stole 21 bases in 25 attempts between here and Tampa. You will see him in Somerset in 2024.
DH Antonio Gomez3-for-5, RBI, 2 RS, K
Nice to see Gomez have a strong effort on the final day of the regular season.
  PH-DH Luis Santos0-for-0, BB
2B Ben Cowles3-for-5, 2B (18), 2 RS, SB (23)
After a big August, Cowles cooled off in September so this game is much-needed heading into the playoffs.
1B Spencer Henson2-for-6, HR (14), 3 RBI, RS, 3 K
Henson finishes the season with 17 doubles, 14 HR, and 48 RBI in 82 games.
C Rafael Flores2-for-5, RS, BB, K
Flores tapped into some power towards the end of the season. It will be interesting to see if that continues into 2024.
LF Jared Wegner1-for-3, RBI
  LF Kyle Battle: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, RS, K
  Not a bad way to end your campaign. 
CF Cole Gabrielson2-for-4, RBI, RS, HBP, CS (2)
At this level: 9-for-34 with two doubles and a home run.
  PH Marcos Cabrera0-for-1, K

LHP Brock Selvidge5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
At this level: 3.58 ERA in 50.1 IP (44 H, 22 R, 20 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 46 K). Overall, Selvidge compiled a 137/35 K/BB over 127.2 innings. The improvement in the walk rate is very encouraging.
RHP Shane Gray1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Osiel Rodriguez2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Rodriguez’s High-A debut. He will be here for the playoffs as well.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Juan Crisp: (L, 0-1)  1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Crisp isn’t a pitcher – this is life in the minors. You aren’t going to change your pitching plans just because it is a tied-up game in extras. This is part of the reason why the minors started using ghost runners years ago.

Tampa (61-69; 30-34 in the second half) (Lost to Lakeland, 3-1. Their season is over)

DH George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, RS, K
It is safe to say that his first exposure to professional pitching went well. Not including the FCL playoffs, he hit .311/.466/.356 in 58 plate appearances with 13 walks and 12 strikeouts. During the playoffs, he went 3-for-11 with an RBI and two runs scored. He won’t be 19 until next June.
RF Jackson Castillo1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
Castillo went 7-for-38 (.184) at this level with a homer and six runs batted in.
3B Kiko Romero0-for-4, 4 K
Romero hit .216/.350/.382 in 123 PA at this level with three home runs, 20 walks, and 38 strikeouts.
1B Josh Moylan0-for-4, 3 K
Romero and Moylan certainly hoped for a better final day of the season. It will all be forgotten tomorrow. Moylan hit .241/.386/.313 in 101 PA with two homers, 16 walks, and 28 strikeouts.
C Omar Martinez1-for-4
Martinez’s first experience in a full-season league went well. In 105 games (444 plate appearances), the 21-year-old left-handed bat hit .251/.367/.445 (16 doubles, 1 triple, 18 HR, 71 RBI, 66 R, 67 BB (15.1%), 110 K (24.8%), 8-for-9 SB). 
SS Brenny Escanio2-for-4, 3B (5), K
.224/.335/.296 in 476 PA (10 doubles, 5 triples, 3 HR, 36 RBI, 57 R, 68 BB, 119 K, 21-for-27 SB)
LF Daury Arias0-for-2, 2 BB, K
CF Tayler Aguilar0-for-3, BB, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-3, K

RHP Jackson Fristoe4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Fristoe’s arm is tantalizing. As others have said, it may be more of a bullpen arm down the road but there is zero harm in trying to see if you can develop him into a starter. Between here and the FCL, he had a 45/28 K/BB over 36.2 IP. 
LHP Pablo Mujica2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz (L, 0-1): 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.