Tag: Edgleen Perez

My Take: Yankees Acquire David Bednar & Jake Bird

Other takes:

Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

The Details:

The Yankees acquire RHP David Bednar and RHP Jake Bird
The Pirates acquire C/1B Rafael Flores, C Edgleen Perez, and OF Brian Sanchez
The Rockies acquire 2B Roc Riggio and LHP Ben Shields

This isn’t a 3-team deal, as the Pirates and Rockies didn’t interact with each other. Nor should they ever interact with each other.

However, from the Yankees’ standpoint, I will combine the moves due to time and laziness.

What the Yankees get:

While Brian Cashman was likely looking for a right-handed and a left-handed reliever, left-handed relievers aren’t easy to find on the market. So he pivoted to a pair of right-handed options with team control.

I will start with the more significant of the two.

Bednar, the Pirates’ closer over the past four seasons, is in the upper echelon of relievers in baseball, even with his odd 2024 campaign. Off to a Devin Williams-like start (11.70 ERA in March/April), Bednar turned that around in May and June before sustaining an oblique injury. I don’t know if that impacted his August (10.97 ERA), but he bounced back again to post a solid September.

That silliness aside, Bednar has been good for a while. This season, the 30-year-old owns a 2.37 ERA (1.96 FIP) over 38 innings with strong strikeout (33.1%) and walk (6.5%) rates. Additionally, his 41.3% ground ball rate is slightly below the league average. If you know me, you know that right-handed flyball pitchers scare me in Yankee Stadium. Bednar’s ground ball rate is fine, and when you combine it with top-notch strikeout rates, that is a good combination. From his profile, he doesn’t beat himself. The Yankees can use him in the 7th, 8th, or 9th innings with the possibility of being their 2026 closer. I don’t know what the organization thinks of Williams at this point, but I wouldn’t completely write him off as an extension candidate. Same with Luke Weaver. 

One thing to watch is Bednar’s splits and how Matt Blake tries to negate those splits. He is vastly better against left-handed hitters (.416 OPS) than right-handed hitters (.776 OPS) this year. His splits are more even throughout his career, so this could be a fluke.

Bednar is still in his arbitration years, earning $5.9 million this year. The Yankees are on the hook for $1.87M of that.

While I label Jake Bird as the “lesser” of the two acquisitions, we shouldn’t mistake that for him being mediocre. The 29-year-old, who is controlled through 2028, doesn’t own Bednar’s eye-popping stats. His career ERA (4.57) and FIP (4.14) don’t stand out, though is 4.73 ERA this year comes with a 3.45 FIP. Additionally, thanks to ballpark adjustments, his career ERA+ is 105.

The most intriguing thing about Bird is the spike in his strikeout rate, which is up to 26.3% in 2025 (19.3% entering this year).  Combine that with a strong GB% (48%), and you have an intriguing arm coming out of Colorado. Yes, he is indeed more dominant at home than on the road, which seems to go against the laws of baseball. That may be hard to explain, but it shouldn’t bother you.

One negative is the awful July Bird has experienced. After a strong start, Bird suddenly crashed and burned, compiling a 19.89 ERA and 12.5% strikeout rate. If the Yankees are comfortable that it isn’t injury-related, we can chalk it up to a bump in the road. His BABIP this month is unsustainable (.481).

Bird doesn’t throw as hard as Bednar. He averages 94.2 MPH with his seldom-used 4-seamer (0.7%!), relying more on a sinker/slider/curve combination with a few cutters mixed in. His ability to mix pitches allows him to average more than an inning per appearance, which adds to his value. The Yankees are unlikely to need him to close games, but he can be used as a 6th/7th inning guy alongside Fernando Cruz and/or Mark Leiter Jr. when they come back.

What the Pirates Get:

Rafael Flores should make his debut in 2025. A top ten prospect in the Yankees’ system, he is hitting .279/.351/.475 in 419 plate appearances with 23 doubles, 16 home runs, and 51 runs batted in. He has had a slow start since his promotion to Scranton (.211/.388/.289), but I do not doubt that Flores will hit. Whether he can hit enough to be an MLB first baseman, I don’t know. Whether he is good enough defensively to stick as an MLB catcher, I don’t know.  What I do know is this: The Yankees took an undrafted free agent and developed him to the point where his value was good enough to be the top prospect in a deal for an elite relief pitcher. That’s a win.

Edgleen Perez is an interesting teenager who made it to Low-A this season. The first thing that stands out is his ability to take walks. He owns a 17.9% BB that goes with a solid 19.5% K rate. The power has yet to show up in his profile (.236 slugging percentage), but that could be tied back to him being a developing teenage catcher. His advanced hitting approach is tantalizing, and the ceiling as an MLB starting catcher exists. However, that is a long time away, and catchers can be tricky in their development arc.

I talked about Flores going from an undrafted free agent to the top prospect dealt in a significant trade. Brian Sanchez went from being part of a Jake Bauers trade to a deal sweetener. Currently on the injured list, Sanchez is hitting .281/.373/.438 in 286 Low-A plate appearances with four homers and 24 stolen bases. The 21-year-old has plenty of minor league control (he isn’t Rule 5 eligible until after 2027). There are a lot of Sanchez-like players in Low-A. The Yankees have a few of their own. I wouldn’t worry about his development.

What the Rockies Get:

Roc Riggio had a fun name and an interesting profile. He isn’t built like a big-time power threat, yet he hit 18 home runs in 62 games this season, including 11 in 40 games for Somerset. Known for his dead-pull power profile (which probably made you excited to see him in Yankee Stadium), his biggest issue is where he plays. He is anchored to second base, which is fine if he can keep hitting at an above-average rate. In a world where MLB teams value versatility, he loses a few points. However, I can see him as a 30-double, 20-home run (at least) threat in Colorado. Whether that power comes with solid hitting skills elsewhere, we’ll see. But I think he is a good get for the Rockies. A 156 wRC+ in your first 40 Double-A games is nothing to sneeze at. I am a fan.

Like Flores, Ben Shields was an undrafted asset whom they converted into a desirable trade piece. The 26-year-old jumped on the prospect scene last season, compiling a 3.48 ERA (3.23 FIP) over 106 innings between Hudson Valley, Somerset, and Scranton.  His one awful appearance in Scranton impacted those solid numbers. This year, thanks to injury, he has appeared in only nine games (35.1 innings). He has MLB potential but was unlikely to make it as a Yankee.

The Bottom Line:

For new readers, you may be starting to get the sense that I am not your typical “prospect-hugging” blogger. To me, prospects have two purposes: Keep them or trade them. Some prospects don’t fit into your long-term plans, but fit in someone else’s. Hence, a trade is born. If you are a Yankees fan, your default setting should be MLB talent over minor league talent, because that is ultimately how they operate. And, despite what you may think of Cashman, the prospects he trades away rarely come back to haunt the team. That doesn’t mean the returns have always worked out. However, the organization appears to have a decent grasp of who to retain and who to trade.

These are two solid moves at reasonable prices, given the team control that comes with Bedner and Bird. The prices they paid are in line with what other teams have been offering for similarly skilled players.

The Yankees haven’t given up a top prospect at the deadline, trading off Rafael Flores, Roc Riggio, Edgleen Perez, Brian Sanchez, Clayton Beeter, Ben Shields, Griffin Herring, Josh Grosz, Gage Ziehl, and Browm Martinez. Interestingly, they used more of their position player depth in these trades, which goes against their typical usage of pitching depth. That comes down to what other teams are desiring. The Pirates reportedly were looking for position players at the deadline, and that is what the Yankees gave them.

This is another solid deadline deal. The Yankees filled their bullpen needs while trading away only one Top 10 prospect.

If you are fretting over the prospects given up, relax. I like Flores. I think Riggio is fun, and Herring is having a fantastic season. However, they didn’t give up any of their significant prospects while improving their roster where it was needed.

That’s a win.

Yankees MILB 7/6: Spencer Jones Launches a Bomb

Notes:

The Yankees traded veteran catcher Alex Jackson to the Orioles for international bonus pool money. Yesterday, the Yankees released Ronaldo Hernandez. Their catching depth has taken a (minor) hit, but they are comfortable with Ben Rice. Their Scranton depth now consists of Jesus Rodriguez and Edinson Duran, a 22-year-old who has appeared in three games this season. Rafael Flores and Omar Martinez provide additional depth in Somerset.  It wouldn’t be shocking if they look around for a veteran depth piece. Is Erik Kratz available?

Jackson probably had another opt-out coming up. He already opted out twice, only to come back (likely for more money). Teams don’t typically hold back veterans if an opportunity presents itself. It’s the same thing that happened with Luis Torrens last year.

For Scranton, he hit .226/.308/.463 (101 wRC+) with ten homers and 34 RBI in 44 games. Providing offense in the minors has never been an issue for Jackson. The majors? It’s hard to find a worse stat line than his .132/.224/.232 (29 wRC+) line in 340 plate appearances. To put it in perspective, Oswald Peraza has a 42 wRC+ this season.

Injury Log

Scranton (46-37) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 9-6)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 2 R, CI, BB, K
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, R, SB (11), HBP, K
Rodriguez may be coming out of his funk, as he is 6-for-20 with five walks in July. He is hitting .315/.412/.407 at this level.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (4), SF, 4 RBI, K
This wasn’t a garden variety homer, as Jones hit it 445 feet at 113.4 MPH. Wow. He is up to 20 HR in 57 games between Somerset/Scranton. The minor league leaders entering today are Ryan Ward (27 years old; LAA) and Bob Seymour (26; TB), who have hit 22 in considerably more games.
LF Everson Pereira: 0-for-3, R, SB (6), 2 BB, K
Known for his power, Pereira shows off some plate discipline and speed today. He is hitting .262/.350/.514 in 246 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR, 45 RBI, 52 R, 6-for-7 SB). He has stolen as many as 21 bases in a season, but that was three years ago.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, 2 2B (20), 2 RBI, R, BB
.294/.378/.476 in 315 PA. He has back-to-back 3-hit efforts (six 3+ hit efforts this season). I point out that Rumfield wasn’t chosen in the Rule 5 draft last year. While true, that doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of interest. Most teams go into the Rule 5 looking for bullpen help or versatility. Rumfield offers neither.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-4, 2B (7), HR (9), SF, 3 RBI, R
De La Cruz has six doubles and nine homers in 47 games for Scranton. He has added a 6-for-6 stolen base rate, but his entire game is the ability to swat extra-base hits.
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, BB, K
2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-4, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, 2 R, SB (19), HBP

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 4-7) 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
From 1-7 to 4-7. He isn’t viable in MLB, but nice to see the veteran get on a little roll and provide some Triple-A innings.
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Castro’s first appearance since May 18th. The 26-year-old owns a 2.08 ERA in 21.2 IP (8 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 26 K). He hasn’t pitched in MLB since 2022. In 2021, he allowed one run (unearned) in 13.1 innings. The next year, he allowed 14 runs in 12.1 innings.
RHP Baron Stuart: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Double-A is the toughest level to conquer. That doesn’t mean Triple-A is “easy”.
RHP Zach Messinger: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR

Somerset (42-39) (Defeated Reading, 4-2)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (8), R, HBP, K
Lombard Jr. has four doubles in his last 11 games. Because he is having trouble getting on base lately, the stolen bases have disappeared (one in his last 15 games). My level of concern remains extremely low.
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-2, HBP, BB
At this level: .286/.353/.590 in 116 PA. He’s hitting during his first taste at this level. Encouraging.
DH Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, RBI
.285/.345/.495 in 342 PA (23 doubles, 14 HR, 54 RBI, 44 R, 5-for-5 SB, 8.5% BB, 26% K). Will they move him up to Scranton during tomorrow’s off day? I wouldn’t discount it. He is up to 615 Double-A plate appearances (.280/.351/.505; 37 doubles, 29 HR, 87 RBI)
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, R, K
LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, R, K
We have seen a few signs of life from Jones (mostly from his 4-hit game, however), though he hasn’t “broken out” yet at this level. 
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 2B (15), HR (12), 2 RBI, R, SB (8), K
.216/.257/.435 in 245 PA (15 doubles, 12 HR, 36 RBI, 28 R, 8-for-9 SB, 5.3% BB, 31.8% K)
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Max Burt: 0-for-2, SB (8), HBP, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 1-2)  6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, HR
Vrieling tossed 72 pitches today, so they are close to letting him fully stretch out. He is up to 41 innings since coming back from injury.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
As a reliever: 2.76 ERA (16.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 5 BB, 17 K). 
RHP Danny Watson (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
I remember dreaming of Dees/Watson/Jack Neely as three tall right-handed relievers in the pen.  Season: 6.90 ERA (30 IP, 35 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 34 K).  Watson, who stands 6’7″, was having a big year in 2023 before an injury ended his campaign.  He hasn’t been the same since, though he’s had some solid outings lately.

Hudson Valley (47-32) (Defeated Brooklyn, 2-1. Thank goodness for tomorrow’s offday, as the bullpen was worked today!)

CF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, R, K
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, R, K
Lewis has 14 HR in 75 games between here and Tampa. He is only hitting .185/.242/.370 since his promotion, with ten extra-base hits (22 hits overall)
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 3 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-4, 2B (13)
Castillo is heating up. He is 12-for-30 in his last eight games, raising his triple slash from .221/.318/.303 to .241/.334/.328.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, SB (8), HBP, K
Vargas’ hitting streak reaches an impressive 15.
3B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, K
2B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, 2B (8),

LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
About a month ago, I bragged about their pitching logjam. Today, they used a reliever to start. Sue me. Season: 2.59 ERA (24.1 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 11 BB, 36 K). This was his first professional start (made five starts for Clemson in 2022)
RHP Bryce Warrecker (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.77 ERA (35 IP, 15 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 38 K). He is having a ridiculous season. Yes, I see the low BABIP – it’s almost impossible to be this good without a low BABIP!
RHP Chris Kean: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
0.31 ERA (28.1 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 21 K). The Warrecker/Morrill duo has been lights out. 
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 3): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The easiest kind of save. He owns a 0.99 ERA between here and Tampa (27.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 35 K)

Tampa (43-36) (Lost a crazy game against Clearwater, 14-9)

C Edgleen Perez: 3-for-4, 2 BB
Reaching base five times works, even if it didn’t lead to a win. He is hitting .225/.383/.253 in 316 PA and has five multi-hit efforts in his last nine games. The Yankees haven’t wavered all season, even when he was struggling mightily early. It’s paying off.
LF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-6, RBI, R, K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
Known more for speed than pop (10th HR in 183 career games), Matheus hits his first HR since July 13, 2024. 
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
1B-2B Hans Montero: 3-for-5, 2 2B (8), HR (8), 3 RBI, 2 R, K
Eight total bases make for a strong afternoon. He is hitting .250/.338/.410 in 229 PA (8 doubles, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 32 R, 15-for-19 SB) and is on an 8-game hitting streak (10-for-33). His personal best for stolen bases is 17, set in 2023.
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-3, 3B (9), RBI, R, CS (3), 2 BB, K
Fun fact: Toole is the first Yankees’ farmhand to hit 9 triples since Everson Pereira in 2022. The last Yankees prospect to reach ten? Jorge Mateo, who hit 11 in 2017.  Toole’s season: .305/.412/.484 in 226 PA (10 doubles, 9 triples, 2 HR, 23 RBI, 43 R, 26-for-29 SB). 
2B Austin Green: 1-for-3, K
  1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1, R, BB, K

RHP Brandon Decker: (L, 1-2)  2.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
A little misstep in his transition to starting. He owns a 3.10 ERA in 40.2 IP (37 H, 21 R, 14 ER, 1 HR, 19 BB, 38 K). 
RHP Jack Sokol: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.43 ERA (37.2 IP, 20 H, 13 R, 6 ER, 26 BB, 30 K)
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR

FCL (20-24)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (11-14)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (11-13)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 7/2: Spencer Jones Homers Again

Notes:

RHP Colten Brewer, on his third tour with the Yankees organization, was released. In 22 games for Scranton, he pitched to a 3.94 ERA and 32/15 K/BB over 29.2 innings.

A lot happened on the farm today, as the affiliates went 6-0 while scoring 46 runs.

Injury Log

Scranton (44-35) (Outlasted Lehigh Valley, 9-8)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, R
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-5, 2 R, 2 K
Rodriguez needed a game like this (4-for-38 slump entering tonight). His overall average (including his time with Somerset) has dipped below .300 (.295). For Scranton, he’s at .318/.407/.399 in 273 PA.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-3, 2B (1), HR (3), RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
The home run was crushed (412 feet at 108.1 MPH). Jones (6-for-16 since his promotion) sets a new personal best with his 19th home run (53rd game) and has nine homers in his last 17 games. This breaks his streak of homering every other day, as he has homered in back-to-back games. I am sure he isn’t disappointed. 
RF Everson Pereira: 2-for-5, 2B (6), RBI, K
.245/.336/.459 in 226 PA (6 doubles, 12 HR, 35 RBI, 45 R, 11.1% BB, 33.6% K).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, 2B (18), SF, RBI, R, BB, 2 K
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-5, 2 HR (10), 5 RBI, 2 R, K
Jackson has two multi-homer games this year. Minor league pop has never been an issue (137 doubles, 123 HR in 663 games)
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4
LF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4

RHP Cam Schlittler: 2.1 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
After two innings, it looked like another dominant start was in progress. Then the third inning happened. Schlittler, who has generated a lot of buzz, took a punch to the gut tonight. Let’s see how he responds. By the way, his velocity was fine tonight. Just one of those games.
RHP Zach Messinger: (W, 3-3)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
As a reliever: 2.25 ERA (20 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 11 BB, 21 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
3.98 ERA (31.2 IP, 19 H, 14 R, 14 ER, 4 HR, 36 BB, 31 K).
RHP Scott Effross: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 6.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 5 K

Somerset (39-38) (Swept a doubleheader against Reading)

Game 1 (Won, 9-4)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, 2B (5), 2 RBI, R, BB
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, 2B (21), SF, RBI, R
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, HR (9), 3 RBI, R, K
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, 2 K
Jones is hitting .190/.256/.304 in 90 PA since his promotion (.221/.321/.344 with 25 stolen bases in 30 attempts overall).
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB, K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-1, 2B (1), RBI, R, 2 BB
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, 2B (14), RBI, R, 2 K
LF Cam Eden: 1-for-3, R, SB (4), 2 K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (W, 3-2)  6 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K
Lagrange has been inconsistent since his promotion, alternating good and not-so-good performances. That shouldn’t be shocking as a 6’7″ 22-year-old with control concerns but extreme upside.. For Somerset: 4.97 ERA (25.1 IP, 18 H, 14 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 34 K). 
RHP Kelly Austin: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Won, 8-5)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-2, 2B (6), HR (8), 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB
Riggio goes 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles, a homer, five RBI, four runs, and three walks in today’s doubleheader. He has 15 home runs in 45 games between the FCL/Hudson Valley/Somerset (14 in 43 games if we take out the two FCL games).
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, HBP
A quiet doubleheader for Lombard, though he contributed a pair of RBI. He is hitting .208 with a .651 OPS in 50 Double-A contests.
DH Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, HR (14), 3 RBI, R, K
Flores’ 25th multi-hit effort. He has 21 doubles, 14 HR, and 52 RBI in 76 games.
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-2, HR (11), RBI, R, 2 BB, K
Jasso is trying to put his slump behind him. He still owns an .818 OPS (10 doubles, 5 triples, 11 HR, 41 RBI, 43 R). His walk rate has certainly jumped recently (15 walks in the last 26 games).
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4
Martinez is 5-for-19 with a double and homer since his promotion.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, R, HBP, K
3B Max Burt: 1-for-2, 2 R, HBP, K

RHP Cole Ayers: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Ayers’ first professional start (124th game). He didn’t start in college but made four starts in the 2019 Cape Cod League and five in the 2021 MLB Draft League. That’s your useless information for the night.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: (W, 6-1) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
LHP Will Brian: (S, 2) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 2.42 ERA (26 IP, 21 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 30 K)

Hudson Valley (44-31) (Swept a doubleheader against Brooklyn)

Game 1 (Won, 5-3)

LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI, K
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-2, SB (3), BB
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-2, R, BB
DH Jace Avina: 1-for-3, R, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-2, HR (4), 3 RBI, R, SB (6), BB, K
Vargas has a 10-game hitting streak that includes three home runs.
3B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 3B (2), R, K
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, K
RF Luis Durango: 2-for-3, R, K

RHP Ben Hess: 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
Hess’ second start since coming back. A 2-run home run in his fourth inning of work hurt his final line, but as long as he is healthy. He owns a 4.53 ERA in 45.2 IP (31 H, 27 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 28 BB, 66 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
2.95 ERA (21.1 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 35 K)
RHP Bryce Warrecker (S, 3): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
0.82 ERA (33 IP, 15 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 37 K). Possibly the most impressive reliever in the system this year, Warrecker likely deserves a trip to Somerset. Again, I base that on the assumption that they aren’t planning to move him back into the rotation. 

Game 2 (Won, 2-0)

LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3
.228/.323/.305 in 300 PA. Since June 15th, he is 15-for-57 (.263).
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-2, SB (4), BB
When Lewis gets on base, he can cause havoc (20-for-21 stealing bases in his career). Between here and Tampa, he has 12 doubles, 13 HR, 42 RBI, 43 runs, and 17 stolen bases in 18 attempts.
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3
Vargas extends his hitting streak to 11 (18-for-41).
3B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-1, R, SB (10), 2 BB, K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3, R, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-2, RBI
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-2, RBI
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2, 2 K

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 3-5) 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K
Carr needed 87 pitches (60 strikes) to accomplish the shutout. On a night like tonight, it wasn’t even enough to secure the headline. Tough crowd, I am!  He owns a 2.57 ERA in 70 IP (47 H, 28 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 35 BB, 57 K). The H/IP ratio stands out the most.

Tampa (43-33) (Outscored Clearwater, 13-7)

C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, K
Is the patience paying off?  Last nine games: 12-for-38 (.316) with ten walks. He is up to 57 walks in 307 PA (18.6%) and has 132 walks in 157 career games. A reminder that he turned 19 on May 25th and is showing off this level of plate discipline. 
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, HR (4), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB, 3 K
.284/.372/.450 in 249 PA (15 doubles, 4 triples, 4 HR, 35 RBI, 35 R, 24-for-28 SB). He has walked six times in his last three games, and all four of his homers have come since June 13th.
SS Roderick Arias: 3-for-5, 2 HR (4), 5 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
To say Arias needed a night like this is an understatement. It’s his second career multi-HR game (7/6/2023). Arias has shown a little life recently, raising his triple slash from .168/.306/.255 to .192/.316/.303. He has to start somewhere.
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, SB (8), K
Known for his pop, he has sneakily added eight stolen bases. That said, any speed catchers have in the minors tends to dissipate as they get closer to MLB. 
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-5, 2 K
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-4, CS (4), BB, 2 K
RF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 3B (7), 3 R, 2 SB (26), BB
Toole is an exciting player – whether he is an exciting career minor league player or a potential MLB player is what we need to determine. He’s hitting .295/.393/.459 in 214 PA.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, R, 3 BB, K
2B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-2, SF, 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (9), 2 BB, K
Between here and the FCL, Gomez is 22-for-24 stealing bases (9-for-10 here). He started 2-for-22 after his promotion. Since then, he is 6-for-25 (.240) with six walks and eight stolen bases. With Owen Cobb activated, it will be interesting to see how they figure out the playing time situation.

RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Arias’ rehab stint was moved here today (from the FCL)
LHP Tanner Bauman: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Cade Austin: (W, 4-1)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
He tamed the BB% after April, but the walks returned tonight.
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR

FCL (19-23)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (10-10)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (8-11)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 6/28: Rafael Flores: Another Multi-Hit Effort

Notes:

No news for you.

Injury Log

Scranton (42-35) (Lost to Worcester, 5-3, in ten innings)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RBI, R, HBP
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
Position breakdown: Catcher: 36 starts; 3B: 20 starts; DH: 9 starts. Rodriguez has experience at 1B and LF (+ a few games at second base), but the Yankees have asked him to concentrate on catching and third base in 2025.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, R, BB, 3 K
2-for-9 with a homer, walk, and five strikeouts in his first two Triple-A contests.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, SF, RBI
Rumfield has a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-16).
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, BB, K
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, BB
3B CJ Alexander: 1-for-5, RBI, K
   PR Duke Ellis: 0-for-0
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-5, 2B (8), R
LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3, SB (19), BB

RHP Brendan Beck: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
Since promotion: 10.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 1 BB, 10 K. Overall, between here and Somerset, he owns a 1.81 ERA in 64.2 IP (45 H, 14 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 62 K).
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 5 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.34 ERA (35 IP, 35 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 38 K)
RHP Scott Effross (L, 1-2): 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
What could have been…

Somerset (37-37) (Defeated Erie, 7-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, R, SB (4), BB
Riggio is 4-for-5 stealing bases since his promotion (2-for-6 for Hudson Valley). He is at .263/.314/.575 in 86 PA for Somerset.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, 2B (7), R, 3 K
Lombard Jr.’s 10th extra-base hit in June (only had two in 22 games for Somerset in May)
DH Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R
Flores has seven multi-hit efforts in his last nine games (15-for-37; .405) and nine 3-hit efforts this season.  During this streak, his triple slash has climbed from .270/.331/.464 to .288/.348/.484 (20 doubles, 12 HR, 47 RBI, 41 R, 5-for-5 SB). 
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2 BB
.271/.345/.467 in 284 PA. He has 12 walks in June (11 walks combined in April and May).
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RBI, R
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, RBI, R, HBP, BB
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (6), 3 RBI
Burt hit a key 3-run double. He has been with the system for so long that he played games for Pulaski, Charleston, and Trenton.

LHP Ben Shields: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Shields was activated from the 60-day injured list. He made four rehab starts.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 2-2)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.74 ERA (38 IP, 24 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 25 BB, 37 K). As a reliever: 17.1 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 18 K.
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (42-30) (Lost to Wilmington, 7-4)

LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-5, R, K
Castillo’s fourth 3-hit game this season (second this month). He has struggled since a strong April. All one can do is hope he snaps out of it.
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-4
DH Jace Avina: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
.283/.408/.455 in 184 PA. Over the last two seasons at this level, he is hitting .256/.346/.415 in 581 PA with 37 doubles, 14 homers, 71 RBI, and 74 runs. If not for injury, he may be in Double-A right now. 
SS Alexander Vargas:  3-for-4, R
Vargas has an 8-game hitting streak (15-for-32)
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, HR (3; grand slam), 4 RBI, R, 2 K
Moylan hits his first career grand slam. 
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 4-6)  7.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Grosz was cruising through seven innings but ran into trouble when he tried to stretch into the 8th.  Season: 3.69 ERA (70.2 IP, 51 H, 34 R, 29 ER, 3 HR, 28 BB, 76 K). He has thrown 7+ innings in four of his 12 starts (pitched into the 7th in two other starts).
RHP Tony Rossi: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
It was inevitable that Rossi would hit some turbulence. He also allowed two of Grosz’s runners to score. At this level: 1.47 ERA (18.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 21 K). Overall: 1.04 ERA (26 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 11 BB, 33 K)

Tampa (40-33) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 7-4)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, 2B (7), R, 2 BB, K
.217/.375/.248 in 291 PA. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-19; 5 BB). 
RF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (22), CI
.281/.356/.433 in 235 PA (14 doubles, 4 triples, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 31 R, 22-for-26 SB, 10.2% BB, 24.7% K). He is 9-for-24 (.375) in his last six games. So far, the 20-year-old has moved up one level per year (DSL in 2023, FCL in 2024, Low-A in 2025).
SS Roderick Arias: 3-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
Arias’ first 3-hit effort this season. Through June 28th, 2024: .210/.306/.362. This year: .184/.312/.270. 
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, 2B (11), 2 RBI
.206/.337/.333 in 306 PA. Perez and Urena are piling up the plate appearances while alternating between C/DH (Urena has 38 games behind the dish; Perez has 34)
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, 2 SB (28), BB
Matheus has a 6-game stolen base streak (9-for-9) and is second to Kyle Henley (CIN; 36) in the FSL. He is hitting .269/.359/.345. 
1B Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (8)
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-4, SB (14), K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (24), BB, K
2B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R, SB (7), 2 K

RHP Andrew Landry: 4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Landry had efficiency issues today (84 pitches).  Season: 4.11 ERA (61.1 IP, 66 H, 37 R, 28 ER, 4 HR, 23 BB, 58 K).  June: 26.1 IP, 17 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 21 K.
RHP Chris Veach: (W, 1-1)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
1.48 ERA (30.1 IP, 20 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 3 HR, 18 BB, 44 K). Veach allowed two of Landry’s runners to score.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: (S, 1) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Fristoe reached 96.5 MPH.

FCL (19-22) (Lost a tough one to the Blue Jays, 2-1. They held a 1-0 lead entering the bottom of the 8th but couldn’t hold on)

RF JoJo Jackson: 0-for-3
Jackson is looking for his first hit as his rehab continues.
C John Cristino: 1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, R, K
Cristino’s 8th inning homer not only gave them a short-lived lead – it was their only hit this morning/afternoon. There is zero doubt in my mind that Cristino (25) will be in Tampa once the FCL season concludes, if not before. By the way, this was the second time he was behind the plate. He has 13 starts at first base.

RHP Michael Arias: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
His second rehab appearance is clean.
RHP Mariano Salomon: 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
The 22-year-old is pitching well (2.73 ERA in 26.1 IP with a 32/6 K/BB). He has thrown well his entire career, with a 2.91 ERA in 117.1 innings (148/25 K/BB). I would not be surprised to see him in Tampa later this year.
LHP Jose Ledesma: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Chance Nolan (L, 1-1): 0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Nolan allows his first career earned run (12.1 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 6 BB, 9 K)

DSL Yankees (9-10) (Defeated the DSL Rangers Blue, 13-6)

DH Francisco Vilorio:  2-for-5, SF, 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
C Justin Capellan: 0-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
SS Carlos Bello: 2-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
LF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K
The 18-year-old is showing some pop in his second campaign (.310/.408/.524 in 49 PA with three homers and 13 RBI)
3B Alfred Ciriaco: 2-for-6, RBI, R, 2 SB (6)
At 18, he isn’t a young guy for the DSL – but this is his debut campaign. Ciriaco is 13-for-37 (.351) with a double and seven RBI. Impressive, he has struck out twice (0.05%).
CF Angel Ventura: 2-for-5, 2B (3), R, CS (2), BB, 2 K
1B Jesus Guerrero: 0-for-1, RBI, 2 R, SB (1), 3 BB, K
The 18-year-old is 3-for-13 in his debut campaign. He has six walks and a pair of strikeouts.
RF Eliezer Adames: 0-for-5, 5 K
2B Emmanuel Orozco: 1-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, 2 R, SB (4), BB, K
Only 16, Orozco entered the day 1-for-19 in his brief career. His two professional hits are a double and a triple.

RHP Anthony Mena (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
3.94 ERA (16 IP, 18 H, 18 R, 7 ER, 3 HR, 7 BB, 17 K)

DSL Bombers (7-11) (Defeated the DSL Cardinals, 4-3. It wasn’t as wild as the previous two days (0-2 despite scoring 29 runs), but they did win this on a walk-off. It was a 7-inning game)

CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-4, K
.236/.323/.400 in 62 PA. Castillo started the season 2-for-22. He is 11-for-33 since, including nine hits in his last five games.
SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, BB, K
I always say to not worry about it if a teenager initially struggles out of the game. However, my eyes open quickly when a 16-year-old jumps out to a big start. That’s Marinez, who is hitting .310/.500/.381 in 60 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 12 R, 9-for-10 SB, 15 BB, 13 K). You have my attention, kid.
C Queni Pineda: 0-for-3, R, BB
DH Browm Martinez: 0-for-4, R
RF Jose Castro: 2-for-4, 2B (1), HR (1), 3 RBI, R, K
Castro homered in the 6th for the appetizer. The main course was a 2-out, 2-run double in the bottom of the 7th to walk it off. The 19-year-old has appeared in only three games this season, and these were his first two hits. How can you not love this game?
3B Juan Torres: 1-for-3
1B Remy Veldhuisen: 2-for-3, K

RHP Randy Angomas: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
RHP Carlos Hampshire (W, 1-1) 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K
The 20-year-old earns his first professional win.

Yankees MILB 6/27: Spencer Jones Homers in First Scranton AB

Notes:

OF Everson Pereira, the top choice to come up when J.C. Escarra went on paternity leave, is also on the paternity list. The Yankees decided to go with a 25-man roster instead of calling up someone from the Jorbit Vivas, Jesus Rodriguez, CJ Alexander pool (all three are on the 40-man). Another player on the 40-man, Braden Shewmake, is injured. He reportedly was the second choice after Pereira.

OF Spencer Jones, as you likely know, was promoted to Scranton today. Typically speaking, top-top prospects don’t hang around in Triple-A for long. However, it seems probable that Jones will stay at Scranton for the remaining 2.5 months of the season. The promotion was earned, as Jones was red-hot and compiled 830 Double-A plate appearances.

Injury Log

Scranton (42-34) (Defeated Worcester, 4-2, to improve to 4-0 in the second half)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, 2 BB
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, R, SB (10), BB, 2 K
Rodriguez’s slump continues, showing us that slumps are inevitable for everyone. He is still hitting .321/.409/.407 in 259 PA at this level. 
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 K
Jones homered in his first Triple-A plate appearance (397 feet, 109.9 MPH). His 17th HR overall ties his personal best from last year in 72 fewer games. That’s crazy. Oh, and he keeps his streak of alternating home run days alive (he has 6 HR in his last 11 games – one every other day)
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
   PR-DH Duke Ellis: 0-for-1, 2 SB (7), K
This is why I said I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the postseason. Aaron Boone used him only once in the postseason last year (pinch ran against Kansas City) before he was taken off the roster for the Guardians and Dodgers series.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-2, R, 2 SB (6), 2 BB
LF CJ Alexander: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
C Alex Jackson: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B Jose Rojas: 2-for-2, HR (12), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
Rojas’ 125th career minor league homer (681 games)
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, SAC

RHP Sean Boyle: (W, 6-5)  5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, HR
4.46 ERA (74.2 IP, 68 H, 43 R, 37 ER, 9 HR, 25 BB, 72 K). Boyle (28) screams of a pitcher who will get a few MLB chances as he grinds out a professional career. The Yankees invited him to spring training this year, and he is a minor league free agent after the season (this is his 7th minor league campaign). This assumes the Yankees aren’t going to add him to the 40-man.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
0.96 ERA (9.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 18 K). Overall, he owns a 25/7 K/BB over 14.1 innings. 
RHP Clayton Beeter (S, 2): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Beeter maxed at 97.5 MPH. He owns a 1.02 ERA in 17.2 IP (9 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 14 BB, 29 K)

Somerset (36-37) (Lost to Erie, 6-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, R, SB (14), 2 BB
Lombard Jr. has 55 walks and 25 stolen bases in 70 games.  He is 20-for-88 (.227; 5 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 19 R, 7-for-8 SB) in June (started the month 3-for-21). That doesn’t suggest he is “hot” but the adjustments are showing up.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-2, R, HBP, BB, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI, K
Jones was heating up before a little 0-for-11 slump. There is talent here – he is just having a tough time early in his Double-A journey.
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, SB (14), CI
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, BB, K
RF Cam Eden: 0-for-4, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Sellers needed 91 pitches to earn 14 outs, but the outing was impressive. Striking hitters out hasn’t been an issue for the 25-year-old, as he has 68 in 55.1 innings this year and 168 in 139 innings in his career. The walk rate needs work (26 this season; 66 in his career). It’s a mixed bag and one wonders if his future is in the bullpen.
RHP Cole Ayers: (L, 0-1)  1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Merda struggled mightily in his Somerset debut – while not perfect, a better performance tonight.
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Anderson allowed both of Austin’s baserunners to score.

Hudson Valley (42-29) (Split two games against Wilmington)

Game 1 (Won, 2-0, in the conclusion of last night’s game)

LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4
CF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-4, R, SB (9), K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, RBI, R
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 K
.231/.364/.385 in 132 PA. Frick does his job with his medium-sized usage (he has played in 37 of their 71 games)
DH Duncan Pastore: 0-for-2, BB, K

LHP Kyle Carr: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
2.86 ERA (63 IP, 44 H, 28 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 32 BB, 50 K). There is good and not-so-good in that profile.
RHP Ocean Gabonia (W, 1-2): 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.62 ERA (29 IP, 13 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 22 K)
RHP Bryce Warrecker (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.85 ERA (31.2 IP, 14 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 37 K). Have I mentioned how dominant the 6’8″ right-hander has been? 

Game 2 (Lost, 11-0)

CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
The 0-for-8 doubleheader drops his triple slash to .221/.318/.303 in 283 PA. His .288/.345/.438 triple slash with RISP has allowed him to drive home 35 runs in 62 games.
DH Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, 2B (3)
Since promotion: .200/.250/.411 in 96 PA. Nine of his 18 hits have gone for extra bases (3 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR). He is a fun prospect to follow, since you can tell that the tools exist.
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-2, BB
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, 2 K
Moylan hasn’t been able to get anything going (.162/.309/.263 in 243 PA). Last season, at this level, he showed some promise with his .246/.357/.381 line in 406 plate appearances.
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-2, BB, K
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-3, K

LHP Griffin Herring (L, 1-1): 3 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, HR
Proof that everyone has bad days. This spiked his combined ERA to 1.64 (71.1 IP, 45 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 3 HR, 27 BB, 83 K). He entered the night with the lowest ERA amongst all minor league pitchers (excluding those in the rookie leagues). It’s possible (probable) that he will wake up tomorrow nearly tied for first with…fellow Yankees’ farmhand Brendan Beck. Beck’s ERA is 1.6409 while Herring’s is 1.6402.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa (39-33) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 5-3)

C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-3, R, SB (5), 2 BB
Perez is hopefully heating up, as this is his third straight multi-hit effort. He is up to .216/.371/.242 in 286 plate appearances with an impressive 51 walks (17.8%).
RF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, R, SB (20), 3 K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 R, HBP
When the Yankees handed him a trillion dollars (give or take a few million), this is what they envisioned. It hasn’t happened consistently.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, 2 SB (26), BB, K
Matheus is feeling frisky on the basepaths lately. He is 12-for-14 in June and has at least one stolen base in five straight games. This surge has jumped him to first place in stolen bases within the organization.
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (6), RBI, SB (13), BB, K
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K
2B Santiago Gomez: 2-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 3 SB (6), BB, K
As I said the other day, Gomez can run. He just needs to consistently get on base to showcase it. He has 70 stolen bases in 156 career games. As for the power, that is not his forte. This was his 9th career homer.

LHP Xavier Rivas (W, 2-1): 5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 13 K (previous personal best was 8)
Rivas allowed two runs in the sixth but was otherwise spectacular tonight.  At this level: 3.47 ERA (23.1 IP, 17 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 28 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.84 ERA (25.1 IP, 23 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 19 K).  He hasn’t allowed a run in 9.1 June innings. 
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.86 ERA (28.1 IP, 27 H, 16 R, 9 ER, 3 HR, 11 BB, 31 K)
RHP Brady Kirtner: (S, 3) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.41 ERA (37.1 IP, 23 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 42 K). Kirtner has been steady in his debut campaign, with very few hiccups.

FCL (19-21) (Defeated the Phillies, 2-0)

LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-2, BB
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-2, HBP
RF Luis Puello: 1-for-2, R
2B Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-2
1B John Cristino: 1-for-1, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, HBP
It’s his debut campaign, but he is doing what a 25-year-old should do in the FCL: 15-for-41 (.366) with a double and two home runs.

RHP Edinzo Marquez (W, 1-2): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
It counts as a CG in the record books! He owns a 3.00 ERA in eight starts (39 IP, 33 H, 18 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 15 BB, 29 K). Can the 20-year-old get a taste of Low-A Tampa after the FCL season concludes? Certainly.

DSL Yankees (8-10) (Crushed DSL Phillies White, 11-2. This game went seven innings)

SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-3, RBI, R, HBP, K
CF Isaias Castillo: 0-for-2, RBI, R, 2 BB
.333/.469/.590 in 49 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 9 R, 9-for-9 SB, 10 BB, 11 K). His career has started with a 12-game on-base streak.
3B Richard Matic: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (3), BB
.326/.441/.630 in 59 PA (5 doubles, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R, 11 BB, 16 K). Matic struggled here as a 16-year-old. The difference one year can make, even as a teenager.
DH Justin Capellan: 0-for-2, RBI, R, SB (6), 2 BB, K
2B Alfred Ciriaco: 1-for-3, R, BB
C Diego Flores: 0-for-3, RBI, R, BB
LF Angel Ventura: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (4), BB
Ventura is 22-for-25 stealing bases in 44 career games.
RF Alfiery Matos: 0-for-3, R, SB (3), BB, 2 K
1B Jose Lavagnino: 2-for-3, 2B (1), 3 RBI, R, BB
The 18-year-old is 4-for-17 in his debut campaign.

LHP Carlos De La Rosa: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K
4.38 ERA (12.1 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 22 K). What is the most impressive part of that stat line? If you need more than one guess, take up a new hobby.
RHP Rafael Arias (W, 2-0): 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K

DSL Bombers (6-11) (Followed up their 20-19 loss to the DSL Mets Orange with a 15-10 loss to the DSL Cardinals. This game went nine innings. Note: In the rookie leagues, the two managers come to an agreement on whether a game will go seven or nine innings)

CF Browm Martinez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (3), 2 RBI, 3 R, SB (9), HBP
He’s making a mockery of this level at this point: .390/.490/.683 in 49 PA (3 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 17 R, 9-for-10 SB). The 18-year-old was pretty good in 38 games here last year as well. The problem is that time is running out on the FCL season, making a promotion unlikely.
SS Christofer Reyes: 2-for-2, 3 SB (13), CS (1), BB
The good news is the stolen bases. The bad news is that he was pinch-ran for late in the game, which likely means injury.
   PR-SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-1, RBI, R, BB
Adding to the “injury” theory is that they replaced him with one of their top DSL prospects. Usually, when a top prospect has a scheduled day off, he isn’t coming in to pinch-run.
DH David Carrera: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, SB (5), 3 BB, 2 K
3B Leni Done: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 BB
.244/.392/.366 in 51 PA.
2B Adrian Feliz: 2-for-5, R, CS (2)
.250/.276/.286 in 29 PA. Like many down here, Feliz is only 16.
C Carlos Rodon: 1-for-4, 2B (2), R, BB, 2 K
RF Eddinson Charles: 1-for-5, RBI, R
1B Edgar Jimenez: 2-for-5, 2 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, K
The 18-year-old is 6-for-15 with three doubles and four RBI.

For the second day in a row, there isn’t a pitching line worth mentioning.

Yankees MILB 6/25: Cam Schlittler: Cheat Code?

Notes:

RHP Ben Hess, last year’s first-round pick, magically made his way back to the mound tonight after missing nearly a month for (?) reasons.

Injury Log

Scranton (40-34) (Defeated Worcester, 4-0)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4
Cam Schlittler ran into a little trouble in the 6th inning tonight (allowed three baserunners). Rodriguez helped out his battery mate by throwing out a runner trying to steal. He has caught 15 runners in 40 attempts (37.5%) between Somerset and Scranton. Last season, his success rate was 20.4%.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, R, CS (6), BB, K
RF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, R, 3 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, 2B (17), 2 RBI, K
Rumfield’s fourth 3+ hit game this season (19th multi-hit effort).
  PR-3B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-0, R, SB (18)
3B-1B CJ Alexander: 0-for-3, BB, K
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2B (18), RBI, R, 2 SB (7), K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, K
LF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (17), BB
CF Duke Ellis: 1-for-3, 2B (1), SB (3), CS (3), BB
Last year, Ellis was 57-for-61 (93.4%) stealing bases. He may still be trying to get his legs under him after returning from injury.

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 2-1)  6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
Schlittler, who retired the first 15 batters,  hit 99.3 MPH (also had a 99.2 MPH offering + several pitches over 97) and generated 20 whiffs. For now, if they want to mess around with Allan Winans and Marcus Stroman, whatever. That is especially true if Luis Gil is on the comeback trail. If Schlittler keeps this up, however, they will have a decision to make at some point.  Since promotion: 1.69 ERA (21.1 IP, 13 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 33 K). Overall, he owns a 97/25 K/BB over 74.1 innings. I will gladly call out any site that doesn’t place him on their mid-season Top 100.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Can he get his BB% down to a reasonable number (doesn’t need to be great) while maintaining his ability to limit hits?  Answer that riddle to determine if he can be a successful MLB reliever.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: (S, 2) 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.58 ERA (32.2 IP, 34 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 36 K)

Somerset (35-36) (Lost to Erie, 9-3. After feasting on New Hamspire last week, the Patriots have run into the buzzsaw known as Erie. They are 47-24.)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, HBP, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (5), R, BB
Lombard Jr. has raised his SLG from .281 to .329 over his last nine games. His Double-A triple slash is now .219/.353/.329 in 44 games. In his first 29 High-A games (2023), his triple slash was .226/.321/.296. We need to allow for more adjustment time in Double-A, and it appears to be happening.
RF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (16), RBI, R, K
Jones is alternating home run and non-home run games (HR, no HR, HR, no HR, HR, no HR, HR, no HR, HR). He has seven home runs in June and is hitting .271/.389/.600 in 203 PA (8 doubles, 16 HR, 31 RBI, 10-for-12 SB, 15.8% BB, 33.99% K). There is no rush to get a prospect from Double-A to Triple-A, but Jones is up to 187 games for Somerset. 
1B Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, RBI, K
Flores was slumping for a bit but now has four straight 2-hit efforts (8-for-18 with four doubles). That has spiked his triple slash from .271/.335/.471 to .282/.343/.484.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, K
I don’t think I brought up his extended on-base streak (28 games) once before last night. Of course, it would be broken the next day. Sorry.
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4
DH Garrett Martin: 0-for-4
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, K
Martinez homers in his Double-A debut.
LF Cam Eden: 0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 2-2)   4 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 7 BB, 4 K
Lagrange settled down a little after a 4-run second inning, but this wasn’t his best night (he struck out 12 in 5.1 innings last time out). Since promotion: 6.05 ERA (19.1 IP, 17 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 24 K). He is alternating good and bad starts since his promotion (6 IP, 3 R, 1 BB, 6 K; 4 IP, 5 R, 5 BB, 2 K; 5.1 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 12 K; 4 IP, 4 R, 7 BB, 4 K). I expected the BB rate to climb after his promotion. We’ll see how he adjusts.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Will Brian: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
At this level: 2.28 ERA (23.2 IP, 18 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 27 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (41-27) (Used an 8-run inning to wallop Wilmington, 10-3)

DH Jackson Castillo: 2-for-6, RBI, R
Last eight games: 10-for-34 (.294). He is hitting better, though the power is non-existent (zero extra-base hits in June; 19 straight games overall)
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-2, R, HBP, 2 BB, K
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-4, 2B (13), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (12), BB
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, R, HBP, K
   RF Luis Durango: 0-for-1
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-5, 2B (9), 3 RBI, R, 2 K
A big 3-run double in that 5th inning.
SS Alexander Vargas: 3-for-5, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R
I always like to see Vargas do well. The bat hasn’t been consistent during his development, which consists of 427 games.
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, R, BB
The 22-year-old hit .312/.380/.422 in 121 PA for the FCL squad. While this is his first taste of High-A, it isn’t his first taste of a full-season league. He played in 39 games for Low-A Tampa between 2023 and 2024.
3B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-5, RBI, R, K
LF Anthony Hall: 1-for-5, 2 K

RHP Ben Hess: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Hess tosses 42 pitches in his return. As long as he is healthy, that’s what is important. Season: 4.32 ERA (41.2 IP, 28 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 1 HR, 27 BB, 62 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
3.20 ERA (19.2 IP, 17 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 32 K). That’s a lot of strikeouts for the 24-year-old, who has 100 in 76 career innings. He missed significant time due to injury last year; otherwise, he may be in Somerset now.
RHP Chris Kean: (W, 4-2) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.78 ERA (22.2 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 24 K)
RHP Tony Rossi: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Rossi allows a run for the first time in his career (25.1 innings). He owns a 0.36 ERA between here and Tampa with a 33/8 K/BB.

Tampa (38-32) (Lost to Ft. Myers, 3-1. The Tarpons had their chances, as they walked nine times + a hit batter. The big hit, however, was elusive as they went 1-for-14 with RISP.)

C Edgleen Perez: 3-for-5, R
.205/.362/.233 in 276 PA (6 doubles, 0 HR, 19 RBI, 30 R, 4-for-5 SB, 17.8% BB, 21% K). While the BB% is a good reason to lead him off, it goes beyond that. The Yankees want him to get as many reps as possible. 
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
.267/.350/.429 in 220 PA (14 doubles, 4 triples, 3 HR, 29 RBI, 27 R, 18-for-22 SB, 10.9% BB, 24.5% K)
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, 4 K
Ouch. After a brief surge, Arias is back to his old tricks and is hitting .174/.301/.250 in 219 PA. He has a 29.2% K rate, which is slightly down from last season. That offers little comfort, and Arias is getting closer to bust territory.
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (6), HBP, BB
.214/.347/.345 in 291 PA (10 doubles, 7 HR, 29 RBI, 42 R, 14.1% BB, 17.9% K). He has two doubles, two homers, and seven RBI in his last seven games. 
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, SB (22), 2 BB
.261/.352/.336 in 267 PA (15 doubles, 1 triple, 0 HR, 30 RBI, 35 R, 22-for-29 SB, 12.7% BB, 22.5% K). After a strong May, Matheus is hitting .200/.333/.293 in June. The volume of walks has allowed him to go 8-for-10 stealing bases.
LF Hans Montero: 0-for-4, BB, K
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-4, 2 K
.292/.385/.453 in 187 PA with a 21-for-23 SB rate. A little 1-for-12 slide has dropped him under .300.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1, 3 BB
Gonzalez had three walks in his last ten games entering tonight.
2B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-3, SB (3), BB, 3 K

RHP Gage Ziehl: (L, 3-3) 8 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
I don’t type “8 IP” very often. Ziehl needed only 93 pitches (71 strikes; 76.3%) and had a 13/4 GO/FO ratio, including a pair of double plays. Season: 3.61 ERA (57.1 IP, 54 H, 27 R, 23 ER, 4 HR, 10 BB, 45 K). He entered tonight with a 48.8% ground ball rate.
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (17-21)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (7-9)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (6-9)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 5/15: Carlos Lagrange Ks 9

Notes:

Minor league news has gone cold.

Injury Log

Scranton (20-20) (Lost to Toledo, 20-7)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, 2B (5), 2 R, K
Since his promotion, Rodriguez is up to .372 with four 3-hit efforts in 24 games. He is on a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-26).
DH-LF Dominic Smith: 2-for-4, 2B (6), HR (5), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
The depth piece has three homers in his last four starts.
RF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, HR (9), RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Pereira’s 6th HR in May (9 games). Four hitters are tied for 1st in the International League in homers with 10. Pereira has played fewer games than all of them.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, BB, 3 K
Rumfield has a 6-game hitting streak.
LF-P Jose Rojas: 2-for-5, 2B (8), 2 RBI, K
C Alex Jackson: 3-for-5, HR (5), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Jackson is 18-for-56 (.321; 2 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 19 RBI) in 16 games.
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-5, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4

RHP Erick Leal: (L, 1-5) 1.2 IP, 4 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 3 HR
RHP Zach Messinger: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, K
Messinger also allowed two of Leal’s runs to score. He owns a 7.20 ERA (30 IP, 39 H, 24 R, 24 ER, 3 HR, 21 BB, 27 K). This is a year where Messinger can realize his MLB dreams, but it hasn’t been a sharp start.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Reyzelman is surprisingly struggling. He owns a 4.70 ERA in 15.1 IP (9 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 18 K). Walks, walks, walks, WALKS.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
For Scranton: 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K. He is still on his rehab stint.
RHP Kervin Castro: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
2.29 ERA (19.2 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 23 K). His first earned runs allowed since April 6th.
RHP Jose Rojas: 0.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
His fourth career appearance on the hill.

Somerset (15-20) (Split a low-scoring doubleheader against Portland)

Game 1 (Lost, 4-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-2, SB (3), 2 BB
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, BB, K
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, SB (5)
2B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, HBP, K
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, 2 K
Morales’s Double-A debut.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, R, 2 K
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, K
.253/.320/.402 in 97 PA. He is 10-for-34 (.294) with a double, two triples, and a homer in May.
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, K
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler (L, 2-4): 4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
2.87 ERA (37.2 IP, 31 H, 17 R, 12 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 44 K). A mixed bag today, as he allowed some runs but missed some bats. I like the lack of homers allowed. Also, his BB/9 has fallen from 4.10 last year to 3.11 this year. Can he make his MLB debut in 2025? Yes. There isn’t too much blocking him if there is a need.
RHP Cole Ayers: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 1.80 ERA (10 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 11 K). Health hasn’t been on his side (29 innings in 3+ seasons), but he has potential if he clears that hurdle.

Game 2 (Won, 3-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
Since promotion: 5-for-25 (7 BB, 5 K, 3-for-3 SB). The hits will start coming.
DH Rafael Flores: 0-for-2, HBP, K
.287/.338/.493 in 148 PA (10 doubles, 6 HR, 24 RBI, 15 R, 3-for-3 SB). I would be unsurprised if he is used as a deal sweetener this summer.
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, RBI, K
.210/.328/.390 in 119 PA (6 doubles, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 15 R, 5-for-6 SB). He has 29 doubles and 16 HR to go along with a 22-for-25 SB rate in 135 minor league games. The issue is the batting average (.212)
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, HR (6), RBI, R, K
I saw the HR on YES – he hit it to the opposite field, which is always nice to see in this organization! He is hitting .266/.326/.484 in 135 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 18 RBI, 19 R, 5.9% BB, 19.3% K). Last season, he owned a 9.8% BB and 24.4% K.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, K
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, 2B (4), R, K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-2, K
2B Max Burt: 1-for-2, RBI, K

RHP Brendan Beck: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
1.91 ERA (28.1 IP, 18 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 6 BB, 32 K). Beck is below Schlittler on my depth chart but he was considered a quick rise prospect when he was drafted (injuries, injuries, injuries)
RHP Harrison Cohen (W, 1-2): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.65 ERA (12.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 17 K). 
RHP Jordany Ventura (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Ventura earns his first career save in his 46th relief appearance.

Hudson Valley (24-11) (Split a low-scoring doubleheader against Aberdeen)

Game 1 (Won, 4-2)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, K
2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-3, 2B (2), K
Since returning from his rehab stint, Riggio is 5-for-25 (2 doubles, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 7 BB, 8K).
DH Parks Harber: 0-for-3, 2 K
Whatever the cause was for him leaving the game a few days ago was nothing to worry about.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, R, K
His first HR since April 26th.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-1, 2 BB
3B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, R, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-2, RBI, R, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-2, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2

RHP Ben Hess (W, 3-2): 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
3.23 ERA (30.2 IP, 15 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 45 K). He is third in the South Atlantic League in strikeouts. His control hasn’t been sharp yet, but the overall performance is encouraging.
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Between here and Tampa: 13.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 18 K. He continues to put up zeroes.
RHP Huey Morrill (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Lost, 2-0)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, K
.238/.347/.385 in 147 PA. His average and OBP are similar to his April totals, but his power has fallen. Ebbs and flows.
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3
.219/.323/.343 in 133 PA. Castillo is only 6-for-45 in May (.275/.370/.420 in April)
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3
.277/.379/.471 in 140 PA (5 doubles, 6 HR, 25 RBI, 21 R, 13.6% BB, 28.6% K).
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-2, BB
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-1, BB
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-1, 2B (5), HBP
Frick earns their only hit in Game 2.
RF Luis Durango: 0-for-2
1B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-2

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 3-2)  6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 9 K, HR
3.45 ERA (31.1 IP, 23 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 3 HR, 7 BB, 50 K). He leads the South Atlantic League in strikeouts. Lagrange has an impressive 50/7 K BB over 31.1 IP after compiling a 27/20 rate over 21 IP last year. His K% is up while his BB% has fallen considerably. If you aren’t encouraged about this, check your status as a prospect follower because you are too harsh. 
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.95 ERA (13.1 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 19 K). It’s his first season as a reliever only. 

Tampa (18-19) (Shut down Palm Beach, 8-0. The Tarpons are hot)

C Edgleen Perez: 3-for-4, RBI, R, BB
.229/.397/.267 in 136 PA (4 doubles, 12 RBI, 16 R, 3-for-4 SB, 19.9% BB, 22.1% K). Perez (18) is starting to figure things out. He is 14-for-49 (.286/.426/.347; 3 doubles, 10 BB, 10 K) in May.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, RBI, K
SS Juan Matheus: 3-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, R
This follows his 6-for-6 doubleheader on Wednesday. His remarkable run (11-for-14 over his last four games) has spiked his triple slash to .308/.365/.374. Before this stretch, he was hitting .237/.318/.301. Matheus (21) hit .303/.421/.463 in 54 games last season, so low-level offense hasn’t been an issue.
2B Austin Green: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, 2 K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
.295/.389/.436 in 90 PA. He has three doubles and a triple during a 5-game hitting streak.
3B Owen Cobb: 3-for-4, 3B (2), RBI, R, K
Cobb is auditioning for a promotion. He is hitting .462/.511/.923 (yes, that’s his slugging percentage) in 45 PA (5 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 16 R, 5-for-6 SB). To make this even more fun: He started the season 0-for-6.

LHP Tanner Bauman: (W, 1-3)  5 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
7.33 ERA (27 IP, 35 H, 23 R, 22 ER, 1 HR, 24 BB, 24 K). A solid effort for Bauman, who earns his first professional win.
RHP Sean Hermann: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.00 ERA (18 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 19 K)
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K

FCL (5-4) (Lost to the Phillies, 3-2, in ten innings. The game was tied 0-0 entering the 10th)

DH Brando Mayea: 0-for-5, K
Good or bad, I will always report on what Mayea is doing…
CF Cam Eden: 1-for-3, SB (1)
Whenever a minor league veteran is rehabbing in the FCL, I want them to leave ASAP. The playing time can be useful to others.
   PH-LF-RF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-2
RF Brennen Davis: 0-for-4, K
See Eden, Cam.
LF-CF Isael Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (4), K
1B Johan Contreras: 1-for-3, 2B (2), BB, 2 K
2B Gabriel Terrero: 4-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, SB (3)
Terrero’s second career 4-hit effort. He has ten career homers, seven of which came in 2023.

RHP Omar Gonzalez: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Sunayro Martina: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Chance Nolan: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
It’s the former college quarterback’s second career appearance (2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K)

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/8: Ben Hess Dominates

Notes:

OF Brennen Davis started his rehab stint in the FCL today. Once a top prospect for the Cubs (Baseball America ranked him 16th in 2022, and he played in the 2021 Futures Game), injuries have slowed him down. In 2021, as a 21-year-old trying Double-A for the first time, he hit an impressive .252/.367/.474 (134 wRC+) in 76 games with 13 homers and 36 RBI.

Injuries are a part of the game, and Davis can’t shake the bug. The Yankees signed him, hoping to tap into what he once was. Last season, in Triple-A Iowa, he hit .214/.359/.469 (110 wRC+) in 181 plate appearances with 11 home runs.

When his rehab is over, he’ll join Everson Pereira and Bryan De La Cruz as right-handed hitting outfield depth.

RHP Jon Olsen was signed to a minor league contract and assigned to Somerset. The 27-year-old was a 12th-round pick by the Twins in 2018, but was out of the organization in 2022. After not pitching in 2023, he ended up in the Independent Atlantic League in 2024, where he compiled a 12-3 record with a 3.60 ERA in 127.2 IP for York. This season, he pitched in the Mexican League, where he was 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA in three starts (17 IP) with a 19/6 K/BB. For now, he is organizational depth. We’ll monitor his progress.

RHP Carlos Carrasco cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Scranton. I have no problem with that, as they need the pitching depth.

Due to some feedback, I have updated the injury log below. It is now sorted by last name, with the Top 30 organizational prospects listed at the top.

Injury Log

Scranton (17-17) (After waiting for 3+ hours, they postponed this game against Rochester due to rain. Weird that they waited so long. The lineup was provided and is below.)

CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-0
2B DJ LeMahieu: 0-for-0
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-0
C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-0
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-0
LF Dominic Smith: 0-for-0
3B Jose Rojas: 0-for-0
DH Alex Jackson: 0-for-0
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-0

RHP Zach McAllister: 0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Until the Yankees find starters, McAllister can put himself on the map for spot starts. However, he hasn’t pitched well thus far.

Somerset (12-18) (Lost to Akron, 5-0. Somerset has suffered three straight shutouts since George Lombard Jr.‘s promotion. The kid is going to develop a complex)

3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, K
2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, K
1-for-11 with a walk and three strikeouts. This is his second start at second base this season (24 at SS; 1 at 3B)
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, K
Flores hasn’t drawn a walk in seven May games (9 in 23 April games)
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, 2 K
.195/.340/.402 in 100 PA. Martin has a .200 BABIP, which should normalize.
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, K
RF Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, BB
With Spencer Jones and Cole Gabrielson on the injured list, Familia should see extended playing time.
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, K
SS Max Burt: 1-for-2, BB

RHP Brendan Beck: (L, 2-1) 4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 K (personal best)
2.28 ERA (23.2 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 26 K). The start to Beck’s season is encouraging.
LHP Will Brian: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Brian allowed two of Beck’s runners to score before tossing a clean 6th inning. Since promotion: 9 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 9 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
9.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K. If you want to get yourself on the radar, throw up a bunch of zeroes in your first eight Double-A games.

Hudson Valley (20-9) (Walloped Wilmington, 12-1. It’s their second straight 12-1 triumph)

CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-6, RBI, R, SB (13)
Jones is 31-for-34 (91.2%) stealing bases in 49 career games.
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2B (8), 2 R, SB (4), BB
.255/.366/.372 in 112 PA. He has back-to-back multi-hit efforts after a 1-for-15 start to May.
3B Parks Harber: 2-for-5, RBI, 3 R, BB, K
Harber is hitting .314 (11-for-35) since his promotion (he has hit safely in seven of eight games).
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, 2 HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 R, HBP, BB, K
Martinez has homered in three straight games. In six May games: 12-for-23 (3 doubles, 4 HR, 10 RBI, 9 R, 4 BB, 4 K).  He is up to .283/.374/.485 in 115 PA. I would consider swapping him and Antonio Gomez.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-5, BB, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-5, 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, R, 2 BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, K

RHP Ben Hess: (W, 2-2)  6.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
Hess has three 9-strikeout efforts this season. He lost the no-hitter with no outs in the 7th, but instantly generated a ground ball double play before leaving. He tossed 88 pitches (63 strikes). Season: 3.24 ERA (25 IP, 12 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 39 K). The spotlight will be brighter on Hess, since he was their first-round pick in 2024. He is performing well.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K. Overall: 11.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 18 K. That’s how you make an impression in your first professional campaign.

Tampa (13-17) (Swept a doubleheader against Daytona)

Game 1 (Won, 13-2. 13 runs, 11 hits, 10 walks)

C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-5, RBI
Perez hits the .200 mark for the first time since April 6th. 
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, 3B (3), RBI, 2 R, CS (3), BB, K
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
LF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, 2 R, BB, K
SS Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, R, BB, K
RF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, R, BB
2B Austin Green: 0-for-2, RBI, R, 2 BB
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (6), BB
.159/.286/.261 in 84 PA. 
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 R, SB (4), BB, K
.240/.356/.328 in 59 PA. 

LHP Griffin Herring: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
1.04 ERA (34.2 IP, 20 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 44 K). The Max Fried of the Florida State League (it’s a joke, don’t take it seriously) allows more than one run for the first time in his 6-start career.
RHP Brady Kirtner (W, 2-0): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
1.56 ERA (17.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 14 K)
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.13 ERA (12.2 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 20 K)

Game 2 (Won, 6-3)

DH Edgleen Perez: 2-for-4, RBI, HBP, K
I love that they keep throwing him out there, even if he caught the first game of a doubleheader. He needs reps, reps, reps.  His batting average is now .214.
RF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, BB
Sanchez is having himself a doubleheader (4-for-8, 3B, 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB). He has three straight multi-hit efforts.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB
Drawing walks is nothing new for Urena (49 in 322 career plate appearances; 15.2%)
LF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, R, 2 K
Lewis has two doubles and two homers in six May games (five extra-base hits in 21 April games)
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 3B (2), 2 K
Toole’s third straight 2-hit effort (6-for-11, 1 double, 2 triples).
SS Owen Cobb: 2-for-3, 2B (4), 2 R, CS (1), BB
9-for-18 with four doubles, a homer, 10 runs, and a 6-for-7 stolen base rate.

RHP Danny Flatt: (W, 1-2)  5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
The rain delay (which occurred in the second inning) wasn’t long enough to knock Flatt out of the game, which worked well for him. Nobody wants a wasted start.  Season: 5.40 ERA (18.1 IP, 19 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 15 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.22 ERA (10.2 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 10 K)
RHP Cade Austin (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (3-1) (Defeated the Phillies, 3-1. I told you they keep playing the same teams!)

DH Brando Mayea: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, R, SB (2), CS (2), BB, K
Mayea has three doubles in four games (4 extra-base hits (2 doubles, 2 triples) in 35 games at this level in 2024). I don’t worry about stolen base rates in the low minors – if a kid has speed, they learn by running.
CF Isael Arias: 2-for-5, RBI, SB (2)
5-for-15
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-2, K
His first rehab game.
  RF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-2, CS (1)
SS Santiago Gomez: 2-for-4, R

RHP Omar Gonzalez: 3.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Only 19, Gonzalez has spent four years in the rookie leagues. However, he has compiled only 58.1 innings (28 hits, 42 BB, 80 K)
RHP Sunayro Martina (W, 1-1): 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 9 K
LHP Franyer Herrera (S, 1): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Herrera’s first career save.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/22: Brendan Beck is Cruising

Notes:

Yoendrys Gomez being designated for assignment surprised me. I thought that Ryan Yarbrough would be the first long reliever on the chopping block, but that wasn’t the case.

Can Gomez get through waivers?  I have learned through the years that I am terrible at perceived value. I see a talented kid. Others may see damaged goods. Furthermore, any team that claims him has the same problem the Yankees had: They can’t option him to the minors. If he clears waivers, he doesn’t have enough service time to reject an outright assignment by the Yankees.

If you look at nothing but ERA, Gomez is having an effective season. Under the hood, however, he isn’t.

DJ LeMahieu began his rehab assignment in Somerset today.  Clayton Beeter‘s rehab was moved from Tampa to Somerset.

A few promotion notes: Infielder Jose Colmenares was promoted to Somerset from Hudson Valley, while Duncan Pastore was promoted from Tampa to Hudson Valley.

Injury Log

Scranton (11-10) (Lost to Charlotte, 5-4, in 11 innings)

CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3, CS (2), 2 BB
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, SF, RBI, 2 K
Since his promotion, Rodriguez is 6-for-23 (.261) with six walks and six strikeouts.
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-4, R, BB
3B Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, 2 BB
1B Ronaldo Hernandez: 1-for-5, 2B (3)
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-5, R, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, K
Richardson hit a home run with two outs in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game. He is 8-for-25 (.320) at this level (1-for-12 for Somerset).
2B Max Burt: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
DH Edinson Duran: 0-for-3, SAC, 2 K

RHP Jake Woodford: 3.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.70 ERA (7.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 11 K)
RHP Colten Brewer: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
7.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 6 BB, 8 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: (L, 1-1)  2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (7-9) (Defeated Hartford, 7-3. Eight of Somerset’s 11 hits went for extra bases. That’s how you win!)

3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, 2B (3), HR (2), RBI, 2 R, K
In his first five games, he earned zero extra-base hits. In his last seven games, he’s compiled five extra-base hits.
2B DJ LeMahieu: 3-for-3, 2B (1), HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 R
I am not a big fan of LeMahieu’s potential return, but no complaints about Game 1. He’ll likely use up most (if not all) of the 20 days before the Yankees have a decision to make.
  2B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2
LeMahieu wasn’t going to play a full game tonight.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-2, 2B (2), R, 2 BB
His OPS is over 1.000 (.263/.391/.614 in 69 PA). His K% is 33.9 (15.9% BB)
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2B (3), 2 RBI, R, K
Flores has 15 RBI in 16 games (.262/.328/.459)
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, CS (1), K
.175/.340/.350 in 50 PA.
SS Jake Gatewood: 2-for-4, 2B (8), K
Gatewood leads the Eastern League with eight doubles.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, SB (6), 2 BB
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4
DH Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Brendan Beck (W, 2-0): 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3 starts: 15 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 13 K.  You couldn’t ask for a better start to the season.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.35 ERA (7.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 1 BB, 10 K)
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
7.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K. 

Hudson Valley (11-4)

Their game against Asheville was postponed due to wet grounds. They will attempt to play two tomorrow.

Tampa (7-9) (Lost to Dunedin, 6-3. Whenever Tampa plays at “home,” we don’t get StatCast data, as they aren’t playing in Steinbrenner Field this year. We get exit velocity and pitch velocity readings, though)

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, SB (7), K
DH Edgleen Perez: 2-for-2, SF, RBI, SB (2), 2 BB
First ten games: 4-for-35, 5 BB, 15 K. Last four games: 5-for-11, 9 BB, 3 K. The 18-year-old has adjusted nicely. 
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-5, 2B (6), 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, K
3B Parks Harber: 3-for-4, 2 2B (3), R, K
Harber is hitting .278/.398/.489 in 161 PA at this level over the last two years. They will consider promoting him at some point.
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (4), 2 K
RF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Austin Green: 1-for-4, 3B (1), R
Green’s first career extra-base hit (17th game).
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, 2B (2), SF, RBI, R, K

RHP Andrew Landry: 6 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Landry bounces back nicely after a rough start last time out (1.1 IP, 8 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 4 BB, 2 K). I like it when young pitchers brush off tough starts.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: (L, 0-1)  1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
7.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 12 K. Rossi won’t be here for long at this rate.

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/20: Spencer Jones Homers

Notes:

RHP Zach Greene, who was on the Development List, is no longer with the organization. The 28-year-old Greene was drafted by the Yankees in the 8th round in the 2019 draft (South Alabama). In December 2022, the Mets selected Greene in the Rule 5 draft. However, he was returned to the Yankees before the start of the 2023 campaign.

RHP Clayton Beeter is back. He began his rehab assignment in Low-A Tampa. Beeter is on the 15-day IL and has a pair of options left. Hence, when he is ready, the Yankees can option him to Scranton if need be.

Injury Log

Scranton (11-9) (Lost to Durham, 4-3)

CF Ismael Munguia: 2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, BB
Munguia’s first HR as a member of the Yankees’ organization (27th in 533 career games)
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, SB (4), BB
C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-2, RBI, R, SB (3), 3 BB
Rodriguez’s third career 3 BB game.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-5, 4 K
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-5
2B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4
The 32-year-old plays almost everywhere, but this is his first game at 2B since 2022.
DH Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-3, 3 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-2, R, BB
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-2, SAC, 2 K

RHP Erick Leal: 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, HR
4.66 ERA (19.1 IP, 20 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 24 K). 
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
6.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 7 K
LHP Tyler Matzek: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: (L, 1-1) 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR

Somerset (6-9) (Lost to Altoona, 9-3)

2B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, R, 2 K
Jones leads the Eastern League with six home runs.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (3), RBI, R, K
Flores has 18 homers in 80 Double-A games.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R
Gabrielson’s first home run since August 30, 2023 (zero HR in 82 games last year)
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, 2 K
Gomez is 2-for-15 with seven strikeouts since his promotion.

RHP Trent Sellers: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
4.15 ERA (13 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 17 K). Sellers has allowed four HR in 96.2 career innings (0.37 HR/9)
RHP Luis Pacheco: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Ryan Anderson (L, 0-1): 0.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Danny Watson: 0.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
A tough night for the middle of the bullpen.
RHP Colby White: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (11-4) (Defeated Wilmington, 3-1)

CF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
Tough start to Avina’s season (.190/.364/.214). He is taking some walks, which is good at least.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
.302/.466/.442 in 58 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 11 R, 7-for-8 SB, 20.7% BB, 22.4% K).  His .466 OBP leads the South Atlantic League.
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, RBI
.241/.305/.270 in 59 PA.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2, CS (1), BB, K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, K
Moylan’s first career game in the outfield. 
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, SB (1)

LHP Kyle Carr: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Carr tossed 62 pitches. He owns a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings (7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 11 K)
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
After making 20 starts for Tampa in 2023, he has been used as a short reliever in 2025 (missed the entire 2024 season, so they might just be building him up)
RHP Cole Ayers (S, 2): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
6.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K

Tampa (7-8) (Lost to St. Lucie, 8-2. St. Lucie (Mets) starter Raimon Gomez averaged 100.1 MPH with his 4-seamer, topping out at 102.3. Like Greysen Carter, controlling that nastiness is the project.)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-1, 4 BB, K
His second career 4 BB game helps the OBP (.159/.351/.182 in 57 PA). Last 3 games: 3-for-9 with 7 walks.
RF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-5, RBI, SB (3), 3 K
.255/.305/.418 in 59 PA (5 doubles, 2 triples, 5 RBI, 3 R, 3-for-4 sB, 6.8% BB, 30.5% K)
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
.174/.361/.413 in 61 PA (2 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R, 2-for-3 SB, 19.7% BB, 24.6% K). Urena has hit safely in six of his last seven games and has reached base safely in all 13 games.
1B Parks Harber: 0-for-4, K
LF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, SB (4), K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, K
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, 4 K
SS Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, 2 2B (4), R, K
Matheus, hitting .087 on April 16th, is 5-for-10 in his last three games and is now hitting .212/.349/.333.
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, RBI, R, K

RHP Gage Ziehl: (L, 0-1)  2.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
The Yankees loaded up on talented arms in last year’s draft. There will be growing pains at times. Ziehl likes to throw his cutter but is dialing up the 4-seamer as high as 95.2 MPH.
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Beeter averaged 97 MPH with his 4-seam fastball (topped out at 97.9).
RHP Sean Hermann: 2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
RHP Cade Austin: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.