Tag: George Lombard Jr.

Yankees MILB 9/14: Spencer Jones Extends Hitting Streak to 10

Notes:

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

Updated look at the trade deadline.

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Arizona Fall League Players

Injury Log

Scranton (83-58; 45-24 in second half) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 6-1)

They could have eliminated Lehigh Valley today, but it wasn’t meant to be. That said, they own a 5.5-game lead over them with six to play. Syracuse won to pull within three games of the lead. I stopped talking about Toledo and Indianapolis because they fell off the pace.

Back to Syracuse:  Scranton clinches the second-half title with a 4-2 final week. If they go 3-3 while Syracuse goes 6-0, it becomes complicated. The two squads split a 6-game second-half series, which would be the first tie-breaker. The second tie-breaker is the final 20 games of the season. A 3-3 week by Scranton would leave them at 9-11. A 6-0 week by Syracuse would equate to a 14-6 mark.

Anyway, the Railriders play a bad team (Buffalo) while Syracuse plays a good team (Lehigh Valley).

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, 2B (19), RBI, K
Vivas hits a run-scoring double with two outs in the 9th to prevent the shutout.
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-5
Escarra is hitting .279/.377/.395 in 106 PA since his demotion (2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 16 RBI)
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (13), 2 K
Jones has a 10-game hitting streak. It’s his second 10+ game hitting streak this season (11 games from June 20th – July 3rd). During this streak, he is 11-for-38 (.289) with three doubles and a home run. It’s not one of those “red hot” hitting streaks, and the strikeouts are high. However, it shows us a sign of life after a brutal stretch that saw him hit .180/.250/.306 in August.
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-1, SB (15), 3 BB, K
“So, why do players like Jose Rojas hang around?”  Good question. He is a Triple-A masher who hasn’t sniffed MLB since 2022. While nobody makes a great living as a Triple-A player, a veteran like Rojas *can* shop his services around and get more money than your typical minor leaguer. He is a good depth piece, and it is fun to see someone earn a living doing something he (obviously) loves.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Brennen Davis: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Davis is hitting .275/.344/.651 in 122 PA since being signed. It’s the first time his OPS has fallen under 1.000 since joining the organization.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, K
Candelario has provided a veteran presence, but hasn’t done anything to suggest he is a Major League talent anymore.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, R

RHP Kenta Maeda: (L, 5-7) 6 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 0.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
1.60 ERA (45 IP, 25 H, 12 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 22 BB, 51 K). Castro has allowed ten home runs in 240.1 minor league innings (three in 25.2 MLB innings).
RHP Harrison Cohen: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 1.69 ERA (26.2 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 15 BB, 28 K)

Somerset (73-65; 38-31 in the second half) (Lost to Reading, 7-4)

Their playoff series against Binghamton starts on Tuesday. It is best-of-3 with the first game in Somerset and the last two games in Binghamton.  Binghamton is comfortably the most dominant team in the Eastern League. The only reason Somerset is in the playoffs is that Binghamton easily won both halves in the East Division, allowing for the second-place team in the second half to join them. That said, rosters change. Dominant starter Jonah Tong was rushed to MLB, and their big masher (Ryan Clifford) was moved to Triple-A.

RF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (14), R, 2 SB (28), BB
Jones clears the 50 stolen base mark (51) to go along with 20 doubles, 89 runs, and 82 walks. Additionally, he finishes his Double-A campaign at .250, which is fine given his plate discipline. Overall, between here and Hudson Valley, he hit .245/.359/.395 in 549 PA (20 doubles, 8 triples, 11 HR, 69 RBI, 89 R, 51-for-60 SB, 14.9% BB, 19.9% K). He is a sneaky good prospect.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 CS (6), BB, K
Final Somerset line: .215/.337/.358 in 469 PA (24 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 68 R, 24-for-30 SB, 13.6% BB, 26.4% K). Overall: .235/.367/.381 in 580 PA (32 doubles, 5 triples, 9 HR, 49 RBI, 90 R, 35-for-43 SB, 15% BB, 25.2% K). It’s an interesting profile, as he showed off his plate discipline, swatted plenty of doubles, and stole a lot of bases. There is also something to be said for reps, and Lombard Jr. compiled 580 plate appearances. It wasn’t perfect. The 20-year-old has work to do. But it is encouraging and I look forward to 2026.
DH Jace Avina: 2-for-5, 2B (11), R, 2 K
Avina hit .224/.314/.341 in 194 plate appearances after his promotion and .260/.366/.425 in 415 plate appearances overall.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, BB, K
Jasso, one of the few to spend the entire season at one level, finishes at .257/.326/.400 in 537 PA (17 doubles, 6 triples, 13 HR, 76 RBI, 62 R, 7.8% BB, 24.2% K). He won the Eastern League RBI crown while playing first base, second base, and third base (his primary position).
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, 2B (25), R, BB, 2 K
The power was there (.458 SLG; 25 doubles, 20 home runs). However, he doesn’t draw walks and has a high strikeout rate (31.6%). A team looking for cheap power potential may have interest.
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
Castillo started slow after his promotion, but went 11-for-35 (.314/.405/.457) in September. 
2B Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (13), RBI
C Diomedes Hernandez: 1-for-4, 2B (2), R, K

LHP Kyle Carr (L, 0-1): 5 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
Carr had one of the most insane runs of any professional pitcher in 2025. It earned him a promotion to Somerset, where he had one solid outing and two not-so-good ones. That’s fine, as getting his feet wet here was the most important thing. As for the upcoming playoffs, he will be rested enough to pitch on Friday, which is the “if necessary” game. Anyway, including his time with Hudson Valley, he finishes the regular season at 8-7 with a 2.64 ERA over 133 innings (95 H, 48 R, 39 ER, 8 HR, 55 BB, 117 K).
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
For Somerset: 2.48 ERA (36.1 IP, 30 H, 13 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 38 K). Brian has a legitimate chance to develop into a Major League reliever.
RHP Hayden Merda: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Merda pitched to a 4.38 ERA in 24.2 innings after his promotion.

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

Their season is over.

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

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/13: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz Ks 7

Notes:

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

Updated look at the trade deadline.

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Arizona Fall League Players

Injury Log

Scranton (83-57; 45-23 in second half) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 8-5)

As stated earlier this week, the Lehigh Valley team is solid and was a legitimate threat to overtake the Railriders. Scranton needed to win a few games, and they have accomplished that. They are 6.5 games up on them with seven games left. With that threat out of the way, attention turns to Syracuse. The Mets lost today, falling four games behind Scranton.

CF Spencer Jones:  1-for-3, 2 R, BB
Jones has a 9-game hitting streak (10-for-35; 2 doubles, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 8 R, 2 BB, 19 K).  This is the first time he hasn’t struck out in a game since August 24th (16 straight games with at least one strikeout; 40 strikeouts during that stretch.)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, RBI, R, BB
Rumfield is 7-for-20 in his last six games. He is hitting .285/.375/.448 in 562 plate appearances (31 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR, 85 RBI, 83 R, 4-for-6 SB, 11.6% BB, 17.97% K)
DH J.C. Escarra: 1-for-2, SF, 2 RBI, R, BB
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, HR (31), 3 RBI, R, HBP, BB
He’s a 32-year-old non-prospect, so I don’t post his numbers often. However, they are quite impressive: .297/.387/.616 in 494 PA (35 doubles, 4 triples, 31 HR, 103 RBI, 76 R, 14-for-16 SB, 12.3% BB, 20.4% K). Additionally, he has provided utility to Scranton, as he has eight starts at first base, 14 at second base, 16 at third base, 19 in left field, and 17 in right field.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, HR (14), 2 RBI, R
De La Cruz surprisingly didn’t homer despite a hot August (.320/.363/.427). He is more himself in September, as this is his 4th HR this month (9-for-31).
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, 2 K
LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-4, 2 K
Ellis was as hot as a hitter can be for a while, but is 3-for-19 in September. He is still hitting .333/.378/.478 in 214 plate appearances.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 4 K
Martinez is hitting .217/.313/.304 in 80 plate appearances since his promotion. 
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-4, 2B (19), 2 R, SB (25)
Velázquez opted out of his deal on August 3rd, only to re-sign on August 15th. Since returning: 13-for-42 (.310; 4 doubles, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 2-for-3 SB). 

RHP Erick Leal: 4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 4 K, HR
To say Leal has put together a good season would be lying (5.75 ERA). However, he has given them 123.2 innings, which is also important. Every organization needs veterans who provide Triple-A innings.
RHP Joel Kuhnel: (W, 4-1)  1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Rodriguez reached 99.7 MPH with his 4-seamer and 96.3 MPH with his cutter. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Yankees re-signed him this winter. 
LHP Brent Headrick: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Hopefully, everyone can stay healthy, but Headrick is a nice depth piece down here. 
RHP Scott Effross (S, 3): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
If the Yankees wish to continue to employ Effross beyond 2025, 2026 is another option year. Is he useful enough as a shuttle reliever to use a 40-man roster slot going forward?

Somerset (73-64; 38-30 in the second half) (Defeated Reading, 6-2)

Their playoff series against Binghamton starts on Tuesday. It is best-of-3 with the first game in Somerset and the last two games in Binghamton.

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-5, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B (24), R, 2 K
Lombard Jr. scores his 90th run and has six doubles in 11 September games (32 doubles between Somerset and Hudson Valley overall).
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, R, BB
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
Jasso takes over the Eastern League’s RBI lead with 76 (there’s no drama here – he will win the RBI crown.)
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 3B (5), HR (20), 2 RBI, 2 R, K
Hardman is the fourth Yankees’ farmhand to reach 20+ home runs (Spencer Jones, Jose Rojas, and Dillon Lewis as the others.)
LF Garrett Martin: 3-for-4, 2B (14), HR (14), 2 RBI, 2 R, K
Martin has homered in back-to-back games (he is 13-for-34 with three home runs in September.)
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-4, K
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (W, 5-3) 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Rodriguez-Cruz wins the organization’s strikeout title with 173 (Carlos Lagrange struck out 168). Only Jonah Tong (NYM) has more in all of minor league baseball (179). Final regular season stats: 26 games (25 starts), 11-7, 2.42 ERA (145 IP, 96 H, 48 R, 39 ER, 3 HR, 57 BB, 173 K). For Somerset, he pitched to a 2.64 ERA over 61.1 innings. Add him to your MLB depth chart for 2026.  By the way, yes – this game was meaningless and there is a playoff game on Tuesday. In MLB, an ace-level pitcher isn’t making this start. In the minors, he is going to make this start.
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.95 ERA (42.2 IP, 35 H, 17 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 28 BB, 37 K).
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Watson ends the regular season with a 4.74 ERA (57 IP, 61 H, 31 R, 30 ER, 6 HR, 8 BB, 57 K). He tossed six scoreless innings in September (3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K). Going back to May 24th, Watson walked only one batter the rest of the season (44.2 innings). That’s insane. He also allowed zero home runs over his last 22 appearances. He is going to be an interesting Rule 5 decision this winter.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

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

Their season is over.

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

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

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

Notes:

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

Updated look at the trade deadline.

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Arizona Fall League Players

Injury Log

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Their season is over.

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

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/7: George Lombard Jr.: 2 Doubles

Notes:

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

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

“What happens when the season ends?”

I will provide some content, but not every day.

I will update the popular “Where are they now?” post.  There will be a lot of new players to add to that. I will do a season recap. I don’t report on the Arizona Fall League every day (if you think people take minor league stats too seriously (include me on that list if you wish), the Arizona Fall League is ripe with overanalysis. However, I will provide updates from time to time.)

We are a while away from that, however. Hudson Valley and Tampa finished up today, but Scranton and Somerset still have games to play.

Injury Log

Scranton (81-54; 43-20 in second half) (Split a doubleheader against Worcester)

Syracuse lost to fall four games back.  Others: Toledo (6 back), Indianapolis (7 back), Lehigh Valley (7.5 back). The season ends on September 21st. Lehigh Valley can make Scranton nervous with a sweep this week.

Game 1 (Lost, 6-5)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5, 2B (17), R
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-2, CS (1), 2 BB, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, R, SB (13), K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, HR (8), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, SF, RBI
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-3, R, BB
Since promotion: .231/.329/.323 in 76 PA. Overall, in 421 plate appearances, he is hitting .227/.323/.367 with 12 home runs and 55 RBI. It is important to follow Martinez due to the lack of catching in the system. There are only three catchers ahead of him on the current depth chart (Austin Wells, Ben Rice, J.C. Escarra).
LF Duke Ellis: 2-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
.349/.394/.500 in 168 Triple-A plate appearances. He also has 33 stolen bases in 40 attempts.

RHP Erick Leal: 3.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Yerry De los Santos: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kervin Castro (L, 4-1): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
It’s rare to see Castro not shut things down, as Worcester scored two in the bottom of the 7th to win it. He owns a 1.69 ERA in 42.2 IP (24 H, 12 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 19 BB, 50 K)

Game 2 (Won, 5-0)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, 2B (18), R
“Vivas Doubles” (OK, that isn’t quite as catchy as Miggy Doubles) has swatted six two-baggers in his last ten games. He has five multi-hit efforts in his last eight games.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, 2B (31), RBI
Maybe Rumfield is getting past his struggles. This is his 10th 3+-hit game this season.
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, BB, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (12), RBI, 3 K
Jones goes 2-for-8 with a double and five strikeouts in the doubleheader. He has hit safely in nine of his last 11 games but is only 10-for-44 with 28 strikeouts during this stretch.
DH Brennen Davis: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, HR (12), RBI, R
  LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-0
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-2, R, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-2, HR (5), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
C Edinson Duran: 2-for-3, R, K
Duran’s first multi-hit game since June 1, 2024. As stated, he doesn’t get to play often.

RHP Sean Boyle: 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.79 ERA (124 IP, 118 H, 73 R, 66 ER, 15 HR, 43 BB, 115 K)
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: (W, 3-1)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
If you do the Sporcle quiz after the season, remember that Sandridge had a cup of coffee with the big club this year!
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (70-62; 35-28 in the second half) (Defeated New Hampshire, 9-4. When you are given a not-so-good opponent, take advantage. The Patriots did just that, sweeping the 6-game series.)

Hartford lost and is now 3.5 games back. Portland lost and is 5.5 games out. A 3-3 finish prevents Hartford from overtaking them. Portland is on life support.

Somerset ends the season against Reading. Reading’s season hasn’t been much better than New Hampshire’s.

CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (12), R, 2 SB (21), BB, K
Jones ties Marshall Toole for the organization’s stolen base lead (44). Given that Toole and Juan Matheus played their final 2025 games today, it seems likely that Jones will take the crown. He is hitting .243/.364/.420 in 308 PA since his promotion and .240/.358/.396 in 517 plate appearances overall. 
3B George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, 2 2B (22), RBI, 2 R, BB, K
Including his time with Hudson Valley, Lombard Jr. has 30 doubles and 33 stolen bases. He has hit safely in six of his last seven games (8-for-26; 4 doubles, 1 HR, 6 RBI). 
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-3, 2B (23), HR (19), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
Hardman has a week to join this year’s 20 HR club (Spencer Jones, Jose Rojas, Dillon Lewis).
DH Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-5, RBI, 2 R
Castillo is looking to finish strongly. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-15; 1 double, 1 HR, 3 BB, 1 K) that has improved his Double-A triple slash from .130/.216/.217 to .230/.319/.361.
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-5, R
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI, R, BB, K
We all know the catching depth took a hit at the deadline. It opened up playing time for the 23-year-old Palencia, who hit for a high average in the rookie leagues (.306 in 123 DSL/FCL contests) and Low-A (.290 in 39 games). I wouldn’t label him a prospect, but he fills in well.
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (W, 4-3): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
Since promotion: 2.56 ERA (56.1 IP, 40 H, 19 R, 16 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 67 K). Overall: 10-7, 2.38 ERA (140 IP, 92 H, 46 R, 37 ER, 3 HR, 54 BB, 166 K). Rodriguez-Cruz pushes back ahead of Carlos Lagrange (163 strikeouts) for the organization’s strikeout crown. Each pitcher should get one start next week. I don’t want to read too much into the insanely low home run rate, but it’s better than giving them up in bushels!
RHP Hayden Merda: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 2.84 ERA (6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 9 K). 
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
5.09 ERA (53 IP, 59 H, 31 R, 30 ER, 6 HR, 8 BB, 53 K).  Second half: 2.54 ERA (28.1 IP, 29 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 1 BB, 26 K)
RHP Kelly Austin: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
LHP Will Brian (S, 2): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Things became a bit dicey in the 9th, but Brian shut it down.

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 second half) (Lost to Greensboro, 4-1)

Hudson Valley entered this week needing to go 5-1 against Greensboro to win the second-half crown. They end up going 4-2.  Their .612 overall winning percentage is impressive. It’s the second-best winning percentage in the South Atlantic League (behind Greensboro), but you must win a half to get to the playoffs, and they couldn’t pull it off.

A great season for the Renegades comes up just short.  Their season was highlighted by many prospects who leaped to Somerset (George Lombard Jr., Brendan Jones, Jace Avina, Jackson Castillo, Ben Hess, Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz, Carlos Lagrange, Kyle Carr).

3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, BB
Matheus ends the season on an 8-game hitting streak (14-for-31; .452). After his promotion: .287/.381/.398 in 126 PA. Overall, between here and Tampa, he hit .275/.365/.376 in 520 PA (32 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 56 RBI, 61 R, 40-for-51 SB (78.4%), 12.3% BB, 18.5% K). Reps are important for prospects, and Matheus finishes 4th in the organization in plate appearances. While he played 2B (rarely)/SS/3B this season, he only played third base after his promotion.
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-2, R, SB (13), 2 BB
After his promotion: .228/.320/.426 in 332 PA. Overall, like Matheus, he received a lot of reps (527 PA), hitting .237/.321/.445 (21 doubles, 5 triples, 22 HR, 79 RBI, 72 R, 26-for-28 SB, 10.2% BB, 23.5% K).  One impressive part about his campaign was the reduction in strikeouts upon his promotion (from 28.2% to 20.8%). 
2B Core Jackson: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
As we know, drafting Jackson turned into a controversial decision. He didn’t do much hitting (.183/.287/.280 in 108 PA with seven doubles and a triple).
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 2 K
The team’s second-half lineup was different than the first half, as 2025 draftees started to filter into the lineup alongside Matheus and Lewis. Moylan, a 23-year-old in his second campaign at this level, had a big second half to help keep the Renegades in the playoff race.
SS Kaeden Kent: 2-for-4, RBI
Speaking of 2025 draftees, Jeff Kent‘s son hit .186/.217/.265 in 116 PA (2 doubles, 2 HR, 17 RBI). Included in that stat line was an impressive 5-for-5 day on August 27th.
RF Camden Troyer: 1-for-3, BB, K
Their 12th-round pick goes 19-for-75 (.253/.356/.320) with a pair of doubles and a home run. He walked 12 times while striking out 13 times.
DH Connor McGinnis: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
An 0-for-5 finish knocked the 10th-round pick’s average below .200 (.196/.297/.250). His (brief) season included a 6-game hitting streak.
  PH-DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-1
Seen as a power prospect entering the season, Urena struggled for Tampa/Hudson Valley, hitting .198/.318/.305 in 490 PA (17 doubles, 9 HR, 46 RBI, 62 R, 13.3% BB, 19.2% K). The strikeout rate is solid, and his .231 BABIP indicates some bad luck. 2026 will be a key season.
C John Cristino: 0-for-4, 3 K
The 25-year-old was signed to a minor league contract in March and predictably destroyed the FCL. Life wasn’t as easy here (.167/.233/.258 in 21 games).
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-4
Chosen in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft (Cleveland), Durango battled injuries (only played in 45 games). In 40 games here, he showed off on-base skills (.351 OBP) and speed (17 stolen bases), but little pop (.268 SLG). You can’t expect a full package from a minor league Rule 5 pick!

RHP Brandon Decker: (L, 2-2)  5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
Decker wiggled his way through five today after tossing five shutout innings against Greensboro on Tuesday. At this level: 4.26 ERA (31.2 IP, 25 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 39 K). Overall, he finishes his first season with a 3.61 ERA in 84.2 innings (75 H, 43 R, 34 ER, 3 HR, 42 BB, 92 K).
RHP Chris Kean: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The 23-year-old finishes with a 3.48 ERA in 41.1 innings (35 H, 18 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 37 K). He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
RHP Jack Cebert: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
Cebert hadn’t allowed a run in his (very) brief career before today (6.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 1 BB, 11 K). He was their 15th-round pick this year.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Warrecker’s impressive campaign (assuming he doesn’t go to Somerset) comes to an end with a 2.05 ERA in 57 innings (35 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 61 K). Used as a starter in all 19 of his 2024 appearances (5.79 ERA in 65.1 innings with a 46/30 K/BB), the Yankees put him in the bullpen this season, and he flourished. He will go to Somerset in 2026, where we will see just how viable he is as a relief prospect. This was step 1.

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

The drama of whether they will finish above or below .500 ends with the worst plot twist since the ending of How I Met Your Mother. Today’s game against Clearwater was canceled, so they finished at .500 on the nose!

Outfielder Marshall Toole finishes the season as the only qualified Florida State League player over .300, hitting .305/.406/.479 (148 wRC+; yes, this can change depending on what happens elsewhere today, but it wouldn’t change by much.) with 14 doubles, 13 triples, five home runs, 48 RBI, 66 runs, and 44 stolen bases in 50 attempts. Additionally, he walked 14% of the time while striking out at a 19.6% rate.  Last year’s 15th-round pick will find himself in Hudson Valley in 2026.

First-round pick Dax Kilby adjusted quickly to professional baseball, hitting .353/.457/.441 (159 wRC+) in 18 games. He walked more than he struck out (13 – 11) while stealing 16 bases in 17 attempts. He didn’t play any other position than shortstop, but don’t read into that. We have no idea what the Yankees think when it comes to future position, but they will keep him at shortstop for as long as possible. Other positions can be learned.  As for 2026, he will likely start the season here. George Lombard Jr. didn’t move up to Hudson Valley until halfway through his second campaign. No two prospects are alike, but why wouldn’t he follow a similar path?  Meanwhile, Jackson Lovich‘s stay was short-lived due to an injury, but he went 14-for-22 with four doubles and two triples.

On the flip side, Roderick Arias‘ prospect status is likely in the trash bin. After a decent 2024 campaign at this level (.233/.335/.393; 111 wRC+), Arias crashed and burned to the tune of .208/.325/.315 (89 wRC+). His walk rate climbed while his strikeout rate fell. That means little.  This was his second full season in Low-A, and he failed. His only trade market value is as a sweetener for a team that will buy low on a project.

On the pitching side, RHP Greysen Carter showed off his elite fastball and not-so-elite control before ending his season in the FCL. He will be a fun project for the player development team.

Relievers Chris Veach (2.53 ERA; 30.5% K) and Cade Austin (3.08 ERA; 25.1% K) spent the entire season here, as did Jack Sokol, who relies more on groundballs (54.1%) than strikeouts (19.7%).

They likely did enough to start 2026 in Hudson Valley. LHP Allen Facundo caught my attention with his velocity after his promotion here. He pitched to a 2.14 ERA (3.07 FIP) in 33.1 innings with a 26.5% K and 10.6% BB. LHP Henry Lalane was hurt most of the season, making six late starts (only 16.1 innings). Hopefully, he can be healthy for the full 2026 campaign. Potential won’t be realized from the injured list.

Most prospects don’t “stick” here for a full season. Outfielder Dillon Lewis lasted 46 games (after playing 14 games in 2024) before being bumped to Hudson Valley.

The “fun” story for 2025 was the repackaging of Antonio Gomez. Once considered one of the best all-around catching prospects in the system, the Yankees converted him into a pitcher. He was pumping 100 MPH+ fastballs upon making his debut, but didn’t last long before ending up on the Injured List. Hopefully, they shut him down due to a minor ailment rather than a serious issue.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/5: Carlos Lagrange Strikes out 10

Notes:

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

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

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

Injury Log

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

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

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

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

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

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

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/4: George Lombard Jr. Homers

Notes:

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

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Nothing to report.

Injury Log

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

Syracuse’s game against Buffalo was postponed (they will try to play two tomorrow), so Scranton increases its lead to 4.5 games. Teams trying to hang in there include Toledo, Indianapolis, and Lehigh Valley. Scranton owns a solid lead over Lehigh Valley, but they do play a 6-game series next week. The season ends on September 21.

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

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

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

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

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Their season ends on Sunday.

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

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

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

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

Notes:

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

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

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

Injury Log

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

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

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

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

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

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

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/29: George Lombard Jr. Goes Yard

Notes:

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

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

OF Austin Slater started his rehab stint tonight with Scranton.

The good news? The Yankees don’t have to worry about making a corresponding roster move once he is ready, as the rosters expand on Monday. That is bad news for other players who may have wanted Slater’s spot (J.C. Escarra being the most notable).

The same is true with the pitching staff. LHP Ryan Yarbrough can come up on Monday, and everything else remains untouched. I am not sure if they will keep RHP Paul Blackburn, but they can if they want to.

Injury Log

Scranton (77-50; 39-16 in second half) (Defeated Syracuse, 6-2. Scranton is up by five games in the second-half race.)

LF Austin Slater: 2-for-3
As for his Yankees’ role, he’ll be a backup outfielder who gets some AB against LHP. It won’t be much, given how well the outfield is playing right now.
  LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-2, 2 K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, BB, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2 R, SB (16), BB, 3 K
Jones is getting closer to a 30/30 season (he has 32 home runs and 26 stolen bases). “Who was the last Yankees minor leaguer to accomplish that?”  I’m not sure, but it’s been a long time. Estevan Florial came close in 2023.
C J.C. Escarra: 3-for-4, RBI, R
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, R, 3 K
A .228/.339/.366 August has his average down to .293.
DH Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, HR (12), 2 RBI, R, K
Davis has homered in three straight games and has five home runs in his last five games. Including his rehab time, he has hit 17 home runs in 36 games (.787 SLG)
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, HR (27), 3 RBI, R, 2 BB
Rojas has four home runs in his last four games and is marching towards a 100 RBI season (93). The last player to do that in the Yankees minor league system is Brandon Laird, who drove home 102 in 2010.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, BB

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 11-0) 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
For Scranton: 1.18 ERA (84 IP, 62 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 22 BB, 90 K.
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.33 ERA (40.2 IP, 22 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 50 K)
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Bird was solid last time out but fell back down tonight. He has a 7.56 ERA since his demotion.
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (64-60; 29-26 in second half) (Defeated Binghamton, 6-5)

Hartford lost, so Somerset increases their lead to 1.5 games in the race for a playoff berth. Hartford is playing Portland this week. Portland is 2.5 games out.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
I have mentioned that one of Jones’ attributes is his ability to play all three outfield positions. 2025 breakdown: CF: 59 games; LF: 23 games; RF: 18 games.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, SB (19), BB, K
Heading into tonight (don’t have an updated number), Lombard Jr. had a 110 wRC+ in his last 68 games at this level. That number will go up and should remind you of another fact: The Eastern League is not typically hitter-friendly. That 110 wRC+ featured a .212/.324/.376 triple slash. By the way, “last 68 games” is indeed cherry-picked. But when it comes to prospects, you are looking for upward trends and when they started.
DH Jace Avina: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-5, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-2, R, BB, K
    PH Tyler Hardman: 1-for-2, RBI
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, R, K
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-2, R, 2 SB (18), 2 BB
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-3, RBI, R, BB

RHP Ben Hess: (W, 2-1)  5.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Hess cruised through five innings before running into a little trouble in the 6th. Since promotion: 3.16 ERA (25.2 IP, 15 H, 11 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 32 K). Overall, Hess is up to 126 strikeouts in 92.1 innings in his debut season. I will say it again: He can be an option as early as sometime in 2026. They were lucky that Cam Schlittler ascended quickly to the big club this year, as their overall young pitching depth was lacking. That may not be the case next year.
LHP Will Brian: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Carson Coleman: (S, 1) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (74-47; 36-21 second half) (Defeated Brooklyn, 5-1)

Greensboro finally lost and owns a 3-game lead over Hudson Valley for the second-half title. There are only two games before their season-ending 6-game series. In other words, those games will have some meaning. We’ll see how much.

CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, BB, K
SS Core Jackson: 0-for-5, 2 K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, R, SB (5), BB, 3 K
Matheus has his first career 40-stolen base campaign (previous high was 15, though he never played more than 54 games before 2025)
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, 2B (2)
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, 2B (17), 2 R, BB
LF Luis Durango: 1-for-3, R, SB (16), 2 HBP, K
Durango has ten stolen bases in his last seven games.
2B Connor McGinnis: 1-for-4, BB, K
RF Robbie Burnett: 1-for-2, HR (1), SF, 2 RBI, R, BB, K
Burnett launches his first professional home run.
DH Joe Delossantos: 0-for-3, K

LHP Xavier Rivas: (W, 2-1)  6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Since promotion: 1.50 ERA (24 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 34 K). Overall, between the FCL, Tampa, and Hudson Valley, Rivas has a 3.60 ERA in 80 IP with 49 hits allowed, 46 walks, and 103 strikeouts. Is he the latest mid-to-late round “find” by the Yankees?
RHP Chris Kean: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Yulie and Rossi were the main characters in the Hudson Valley meltdown the other night. Great to see them bounce back.

Tampa (59-61; 23-32 in the second half) (Defeated Bradenton, 5-4)

Tampa’s season ends on September 7th.

CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, CS (6), K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-4, HR (3), RBI, R, SB (9), K
His personal best for home runs in a season is five, set in 2023.
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
LF Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-4, R, SB (4)
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
.280/.323/.347 in 161 PA. He isn’t known for elite power, but he hit seven home runs at this level last season (120 games).
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, R, HBP, 2 K
1B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, SB (22), K
DH Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, HBP, 2 K

RHP Jose M. Rodriguez (W, 3-1): 5.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
Since promotion: 5.25 ERA (24 IP, 19 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 20 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
3.74 ERA (43.1 IP, 45 H, 27 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 22 BB, 37 K)
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
3.89 ERA (44 IP, 38 H, 26 R, 19 ER, 4 HR, 20 BB, 40 K)
RHP Cade Austin (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.18 ERA (51 IP, 45 H, 25 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 21 BB, 56 K). All three of tonight’s relievers could/should find themselves in the 2026 Hudson Valley bullpen. In Austin’s case, he is spending two years at this level.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

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

Notes:

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

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

No news to report.

Injury Log

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

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

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

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

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tampa’s season ends on September 7th.

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

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

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/16: George Lombard Jr.: 3 Hits

Notes:

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

16th round pick Jackson Lovich, a 21-year-old jack-of-all-trades out of the University of Missouri, was assigned to Scranton.  I can’t think of the last prospect who was initially assigned to Triple-A (technically, Lovich started on the FCL roster, but he didn’t get into a game.)

In 2025, he saw action at first base, third base, and shortstop for the Tigers. Over his entire collegiate career, he also saw time in center field and right field. He hit .357/.430/.622 in 51 games this season with 12 home runs and 51 RBI.

Does this mean anything? Of course not. It’s more of a cool (at least to me) anecdote than a significant development. They likely needed a body, and he was available. He was not in the lineup tonight.

Injury Log

Scranton (69-47; 31-13 in second half) (Defeated Indianapolis, 11-5)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-2, 2 R, 4 BB, K
Vivas’ second career 4-BB game (had one last year as well). He is 15-for-57 (.263) with 15 walks in August.
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, 2 R, 3 BB
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Jones needed a night like this, as he tries to break free of his slide. 
LF Jose Rojas: 2-for-5, 2B (29), 2 RBI, R, BB
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 3-for-6, 2B (15), 3 RBI, R, K
De La Cruz had a 4-hit game two days ago.
1B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, R, HBP, 2 BB, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 2-for-4, 2B (9), RBI, R, BB, K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-5, RBI, 3 K
2B Andrew Velazquez: 3-for-5, 2 2B (17), 2 RBI, R, K
I guess he likes being back.

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 6-1)  5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
Since promotion: 4.74 ERA (49.1 IP, 44 H, 26 R, 26 ER, 11 HR, 13 BB, 39 K). Beck clears 100 innings for the first time in his career (103.2). The home run rate in Triple-A is not good, but I wonder if a healthy Beck is desirable this winter in the Rule 5 draft (or as trade bait before the draft). I don’t believe the Yankees would add him to the 40-man, but we’ll see how the rest of the roster shakes out.
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 2 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 1.53 ERA (17.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 9 BB, 19 K). Cohen is Rule 5 eligible this winter.

Somerset (60-53; 25-20 in second half) (Defeated Portland, 8-5)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 3-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
Lombard Jr.’s second 3-hit effort since his promotion. He is hitting .212/.327/.348 since joining Somerset (the .348 SLG is his high-water mark.)
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-5, R, 2 K
CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 3B (5), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
Since promotion: .237/.349/.433 in 232 PA. When he went to bed on July 2nd,  he was hitting .190/.256/.304 at this level. Adjustments, adjustments.
DH Dylan Jasso: 1-for-5, RBI, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, CI, 3 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, HR (17), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
.218/.269/.442 in 364 PA.
SS Jake Gatewood: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, 2 R, BB, K
Gatewood was moved here from Scranton today. 
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-4, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: 4 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 8 K
The strikeouts were there, but Rodriguez-Cruz was having a tough time finding a groove. It happens. He owns a 1.75 ERA and 38/12 K/BB over 36 innings at this level and a 2.91 ERA and 137/49 K/BB over 119.2 innings overall. He is 30 innings over his previous career high.
RHP Michael Arias: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Arias inherited the bases loaded with nobody out and allowed only one run to score. Good job.
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: (S, 6)  1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.07 ERA (44 IP, 32 H, 17 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 38 K). He had a 9.58 ERA after April (Since: 1.07 ERA; 33.2 IP, 18 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 12 BB, 28 K)

Hudson Valley (68-42; 30-16 second half) (No-hit by Aberdeen, 3-0. This is what you would call a “Joe Cowley” no-hitter, as Aberdeen pitchers allowed seven walks.)

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, SB (10), BB, K
Lewis has 20 home runs and 23 stolen bases (25 attempts). 
DH Core Jackson: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Jackson is 6-for-32 with three doubles and a triple to start his professional journey.
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, BB
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-3, BB, K
Kent is only 3-for-31, though he has hit a homer.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: 3-for-30. His eight walks allow him to have a .308 OBP despite the .100 batting average.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Robbie Burnett: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Andrew Landry (L, 2-2): 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
Tough luck loss for Landry. Since promotion: 2.33 ERA (27 IP, 16 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 22 K). Overall: 3.95 ERA (95.2 IP, 93 H, 51 R, 42 ER, 6 HR, 41 BB, 88 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
Morrill’s first HR allowed in 2025. This is the first run he has allowed since May 29th (first earned run since May 1st). 

Tampa (52-59; 16-30 in the second half) (Lost to Dunedin, 7-2)

2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-5, SB (4), K
RF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, SB (38), BB, K
Toole is 10-for-12 stealing bases in 14 August games.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, K
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-3, BB
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-4, 3 K
CF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-3, 2B (5), R, BB
In 114 Low-A plate appearances: .245/.351/.404 (5 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 13 R)
LF Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-2, R, K
   LF Eric Genther: 0-for-1
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4
1B Hans Montero: 1-for-2, RBI, SB (17), 2 BB
Montero would rather hit than pitch.

RHP Luis Serna: (L, 0-2)  1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Josh Tiedemann: 2 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
Tiedemann was called up from the FCL today. Struggling lefty Tanner Bauman was assigned to the FCL in a corresponding move. Yes, that is a “paper” move – they have to assign Bauman somewhere, even if that team hasn’t played in weeks.
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
3.27 ERA (55 IP, 40 H, 27 R, 20 ER, 0 HR, 31 BB, 43 K). His walk rate has calmed down since allowing 15 free passes in 12.2 April innings (zero walks in nine August frames)
RHP Jack Sokol: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

In case you are wondering, the DSL ends on August 19th. The Yankees have no shot at the playoffs. The Bombers may have a shot at a playoff spot, but today’s loss will probably make that difficult.

DSL Yankees (23-31) (Defeated DSL Miami (36-18), 5-1. Both DSL Miami and the DSL Marlins will make the 16-team DSL Cup tournament.)

CF Isaias Castillo: 1-for-3, 2 R, SB (13), BB, K
SS Carlos Bello: 1-for-3, R, BB
With Mani Cedeno‘s presence, Bello doesn’t get to play shortstop often. This was the 17-year-old’s fifth start at shortstop this season.
RF Wilberson De Pena: 1-for-1, HR (5), 2 RBI, SB (9), 2 BB
De Pena’s first home run as a member of the Yankees’ organization.
C Diego Flores: 0-for-3, RBI, K
2B Eliezer Adames: 0-for-1, R, CS (1), 2 BB
The 17-year-old is having a tough debut campaign (3-for-41)

RHP Hector Moreno: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
The 6’6″ 17-year-old continues to turn his season around. He doesn’t have enough time to make his final numbers look impressive (he owns a 16.43 ERA!), but his last three starts perhaps show his potential: 10 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 14 K
RHP Anthony Mena (W, 4-1): 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
3.15 ERA (45.2 IP, 43 H, 30 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 57 K)

DSL Bombers (29-25) (Lost to DSL Colorado, 6-4, in ten innings. This was a huge loss in their quest to grab one of the 16 tournament slots. They owned a 4-0 lead entering the 8th inning, but couldn’t hold it.)

CF Jose Castro: 2-for-4, 2B (4), R, 2 SB (18), BB, K
3B Alfred Ciriaco: 2-for-5, RBI
LF David Carrera: 1-for-4, R, SB (13), BB
C Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-5, HR (8), RBI, R
The 18-year-old continues to show the power in his second campaign (.237/.361/.450; 8 HR, 24 RBI). The DSL leader in homers (Jose Castro (MIA)) has an impressive 14 home runs. Nobody else has more than nine. I always pay close attention to the Yankees’ catching prospects.
SS Leni Done: 2-for-3, HR (5), RBI, R, SB (16), CS (4), 2 HBP
Done, an 18-year-old who is floating under the radar, is hitting .277/.410/.454 (8 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 38 R, 16-for-20 SB) in 174 plate appearances. 

RHP Luis Burgos: 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
Burgos did his job. The 19-year-old owns a 2.44 ERA in 51.2 IP (37 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 23 BB, 48 K)