George Lombard Jr. Archives - Tom's Sports Blog

Yankees MILB 5/30: Tyler Hardman Homers Twice (Again)

Notes:

There’s nothing I can offer you.

Scranton (24-28) (Defeated Worcester, 3-1)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, 2 K
Rodriguez is 4-for-22 in his last five games (one of those games was a 3-hit effort).
LF Dominic Smith: 2-for-3, R, BB
RF Everson Pereira: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
.274/.377/.521 in 138 PA (2 doubles, 9 HR, 23 RBI, 32 R, 5-for-5 SB, 13.0% BB, 32.6% K). Pereira isn’t perfect, but we need him to stay healthy in case someone is needed in MLB. They have outfield “depth” to some extent, but a healthy Pereira would be their best bet.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
DH Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI
Jackson’s 3-run double in the bottom of the 8th gave Scranton the lead.
3B Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, K
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-0
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4
2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-4, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3

RHP Anthony DeSclafani: 4 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Jake Woodford: (W, 2-2) 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
The two MLB veterans combine to allow one run while scattering ten hits. Woodford has a 4.54 ERA in 39.2 IP (45 H, 23 R, 20 ER, 6 HR, 17 BB, 39 K). So far, the Yankees haven’t needed to dig too deeply into their starting pitching depth, which is surprising when you lose Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil before the season and Marcus Stroman (don’t laugh) during the season. If they ever need to, DeSclafani and Woodford are somewhere on the depth chart.

Somerset (23-25) (Lost to Akron, 8-7. They loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the 9th and didn’t score. My high school coach would make us run the bleachers for two hours after such an effort)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, R, SB (7), 2 BB, K
Lombard Jr. continues to show off his plate discipline. It’s impressive for a 19-year-old (we won’t be able to call him a teenager much longer – he turns 20 on Monday)
DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Jones is hitting .237 with a .940 OPS (4 doubles, 9 HR, 17 RBI, 21 R, 7-for-9 SB, 18.3% BB, 35.8% K)
PH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-0, BB
Yes, the Yankees are strict about players coming back from injury. Even down a run in the 9th, they weren’t going to allow Jones to bat.
PR Max Burt: 0-for-0
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, BB
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, R, HBP, K
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-5, 3 K
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-5, 2B (8), 2 RBI, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-5, 2 HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
Hardman hits two home runs for the second day in a row. He is giving us a glimpse of the masher he was a few years ago (before injury).
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, 3B (1), R, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Vrieling’s first two appearances since coming back from his rehab stint were scoreless (7.1 innings). I am not going to worry about a random rough evening when he is essentially in “late spring training” mode.
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: (L, 1-2) 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (30-18) (Lost to Wilmington, 4-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4
“Is Roc Riggio a legitimate prospect?” Yes, but with limitations. He won’t be versatile, remaining anchored at second base. His ability to hit for average at advanced levels will be tested. However, although he stands 5’9″, he has legitimate pull power, which would be enticing in Yankee Stadium. His ability to take walks further helps his profile, as he should be able to maintain a decent OBP. Is there room for, let’s say, a .220/.310/.420 MLB second baseman with 10-15 stolen bases? This is where you can run into an issue with his defensive profile, as his bat may scream “solid utility guy!’ while his fielding screams “You can’t play him anywhere but second base!” Yes, tweener potential exists. We’ll learn more when he gets to Double-A, likely later this season.
LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, BB
Surprising to see Jones reach base twice and not steal a base!
DH Jace Avina: 0-for-4, K
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-4, K
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-3, BB
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 3-3) 7 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Grosz needed only 86 pitches to record 21 outs. This is his second straight start in which he tossed seven innings without exceeding 90 pitches. Season: 3.86 ERA (42 IP, 32 H, 22 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 13 BB, 51 K). Going strictly by Pipeline rankings, Grosz is the least heralded of the *seven* starting pitchers at this level. If Grosz is the lowest-rated prospect on your staff, you must have something good.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.24 ERA (16.2 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 22 K)
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
1.50 ERA (12 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 12 K)

Tampa (26-22) (Defeated Fort Myers, 9-3)

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, RBI, 2 K
.161/.325/.280 in 117 PA (8 doubles, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 12 R, 11-for-14 SB, 18.8% BB, 29.9% K). Even though his 2024 was uneven, he did show some power (42 extra-base hits, including 13 home runs). This is beyond being concerning.
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 SB (10), BB, 2 K
Sanchez is 5-for-14 with a pair of stolen bases since coming back from his 2-week injury.
C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-5, R, K
.217/.374/.245 in 182 PA. After an extended hot streak, he hit a little 0-for-13 slide entering tonight. His march through the system won’t be fast, as he is a 19-year-old catcher growing into his game. The Yankees have to keep throwing him out there.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, 2 R, BB, 2 K
RF Cam Eden: 3-for-5, 3B (1), RBI, 2 R, SB (1)
Eden is a good speed/defense depth piece. He is 164-for-185 (88.6%) stealing bases in his 456-game minor league career. He had a cup of coffee with the 2023 Blue Jays, but didn’t attempt a stolen base.
LF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, R, SB (13)
.238/.316/.458 in 187 PA (9 doubles, 2 triples, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 31 R, 13-for-14 SB, 9.6% BB, 27.8% K). The 21-year-old has tools to work with.
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, R, 2 SB (14), 2 BB, K
.286/.358/.354 in 173 PA. Power will not likely be a part of his game, which is why he has to refine his basestealing (14-for-19 this year; 52-for-74 in his career) to add to his potential value.
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, K
2B Austin Green: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (6), HBP

RHP Gage Ziehl: (W, 2-2) 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
4.22 ERA (32 IP, 31 H, 17 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 25 K). Ziehl has pitched well since coming back from Somerset, where he made one emergency start.
RHP Jack Sokol: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.42 ERA (19 IP, 14 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 32 K). Veach touched 95 MPH with his sinker tonight. That is important, as his bread-and-butter is his changeup. If he can dial up that fastball into the 94-95 range consistently, he could become a Tommy Kahnle-like prospect. Never take my comparisons as absolutes.

FCL (9-11) (Defeated the Tigers, 8-5)

DH Willy Montero: 0-for-3
Montero is here on a rehab stint from Tampa. Last year for Tampa, he hit .244/.311/.355 in 486 PA (23 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 58 RBI, 64 R, 15-for-16 SB).
CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-1
There was a dreaded “injury delay” on a force play at second base. Mayea was pulled from the game.
LF Kevin Verde: 1-for-4, R, SB (3), K
C Manuel Palencia: 3-for-5, 2 2B (4), R
3B Luis Escudero: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB
RF Santiago Gomez: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (9)
The 21-year-old is hitting .309/.375/.327 in 64 PA (9-for-10 SB)
1B Luis Puello: 1-for-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Listed as a catcher, the 19-year-old has yet to play the position in 2025.
2B Gabriel Terrero: 3-for-3, 2B (2), 2 RBI, SB (4)
Terrero has 3-hit and 4-hit games this season (11 games played).

RHP Edinzo Marquez: 5.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 HR
4.34 ERA (18.2 IP, 17 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 4 HR, 9 BB, 16 K)

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/29: Spencer Jones Returns

Notes:

OF Spencer Jones, out since May 3rd due to an “intercostal injury,” returned to the Somerset lineup tonight. He joined Jazz Chisholm Jr., who is in Somerset on a rehab stint.

Unfortunately, when someone comes off the injured list, someone has to go. The Yankees have released OF Grant Richardson. Drafted in the 17th round in 2021 out of Indiana, Richardson struggled between Somerset/Scranton this year, hitting .198/.288/.363 with three homers and a stolen base in 32 games. In 2022 and 2023, he accomplished a double-double in home runs and stolen bases. Last season, he just missed, hitting 9 homers while stealing 16 bases. Hopefully, he finds work elsewhere.

Injury Log

Scranton (23-28) (Lost to Worcester, 3-2)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-5, 2 RBI
He was looking at a 0-for until his 2-run single in the 9th. He is hitting .366/.445/.458 at this level.
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-5, 2 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, K
DH Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, 2 K
2B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, R, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-4, R
CF Ismael Munguia: 2-for-4, 2 SB (13)
Munguia is well within a career best for stolen bases (18, set in 2023 and 2024).
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, SB (12)
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Erick Leal:(L, 1-6) 4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, HR
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
If the Yankees unlock him, he could be a bullpen threat in the big leagues. It’s all about those walks.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Reyzelman cannot find a groove….
RHP Zach Messinger: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Messinger as a reliever can be interesting. In his first three games in the role: 8 IP, 6 R, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K. It is possible they placed him in the bullpen temporarily to reset him as a starter, where he has struggled this year.

Somerset (23-24) (Destroyed Akron, 12-0)

3B Jazz Chisholm Jr.: 2-for-3, 2 R, BB
It’s hilarious that this franchise, adamant about moving Chisholm Jr. back to his natural position, may move him to third to accommodate the remnants of DJ LeMahieu. We would be laughing if the Colorado Rockies did something like this.
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-1
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, 3B (1), RBI
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, R, SB (7), CS (2)
Good to see Jones running in his first game back (plus, they played him in center field, a good sign they think he is fully healed).
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, K
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-4, HR (6), RBI, 2 R
.221/.329/.393 in 171 PA.
LF Brennen Davis: 2-for-2, HR (2), 2 RBI, 3 R, HBP, BB
4-for-15 with two home runs and six runs scored. Davis has 167 games of Triple-A experience, and I assume he will get back there. It might be a roster space game more than anything else.
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
DH Tyler Hardman: 3-for-3, 2 HR (6), 6 RBI, 2 R, BB
Hardman’s first multi-HR game since 2023 (he had five such games that season, including a 3-HR effort). He has 15 RBI in 19 May games.
2B Max Burt: 1-for-4, K

RHP JT Brubaker: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Solid start for Brubaker, who has a ticking clock that the Yankees will eventually need to decide on.
RHP Brendan Beck (W, 4-1): 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.33 ERA (38.2 IP, 25 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 40 K). Beck has been impressive and healthy. Let’s hope he keeps it going.

Hudson Valley (30-16) (Lost to Wilmington, 7-6, in ten innings)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-5, HR (6), RBI, 2 R, K
Riggio has six home runs in 17 games (7 HR in 19 games if you want to include his FCL rehab stint)
LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-5, 2 K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, 2B (12), 2 R, 2 BB
Avina 12 doubles and four homers in 38 games. He has 20 RBI and 28 runs scored (15.3% BB).
DH Parks Harber: 1-for-5, 2B (8), RBI, R, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 3B (1), 3 RBI, R
Castillo is hitting .230/.331/.355 with 11 doubles, a triple, and a pair of home runs. He has 29 RBI in 39 games (he is 17-for-52 (.327) with RISP)
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
PR Luis Durango: 0-for-0
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-0, BB
3B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-5, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, HBP, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Ben Hess: 4.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 7 K
4.05 ERA (40 IP, 27 H, 22 R, 18 ER, 1 HR, 24 BB, 59 K). Not giving up home runs and striking out 59 in 40 innings is good. The walks are the biggest issue he will need to work on.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Warrecker has been outstanding all year, but it’s fair to point out that he allowed two of Hess’ runs to score tonight (he entered the game with the bases loaded and one out). Season: 0.83 ERA (21.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 29 K).
RHP Hayden Merda: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
3.22 ERA (22.1 IP, 16 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 32 K). Merda has a 1.38 ERA in May (5.79 in April)
RHP Huey Morrill: (L, 2-1): 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (25-22) (Split two games with Lakeland)

Game 1 (Won, 2-0, in the completion of yesterday’s game)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-1, 2 BB
CF Cam Eden: 1-for-2
His rehab was moved to Tampa.
PH-CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-1
DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-2, BB, K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3
RF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-2, BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-3, R, K
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, K
2B Austin Green: 1-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3

RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Coleman’s rehab was moved here from the FCL.
RHP Andrew Landry: (W, 2-3) 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
6.43 ERA (35 IP, 49 H, 30 R, 25 ER, 4 HR, 15 BB, 37 K).
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
5.11 ERA (24.2 IP, 27 H, 18 R, 14 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 20 K)
RHP Brady Kirtner (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.08 ERA (26 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 30 K). A call to Hudson Valley may not be far off.

Game 2 (Lost, 3-1)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 K
The struggle is real.
CF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-2, K
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-2, BB
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3
RF Cam Eden: 0-for-2, BB
LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, R
.290/.355/.359 in 169 PA (10 doubles, 23 RBI, 20 R, 12-for-17 SB, 10.7% BB, 22.5% K). Matheus is doing a solid job adjusting to full-season ball, but is a cautionary tale about taking K/BB rates seriously in the rookie leagues (he compiled 84 walks and 76 strikeouts in 104 rookie league games)
1B Tyler Wilson: 1-for-2, 2B (5), BB
2B Owen Cobb: 2-for-2
.391/.429/.667 in 78 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 19 R, 8-for-10 SB, 6.4% BB, 19.2% K).
PH Austin Green: 0-for-1, K
Unless the idea was that Green would get an AB in Game 2 (weird) or Cobb was injured, I don’t get the idea of pinch-hitting for a kid hitting .391 with two outs and nobody on.

RHP Brandon Decker: (L, 1-1) 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
2.14 ERA (21 IP, 18 H, 10 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 21 K). This is his second straight start. I am not sure if they are starting to stretch him out but it would make sense.
LHP Tanner Bauman: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Sean Hermann: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
1.54 ERA (23.1 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 19 BB, 22 K). His BB rate has come down considerably in May.

FCL (8-11) (Lost to the Tigers, 3-0)

LF Brando Mayea: 0-for-3, HBP
.288/.366/.493 in 83 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 19 R, 4-for-7 SB)
C Ediel Rivera: 2-for-4, CS (2), K
.283/.400/.413 in 55 PA (3 doubles, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 7 R, 4-for-6 SB)
2B Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-2, 3B (1), BB, K
Terrero has a double, triple, and homer in ten games this season.
RF Santiago Gomez: 0-for-2, 2 SB (8), HBP

RHP Omar Gonzalez (L, 0-2): 4 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 5 K
RHP Mariano Salomon: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
0.68 ERA (13.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 15 K). Salomon has impressed in his career, throwing to a 2.67 ERA in 104.1 innings with a 131/24 K/BB.
RHP Chance Nolan: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The former collegiate quarterback has yet to allow an earned run (5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 3 K)

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/25: George Lombard Jr. Reaches Base 4 Times

Notes:

The Yankees elected not to add Cooper Hummel to the 26-man roster. He is now a free agent.

LHP Brock Selvidge‘s rehab was moved from the FCL to Tampa.

Injury Log

Scranton (22-26)

Their game against Nashville was cancelled and won’t be made up. T.J. Rumfield homered before the rain started, but it won’t count.

Somerset (22-22) (Lost to New Hampshire, 7-5)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-3, 3 R, 2 SB (6), 2 BB
Lombard Jr.’s second multi-hit game since his promotion. He is 7-for-26 (.269) in his last eight games (1 double, 3 RBI, 8 R, 8 BB, 3-for-4 SB). Has the adjustment begun? Since I haven’t shown it in a while, here are his combined numbers: .287/.457/.390 in 184 PA (9 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 35 R, 17-for-20 SB, 21.2% BB, 19.6% K).
DH Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, 2B (12), RBI, SB (5), BB, K
Flores is 8-for-17 in his last four games (2 doubles, 1 HR). He is the organizational leader in doubles (12), homers (10), and hits (53). He is second in RBI (34) to veteran Jose Rojas. He is one of only three qualified Yankees’ prospects hitting over .300 (Parks Harber and Jesus Rodriguez are the others).
3B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-5, HR (8), 3 RBI, R
.286/.337/.500 in 166 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 23 R, 0-for-2 SB, 5.4% BB, 19.3% K). His walk rate is down (9.8% in 2024), but it comes with a reduced strikeout rate (24.4% in 2024). He is a right-handed bat who can play 1B/2B/3B, which is something this organization can use. Whether or not he is MLB material, we’ll see.
PR Alexander Vargas: 0-for-0, SB (8)
LF Brennen Davis: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-5, 3 K
.213/.316/.375 in 159 PA
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-5, K
It’s possible that Hardman’s insane run in 2023 (26 HR in 77 games, though it came with a lot of strikeouts) was his peak. However, I continue to wonder if the injury he suffered that year sapped his offense because it has been nothing close to that since.
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, 2B (2), 2 K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-4, K
Since promotion: .177/.241/.215 in 88 PA. They are giving him plenty of playing time, but the bat hasn’t responded.
2B Max Burt: 1-for-4, R, 2 K

RHP Bailey Dees: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
4.46 ERA (38.1 IP, 37 H, 20 R, 19 ER, 5 HR, 19 BB, 45 K). Dees will end May with a 2.70 ERA and 24/6 K/BB over 20 innings.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
2.87 ERA (15.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 21 K)
RHP Jordany Ventura (L, 2-1): 1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
For a relief pitcher, an outing like this can kill your season. He’s had a few such appearances, explaining his 9.24 ERA.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (29-15) (Defeated Winston-Salem, 5-4)

LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-5, 2 R, SB (18)
It feels as if Jones will run every time second base is open. That is what I want prospects to do. He leads the organization in stolen bases and is tied with Lombard Jr. for first in runs scored (35). He grounded into a double play today. It was only the second time he has done that in his 63-game career.
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, 2 K
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4, RBI, R, SB (7)
1B Parks Harber: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, 2 K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, SF, RBI K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 3-for-3, RBI, R, BB
Frick’s third career 3-hit effort.

RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Did they need an arm for today’s start, or are they building him up for a return to the rotation? Warrecker has been a dominant force out of the pen this year (0.50 ERA in 18 IP with a 24/3 K/BB). Last year, as a starter, he posted a 5.79 ERA in 19 starts with a 46/30 K/BB over 65.1 innings.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3.54 ERA (20.1 IP, 16 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 28 K). Like Warrecker, Merda has pitched well in the bullpen after spending his first season in the rotation (Merda’s first season was 2023 – he missed 2024).
RHP Huey Morrill: (W, 2-0) 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
0.57 ERA (15.2 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 11 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia: (S, 1) 1.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (24-21) (Defeated Dunedin, 9-5. The Tarpons have, remarkably, caught the Blue Jays in the standings, and are in a three-way tie for second (Clearwater is the other team). The three squads are chasing Lakeland.)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, SB (11), BB, 2 K
It’s more of the same from Arias. Season: .165/.330/.282 in 106 PA (7 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 12 R, 11-for-13 SB, 18.9% BB, 29.2% K). After hitting .222/.291/.253 vs. LHP last year, he is 1-for-17 this year. Not that he is lighting up the scoreboard against RHP this year. I don’t give up on 20-year-olds, but the red flags are serious.
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, BB, K
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, 2B (11), R, 2 K
Sanchez has 11 doubles in 26 games (34 doubles, 12 triples, 4 HR in 108 career games).
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-1
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, R, SB (5), 2 BB, K
RF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, HR (8), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
.241/.318/.475 in 176 PA (9 doubles, 2 triples, 8 HR, 26 RBI, 30 R, 11-for-12 SB, 9.7% BB, 27.8% K). He owns a 6-game hitting streak and is hitting .313/.389/.688 in May (5 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 22 R). He has turned it up several notches.
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, 2B (10), R, BB, K
Matheus has 100 RBI, 93 runs, 107 walks, and 50 stolen bases in 149 career games.
LF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-3, HR (4), RBI, 2 R, SB (10), BB
2B Austin Green: 1-for-4, HR (2), 4 RBI, R, K
Green’s grand slam turned a 4-2 deficit into a 6-4 lead.
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, CS (3), BB, K

LHP Brock Selvidge: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Selvidge’s second rehab appearance. Since he is in Low-A now, we have some Savant data: He reached 94.2 MPH with his 4-seamer (averaged 92.4) and generated five whiffs on his slider (17 pitches).
RHP J.T. Etheridge (W, 1-0): 4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
Etheridge generated 14 whiffs (5 with his 4-seamer, 5 with his slider, 3 with his changeup, and 1 with his curve).
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
1.50 ERA (18 IP, 13 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 29 K). Average velocity on sinker: 92.4 MPH. Average velocity on change-up: 75.1 MPH. I like the differential, at least.
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.16 ERA (25 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 28 K)

FCL (8-8)

Day off.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/20: Roderick Arias Doubles Twice

Notes:

Some injury notes:

LHP Brock Selvidge has started a rehab assignment in the FCL. He pitched 2.2 innings on Monday, allowing 2 runs (0 earned) on 3 hits with a walk and 2 strikeouts. Last year, he made 16 starts for Somerset, going 7-6 with a 4.25 ERA over 84.2 innings with an 80/43 K/BB. He is ranked 8th in the organization by Pipeline.

RHP Carson Coleman‘s long injury journey is hopefully over, as he is also on a rehab assignment in the FCL. The 27-year-old Coleman last pitched in 2022, when he was considered one of the Yankees’ top relief prospects. That year, he compiled a 2.13 ERA over 63.1 innings with a 95/19 K/BB. Despite missing all of 2023 to injury, the Texas Rangers chose him in the Rule 5 draft and placed him on the 60-day injured list. This past winter, they had the choice of adding him to the 40-man or returning him to the Yankees, and they opted to send him back.

SS Roderick Arias was activated off the injured list for Tampa.

Injury Log

Scranton (21-22)

Their game against Nashville (unique opponent!) was postponed. They will attempt to play two tomorrow.

Nashville is in the West division. Teams in the East don’t play every team in the West.

Somerset (18-21) (Shut down New Hampshire, 5-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, SF, RBI, SB (4), K
Since promotion: .189/.360/.189 in 50 PA with ten walks and ten strikeouts. He is 4-for-5 stealing bases. You should be rewarded for your patience with Lombard Jr.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, R, SB (4), BB
.296/.349/.539 in 166 PA. Like many C/1B, he won’t overwhelm you with speed and will likely lose any speed he has as he gets older. That said, he is 15-for-17 stealing bases in his career so at least he is efficient at it.
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-5, R, SB (7), 2 K
2B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
LF Grant Richardson: 2-for-3, RBI, BB, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, HR (4), 3 RBI, R, K
.188/.235/.357 in 119 PA.
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, R, K
DH Antonio Gomez: 2-for-4, 2B (2)
Gomez breaks a 0-for-13 slide. I once labeled him as their most promising pure catching prospect, but the offense has rarely shown up.

RHP Jon Olsen: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Jordany Ventura:(W, 2-0) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.14 ERA (14.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 20 K). It can be hard to differentiate between so many right-handed relief prospects. All they can do is perform as we speculate.
LHP Will Brian: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Since promotion: 1.50 ERA (12 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 15 K). Overall, he owns a 27/4 K/BB over 19 innings. Sneaky kid to watch.
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.42 ERA (12.2 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 13 K). See Cohen, Harrison.

Hudson Valley (26-12) (Lost to Winston-Salem, 6-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2B (3), BB
Since his rehab stint ended: .237/.370/.553 in 46 PA (3 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 8 BB, 11 K). He has reached base safely in all ten games.
RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, K
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-4, CS (3)
Morales was moved back here from Somerset.
DH Parks Harber: 0-for-3, BB
Since promotion: .323/.380/.538 in 71 PA.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
.256/.366/.434 in 153 PA (5 doubles, 6 HR, 25 RBI, 22 R, 14.4% BB, 28.8% K). He has cooled off since his insane hot streak (0-for-14 in his last five games, though he has drawn five walks)
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, K

LHP Kyle Carr: (L, 0-2) 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, HR, 3 BB, 3 K
3.86 ERA (30.1 IP, 25 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 22 K). Carr does a nice job keeping the ball on the ground, but “swing and miss” hasn’t shown up in his profile (117/70 K/BB in 134.1 career innings).
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Between here and Tampa: 14.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 18 K. If you want to find a blemish, his K rate has fallen since his promotion (12/0 K/BB in 7.2 Tampa innings; 6/3 K/BB in 7 IP for Hudson Valley).
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.68 ERA (14.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 20 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa (20-20) (Defeated Dunedin, 7-4. They are 11-4 since a 2-10 stretch. Baseball!)

SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2 2B (6), RBI, R, CS (1), BB, 2 K
Arias doubled and scored in his first AB since April 26th. He was off to a bad start before his injury (.155/.302/.254). Maybe this gets him going.
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-0
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, R, K
LF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (9), BB, 2 K
Lewis had a rough April, but his May has been encouraging (16-for-59 (.271); 3 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 15 RBI, 16 R, 8 BB, 18 K, 3-for-3 SB).
2B-SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-5, 2B (9), 2 RBI, 3 K
Matheus has an 8-game hitting streak (16-for-30 (.533); 3 doubles, 7 RBI, 6 R)
RF Austin Green: 1-for-3, 2 BB, K
3B-2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, R, 2 SB (7), CI, K
Cobb has a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-26 (.423); 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R). He is 7-for-8 stealing bases this year and 16-for-17 in his career. His batting average during the hitting streak (.423) is lower than his season average (.431). Would it shock me if he becomes the next obsession amongst the unheralded prospects? No.
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, R, SB (8), HBP, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K

RHP Andrew Landry: 4 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Landry generated 14 whiffs with his 4-pitch assortment (at least two whiffs per pitch). His 7.03 ERA includes a start where he allowed nine earned runs in 1.1 innings. Beyond that, there are things to be encouraged about, including 33 strikeouts in 32 innings.
RHP Jack Sokol: (W, 2-1) 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
2.42 ERA (23 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 25 K)
RHP Chris Veach: (S, 2) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.65 ERA (16.1 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 28 K). One thing I notice from Baseball Savant: Veach loves his changeup.

FCL (6-7) (Lost to the Tigers, 10-9)

CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-4, RBI, K
.298/.389/.553 in 55 PA. He has hit safely in 11 of his 13 games this season. There is a balance between allowing a player to build confidence and recognizing that the level is no longer challenging. For now, I have no issue with him being here.
LF Isael Arias: 1-for-5, 2 RBI
C Ediel Rivera: 3-for-5, 2B (3), K
The 19-year-old is hitting .226/.351/.323 in his debut season.
DH Luis Puello: 2-for-4, 2 2B (3), 2 RBI, 2 R
Puello (19) has struggled to begin 2025. This was a much-needed performance (now 5-for-24).
2B Luis Escudero: 3-for-5, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Also off to a slow start, Escudero has two 3-hit efforts in his last three games. He is hitting .212/.297/.303. Before this stretch, he was hitting .045/.160/.045
3B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, R
RF Gabriel Lara: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 2 R
The speedy Lara is hitting .273/.333/.591 in only 24 plate appearances. He is 0-for-3 stealing bases.

RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
This had to be an emotional game for Coleman. His journey has been long, and I am rooting for him to get back on track.
RHP J.T. Etheridge: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
2.31 ERA (11.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 8 BB, 22 K)

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/17: Roc Riggio Homers Twice

Notes:

The rumblings about Jesus Rodriguez are starting. I get it – the Yankees have an issue with offense at third base, and Rodriguez can further help balance the lineup.

But is he a third baseman? The Yankees have tried various positions with him. A natural catcher, he also has experience at 1B/2B (limited)/3B/LF. MLB Pipeline’s write-up on his defense was rather…scary? Pipeline, however, isn’t the only source for your prospect needs. Fangraphs was more flattering, even talking him up as potentially above-average at the hot corner.

I have been bullish on his offense for several years now. He crushed the Complex League in 2022 (which should always come with hesitation) before his promotion to Low-A in 2023. While with the Tampa Tarpons, he showed his FCL game was no fluke, as he hit .297/.378/.426, earning a promotion to High-A after 84 games. All he did in Hudson Valley the rest of that season was hit .356/.464/.533 in 25 games. His 2024 season was similarly exciting, though he ran into trouble after his promotion to Somerset. That trouble continued into 2025, and his current Double-A triple slash is .196/.250/.339 in 30 games. When Alex Jackson was injured earlier this season, the Yankees moved Rodriguez to Scranton, where he started flourishing again. His issues in Double-A may be sample-size related. His BABIP there is only .207. You want a prospect to conquer Double-A. It’s Prospect Following 101. He didn’t, but it’s hard to argue against his success.

Rodriguez isn’t your traditional corner power hitter, but we need to look at what he is up against: Strong defender Oswald Peraza, who the organization hasn’t shown much faith in; Jorbit Vivas, who isn’t seen as much of a defender at third base and has struggled to hit; Pablo Reyes, who Rodriguez could replace right now and nobody would flinch; DJ LeMahieu, who I think the Yankees want to play mostly at second base until Jazz Chisholm Jr. returns. The Yankees wouldn’t ask him to take over for current MLB All-Stars. We are talking about being better than replacement level.

Would I do it? It’s tempting. Even if you are skeptical about his profile, you can ride a hot streak for a while. Or, maybe your skepticism is misguided, and his bat will play just fine in MLB. Most of the hesitation comes from an aggressive approach and the questions about whether he can hit velocity. The problem with the latter is that he hasn’t faced enough velocity to draw any conclusions.

What is working against this possibility? The Yankees aren’t playing him every day at third base in the minors. If the plan was for Rodriguez to play third, that would be his position nearly every night. He has played third base in only nine of his 33 games between Somerset and Scranton.

Injury Log

Scranton (21-21) (Defeated Toledo, 7-2)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-5, 3B (2), R, CS (2), 2 K
Rodriguez owns a 9-game hitting streak that includes five multi-hit games (four consecutive). He is hitting .385/.479/.510 in 117 PA. Fire is too soft a word to use.
LF Dominic Smith: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R
A veteran like Smith is not only auditioning for the Yankees, as veterans can easily ask out of their minor league deals (or, like with Luis Torrens last year, can be traded in small deals). Smith is 16-for-42 (.381) with four homers and 16 RBI in May.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, R, HBP, K
RF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Cooper Hummel: 1-for-2, 2B (1), SF, RBI, BB
3B Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, HR (8, grand slam), 4 RBI, BB, K
Rojas has three grand slams this month (5/1, 5/7, 5/17). He has 8 HR and 34 RBI in 36 games. If only he weren’t a 32-year-old journeyman.
2B Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, R, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, 2 K
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI
A fun story in spring training, Munguia is hitting only .219/.321/.328 in 164 PA. He is 8-for-10 stealing bases.

RHP Anthony DeSclafani: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
He touched 95.3 MPH with his sinker, which likely has Matt Blake drooling.
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Headrick, a victim of the numbers game earlier this season, reached 97.1 MPH with his fastball today.
RHP Allan Winans: (W, 2-0) 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
0.00 ERA (23 IP, 16 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 31 K). They used him in a piggyback role today, which doesn’t bother me. His season has been impressive.

Somerset (17-20) (Defeated Portland, 11-5)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 R, BB
Lombard Jr. plays third base for the second day in a row (hadn’t played the position before that since his promotion). For Somerset: 6-for-31 (3 RBI, 7 R, 3-for-3 SB, 9 BB, 8 K). Overall, he is at .292/.461/.407 in 152 PA with more walks (32) than strikeouts (30). He is 14-for-16 stealing bases.
C Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, HR (8), 3 RBI, 3 R
Flores has homered in back-to-back games and is surging. His triple slash is .303/.350/.538 in 145 PA (10 doubles, 8 HR, 29 RBI, 19 R, 6.4% BB, 29.9% K). He has three 3-hit games in May. By the way, his 8 HR are tied for second in the Eastern League. Spencer Jones (who has missed several games now) still leads with 9.
CF Garrett Martin: 3-for-5, 2B (7), 3 RBI, R
.222/.336/.398 in 128 PA. He isn’t striking out much (20.3%). I don’t have info on his quality of contact, though.
2B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-5, 3 RBI
.284/.338/.507 (7 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 20 R). Last 9 games: 13-for-36 (.361; 2 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI).
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-5
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-2, 2B (7), R, 2 SB (7), CS (4), 2 BB
.250/.333/.402 in 105 PA. Vargas is having a strong May (.282/.378/.513).
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (3), BB
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
He left the game after an “injury delay.” That is not encouraging.
PR-DH Grant Richardson: 0-for-0, R

RHP Trent Sellers: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 2 HR
Sellers was cruising until he allowed a 2-run HR with two outs in the 6th. The 6th inning remains his “blocker” as he has yet to complete six full innings during his career. Season: 3.48 ERA (33.2 IP, 19 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 14 BB, 44 K)
RHP Danny Watson: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 1-0) 1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
A tough outing for Effross, who has struggled to get back to MLB.
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.11 ERA (15.1 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 20 K)
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.54 ERA (11.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 11 K)

Hudson Valley (25-12) (Outlasted Aberdeen, 10-7)

LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (16), BB
.229/.338/.366 in 157 PA.
2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-5, 2 HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R
Riggio’s first career multi-HR game. He is 8-for-34 (.235) since returning from his rehab stint (2 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI)
DH Parks Harber: 4-for-5, 3B (1), HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R
Harber’s first career 4-hit effort. Since promotion: .362/.413/.603 in 63 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 12 R). Overall, Harber is hitting .331/.418/.575 in 146 PA (7 doubles, 3 triples, 6 HR, 26 RBI). Yes, he may move two levels this season and get to Somerset.
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
RF Luis Durango: 0-for-1, SB (1)
Durango was 21-for-22 in the stolen base department in 2024.
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, R, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-2, 3 R, SB (4), HBP, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-2, 2B (7), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: 4.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
He didn’t have it today, but his teammates bailed him out. Season: 3.22 ERA (36.1 IP, 22 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 0 HR, 17 BB, 43 K). Rodriguez-Cruz has allowed only 9 HR in 219.2 career innings.
RHP Sebastian Keane: (W, 3-0) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.80 ERA (10 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 10 K)
RHP Hayden Merda: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
3.78 ERA (16.2 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 22 K). As a starter in 2023 (he missed 2024 due to injury), he allowed ten homers in 95.2 innings.
RHP Bryce Warrecker (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Warrecker’s first career save. His dominant season continues: 0.53 ERA (17 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 23 K)

Tampa (18-20) (Lost to Palm Beach, 5-4)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
Perez is 15-for-53 (.283) in May after going 10-for-56 (.179/.373/.196) in April. I’ve said it multiple times: The only thing missing is power. That isn’t concerning as he is 18 years old. You hope he grows into some pop.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, BB
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, R, SB (8), 2 K
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, R, SB (10), 2 K
Matheus is 13-for-22 (.591) during his 6-game hitting streak. He is an under-the-radar switch-hitting middle infielder prospect.
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, R, K
2B Hans Montero: 2-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI
Sneakily, Montero is up to .278 with a .846 OPS. He is 12-for-33 (.364) in May with four doubles and two home runs.
3B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI
Cobb has 11 extra-base hits (6 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR) in 13 games.
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 2B (6), R, K
Toole is 7-for-19 (.368) during his 6-game hitting streak. He has four doubles and a triple during the streak.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K

RHP Greysen Carter: (L, 1-3) 1.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 1 K
Carter is why the Development List exists. I advocate for continuing to throw kids out there to learn, but he is lost (6.75 ERA in 24 IP with a 25/27 K/BB)
RHP Brandon Decker: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.59 ERA (17 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 20 K)
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
This line defines Sandridge’s career. Looking at the data, Sandridge peaked at 95.8 MPH (averaged 94.2) and generated four whiffs (on 11 pitches) with his slider. The Yankees are trying to unlock the 26-year-old who allows few hits, walks half the ballpark, and strikes out the other half.
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
1.80 ERA (15 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 26 K). I know Savant isn’t always perfect, but Veach used six different pitches to earn four outs (change, curve, sinker, 4-seamer, cutter, slider). You may ask if Veach was a starter in college. The answer is no, as none of his 57 college appearances (mostly with South Carolina) were starts.
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

FCL (5-6) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 5-1. The Yankees compiled only two hits)

CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, 2 K
It’s not so bad when one of those hits is a home run by their best prospect at the level. I don’t love the strikeouts for a big prospect repeating the level (27.7%), but his start remains encouraging (.293/.370/.512).
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-3, K

RHP Jose Rodriguez (L, 0-1): 2.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Jose Martinez: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Martinez’s 2025 debut. The Yankees grabbed him after the Red Sox released him in February. Not that DSL numbers tell a full story, but Martinez put together a 45/9 K/BB over 41.1 IP (3.48 ERA) for Boston’s DSL squad last year.
RHP Mariano Salomon: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Franyer Herrera: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Jose Ledesma: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Ledesma’s 2025 debut. Last season, the 22-year-old pitched to a 1.25 ERA in 21.2 IP with a 28/14 K/BB in the DSL.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/10: Everson Pereira is Scorching

Notes:

I have nothing to offer you.

Injury Log

Scranton (18-18) (Split a doubleheader against Rochester)

Game 1 (Won, 7-6, in 8 innings)

DH Cooper Hummel: 1-for-4
The veteran was activated off the injured list today.
PR-DH Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-0
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, R, HBP, K
PR Ismael Munguia: 0-for-0, R
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-3, HR (3, grand slam), 4 RBI, R, BB
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
DH Alex Jackson: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
.311/.436/.600 in 55 PA (3 HR, 13 RBI). It is a good idea to keep an eye on the #3 catcher on the depth chart.
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-3, 2B (1), R

RHP Zach McAllister: 3 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
The tough start to his 2025 campaign continues.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
2.45 ERA (14.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 17 K). Solid ERA, but the walks are worrisome. I don’t care if a dominant reliever walks some hitters (Dellin Betances, for example). But you better be dominant if you are going to carry a high BB rate.
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
23 pitches/13 strikes. Beeter has options, so the Yankees can option him to this level when his rehab is complete (if they don’t have a slot for him in MLB).
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.21 ERA (14 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 14 K)
RHP Wilking Rodriguez (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Lost, 5-4)

DH Everson Pereira: 1-for-2, HR (8), RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, K
.301/.385/.602 in 96 PA. Pereira is on a 7-game hitting streak (10-for-23 with five home runs). When Pereira hits a hot streak, they tend to be crazy.
2B DJ LeMahieu: 2-for-4, K
The rumors are out there that LeMahieu will be back in time for the Mariners’ series. As the likely everyday Yankees’ 2B, this scares me considerably. But what can you do?
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, HR (5), SF, 2 RBI, R, SB (2)
.295/.396/.509 in 134 PA (9 doubles, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 25 R, 11.9% BB, 19.4% K). The Yankees haven’t used him and he slipped through the Rule 5. That is telling, but I bet he gets an opportunity somewhere. After all, eventually Andres Chaparro and Eric Wagaman received opportunities.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, RBI
Rodriguez is hitting .357/.472/.443 in 89 PA since his promotion. Can a player outplay their scouting report? The answer is yes. I just can’t ignore someone who continues to hit like Rodriguez does.
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-4
3B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-3, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Erick Leal (L, 1-4): 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
0.98 ERA (18.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 22 K). He is pitching well, though he isn’t overpowering (averaged 92.3 MPH with his 4-seamer today).
RHP Colten Brewer: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (14-18) (Shut down Akron, 5-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (2), BB
4-for-18 since promotion (2 RBI, 3 R, 2-for-2 SB, 3 BB, 3 K). He still needs to fill the extra-base hit column, but he is not showing signs of being overwhelmed here. His overall triple slash sits at .310/.470/.440 in 132 PA with more walks (26) than strikeouts (25).
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RBI
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K
.270/.328/.470 in 125 PA. He has three multi-hit efforts in his last six games.
CF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Richardson is bouncing back and forth between Somerset and Scranton. He has three HR between the two levels.
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, BB
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, R, K
LF Tyler Hardman: 1-for-5, 2 K
2B Max Burt: 1-for-4, R, K
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, SAC, SB (1), K

RHP Trent Sellers (W, 1-1): 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
3.21 ERA (28 IP, 15 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 37 K). He isn’t talked about often, but is it time to count him amongst the Yankees’ pitching depth? The 25-year-old has pitched well since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Like Beeter, Effross has minor league options.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
After initially struggling here, Vinyard has back-to-back scoreless appearances. It’s a start.
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (22-9) (Defeated Wilmington, 5-2, in ten innings)

RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, R, BB, K
Jones has a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-24)
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, 2 R, BB
1B Parks Harber: 2-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI, BB
The raking continues for Harber, who is 15-for-44 (.341/.396/.477) since his promotion and .319/.412/.522 in 131 PA overall. He has three consecutive 2-hit efforts (four in his last five games)
LF Coby Morales: 3-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, CS (2), K
.242/.342/.421 in 111 PA.
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-5
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, CS (2), 2 BB, K
The 9-game hitting streak is over, but he draws a pair of walks to increase the on-base streak to ten.
3B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, SB (2)
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, 3B (1), BB
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, 2 R, HBP, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: 4 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
1.97 ERA (32 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 41 K). He needed 89 pitches to get 12 outs today, but damage was limited.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Sebastian Keane: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
0.66 ERA (13.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 20 K). The 6’8″ Warrecker is a beast out of the bullpen. Will they ask him to start again, or let him stay in this role?
RHP Matt Keating (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2.79 ERA (9.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 7 K)

Tampa (14-18) (Defeated Daytona, 10-7, in 10 innings)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, 2B (3), R, 2 BB
Perez is 9-for-35 (.257) with a pair of doubles, five runs, and six walks in May.
CF Brian Sanchez: 3-for-5, 2B (10), 4 RBI, 2 SB (8), BB
Sanchez hit a big 3-run double in the 10th. His ten doubles are tops in the Florida State League, and he has four straight multi-hit games (9-for-18 – 1 double, 2 triples, 10 RBI, 4 R, 3 BB, 1 K, 3 SB). Sanchez has been a fun surprise since the Yankees acquired him.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-5, 2 K
SS Juan Matheus: 0-for-5, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, SB (9), BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-4, 3B (1), R, BB
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
2B Hans Montero: 2-for-3, 2B (2), 3 R, SB (5), 2 BB
3B Owen Cobb: 2-for-4, 2B (5), HR (2), SF, 4 RBI, 2 R, K
Cobb maintains his .500 pace (11-for-22, 5 doubles, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 13 R, 5-for-6 SB, 5 BB, 4 K). That is an insane start to anyone’s season.

RHP Greysen Carter: 2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 R, 4 BB, 2 K
The only way he will learn is by throwing him out there.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Sean Hermann: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.25 ERA (16 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 17 K)
RHP Jackson Fristoe: (W, 2-1) 3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
6.38 ERA (18.1 IP, 24 H, 17 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 10 BB, 15 K)

FCL (4-2) (Defeated the Blue Jays, 4-3, walk-off style. What kind of walk-off? How about a walk-off steal of home? Oh, how I love the rookie leagues!)

CF Brando Mayea: 2-for-2, R, SB (3), BB
Mayea is 7-for-22 (.318) and has hit safely in five straight games. Encouraging.
LF Isael Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (3), 2 R, SB (3), K
Arias stole home to win the game. It was a straight steal.
RF Brennen Davis: 2-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, BB
The rehabbing Davis hits his first HR as a member of the Yankees’ organization.
1B John Cristino: 1-for-2, BB, K
The 25-year-old out of Towson makes his professional debut. The Yankees signed him in March. He is a local kid out of Voorhees, NJ.

RHP Jose M. Rodriguez: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
The 21-year-old pitched in six games for the DSL in 2024, and it wasn’t pretty. It’s a new year!
RHP Josh Tiedemann: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
The 13th round pick in 2023 (High School) in 20 years old. He has only 5.2 innings of professional experience.
RHP Alexis Paulino: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/9: George Lombard Jr.’s Multi-Hit Effort

Notes:

OF Jace Avina was placed on the 7-day injured list for Hudson Valley. The 21-year-old, acquired in December 2023 from the Brewers along with OF Brian Sanchez for OF Jake Bauers, is hitting .308/.443/.418 (154 wRC+) with a 15.7% BB and 22.6% K. He is Rule 5 eligible this winter.

It’s Mother’s Day weekend. Expect delays in my reports on Saturday and Sunday with little (if any) real-time BlueSky updates.

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) (Their game against Rochester was canceled, and they will not make it up. They are making up the Thursday rainout with a doubleheader tomorrow. They posted the lineup (same as yesterday’s), and it 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
When Jasson Dominguez “graduated,” Pipeline moved Rodriguez into the Top 30. The report wasn’t flattering, as they portray him as a prospect with an extremely aggressive approach at the plate. Additionally, while the Yankees play him at multiple positions, he supposedly isn’t all that good at any of them. Some would argue that a good offensive utility player is worth potentially bad defense. I agree with that notion, but Rodriguez has to prove he is a viable offensive player. I don’t hide behind the fact that I am bullish because he continues to hit, even if the approach isn’t perfect. I can’t claim is that it will translate at the highest level. I have no idea.
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 (13-18) (Defeated Akron, 7-6, in 11 innings)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, RBI, 3 R, SB (1), BB
Lombard Jr. playing second base two days in a row may raise an eyebrow. Do I think it is meaningful for the 2025 Yankees? No. He is 3-for-15 with two walks and three strikeouts since his promotion. Overall, he is 12-for-14 stealing bases.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-5, K
DH Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, 2B (6), RBI, 2 K
Jasso’s first extra-base hit in May (11 in April). He didn’t compile an extra-base hit in his first five April games before getting hot. Maybe this will spark another streak.
CF Garrett Martin: 2-for-4, 2B (6), SF, 2 RBI, R, K
I like it when a player has a good game the night after I bring up their low BABIP (.200 entering tonight).
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
LF Tyler Hardman: 1-for-5, 2 K
2B Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, 3B (2), RBI, R, BB, K
Vargas is 9-for-25 (.360) with a double and a pair of triples in May.
SS Max Burt: 1-for-5, 2B (4), 2 RBI, 2 K
His 2-run double in the 11th provided the winning margin.
1B Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-4, SAC, 3 K
The 20-year-old C/1B is here because they need a body. He has never played above Low-A Tampa before his three Double-A games this year.

RHP Baron Stuart: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Jordany Ventura (W, 1-0) 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen (S, 2): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.09 ERA (11 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 15 K)

Hudson Valley (21-9) (Defeated Wilmington, 4-1. This sometimes comes up, and I will address it: Wilmington is not good. Their offense is the worst in the South Atlantic League, and their pitching isn’t much better. While context is important in sports, these are prospects working on their craft. I will celebrate their successes without worrying about how good the competition is. If the prospects aren’t good enough, that will show itself in time.)

RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 3B (2), RBI, R, BB, K
.252/.349/.421 in 126 PA (5 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 23 R, 13-for-16 SB, 11.9% BB, 17.5% K). Jones has 36 RBI and 39 runs in 50 career games.
DH Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
3B Parks Harber: 2-for-5, 2B (2), CS (1), K
Since promotion: .325/.372/.450 in 43 PA. Overall, he is hitting .312/.405/.514 in 126 PA. Don’t rule out a second promotion this season.
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, BB, K
LF Coby Morales: 2-for-4, K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
Martinez has a 9-game hitting streak (15-for-34; 3 doubles, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 14 R, 7 BB, 9 K). This is not a “garden variety” hitting streak.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, RBI, R, SB (6), BB, K
Escanio is doing a good job getting on base (.404 OBP), and his teammates are converting that into runs (20 runs in 24 games).

RHP Josh Grosz: (W, 2-1) 6.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K
4.30 ERA (23 IP, 21 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 31 K)
RHP Hayden Merda: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
4.26 ERA (12.2 IP, 11 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 16 K).
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.50 ERA (8 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 12 K)

Tampa (13-18) (Lost to Daytona, 7-2, in a lightning-shortened 7-inning game)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
.207/.375/.230 in 112 PA.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-2, 3B (1), HR (4), RBI, 2 R, BB
May: 9-for-28 (2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 9 R, 3 BB, 8 K).
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, RBI, CS (4), K
LF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-3
2B Austin Green: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, SB (7), 2 K
Gonzalez has stolen a base in three straight games.
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, 2 K
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
His second rehab start (first one was in the FCL) went fine. He should be back in Somerset soon.
LHP Tanner Bauman: (L, 0-3) 2.2 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
It’s been a struggle for Bauman. All you can do is keep throwing him out there.

FCL (3-2) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 6-5, in an 8-inning game (extra innings). In the FCL, teams can determine whether to play a 7-inning or 9-inning game before it begins. We’ve started to see this at other levels after long rain delays.)

CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 K
Mayea’s first home run since August 19, 2023. He is 5-for-20 with three doubles and a homer.
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, R, SB (1), BB, K
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-2, R, CI, BB, K
1B Johan Contreras: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R, K
3B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
After hitting .321/.421/.420 in 36 games here last season, he is 5-for-15 in 2025.

RHP Edinzo Marquez: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
Marquez (20) pitched to a 3.45 ERA in 12 starts for the DSL squad last season (50/20 K/BB over 44.1 IP)
RHP Chance Nolan: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
This is the professional debut for the 25-year-old. This is a fun story, as Nolan was an Oregon State quarterback from 2020 to 2022. Last year, he pitched for NAIA Morningside. He pitched only 3.1 innings (3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 9 BB, 3 K). I would love to hear his full story, because it is a leap to go from college quarterback to NAIA pitcher (for only seven games) to affiliated baseball. According to this article, he touched 97 MPH while at Morningside.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/6: George Lombard Jr.’s Somerset Debut

Notes:

Outfielder Spencer Jones was placed on the injured list for Somerset, robbing us of a chance to see arguably the top two prospects in the system in the same lineup. In a related move, Christopher Familia was activated from the Development List.

RP Scott Effross (yes, he does exist) is on a rehab stint in the FCL.

Speaking of the FCL, 2B Roc Riggio was activated off the injured list for Hudson Valley. He played only two rehab games for the FCL squad before his activation.

DJ LeMahieu‘s rehab was moved up to Scranton.

Carlos Carrasco being DFA’d was not surprising from a performance perspective. The Yankees, however, remain short when it comes to starting pitchers. He could clear waivers and come back, but that’s hardly exciting. They can start Ryan Yarbrough for now, with the potential to see Allan Winans take a turn or two. It’s going to be a revolving door and evolving story until/unless they add someone more stable.

Since it happened after I posted my report on Sunday, SS George Lombard Jr. is now in Somerset. That’s news to nobody’s ears. I agree with this move, as High-A was not challenging him. Double-A is the ultimate test for every prospect, and Lombard Jr. will be the youngest player in the Eastern League. I know the fanbase doesn’t understand patience, but be patient. If he dominates Double-A from the jump, he might just be a unicorn. If he doesn’t, he is still a top prospect. It’s a win-win, and it will be fun to watch.

Injury Log

Scranton (16-16)

Their game against Rochester was postponed due to rain.

Somerset (12-16) (Lost to Akron, 3-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2 K
Lombard Jr. earns his first Double-A hit.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, 2 K
.282/.333/.527 in 120 PA (9 doubles, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 14 R).
2B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, 3 K
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, 3 K
DH Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, K
Gomez is 5-for-14 in his last four games.

RHP Bailey Dees: (L, 1-2) 4.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
5.96 ERA (22.2 IP, 26 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 5 HR, 14 BB, 25 K)
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (18-9) (Lost to Wilmington, 4-3. Wilmington’s Branden Boissiere hit a walk-off 2-run home run)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, K
DH Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Riggio hit .221/.349/.397 in 480 PA at this level last season. He walked 14.8% of the time and stole 27 bases in 33 attempts.
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, 2B (7), R, K
Avina has five doubles in his last seven games.
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Parks Harber: 2-for-4, RBI
Harber is 8-for-25 with four RBI since his promotion.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, 2 K
Colmenares was moved back to Hudson Valley with Lombard Jr.’s promotion to Somerset.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, 2 K
Martinez has two doubles and a homer in four May games (2 doubles, 1 HR in 20 April games)
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, R, CS (3), BB, K

LHP Kyle Carr: 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
2.08 ERA (21.2 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 17 K). His K% isn’t ideal but he is generating a lot of grounders (60% GB entering tonight; 9 groundouts tonight)
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
0.77 ERA (11.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 17 K). Warrecker continues to impress in the early going. As a starter last year, he posted a 5.79 ERA (5.34 FIP) over 65.1 innings with a 10.2% BB and 15.7% K. Does this mean he will never start again? No. However, he is taking to the bullpen thus far, including a strikeout rate above 40%.
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie (L, 1-1): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR

Tampa (11-17) (Lost to Daytona, 10-7)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, 2B (2), R, BB, 2 K
Perez has hit safely in four of five May games.
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-5, 2B (9), 3 RBI, R, SB (6)
Sanchez leads the Florida State League with 9 doubles.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, BB, K
LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-5, K
SS Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, SB (8), BB, K
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, SB (5), BB, K
3B Owen Cobb: 2-for-2, 2 2B (3), 3 R, SB (5), 2 BB
Cobb is 7-for-15 (3 doubles, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 8 R, 5-for-5 SB, 4 BB, 3 K). Nice start to his 2025 campaign.

RHP Andrew Landry (L, 0-3): 5 IP, 11 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
8.18 ERA (22 IP, 38 H, 26 R, 20 ER, 3 HR, 10 BB, 21 K)
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Brandon Decker: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.03 ERA (13.1 IP, 13 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 16 K)

FCL (2-1) (Knocked off the Phillies, 9-2)

CF Brando Mayea: 2-for-5, 2B (2), R, SB (1)
Mayea also doubled yesterday. It would be a nice boost to the system if Mayea has a breakout.
RF Luis Durango: 1-for-4, R, K
I assume, like with Riggio, that Durango’s rehab won’t last much longer.
C Ediel Rivera: 1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
3-for-10 with a pair of doubles.
LF Isael Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RBI, 2 R
3B Luis Escudero: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (2)
SS Kevin Verde: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
The 19-year-old hits his first home run since 2023.
2B Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, 2 SB (2), CS (1), BB, K

RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
A healthy Effross can help the bullpen. But can he regain his 2022 form?
RHP J.T. Etheridge (W, 1-0): 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
Professional debut for the 23-year-old (yes, very old for this level) Etheridge. The Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent (Louisiana-Lafayette) last August. He stands an impressive 6’5″.
RHP Hansel Rosario: 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
RHP Alexis Paulino: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/3: George Lombard Jr. is Scorching

Notes:

Will the Yankees dodge a bullet with Clarke Schmidt? “Soreness in the side” is scary, but I hope so.

The Yankees lack rotation depth. This should not come as a surprise to people who read these reports. The Triple-A rotation consists of prospects Zach Messinger and Sean Boyle, along with veterans Allan Winans, Brandon Leibrandt, Erick Leal, and Jake Woodford.

Winans is on the 40-man roster and would seemingly have a leg up. In 2025, the right-hander has a whopping strikeout rate of 42.9%. Even though it’s Triple-A, it’s considerably higher than any previous season at any level. He has yet to allow an earned run in 14 innings.

Fangraphs labeled Messinger as a “depth starter” in its annual prospects report. He has an innings-eater profile, including 150 for Somerset in 2024 (6th most in minor league baseball). He hasn’t pitched well for Scranton thus far (6.48 ERA/5.18 FIP in 25 innings). Boyle has tossed three strong starts and three less-than-ideal starts. Woodford has 89 games (25 starts) of MLB experience, posting a 4.88 ERA (4.94 FIP) and 15.2% K rate.

If I don’t sound enthusiastic, that is a good observation. Their 6th starter depth is not ideal. Hence, it is imperative that Schmidt feels better when he wakes up on Sunday.

LHP Edgar Barclay was placed on the injured list for Somerset.

Injury Log

Scranton (15-16) (Lost to Syracuse, 8-2)

CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-5
LF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, R, K
Pereira has three home runs in his last two games (5 HR in his last 8 games)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2 K
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, BB
Rodriguez has an 8-game hitting streak (15-for-31). Since his promotion, he has more walks (13) than strikeouts (10).
DH Dominic Smith: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, R, BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, 2 K
His first hit as a member of the Yankees’ organization.
3B Jose Rojas: 1-for-4
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, BB, K

RHP Erick Leal (L, 1-3): 0.2 IP, 3 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, 2 HR
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
3.95 ERA (13.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 HR, 10 BB, 18 K). He did a nice job settling the game down.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.63 ERA (13.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 16 K). This is his longest career outing.
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
1.50 ERA (12 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 18 K)
LHP Grant Richardson: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The outfielder makes his first career pitching appearance.

Somerset (11-15) (Lost to Richmond, 4-1)

3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, CS (2), BB, 2 K
LF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, 3 K
.228/.372/.554 in 113 PA (3 doubles, 9 HR, 16 RBI, 20 R, 6-for-7 SB, 17.7% BB, 36.3% K). Even if Jones is a viable MLB player, games like tonight will be relatively common. You take the good with the bad.
DH Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, 2B (6), R
Vargas breaks up the no-hitter with one out in the 9th. He is hitting .270/.338/.397 in 71 PA.
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB
Gomez’s first Double-A RBI.

RHP Trent Sellers (L, 0-1): 4.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, HR
3.91 ERA (23 IP, 14 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 11 BB, 31 K). The undrafted free agent out of Oregon State (2023) has pitched well enough to get on the radar.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Luis Pacheco: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K

Hudson Valley (18-8) (Walked it off against Jersey Shore, 5-4)

RF Jace Avina: 2-for-3, 2 2B (6), 2 R, HBP, BB, K
.329/.467/.439 in 105 PA (6 doubles, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 18 R, 2-for-3 SB, 16.2% BB, 23.8% K). Avina has reached base safely in 24 of 25 games this season. He was ejected after his first AB in the only game where he hasn’t reached base.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 3-for-5, 2 2B (8), 2 RBI, 2 R
.329/.495/.488 in 111 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 22 R, 11-for-13 SB, 20.7% BB, 19.8% K). Lombard Jr. has six doubles in his last seven games and is starting to make his case for a promotion. No, I am not there yet. However, last I checked, my vote doesn’t count.
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, BB
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, K
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-5, 2B (2), RBI, R, K
Morales’ double with one out in the 9th tied the game (brought home Lombard Jr.)
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, 2B (4), BB
Martinez has a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-18).
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, BB, 4 K
2B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, RBI, CI, K
Escanio with the walk-off single with one out in the 9th.
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Bryce Cunningham: 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
2.10 ERA (30 IP, 23 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 34 K). Cunningham is cruising, as he hasn’t allowed an earned run (one unearned run) in his last three starts (19 IP). This is how you earn a spot in Double-A.
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Between here and Tampa: 10.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 17 K. He’s 25, so moving him up another level could be in the cards soon.
RHP Chris Kean: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Sebastian Keane: (W, 2-0) 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (10-16) (Destroyed Fort Myers, 12-5)

C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
.179/.364/.194 in 88 PA. Perez owns a .409 career OBP with more walks (94) than strikeouts (88). It will be interesting to see how his career blossoms as he matures.
CF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-4, SB (5), 2 K
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, 2 R, 2 K
.183/.337/.317 in 104 PA.
LF Dillon Lewis: 3-for-4, 2 HR (3), 6 RBI, 3 R, BB
Lewis improves his triple slash from .159/.233/.244 to .186/.263/.337 in one day. He sets personal bests for hits, homers, and RBI.
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-5, 2 RBI, K
RF Tyler Wilson: 3-for-5, RBI, SB (7), K
.239/.343/.250 in 102 PA.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, CS (1), K
2B Hans Montero: 2-for-3, 2B (1), 3 R, SB (3), BB, K
.229/.327/.313 in 55 PA.
3B Owen Cobb: 2-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 2 R, BB
Cobb’s first professional home run (21st game)! Congrats!

RHP Greysen Carter (W, 1-2): 5 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
“Somebody teach this kid some control before he kills somebody!” Carter is a fun project for someone whose job it is to work with projects. We are just along for the ride.
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
1.69 ERA (16 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 14 K)

FCL (0-1) (Lost to the Tigers, 3-1. Another “modern” aspect of the FCL is that the Yankees will play the same teams constantly. Tigers, Phillies, Blue Jays. They play in a 4-team division. It’s essentially a drawn-out round robin.)

It’s Opening Day so I will give you the full lineup:

CF Brando Mayea: 0-for-3, CS (1), BB, 3 K
Mayea was their buzzy millionaire signing a few years back. The 19-year-old showed discipline last year (.281/.370/.326), but no power (2 doubles, 2 triples). He is repeating this level, which I don’t like to see. You don’t give out big bonuses, hoping the player will languish in mid-season leagues for several years. Hopefully, he will break out and get to Low-A later.
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-2, RBI
First rehab game for Riggio, who hit .221/.349/.397 in 480 plate appearances for Hudson Valley in 2024.
2B Luis Escudero: 0-for-1, SB (1), BB
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-3, CS (1), 2 K
First rehab game for Durango. As stated yesterday, the Yankees chose him in the Triple-A phase of the 2024 Rule 5 draft (from Cleveland).
LF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-0, BB
Known for elite speed, Lara showed offensive chops in his 2023 debut season in the DSL (.267/.401/.411 with 18 stolen bases). However, he flattened out at this level in 2024 (.202/.322/.250; 14 stolen bases). That said, he only struck out 13% of the time and had a crazy low BABIP for someone with his speed reputation (.231). I am watching him for a breakout.
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-4
The 22-year-old may be an organizational floater. I keep rooting for him to put one over the fence (0 HR in 134 career games).
RF Isael Arias: 0-for-2, SB (1), 2 BB
In his 2024 debut campaign in the DSL, he hit .246/.379/.325 with a 10-for-11 stolen base rate.
DH Ediel Rivera: 1-for-3, BB
“Who is this guy?” There are always a few in the crowd whom I don’t recognize. However, there is a good reason for that: This is the 19-year-old’s professional debut. The Yankees signed him out of Puerto Rico last July. He is listed as a catcher.
1B Luis Puello: 0-for-4, 3 K
The 19-year-old spent his first two professional seasons in the DSL. He didn’t fare well in 2023 but bounced back to hit .361/.439/.516 in 37 games last year.
3B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-4, R, SB (1), 2 K
Gomez is 21 and spending his 4th season in the DSL/FCL. He has significant time at 2B/SS/3B.
SS Kevin Verde: 0-for-3, BB
The 19-year-old’s FCL debut. He didn’t do much hitting in the DSL.

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
First rehab start. The Yankees threw him into the Double-A fire in his 2024 debut season. He responded by going 13-7 with a 4.58 ERA in 147.1 IP. He finished strongly (1.57 ERA in August, 3.12 ERA in September). I assume he will be back in Somerset once his rehab is complete.
RHP Sunayro Martina (L, 0-1): 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Martina struggled in 19 innings here last year (8.53 ERA), though he did strike out 23 batters.
RHP Stanly Alcantara: 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
FCL debut. He will want to forget his 2024 season (34 walks in 18.2 innings).

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/2: Spencer Jones Goes Yard

Notes:

With Jazz Chisholm Jr. out until early-to-mid June or longer, the opportunity is there for Jorbit Vivas to make an impression. I won’t ignore the fact that it will eventually open a spot for DJ LeMahieu. Beyond that, your depth is Braden Shewmake (activated off the IL today and on the 40-man), Jake Gatewood, and Andrew Velazquez. If anyone dares to ask about George Lombard Jr., it’s grounds for me to block you from reading my website.

Given his absurdly low K% in Triple-A, it was funny that Vivas struck out in his first plate appearance. Baseball!

Clayton Beeter is in Scranton to continue his rehab. He isn’t far away.

Many players were activated on the FCL roster for tomorrow’s opener. I won’t get into that. Of note, 2B Roc Riggio and RHP Trystan Vrieling will begin rehab assignments. OF Luis Durango, chosen in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 out of Cleveland, will also start a rehab assignment. The 22-year-old hit .250/.344/.311 in 153 plate appearances for Low-A Lynchburg last season. He was an impressive 21-for-22 stealing bases. 21 stolen bases in 41 games? Nice.

Injury Log

Scranton (15-15) (Lost to Syracuse, 6-3)

SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, 2 K
PH-SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-1, K
No worries about Shewmake. It is his first game back, so they didn’t allow him to play a full game.
DH Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, 2B (3), K
Rodriguez is 14-for-28 (.500) during his 7-game hitting streak. He continues to play C/DH for Scranton. They haven’t deployed him at his other positions (mainly 3B and 1B, though he has a little LF (24 games) and 2B (3) experience).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, 2B (2), R, K
Jackson, not known for his offense (especially in MLB), has a 6-game hitting streak.
C Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-0
RF Dominic Smith: 2-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, R
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, BB, K
De La Cruz makes his Yankees’ organizational debut.
3B Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3, K

LHP Brandon Leibrandt: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Leibrandt was activated off the injured list today.
RHP McKinley Moore: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Beeter topped out at 97.4 MPH (averaged 95.7). He threw ten sliders and nine 4-seam fastballs.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: (L, 2-2) 0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (11-14) (Lost to Richmond, 8-7, in 10 innings)

1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-6, 2 K
Jasso has been on fire recently. Throw this game out and start over tomorrow.
2B DJ LeMahieu: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
I am not an idiot. If LeMahieu is healthy (BIG IF), Vivas’s stay in the Bronx could be short. That isn’t what I want. It is what I expect.
PH-2B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-2, 2B (1)
Colmenares earns his first Double-A hits (0-for-15 entering tonight)
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (9), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB, 2 K
Jones leads the Eastern League with 9 home runs and 20 runs scored. The next highest home run total (as of this writing) is 6.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-6, 2B (8), K
Flores is tied for the Eastern League lead with 21 RBI.
DH Tyler Hardman: 1-for-5, R, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-2, 2 R, HBP, 2 BB, K
Get on base any way you can…
3B Alexander Vargas: 3-for-4, 3B (1), 2 RBI, BB, K
Vargas hit six triples in 2023 and 2024. This triple came in the 9th, narrowing a 7-4 deficit to 7-6.
LF Jared Wegner: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, K
His RBI single in the top of the 9th tied the game at 7.
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, R, SB (3), BB, K

RHP Baron Stuart: 4 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Anderson, typically a consistent bullpen arm, has struggled this year. This was a needed appearance.
RHP Harrison Cohen: (L, 0-2) 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (17-8) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 9-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, R, BB
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-5, 2B (6), 3 RBI, R, 2 K
His 3-run double in the 7th turned a tight 4-1 game into a 7-1 game. All six of his doubles have come in his last 14 games. He is hitting .312/.491/.455 in 106 PA. I don’t mind throwing “cold water” on a prospect to give people a reality check. With Lombard Jr., the faucet is shut off. I have nothing to offer you as a “weakness.” We’ll see what happens in the upper minors.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, R, SB (2), BB, K
.316/.450/.405 in 100 PA. Avina isn’t much of a basestealer (20-for-28 in 279 career games)
3B Parks Harber: 0-for-4, K
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, BB
.244/.337/.317 in 95 PA. Let’s hope he is starting to turn the corner.
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, R
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (5), BB, K
A nice night for Escanio, who does his job as an organizational utility guy. He offers speed and infield defense, but the bat lags.

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (W, 3-1) 5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
What, he couldn’t repeat his 6.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 12 K performance? Bust! Season: 2.25 ERA (28 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 35 K). Impressive.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
0.93 ERA (9.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 HR, 2 BB, 15 K). Warrecker, who stands an impressive 6’8″, allowed 30 walks in 65.1 innings during his debut 2024 season. If something clicks with his control/command, his prospect status goes up either as a starter or a reliever.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.38 ERA (10.2 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 14 K). Not a bad start to his first full season as a reliever.

Tampa (9-16) (Lost to Bradenton, 9-2. They are quickly falling out of the first-half title race)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, K
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, 2B (8), R, BB
Sanchez leads the Florida State League with his 8 doubles (as of this writing).
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, SB (4), K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, K
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, 2B (6), R, 3 K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (4)
On April 17th, he was hitting .067/.216/.100. Now, he is hitting .153/.268/.220 (7-for-29 with three doubles and four walks since his low point). He isn’t “hot” – he is playing better.
LF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (5), 2 K
.286/.375/.306 in 56 PA (1 double, 4 RBI, 7 R, 5-for-5 SB, 12.5% BB, 26.8% K). Poole has four multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, K

LHP Tanner Bauman (L, 0-2): 5 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
7.91 ERA (19.1 IP, 20 H, 18 R, 17 ER, 0 HR, 21 BB, 16 K). Some first-year prospects jump out of the gate like Griffin Herring, some have initial struggles like Bauman, and some are between those extremes. N
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
His name is Alexander David Hughes. I would love to know the story behind “Gus.”
RHP Brandon Decker: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
2.31 ERA (11.2 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 14 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
9 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 8 K

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.