Tag: George Lombard Jr.

Yankees MILB 4/12: Agustin Ramirez Hits 5th HR in 6 Games

News:

Nada.

Scranton (8-4) (Defeated Norfolk, 6-4. Even without Jackson Holliday, this lineup is dangerous. Scranton has held them to 12 runs in four games. The Railriders are 4-0 in those games)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-5, 2 RS, SB (11), K
Lockridge leads minor league baseball with his 11 stolen bases.
2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-5, 2B (6), RBI, SB (8)
.386 (17-for-44, 6 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 8 R, 11 BB, 3 K, 8-for-8 SB)
DH Everson Pereira: 2-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 RS, SB (2), BB
And, just like that, he is hitting .244 with a .926 OPS. That’s what four solid games (5-for-15, 1 double, 2 HR, 3 BB) will do for you early in the season.
C Carlos Narvaez: 3-for-5, 2 2B (3), 2 RBI, 2 RS
Hopefully, this is the start of a hot streak.
RF Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2 2B (3), 2 RBI, 2 K
1B Luis Torrens: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Jeter Downs: 2-for-4, 2B (1), SB (2), K
10-for-30 with a double, triple, and two home runs. The odds are long but this is fun.
LF Luis Gonzalez: 0-for-1, 2 BB, K
3B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Will Warren: (W, 1-0) 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 HR, 2 BB, 8 K
Warren allowed a pair of homers in the first inning but settled down from there. He reached 95.8 with his sinker and 95.3 with his 4-seamer. His sinker didn’t generate a whiff, but his slider and 4-seamer did. It will take a while for his stat line to look normal, given his rough Opening Day start in Buffalo: 8.68 ERA (9.1 IP, 10 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 4 HR, 7 BB, 13 K)
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
De Los Santos needed a clean outing and he got it. He loves his sinker (71% usage tonight)
RHP Phil Bickford: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 10 K

Somerset (2-3) (Lost to New Hampshire, 10-8. They imploded in this one (7-1 lead))

C Ben Rice: 1-for-4, RS, BB
DH Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-5, HR (5), 2 RBI, RS
Ramirez has five homers in six games. He is at .259/.310/.815 in 29 PA (5 HR, 12 RBI, 5 R, 2 BB, 6 K). A young catcher displaying this power at an advanced level grabs your attention.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS
It would be nice if Dunham were able to get back on track…
SS Ben Cowles:  2-for-4, RS, K
CF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, 2B (2), HR (1), 2 RBI, RS
Richardson has displayed pop in the minors, as seen by his .450 career slugging percentage (846 PA). He hit 18 HR in 92 games between Hudson Valley and Somerset last year.
2B Aaron Palensky: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS
RF Jared Wegner: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS
Last year’s 9th-round pick hit four HR in 24 games in his debut season, including a pair in 19 games for High-A Hudson Valley.
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4

RHP Zach Messinger: 6.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 1 BB, 8 K
They stretched him into the 7th (92 pitches) and he hit a wall – that is a part of development. He was pitching well until that point.
LHP Ryan Anderson: (L, 0-1) 1.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (3-2) (Split a doubleheader against Rome)

Game 1 (Lost, 3-2, in eight (extra) innings)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-2, 2B (2), RBI, RS, 2 BB
He added more in Game 2 (how’s that for suspense?)
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (1)
4-for-14 (2 HR, 3 RBI, 4 R, 4 BB, 2 K, 0-for-1 SB). Serna went 29-for-37 (78.4%) in the stolen base department in 2023.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, K
6-for-18 (1 double, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 3 RS, 1 BB, 4 K). It is a small sample, but this kid keeps hitting. In 207 career games (854 PA), he is hitting .315/.404/.477.
DH Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, K
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, RS, HBP
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-2, BB, K
CF Nelson Medina: 1-for-2, BB

RHP Jackson Fristoe: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
It isn’t that the Yankees lack velocity in their system – but many of their prospects aren’t upper-90s fireballers. Fristoe goes against that trend, as he supposedly has been clocked as high as 101. Control is something he needs to harness.
LHP Ben Shields: 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
5.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Cole Ayers (L, 0-1): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Won, 1-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-1, 3 BB
Riggio reached base safely in seven of his eight plate appearances today (single, double, five walks)
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-3, BB
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 2 K
I guess he wasn’t going to hit .462 all season.
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, K
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, RS, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-2, 2B (1), RBI, SB (1), CS (1), BB
It’s all about the bat for Vargas. The glove is good enough to stick at SS.
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, SB (2), BB, 2 K
3B Beau Brewer: 1-for-3, K
LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-3, K

RHP Brian Hendry: (W, 1-0) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State, tonight marked the 24-year-old’s professional debut. As I have often said, don’t underestimate an undrafted free agent. The draft was shortened and Hendry is on the older side of the spectrum.
RHP Matt Keating: (S, 1)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K

Tampa (1-6) (Lost to Dunedin, 11-2. An ugly game that featured six Tampa errors)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, SB (3), RS, K
.238/.529/.238 in 34 PA. That is what you call a small sample size triple slash. Lombard doesn’t have much experience at 3B, and he committed two of the errors. He has five total this season.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, HBP, 2 K
.179/.281/.393 in 32 PA. 
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
His 6-game hitting streak to start the season is snapped.
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, 3 K
A solid 6-for-19 start to his campaign with a double, triple, and four RBI.
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
DH Manuel Palencia: 0-for-4
RF Daury Arias: 1-for-3, K
C Edinson Duran: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RS, K

LHP Allen Facundo: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Jordy Luciano (L, 0-2): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Montana Semmel: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 2 IP, 0 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/11: Agustin Ramirez Homers Again

News:

Nada.

Scranton (7-4) (Defeated Norfolk, 4-3. Even without Jackson Holliday, this lineup is dangerous. Scranton has held them to eight runs in three games)

LF Caleb Durbin: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
Someone asked me my thoughts on Durbin moving around the field. I am fine with it, as long as it doesn’t impact his offense.  It hasn’t thus far.  If, for any reason, he doesn’t take well to the outfield, you can end the experiment. The Yankees have been trying to develop a super-utility type for a while. Tyler Wade failed. We’ll see if Oswaldo Cabrera can keep up with his early-season hitting. Durbin is hitting .385/.519/.641 in 52 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 8 R, 11 BB (21.6%), 3 K (5.8%), 7-for-7 SB).
RF Everson Pereira:  1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, BB, K
.220/.347/.488 in 49 PA (2 doubles, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R, 6 BB, 17 K, 1-for-2 SB). He’ll get that 34.7% K rate down.
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4, K
.111/.390/.148 in 41 PA (1 double, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, 12 BB, 8 K). Narvaez reached double digits in home runs in 2022 and 2023 and should be able to do it again.
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Jeter Downs: 2-for-4, HR (2), RBI, RS, K
8-for-26 start with a triple and two home runs (.615 SLG)
1B Jordan Groshans: 0-for-4, RS
DH Josh Breaux: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
2B Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-3, 2B (3), 2 RBI, RS, SB (10)
Lockridge hit a 103.7 MPH double in the top of the ninth to score the two winning runs. Lockridge hasn’t played much (doesn’t qualify for rate statistics leaderboards) but his ten stolen bases lead all of minor league baseball.

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
A strong 49-pitch effort for Gomez, who could see himself in the MLB bullpen at some point (if they don’t need him as a starter). That last option year is always a pivotal season for a youngster.
RHP Alex Mauricio: 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 3 K
He maxed out at 96.4 MPH. He accumulated all of his whiffs (7) with his cutter, averaging 87.9 MPH.
RHP Yorlin Calderon (W, 1-0): 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
For the second time this season, he was summoned to Scranton to fill in some innings. He was awesome today, using his low-90s sinker while mixing sliders, curves, and changeups. Sometimes, players who bounce around aren’t considered prospects as they continuously float around, providing depth or innings. Calderon is not a top prospect but he isn’t a throwaway by any stretch.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Jake Cousins (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
When he was in MLB, Cousins looked like a garden variety reliever (which is useful!). We’ll see if they can develop more out of him.

Somerset (2-3) (Lost to New Hampshire, 6-3)

DH Ben Rice: 1-for-5, RS, K
5-for-22 (1 HR, 1 RBI, 4 R, 3 BB, 9 K, 2-for-2 SB). 
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI,RS, BB
Ramirez has four homers in five games. If you are wondering about a promotion, he played 56 games in Single-A last year before being promoted to High-A, where he only played 27 games before getting to Somerset. Tonight was his 36th game at this level. He is a catcher, so build that into your development equation but the Yankees were aggressive in 2023. He will dictate his ascension.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
CF Elijah Dunham: 2-for-4, 2B (1), SB (1)
3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-2, 2 SB (2), 2 BB, K
7-for-18 (3 doubles, 3 RBI, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K, 2-for2 SB)
LF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (1), BB, K
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Max Burt: 0-for-4, 2 K

LHP Brock Selvidge: 4 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
2024 debut for the 21-year-old. A third-round pick in 2022 (out of high school), Selvidge started to generate some buzz last season. He reduced his walk rate to 6.5% (25.5% K) while tossing 127.2 innings. As for tonight, I guess his command wasn’t great and his defense wasn’t always solid behind him. It’s good enough for his first Double-A start as it is something he can build on.
RHP Danny Watson: (L, 0-1)  1.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
These games happen. This is the first time Watson has allowed 3+ runs in a game since 2022 (he allowed two runs only three times in 45 games last year).
RHP Jack Neely: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Neely, who stands 6’8″, struck out 100 batters in 66.1 innings last season.
RHP Tanner Myatt: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
The Patriots’ pitchers struck out four hitters in the 7th inning.

Hudson Valley (2-1)

Their doubleheader at Rome was postponed. They have yet to play a game in this series.

They will try to play a pair of doubleheaders – one on Friday and one on Sunday. One of the six games will not be played. I don’t know if they will schedule it for when Rome visits Hudson Valley or if it is gone forever.

Tampa (1-5) (Lost to Dunedin, 3-1)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, 3 BB, 2 K
Lombard Jr. has reached base safely 16 times in six games (3 hits, 12 BB, 1 HBP). As someone mentioned on Twitter, you want to see more contact to see where the bat is. This is still impressive discipline for an 18-year-old.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, RBI, CS (1), 2 BB, K
5-for-25 (double, triple, HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 3 BB, 15 K)
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, SB (3), BB, K
Tejeda has a 6-game hitting streak to start his campaign. He is still looking for that first extra-base hit.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2, BB, 2 HBP
The painful way to improve your on-base percentage.
CF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-3, BB, HBP, 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-4, K
RF Daury Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (1), 2 K
DH Edinson Duran: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
   PR Willy Montero: 0-for-0
LF Dayro Perez: 0-for-3, RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
Perez put up some impressive numbers in 2021-2022 in the DSL/FCL, including 51 stolen bases in 95 games. Last year, in 50 games, he cratered. 

RHP Cade Smith: (L, 0-1) 3.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
Smith threw primarily 4-seamers and sliders, topping out at 94.9 with the fastball. 
RHP Cade Austin: 3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 6 K
6.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 12 K. That’s a nice start to his professional career.
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Tampa didn’t win but their pitchers struck out 14 batters.

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/10: George Lombard Jr.: 2 Hits, 2 BB

News:

Nada.

Scranton (6-4) (Defeated Norfolk, 7-3. Even without Jackson Holliday, this lineup is dangerous. Scranton has held them to five runs in two games)

3B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-4, BB
Position update: 2B: 4 games; 3B: 2; SS/LF/CF/DH: 1 each
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
8-for-38 (1 double, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 5 BB, 16 K)
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-2, RS, 3 BB, K
C Luis Torrens: 2-for-5, RS, 2 K
5-for-24 with a double.
SS Kevin Smith: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, SB (3), 2 K
LF Luis Gonzalez: 1-for-3, 2 RS, BB, K
1B Jordan Groshans: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, RS
8-for-26 with two doubles and four RBI. 
RF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
2B Josh VanMeter: 1-for-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, K
VanMeter, known more for versatility than offense, hit the tie-breaking HR in the 8th.

LHP Tanner Tully: 2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Phil Bickford: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Solid efforts by the three middle relievers. As I keep saying, there will be MLB time to distribute amongst some of their arms down here.
RHP Ron Marinaccio: (S, 1)  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
He will likely be a “shuttle” guy in 2024. I wish he could refind that 2022 magic when fans complained about him being sent down during a hot stretch.

Somerset (2-2)

Their game in New Hampshire was postponed.

They will attempt to play a doubleheader on Friday.

Hudson Valley (2-1)

Their game at Rome was postponed for the second day in a row.

They will try to play a pair of doubleheaders – one on Thursday and one on Sunday. They are trying to get these games in at all costs because it is Hudson Valley’s only trip to Rome this season. Rome visits Hudson Valley in July.

Tampa (1-4) (Lost to Dunedin, 8-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, K
3-for-15 (2 RBI, 4 R, 9 BB, 6 K, 2-for-3 SB)
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, BB, 2 K
Even with the strikeouts, his raw ability comes out. He hit the double at 105.5 MPH. He has four hits this season: Single, double, triple, home run. It’s a 5-game cycle.
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, K
Tejeda has started his campaign with a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-20)
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-2, SF, RBI, BB
5-for-15 (1 triple, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 3 K)
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, K
DH Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, K
RF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-4, RS, SB (2), K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, K
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-4

RHP Luis Serna: (L, 0-1) 4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 5 K
Serna was pitching well until a difficult 5th inning. He featured six pitches and used his curve (31%) the most often. He is more of a “pitchability” prospect than one who overwhelms with velocity.
RHP Aaron Nixon: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Montana Semmel: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

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

News:

Nada.

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

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

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

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

C Ben Rice: 0-for-3, SB (2), 2 BB, 3 K
4-for-17 with a homer (first AB of the season). Rice is not known for speed but he did steal 11 bases in 14 attempts last year.
DH Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
.278 (5-for-18; 3 HR, 8 RBI, 3 R, 1 BB, 6 K).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2 K
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, 2B (3), 2 K
6-for-16 with three doubles 
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 3 K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-3, SB (2), RS, BB
Seigler once had a 16 SB season (2022). It was more evidence that he wasn’t your prototypical catcher. Injuries, injuries, injuries.
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, RS, HBP, 3 K

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

Hudson Valley (2-1)

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

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

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

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

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (L, 0-1)  4.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
The 22-year-old Barbosa, formerly a Rockies prospect, was selected in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft. He used six pitches tonight, with the curve (36%) being the most prominent. 
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Doesn’t it feel like Rodriguez has been around forever? The 22-year-old maxed out at 95.9 with his sinker and 95.4 with his 4-seamer. There could be something to work with, but he has to start moving.
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
The 23-year-old didn’t pitch well in the rookie leagues over the past few years but gets a shot with Tampa. In his small professional sample size, he has generated a strong GB%. That makes sense as he came out of the bullpen throwing sinkers (maxing out at 95.8)

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/5: Roderick Arias Homers in Tampa Debut

News:

OF Spencer Jones was scratched from tonight’s lineup in Somerset due to a stiff neck.

The Yankees signed veteran infielder Rougned Odor to a minor league deal with a July 1st opt-out.  Odor hit .202/.286/.379 in 102 games for the 2021 Yankees. I never thought I would need to relive those days.

His calling card is the home run (178 home runs in 4,424 plate appearances) but his MLB value is limited. I am not a fan, but minor-league depth is always welcome. I doubt he is going to take time away from Caleb Durbin. He will likely rotate with the other non-prospect veterans.

Scranton (3-2) (Doubled up Syracuse, 8-4)

LF Greg Allen: 0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-2, HR (1), 3 RBI, 3 RS, 2 SB (4), 3 BB
If Durbin adds extra-base hit power to his profile, he could become more than a hypothetical to start the 2024 season as the Yankees’ second baseman. It is too early to go that far, but he is off to an incredible start (10-for-19, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 4 R, 5 BB, 1 K, 4-for-4 SB)
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, 3 BB, K
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
1B Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, HR (2), 4 RBI, RS, BB, K
3B Luis Torrens: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
I have nothing against Torrens (who is typically a catcher), but this is why Odor has room to get some playing time without upsetting the apple cart. 
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-3, 2 SB (2), 2 BB, 2 K
DH Jordan Groshans: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
RF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
This is a big season for Gomez, who is out of options in 2025. Unless they trade him, we should see him in MLB this year.
RHP Phil Bickford: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
Bickford was recently signed to add more pitching depth.
RHP Cody Morris: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski: (W, 1-0) 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Marinaccio is on the 40-man, but the Yankees chose to bring up Dennis Santana instead. Some of the shine may be off, but he can still work his way back.

Somerset (1-0) (Defeated Richmond, 5-4)

DH Ben Rice: 1-for-5, HR (1), RBI, RS, 3 K
Rice homers in his first at-bat of the season. While he is in Double-A (for now), there is a possibility that he will make his debut this season. He is eligible for the Rule 5 this winter.
C Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-5, HR (1), RBI, RS
Ramirez, who jumped from Tampa to Hudson Valley to Somerset last season (impressive for anyone, but especially for a catcher) went back-to-back with Rice to start the game. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB
Rumfield underwent a power spike in 2023.
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, K
Cowles received some playing time in the Arizona Fall League. He hit .290/.405/.551 in 20 games with four homers.
CF Grant Richardson: 3-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, RS, K
Richardson’s ability to play CF adds to his value. He went 18-for-53 with five home runs and five stolen bases in his first taste of Double-A in 2023.
LF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, 2 BB
Seigler, once a promising catching prospect, makes his 14th career start at second base.
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, BB
3B Max Burt: 1-for-2, 2B (1), RBI, 2 BB
The 27-year-old Burt has served as a utility player for Somerset over the last four seasons (he played some for Trenton in 2019, as well!). Sometimes when a player hangs around this long, you feel that the Yankees see something beyond just playing ability. 

RHP Zach Messinger:  5.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
Messinger, who is better than his career record, has a solid 2024 debut. His main issue is walks, something that can be fixed. He is relatively new to starting games.
RHP Luis Velasquez (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
In 2023, Velasquez pitched to a 1.74 ERA in 62 innings with a 77/33 K/BB. He pitched for Tampa and Hudson Valley.
RHP Jack Neely (S, 1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Neely is tall (6’8″) and has an opportunity to make his MLB debut in 2024.

Hudson Valley (0-1) (Lost to Bowling Green, 6-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, 2 K
Riggio (left-handed bat drafted in the 4th round last year) is an emotional gamer. He is the type of player you love if he is on your side but may annoy fans on the other side. 
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, K
Serna isn’t big but has shown pop in his minor-league career. He is still looking for his first High-A homer (123 plate appearances). He hit 19 while in Tampa last season.
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS
Rodriguez was my favorite under-the-radar prospect to follow last year. He played C/1B/3B/LF and maintained solid offense (.310/.399/.450 in 460 plate appearances). He was the only player in the system to hit over .300 (amongst those with 350+ PA). Ben Rice and Everson Pereira also hit over .300 if I drop that to 300+ plate appearances.
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 2 K
Moylan, out of East Carolina, was a highly sought-after undrafted free agent last year.
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, HBP, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, 4 K
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-3, 2 K
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, 2 K

RHP Sebastian Keane: (L, 0-1) 1.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Keane has a rough first outing, but no big deal. Move on to the next one!
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
His stint in Scranton was a “we need an arm” thing.
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

Tampa (1-0) (Defeated Fort Myers, 4-2)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
Lombard was their first-round pick in the 2023 draft. This is not his Low-A debut (.273/.415/.303 in a small sample size last year). 
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, 3 K
Arias, who has superstar potential (we’ll see) struck out in his first two Low-A plate appearances before turning his night around in a hurry. His homer broke a 2-2 tie in the 7th.
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (1), 3 K
Like Lombard and Arias, Tejeda can play shortstop. In the FCL, he hit .307/.465/.458 in 50 games.
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, SB (1), 3 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, BB, HBP
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, 3B (1), 2 K
Castillo is a 20-year-old who went undrafted last year. 
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, 2B (1), K
Montero drove in 43 runs in 47 games in the FCL last season.
DH Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4
C Edinson Duran: 0-for-3, RS, BB
The 21-year-old Duran hit .314/.405/.457 in 32 FCL games last year. This is not his full-season debut as he went 0-for-2 in a random game for Scranton. 

RHP Cade Smith: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
Smith is a 21-year-old drafted in the 6th round in the 2023 draft out of Mississippi State. This was his professional debut, so it is understandable if he was amped. I don’t even care about the walks – I like those strikeouts. BaseballSavant registered six pitches (4-seam, slider, curve, sinker, change, cutter). However, the cutter only registered once, which might be an error. Impressively, he generated six whiffs on his 18 sliders (ten swings). 
RHP Cade Austin: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
Austin is a 22-year-old drafted out of South Carolina in the 19th round of the 2023 draft. This was his professional debut, as well. The Yankees tend to develop these types of pitchers so I wouldn’t dismiss him based on draft position.
RHP Hueston Morrill (Huey Morrill on baseball reference): (W, 1-0) 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Morrill was signed in 2022 out of Oklahoma State. He was a two-way player for the Cowboys (SS was his other position),
RHP Aaron Nixon: (S, 1) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
You guessed it – this is the 22-year-old’s professional debut. He went undrafted out of Mississippi State.

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

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

News:

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

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

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

LF Estevan Florial: 3-for-5, 2 HR (28), 6 RBI, 4 RS, BB, 2 K
Florial has hit two home runs four times this season. He sets a new personal best with the six RBI and has 79 RBI this season. The 28 homers lead the organization. He is building up his resume for other teams to look at for 2024. Should he get AB instead of someone like Jake Bauers at this point? Of course. Just reward the kid for playing well while being stuck in purgatory all year.
1B Andres Chaparro: 2-for-5, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Chaparro is up to 83 RBI, which continue to lead the organization.
RF Franchy Cordero: 2-for-6, 2 RBI, K
DH Jamie Westbrook: 1-for-4, SF, HBP, RBI
3B Jake Lamb: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, K
C Josh Breaux: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, BB
Breaux has 7 HR in 47 career Triple-A games.
CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-4, RS, BB
2B Wilmer Difo: 3-for-3, 4 RS, 2 BB, SB (20), CS (9)
SS Jesus Bastidas: 2-for-4, 2 RS, HBP, K

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

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

SS Trey Sweeney: 1-for-4, RS, BB, K, SB (17)
Sweeney is 2-for-15 since coming off of the injured list. Could he still get to Scranton for a week? Maybe.
C Ben Rice: 2-for-4, HR (15), RBI, RS, BB, K
At this level: .343/.404/.674 in 198 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR, 45 RBI, 35 R). Overall, Rice has 19 homers and 65 RBI in 68 games. One can only imagine what kind of season he could have had if not for injury.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, 2B (13), RBI, RS, K
DH Grant Richardson: 3-for-3, HR (3), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Richardson, who hit .204/.306/.389 with 13 HR for Hudson Valley, is 12-for-35 with three homers since moving to Somerset. The 16 HR tie his personal best, set last year.
CF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Mickey Gasper: 1-for-4, HR (6), 3 RBI, RS
RF Jeisson Rosario: 1-for-4, HR (10), RBI, RS, K
.222/.360/.365 in 409 PA.
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, RS, K, SB (17)
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-3, BB

RHP Richard Fitts (W, 10-5): 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, 2 HR
3.58 ERA (146 IP, 127 H, 59 R, 58 ER, 22 HR, 42 BB, 152 K). One could worry a bit about his HR rate as a right-handed arm trying to get to Yankee Stadium, but his overall profile in 2023 is a solid one. I think the homers come down to the reports that he sometimes loses his command inside the strike zone.
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo (S, 1): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

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

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

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

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

DH George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, RS, K
It is safe to say that his first exposure to professional pitching went well. Not including the FCL playoffs, he hit .311/.466/.356 in 58 plate appearances with 13 walks and 12 strikeouts. During the playoffs, he went 3-for-11 with an RBI and two runs scored. He won’t be 19 until next June.
RF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
Castillo went 7-for-38 (.184) at this level with a homer and six runs batted in.
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-4, 4 K
Romero hit .216/.350/.382 in 123 PA at this level with three home runs, 20 walks, and 38 strikeouts.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 3 K
Romero and Moylan certainly hoped for a better final day of the season. It will all be forgotten tomorrow. Moylan hit .241/.386/.313 in 101 PA with two homers, 16 walks, and 28 strikeouts.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4
Martinez’s first experience in a full-season league went well. In 105 games (444 plate appearances), the 21-year-old left-handed bat hit .251/.367/.445 (16 doubles, 1 triple, 18 HR, 71 RBI, 66 R, 67 BB (15.1%), 110 K (24.8%), 8-for-9 SB). 
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 3B (5), K
.224/.335/.296 in 476 PA (10 doubles, 5 triples, 3 HR, 36 RBI, 57 R, 68 BB, 119 K, 21-for-27 SB)
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
CF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, K

RHP Jackson Fristoe: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Fristoe’s arm is tantalizing. As others have said, it may be more of a bullpen arm down the road but there is zero harm in trying to see if you can develop him into a starter. Between here and the FCL, he had a 45/28 K/BB over 36.2 IP. 
LHP Pablo Mujica: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz (L, 0-1): 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/3: George Lombard Jr.: 4 Hits, 3 RBI

News:

No news to report.

Scranton (65-65; 31-25 in the second half) (Lost to Rochester, 10-3)

LF Estevan Florial: 0-for-5, K
Last 6 games: 3-for-28.
2B Jamie Westbrook: 1-for-5, HR (20), RBI, RS
Westbrook reaches 20 HR for the first time in his professional career. 
C Carlos Narvaez: 3-for-4, 2B (9), HR (9), RBI, 2 RS, BB, CS (1)
Narvaez has 11 HR between here and Somerset, matching his personal best for HR in a season set last year. The difference? He hit .194/.327/.383 last season and is hitting .257/.387/.425 this season.
RF Franchy Cordero: 2-for-4, K
1B Rodolfo Duran: 1-for-2, 2 BB
CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
.301/.380/.421 in 300 PA between here and Somerset (14 doubles, 4 triples, 3 HR, 26 RBI, 38 R, 33 BB, 67 K, 38-for-42 SB)
3B Jake Lamb: 1-for-4
DH Michael Hermosillo: 0-for-4
SS Jesus Bastidas: 1-for-3

RHP Mitch Spence: (L, 8-8)  5 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
4.66 ERA (143 IP, 147 H, 82 R, 74 ER, 26 HR, 47 BB, 135 K)
LHP Matt Krook: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.92 ERA (29.1 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 20 BB, 49 K). I bet the Yankees wish they had more than 28 slots in September, as Krook would be a good candidate to allocate some innings to.
RHP Zach McAllister: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Michael Gomez: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Aaron McGarity: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (76-49; 34-23 in the second half) (Lost to Portland, 8-3)

DH Caleb Durbin: 2-for-3, 2B (11), HR (4), RBI, RS
Durbin hits a lead-off home run. I am not sure why he was pulled from the game – something to monitor, given his injury earlier this season. Anyway, he has five multi-hit games in his last nine games. In that stretch, he has six doubles, a home run, and four stolen bases.
  PH-DH Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, K
1B Ben Rice: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Since his 4-for-6, 2 HR, 5 RBI night: 2-for-16, 1 BB, 9 K. Baseball is a funny sport.
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2 K
Since promotion: .232/.290/.333 in 107 PA. Overall, he is hitting .281/.374/.471 in 460 PA (21 doubles, 18 HR, 68 RBI, 69 R, 58 BB, 78 K, 11-for-15 SB)
CF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-4, K
2B Mickey Gasper: 1-for-3, RS, BB
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, RS, K
LF Jeisson Rosario: 1-for-4, K
3B Max Burt: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (15)
SS Eduardo Torrealba: 1-for-4

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: (L, 0-3)  3.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
3.47 ERA (57 IP, 43 H, 24 R, 22 ER, 6 HR, 29 BB, 66 K). After making 15 starts in 2022, he is up to 17 starts in 2023. He struggled a bit today but did get up to 79 pitches, which is a new career high.
RHP Bailey Dees: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Between here and Hudson Valley: 1.53 ERA (59 IP, 29 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 5 HR, 25 BB, 79 K). Watson had a 5.55 BB/9 in 2022. In 2023, it is now 3.81. Furthermore, he isn’t sacrificing strikeouts for control (12.05/9 in 2023; 10.18/9 in 2022). 
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.91 ERA (46.1 IP, 38 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 4 HR, 14 BB, 42 K). This is his 10th consecutive scoreless outing.

Hudson Valley (68-58; 29-31 in the second half) (Lost to Wilmington, 5-3)

SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, RS
Serna extends his hitting streak to 13 (17-for-55; .309). He has 18 strikeouts in 100 PA (18%) at this level and 85 strikeouts in 543 PA overall (15.7%). While that is a slight uptick, it does show you that this level is not overwhelming him at all.
3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, 3B (2), 2 RBI, RS, K
DH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
I believe this is his first full game since his rehab stint began – next up is a full game in the field. The season has a few weeks left, and he will spend the majority of that in Somerset I would think.
1B Spencer Henson: 0-for-4, K
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, K
13-for-43 at this level. 
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Luis Santos: 0-for-2, BB, SB (9)
LF Kyle Battle: 1-for-3, RS, 2 K

RHP Baron Stuart: (L, 2-3) 5.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
LHP Joel Valdez: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Shane Gray: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa (60-64; 29-29 in the second half) (Lost to St. Lucie, 7-4)

SS George Lombard Jr: 4-for-5, 2B (1), 3 RBI, RS, K
Lombard has reached base safely in all 11 of his professional games (including playoffs). This is his first professional 4-hit game and he is now 5-for-13 with five walks and four strikeouts at this level and 10-for-25 (.400) with two doubles, ten walks, six strikeouts, and a 4-for-4 stolen base rate overall (if I include his FCL playoff stint, he is 13-for-36 (.361))
DH Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, BB, K, SB (3)
.193/.395/.228 at this level with two doubles, 18 walks, and 18 strikeouts (23.7%)
  PH Josh Moylan: 0-for-1, K
RF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-5, 3 K
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-3, 2 BB, K
Martinez has a 15.1% BB (25.7% K, which he will probably want to take down a bit)
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, BB
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, K
CF Nelson Medina: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K, CS (2)
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-2, 2 RS, BB, HBP
3B Beau Brewer: 0-for-2, BB, HBP

RHP Sebastian Keane: (L, 0-1)  2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Keane’s first professional start (the concept isn’t foreign to him as he started in college). He tossed 45 pitches and featured a five-pitch mix (4-seam, slider, curve, sinker, change)
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Alex Bustamante: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Montana Semmel: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.66 ERA (19.1 IP, 21 H, 14 R, 10 ER, 3 HR, 6 BB, 19 K). 
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.09 ERA (46.2 IP, 35 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 1 HR, 26 BB, 57 K). Not a bad first taste of professional ball. He maxed out at 93.8 with his fastball today.
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
3.64 ERA (59.1 IP, 58 H, 30 R, 24 ER, 5 HR, 33 BB, 86 K). Technically, this isn’t his first taste of professional ball as he threw one FCL inning in 2022.
RHP Nolberto Henriquez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/1: Matt Sauer Ks 11

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (64-64; 30-24 in the second half) (Lost to Rochester, 2-1, in ten innings)

CF Estevan Florial: 1-for-5, 2B (20), RS, 4 K
This is a pretty typical night for Florial. Anyway, he reaches the 20/20/20 club (doubles, HR, SB). 
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, K
Between here and Somerset: .250/.381/.406 in 339 PA (13 doubles, 10 HR, 36 RBI, 42 R, 53 BB, 86 K, 6-for-8 SB)
1B Andres Chaparro: 2-for-4, 2B (21)
.249/.338/.459 in 518 PA (21 doubles, 2 triples, 23 HR, 79 RBI, 73 R, 59 BB, 109 K). For the second year in a row, he is hitting enough to get your attention. Will another organization give him a chance?
RF Franchy Cordero: 1-for-4
DH Jamie Westbrook: 0-for-4, K
3B Jake Lamb: 0-for-3, BB
LF Michael Hermosillo: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Jesus Bastidas: 0-for-4
2B Wilmer Difo: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Will Warren: 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
At this level: 4.44 ERA in 77 IP (69 H, 48 R, 38 ER, 15 HR, 38 BB, 80 K). A 4.44 ERA in the offense-fest known as Triple-A is not so bad in 2023. In August, he pitched to a 3.67 ERA and 28/10 K/BB over 27 innings.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Nick Ramirez: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Michael Gomez (L, 1-5): 0 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (76-47; 34-21 in the second half) (Defeated Portland, 2-1)

2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-4, 2B (10), HBP, 2 CS (7)
Durbin has a 5-game hitting streak (including three multi-hit games). He is hitting ..290/.368/.426 in 174 PA at this level and .305/.402/.416 in 271 PA overall (15 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 21 RBI, 44 R, 26 BB, 36 K, 36-for-44 SB). After spending most of the season at 2B/3B, Durbin has mixed in a few games at SS lately.
DH Ben Rice: 0-for-5, 4 K
I don’t care if you are Ben Rice or Don Mattingly – this game always finds a way to humble you.
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB
Since promotion: 3-for-18 with a homer, three walks and seven strikeouts. Overall, he is hitting .263/.334/.445 in 481 PA (28 doubles, 4 triples, 14 HR, 61 RBI, 65 R, 45 BB, 140 K, 36-for-45 SB)
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
.242/.303/.352 in 99 PA since his promotion. He is now on a 7-game hitting streak (10-for-28)
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2B (12), RS, K
Scranton is playing with a short roster – I don’t know why Dunham hasn’t been promoted to fill one of those slots. He has 24 doubles, 15 HR, and 30 stolen bases between here and Scranton.
1B Mickey Gasper: 2-for-2, RBI, BB, SB (6), CS (1)
Gasper is another player who can easily fill in a slot at Triple-A. He plays C/1B and even has a few games at 2B under his belt this season.
LF Jeisson Rosario: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Eduardo Torrealba: 1-for-3, K

RHP Matt Sauer: (W, 4-3) 6.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 11 K
Sauer’s highest strikeout output since he struck out 17 on August 22, 2022. His season for Somerset: 3.68 ERA in 51.1 IP (39 H, 22 R, 21 ER, 6 HR, 21 BB, 65 K)
LHP Josh Maciejewski: (S, 1) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Between Hudson Valley/Somerset/Scranton: 1.93 ERA in 37.1 IP (31 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 42 K)

Hudson Valley (67-57; 28-30 in the second half) (Lost to Wilmington, 3-2)

DH Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, RS
Serna’s hitting streak reaches 11. He is hitting .289/.341/.373 in 91 PA since his promotion and .284/.348/.464 in 534 PA overall. His K% is 10.99 since his promotion so these pitchers are not fooling him. 
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, RBI, K
Familia has 11 doubles, 21 HR, and 60 RBI in 63 games this season.
C Antonio Gomez: 2-for-3, SF, RBI
2B Ben Cowles: 1-for-3, BB
Cowles has a 41-game on-base streak.
1B Spencer Henson: 1-for-4, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, HBP, K, CS (1)
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, 2B (4), K
Wegner being 24 is what makes you nervous – if he continues to hit, you won’t worry about it as much. There are successful MLB careers that started late (Kevin Millar didn’t get his first extended look until he was 27, for example)
3B Marcos Cabrera: 0-for-3, K

RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 1-9) 3.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
4.31 ERA (96 IP, 81 H, 58 R, 46 ER, 13 HR, 52 BB, 113 K)
LHP Clay Aguilar: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K
2.48 ERA (40 IP, 28 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 58 K)
RHP Shane Gray: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa (59-63; 28-28 in the second half) (Defeated St. Lucie, 7-5)

SS George Lombard Jr: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
Lombard is only 1-for-8 at this level (very small sample size!) but has drawn five walks. He has reached base in all 11 of his professional games.
2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
Castillo’s first professional HR. He is only 20 years old.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, K
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4
DH Nelson Medina: 2-for-3, 2 RS, BB
Medina is 4-for-11 with two triples, three RBI, and four runs scored since coming off of the IL.
RF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-2, 2B (13), RS, 2 BB, SB (8)
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 BB, SB (11)

RHP Luis Gil: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Gil topped out at 98.5 in his first rehab appearance.
RHP Nolberto Henriquez: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Hayden Merda: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 2 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Adam Stone: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Alex Bustamante (S, 3): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/31: Drew Thorpe Ks 9

News:

Yesterday’s busy news day did not extend into today.

Scranton (64-63; 30-23 in the second half) (Defeated Rochester, 4-1, in ten innings. I won’t lie – with all the promotions to MLB and no big prospects replacing them, Scranton’s roster isn’t the most exciting in minor-league baseball. But they still have a playoff berth to chase)

Up to the second second-half title chase:
Durham: 31-21 (game in progress)
Lehigh Valley: 32-22
Worcester: 31-22
Buffalo: 30-22
Norfolk: 31-23 (first-half champions – if they repeat, the second-place team in the second half gets the playoff berth)
Jacksonville: 30-23
Scranton: 30-23

CF Estevan Florial: 0-for-4, 2 BB, 2 K
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-5, RS, BB, K, SB (5)
He is hitting .251 with a .777 OPS since his promotion. 
RF Franchy Cordero: 0-for-5, 3 K
1B Andres Chaparro: 2-for-5, 2B (20), RBI, RS
Chaparro adds 20 doubles to his 23 home runs. He is up to 79 RBI, which still is the top number in the organization.
3B Jamie Westbrook: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
DH Jake Lamb: 1-for-3, 2B (5), RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
SS Jesus Bastidas: 1-for-5, 3 K, SB (9)
2B Wilmer Difo: 1-for-3, 2B (8), 2 RBI, 2 BB, K, 2 SB (19)
When rosters used to expand to 40 max, a player like Difo would always find his way up – he can run and play several positions. I still think the MLBPA shouldn’t have given up the 40-man roster callups easily, even if it made some sense from a competition standpoint. 
LF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-3, 2 BB, K, 2 SB (19)
Lockridge has 36 stolen bases in 40 attempts between here and Somerset. He is having a solid season and can play all three outfield positions. I still see him as a Tim Locastro type (with the potential to have more of a hit tool), which is not a bad outcome – Locastro has been around for a while doing his craft. His best opportunity for playing time would be elsewhere, I am afraid. 

RHP Zach McAllister: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
He seemingly started instead of Randy Vasquez – given the bullpen usage in this game, one has to assume that Vasquez is a fresh arm on his way to Houston.
LHP Matt Krook: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.96 ERA (28 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 20 BB, 48 K)
RHP Greg Weissert: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Matt Bowman: 1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Aaron McGarity: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Zac Houston: (W, 1-1)  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Wilmer Difo: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Difo has appeared in enough games on the hill to qualify as the Triple-A Shohei Ohtani.

Somerset (75-47; 33-21 in the second half) (Defeated Portland, 5-2)

SS Caleb Durbin: 1-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, RS, HBP, 2 SB (21)
Durbin has 36 stolen bases in 42 attempts between here and Hudson Valley. With Jasson Dominguez (40 SB) on his way to MLB, Durbin has a chance to take the SB crown. If he didn’t get hurt, the crown would have been his anyway.
1B Ben Rice: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
Rice has a 6-game hitting streak (13-for-28; 2 doubles, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 9 R). August: 38-for-110 (.345/.397/.700 (LOL); 7 doubles, 1 triple, 10 HR, 29 RBI, 24 R). Total season: .333/.442/.648 in 265 PA (13 doubles, 1 triple, 18 HR, 61 RBI, 52 R, 35 BB, 46 K, 10-for-11 SB)
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
Since promotion: 3-for-15 with a homer and five runs batted in. 
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, RBI
Since promotion: .241/.305/.356 in 95 PA. He has a 6-game hitting streak going (9-for-24)
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RS, K
Let him finish his season in Triple-A.
2B Mickey Gasper: 0-for-4, K
DH Anthony Seigler: 1-for-2, HR (4), RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
Seigler still has more walks (48; 20.1%) than strikeouts (44). He accomplished the same in 2022 (91 walks, 82 strikeouts)
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
3B Eduardo Torrealba: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K

RHP Drew Thorpe: (W, 4-0; 14-2 overall) 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Thorpe was a bit off tonight, but the outcome shouldn’t be disappointing. Since his promotion: 1.37 ERA in 26.1 IP (12 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 39 K). Overall, Thorpe has an insane 177/38 K/BB over 135.1 innings. He has allowed one or fewer runs 12 times this season (zero runs eight times)
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Danny Watson: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 1.62 ERA (33.1 IP, 17 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 39 K). 
RHP Bailey Dees (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 13 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 6 BB, 13 K. Overall, Dees owns a 72/21 K/BB over 55.1 innings.

Hudson Valley (67-56; 28-29 in the second half) (Lost to Wilmington, 7-5)

RF Anthony Hall: 3-for-5, RBI, RS
Hall needed this. He is at .211/.309/.324 in 82 plate appearances at this level and .255/.365/.419 in 354 PA overall between here and Tampa. 
2B Jared Serna: 2-for-5, 2B (5), RS, K
Serna has a 10-game hitting streak.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, 2B (1), 2 RBI, K
One has to assume that he won’t be rehabbing for long…
  1B Spencer Henson: 0-for-2, K
DH Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (17), 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-3, BB, SB (2)
C Ramon Flores: 0-for-4
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, 2 K
LF Jared Wegner: 3-for-4, 2B (3), HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
Wegner is hitting .306/.419/.556 in 43 PA at this level. He was drafted this year but is 24 years old, so you would expect a kid with his college experience to hit well in the lower minors. 

RHP Yorlin Calderon: 3 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Calderon’s High-A debut.
LHP Joel Valdez: (L, 3-7)  2.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Luis Velasquez: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
At this level: 2.23 ERA (36.1 IP, 21 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 18 BB, 44 K). He allowed four runs in 1.2 innings in his fourth appearance at this level but has been very good since.

Tampa (58-63; 27-28 in the second half) (Defeated St. Lucie, 15-3)

SS George Lombard Jr: 1-for-3, 3 RS, 2 BB, K, SB (1)
Lombard’s first Low-A hit. Including the FCL playoffs, he has reached safely in all nine of his professional games.
2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-5, 2B (2), 2 RBI, K
At this level: 11-for-50 (2 doubles, 9 RBI, 10 R, 17 BB, 16 K). 
DH Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-2, HR (18), RBI, 3 RS, 3 BB
Martinez is hitting .259 with a .844 OPS in 411 PA (16 doubles, 1 triple, 18 HR, 70 RBI, 64 R, 62 BB (15.1%), 106 K (25.8%))
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, HR (2), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Martinez and Moylan went back-to-back. Moylan is hitting .296 with a .806 OPS (18-for-60, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 11 R, 13 BB, 17 K). As stated previously, Moylan was a sought-after non-drafted free agent this year. So far, he is doing well adjusting to the pro game.
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, HR (2), 4 RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB
For Tampa, Romero is at .205 with a .699 OPS in 94 plate appearances. He is a left-handed hitting corner infielder out of a big school (Arizona), so let’s see how he progresses.
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-2, HBP, 2 K
Martin left the game after the HBP.
   PR-RF Daury Arias: 0-for-1, 2 RS, HBP, K
CF Nelson Medina: 1-for-4, 3B (3), 3 RBI
One of the most exciting (and rare nowadays) things in baseball is the bases-clearing triple.
LF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-4, RBI

RHP Jackson Fristoe: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
An impressive Low-A debut for their 12th-round pick in the 2022 draft (Mississippi State). Since Low-A is a league that registers Savant data, I was able to get a look at Fristoe’s numbers. He averaged an impressive 96.1 on his 4-seam fastball, reaching as high as 98.1. His most used pitch (60%) was a cutter that averaged 91.1 (maxed out at 94.5). He mixed in a few sliders as well. Suffice to say, when you see a kid throwing this hard, you pay attention.  One issue he had in the FCL was his control (24 BB in 27.1 innings), so that is something to monitor as they work with him.
RHP Montana Semmel: (W, 4-1) 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Matt Keating: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 4.96 ERA (16.1 IP, 11 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 22 K). His line is skewed by a 0 IP, 4 R, 3 BB effort on August 6. Life as a relief pitcher.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.22 ERA (44.2 IP, 34 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 1 HR, 26 BB, 55 K)

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/21: Promotions!

News:

The Yankees have promoted top prospect Jasson Dominguez from Somerset to Scranton for the final month of the season. Remember that the Yankees did the same with Anthony Volpe last season and he took over the shortstop role for the big club in 2023. Can Dominguez make a similar jump? I wouldn’t rule it out. With Harrison Bader a free agent and left field still in shambles (more on that in a second), there can be a path for Dominguez.

Dominguez, who was hitting .198/.341/.343 after games of July 6th, has certainly turned it on since. He is hitting .350/.415/.535 (159 wRC+) in 36 games (176 plate appearances) since that date with a 10.2% BB and 19.9% K. He was first in the Eastern League in runs (83), fourth in RBI (66), third in stolen bases (37), and sixth in BB% (15.2%). The International League is known for its offense, but there could still be an adjustment period for Dominguez. He will be the second 20-year-old to make his debut in the International League this season, joining Tampa prospect Carson Williams. Williams joined the league on August 15th.

Speaking of the left field position, there is another candidate who is going to try to take the job. The Yankees have called up OF Everson Pereira from Triple-A Scranton. The 22-year-old has split time between Somerset and Scranton this season, hitting .300/.373/.548 in 343 plate appearances. Pereira’s BB% is OK (9.3%), but it is the K% we will need to watch. He has a 28.6% rate in 2023 and it has been an issue his entire minor league career. He is aggressive with a lot of power to tap into. I wouldn’t expect that to translate into a .300 hitter in MLB, but he has the bat speed and power to hit 25+ homers. Don’t be surprised if MLB pitchers feed him a steady stream of curves and sliders to see if they can take advantage of his aggressiveness.

Both of these moves make sense. Pereira deserves a chance to get accustomed to MLB pitching, and Dominguez has demonstrated that Double-A pitching is no longer giving him enough of a challenge.

In addition, the Yankees are bringing back IF Oswald Peraza. Everyone who is reading this knows his story so I don’t need to discuss it too much. I thought he was ready in 2022, and he did nothing to disprove that last September. He hasn’t performed at a high level in MLB in 2023, but it is time for him to get a consistent look.

As for others who may appear in 2023, it is hard to say. This is a year where the Yankees probably wish that rosters could expand to more than 28. C Austin Wells will be a talked-about name but I don’t think it is criminal if he sticks in Triple-A. They would need to find a 40-man slot for him, but they need to do that this winter anyway.

Scranton (57-60; 23-20 in the second half)

Day off. The Railriders have a hill to climb if they wish to make the playoffs. They are only four games behind Lehigh Valley for the second-half title, but there are four other teams ahead of them.

Somerset (67-46; 25-20 in the second half)

Day off. Somerset is already in the playoffs, courtesy of their first-half title. That said, the Patriots are in first place in the second half as well. If they pull off the Daily Double, the playoff berth will go to whoever comes in second place in the second half.

Hudson Valley (63-51; 24-24 in the second half) 

Day off. Hudson Valley is already in the playoffs, courtesy of their first-half title.

Tampa (55-59; 24-24 in the second half) 

Day off. Tampa isn’t going to make the playoffs in 2023, as they are seven games out of first place in the second half.

FCL Yankees (35-21) (Defeated the Blue Jays, 11-9)

2B Keiner Delgado: 3-for-5, HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K, 2 SB (36), CS (7)
The FCL ends this week, so we’ll see if they send Delgado to Tampa after that. He is hitting .294/.415/.490 in 234 PA with 35 walks, 30 strikeouts, and a 36-for-43 stolen base rate. He has 14 stolen bases in August.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, RS, BB, 2 SB (2)
Lombard is 4-for-8 with a pair of stolen bases and four walks. I tend to doubt they will send him to Tampa after this week.
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, 3B (1), HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 RS
.357/.478/.571 in 69 plate appearances for the 20-year-old. The undrafted free agent is another candidate for Tampa.
LF John Cruz: 4-for-5, 2B (6), RBI
Cruz is on the list of prospects that had little hype entering the season and put himself squarely on the prospect map. He is hitting .297/.381/.541 in 197 PA with ten home runs and 47 runs batted in. He will be 18 on August 29th and could debut in Tampa at that age in 2024.
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-2, 2 RS, 3 BB, CS (1)
Montero is a bonus baby who is being asked to hit 8th. That is how insanely deep this roster is. He is hitting .264/.428/.416 in 229 plate appearances.

RHP Chalniel Arias: 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
Since his promotion: 8.2 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 8 BB, 7 K
RHP Kris Bow (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

DSL Yankees (33-19) (Split two games with the DSL Marlins)

Game 1 (Lost, 5-3)

CF Brando Mayea: 3-for-3, RS, BB, SB (22), CS (7)
.276/.382/.400 in 170 PA with 22 walks and 27 strikeouts. He has a pair of 3-hit games this month.
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, BB
.324/.517/.529 in 147 PA with 38 walks and 21 strikeouts.
3B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB, 2 SB (20)
The 19-year-old is hitting .284/.467/.403 in 184 PA (31 BB, 33 K, 20-for-23 SB)
SS Luis Suarez: 0-for-2, BB, K, SB (22)

RHP Orvis Fernandez: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

Game 2 (Won, 4-1)

SS Luis Suarez: 1-for-3, 3B (4), RS, 2 K
.212/.333/.342 in 174 PA (5 doubles, 4 triples, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 31 R, 21 BB, 51 K, 22-for-24 SB)
C Edison Vivas: 2-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, RS
.219/.318/.247 in 85 PA. He is 9-for-28 in August.
3B Anthony Pena: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB, SB (5)
.247/.344/.383 in 93 PA. He has five doubles and a pair of home runs.

RHP Christian Zazueta: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3.29 ERA (52 IP, 41 H, 21 R, 19 ER, 6 HR, 16 BB, 50 K). A solid year for the 18-year-old.
RHP Keninson Diaz (W, 5-0): 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL Bombers (27-26) (Squeaked past the Twins, 8-7)

2B Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K, CS (6)
.299/.407/.533 in 162 PA (9 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 33 R, 22 BB, 35 K, 14-for-20 SB)
C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-4, 2B (8), RS, K, 2 SB (5)
3B Kevin Verde: 2-for-4, 2B (9), HR (4), 4 RBI, 2 RS, K
.258/.316/.433 in 133 PA for the 17-year-old. This is Verde’s debut season and he is certainly holding his own.
RF Ramiro Altagracia: 2-for-4, RS, K

RHP Sunayro Martina: 3 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
3.86 ERA (28 IP, 19 H, 21 R, 12 ER, 1 HR, 23 BB, 34 K). This is a fairly typical DSL line.