Tag: Jace Avina

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 4/30: George Lombard Jr. Ends Month on Good Note

Notes:

C Alex Jackson was activated off the injured list. He goes back to being the #3 catcher (#4 if you think Ben Rice would take on the responsibility). C/UTIL Jesus Rodriguez played in Game 2 of Scranton’s doubleheader tonight. I don’t know if he will stick with the squad or return to Somerset.

OF Everson Pereira, who missed several games for unknown reasons, was back in the lineup tonight.

Injury Log

Scranton (14-14) (Tossed a pair of shutouts in a doubleheader sweep of Syracuse)

Game 1 (Won, 5-0)

CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-4
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, R, K
LF Everson Pereira: 2-for-3, 2 R, K
Pereira’s first game since April 19th. He has three multi-hit games in his last five games and is hitting .274/.343/.435 in 70 PA.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-2, R, BB
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 K
Jackson is on a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-18).
  C Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-0
DH Dominic Smith: 1-for-1, SF, RBI, BB
RF Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, HR (3), 3 RBI, R, K
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, 3 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Allan Winans: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
0.00 ERA (14 IP, 10 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 24 K). Winans doesn’t have much MLB success under his belt, but this is how you get yourself on the radar.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.18 ERA (11.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 15 K). A mixed bag for their top relief prospect.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb (W, 2-1): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.25 ERA (12 IP, 13 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 12 K)

Game 2 (Won, 2-0)

CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, BB, K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 2 R, SB (6), HBP
.319/.426/.436 in 116 PA (5 doubles, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 17 R, 6-for-10 SB, 12.9% BB, 6.9% K). If Jazz Chisholm Jr. has to go on the injured list (we’ll see), Vivas would be the logical call-up. The scouting report isn’t fond of his defense, so it’s all about the offense.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-3, BB
Rodriguez wishes to stay here. He is 16-for-43 (.372) with two doubles, a homer, 10 RBI, 12 walks, and 9 strikeouts. Those 12 walks have come in 58 PA (20.7%). I am not discounting his Double-A struggles (small sample), but Rodriguez continues to hit, hit, hit.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, K
.241/.362/.460 in 105 PA (7 doubles, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 18 R, 1-for-2 SB)
LF Dominic Smith: 0-for-3, K
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, K
DH Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-2, CI
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-2, HBP
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-2, BB, K

RHP Sean Boyle: (W, 3-3)  5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K
4.06 ERA (31 IP, 21 H, 14 R, 14 ER, 5 HR, 11 BB, 36 K). His season consists of three starts where he tossed 5+ scoreless innings and three starts where he allowed 14 runs over 15.2 IP.
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
De Los Santos did his job in his Yankees debut. At this level, he owns a 0.96 ERA (9.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 9 K)

Somerset (11-12) (Defeated Richmond, 10-8)

2B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-5, RBI, R, HBP
When people ask me about prospects like Jasso, my answers are typically: 1. He is hitting at an upper level; 2. The Yankees are batting him at the top of minor league lineups (an indicator of some faith); 3. No major sites say much about him, which lessens his prospect status. If he continues to achieve, we’ll start seeing more scouting reports. Anyway, this is Jasso’s second consecutive 3-hit effort, and he is over .300 for the first time this season (.303/.961 OPS)
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, SB (5), 2 BB, 3 K
Jones is hitting .232 with a .931 OPS over 100 PA (3 doubles, 8 HR, 14 RBI, 19 R, 5-for-6 SB, 17% BB, 35% K). He’s hitting homers, taking walks, and striking out a ton. Interpret as you will.
1B Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, 2B (7), 2 RBI, R, SB (3), 2 BB, K
Flores has played 15 games behind the plate and five at first base. He is hitting .295 with a .902 OPS (7 doubles, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 12 R, 3-for-3 SB, 9.2% BB, 32.7% K). As of this writing, his 21 RBI are tied for the Eastern League lead.
DH Garrett Martin: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, R, 4 BB
Martin’s first career 4 BB game (not that it would be common!). He has 2 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI, and 7 walks over his last seven games.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-6, 2 K
After a solid spring and solid start to his campaign, he has slumped (down to .226).
RF Jared Wegner: 3-for-4, 2B (3), SF, 2 RBI, 2 R, CS (1), K
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-5, R
3B Max Burt: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K

RHP Bailey Dees: (W, 1-1) 5.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 8 K, HR
6.38 ERA (18.1 IP, 20 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 21 K)
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
2.89 ERA (9.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 12 K)
LHP Will Brian: 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Brian has pitched 5.1 innings in his first two Double-A appearances and tossed 47 pitches tonight. Your reminder that his professional journey started in 2022, and his 12.1 innings this season are a personal best. Injuries, injuries, injuries.
RHP Mason Vinyard (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (16-7) (Lost a morning game to Jersey Shore, 4-2)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, K
Jones finishes April at .238/.342/.425 in 95 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 19 R, 11-for-14 SB, 12.6% BB, 21.1% K).  The average is low, but not much to complain about in his profile.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-3, 2B (5), R, 2 SB (11), BB
Lombard Jr. finishes April at .309/.500/.456 in 96 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 19 R, 11-for-13 SB, 22.9% BB, 19.8% K). He reached base safely in 20 of his 21 games. Your expectations can never be met if you complain about his first month. This is what a top prospect does.
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, 2 K
.275/.370/.420 in 81 PA (7 doubles, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 7 R, 3-for-3, SB, 13.6% BB, 28.4% K). He compiled a pair of 6-RBI games. Including the 21 games he played here last year, he owns a .295/.377/.468 triple slash over 162 PA.
DH Jace Avina: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, R, 2 K
Avina has an 8-game hitting streak (16-for-31) and finishes April .329/.457/.425 in 92 PA. The 21-year-old is repeating the level, but I don’t hold that against him, as he was 20 (turned 21 last June) when he played here in 2024.
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
4-for-8 to start his Hudson Valley tenure. .325/.435/.584 overall.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-4
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3

RHP Ben Hess (L, 1-2): 5 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Hess, last year’s first-round pick, was solid beyond a 4-run second inning. All innings count, though. Season: 4.42 ERA (18.1 IP, 11 H, 11 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 30 K). The walks need to come down, but look at those strikeouts. I would consider his first professional month a successful one.
RHP Chris Kean: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
10.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 10 K. In 32 career games, Kean is 4-1 with a 0.82 ERA (44 IP, 22 H, 8 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 54 K). Impressive numbers for the 22-year-old.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.57 ERA (7 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 9 K). Keane made 26 appearances (15 starts) at this level last year. Is he going “full-time relief” or will they try him as a starter again?

Tampa (9-14) (Defeated Bradenton, 4-3)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 BB
.179/.373/.196 in 75 PA. The 18-year-old had some struggles and successes in his first month of full-season ball. I am not discouraged.
CF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-4, R, SB (4), BB, K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, R, SB (3), 2 K
.178/.330/.329 in 91 PA. The kid with a power reputation hit three home runs in a 4-game span earlier this season.
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, 2B (4), R, SB (6), BB, 3 K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, BB
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, RBI, K
SS Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, R, CS (2), K
.255/.343/.345 in 67 PA. The 21-year-old switch-hitter compiled a 13.4% BB rate and 16.4% K rate.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1, 3 BB
3B Owen Cobb: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
Cobb (23) played in 18 games last season, hitting .238/.338/.302 with a perfect 9-for-9 SB rate. The Padres originally drafted him in 2019 (37th round out of high school), but he didn’t sign. The Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent last year.

RHP Danny Flatt: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
5.40 ERA (13.1 IP, 14 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 9 K). The 20-year-old is a 4-seamer, cutter, slider guy who reached 93.7 MPH with the fastball tonight.
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Loaisiga’s sinker reached 96.9 MPH (averaged 95.7). That plays.
RHP Brady Kirtner: (W, 1-0)  3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Kirtner’s first professional win. Season: 1.29 ERA (14 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 11 K)

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/29: Dylan Jasso: Double, 2 HR

Notes:

SS Roderick Arias, hitting .155/.302/.254 (72 wRC+) in 86 plate appearances, was placed on Tampa’s 7-day injured list.

1B/3B Parks Harber, who has a 170 wRC+ this season, was rightfully promoted from Tampa to Hudson Valley.

IF Owen Cobb was activated off the injured list and assigned to Tampa.

After missing a few games for unknown reasons, teenage catcher Edgleen Perez was back in the lineup tonight for Tampa.

DJ LeMahieu‘s rehab stint is temporarily (?) halted due to needing a cortisone shot in his hip.

Injury Log

Scranton (12-13)

Their game against Syracuse was postponed. They will try to play a pair tomorrow.

Somerset (10-12) (Defeated Richmond, 7-3)

3B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-5, 2B (5), 2 HR (5), 2 RBI, 3 R
Jasso’s third career 2-HR game. He had zero extra-base hits in his first five games and 11 in his last 13 games.  His OPS is up to .938, which leads the team and is 7th in the Eastern League.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (8), RBI, R, BB, K
Jones swats his Eastern League-leading 8th HR. He has 33 doubles, 6 triples, and 28 home runs in 160 Double-A games (715 PA).
C Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, HR (5), RBI, R, 2 K
Flores has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games (15-for-44 (.341); 5 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI). 
1B Tyler Hardman: 4-for-5, 2 2B (7), HR (2), 2 RBI, R
Hardman’s first 4-hit game since July 28, 2023 (third career 4-hit effort). 
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, SF, RBI, 3 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-5, K
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K
DH Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Brendan Beck: 4.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Beck, who tossed 72 pitches tonight, allowed his first runs of the season.  Stats: 0.93 ERA (19.1 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 19 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz: (W, 2-1): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (16-6) (Mauled Jersey Shore, 14-2. The Renedages have scored 125 runs while allowing 68.)

RF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, RBI, R, CS (3), BB
.250/.363/.447 in 91 PA. Last 11 games: 15-for-44 (.341; 3 doubles, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 16 R)
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, 2 R, HBP, BB, K
You know your season is going well when reaching base two times and scoring twice is an “off night”.  His .489 OBP is second in the South Atlantic League. The leader (Noah Myers, .540) is 25 years old.
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2B (7), 2 RBI, R, K
.277/.377/.431 in 77 PA (sevens are wild!). 
LF Jace Avina: 3-for-5, 2 R, K
Avina, who has three straight 3-hit efforts, increases his hitting streak to 7. It’s not a run-of-the-mill hitting streak; he is 15-for-27 (.556). His triple slash has risen from .190/.364/.214 to .333/.466/.420. Nuts.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-2, SF, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
3B Parks Harber: 3-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 3 R
Harber’s High-A debut is a successful one. He crushed Low-A (.304/.422/.551; 170 wRC+), and hopes to do the same here.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, HR (grand slam), SF, 5 RBI
Morales falls one short of his personal best for RBI (5/5/24).
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
DH Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RBI, R, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (W, 2-1)  5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
He threw 96 pitches tonight. While I won’t search through all his game logs, I feel safe saying that is a personal best. Season: 4.58 ERA (19.2 IP, 16 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 32 K). He has surged after a rough first start. Lagrange has the talent to be a top-of-the-rotation starter.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Rossi hasn’t allowed a run in seven games between here and Tampa (9.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 15 K)

Tampa (8-14) (Lost to Bradenton, 5-2)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, R, BB
Perez’s first game since April 23.  He is hitting .189/.371/.208 (at his lowest point (4/16), he was hitting .114/.244/.114). Remember, he is an 18-year-old catcher receiving his first taste of full-season ball.
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, 2B (7), 2 RBI, K
Sanchez is on a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-23). He is hitting .250/.292/.412 in 72 PA (5.6% BB, 30.6% K). 
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, K
RF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4
2B Austin Green: 0-for-3
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3
SS Juan Matheus: 2-for-3
.235/.333/.333 in 63 PA (14.3% BB; 15.9% K). Matheus has never had a K/BB over 1.00 in his career.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-2, R, BB, K

RHP Andrew Landry: (L, 0-2)  5.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Landry has a wide assortment of pitches, including a 4-seamer that topped out at 96.4 tonight (his sinker reached 95.8). He threw 88 pitches and owns a 7.94 ERA in 17 IP (27 H, 18 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 18 K). His numbers are skewed by a 1.1 IP, 8 H, 10 R, 9 ER game.
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/27: Rafael Flores Doubles, Homers

Notes:

OF Everson Pereira is listed as active but hasn’t played since April 19th. Injuries are a part of Pereira’s story. He has never played in more than 102 games. His second-highest total is 82. You have to be available to be useful.

George Lombard Jr. and Roderick Arias left their games early yesterday. Lombard Jr. was back in the lineup today while Arias was not. Hudson Valley pulled Lombard Jr. during a blowout, so there was nothing to worry about.

The Yankees have released RHP Alex Bustamante. The 24-year-old was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022.

Injury Log

Scranton (12-13) (Lost to Charlotte, 13-12, in 12 innings)

CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-4, RBI, 3 R, SB (6), HBP, 2 BB
11.4% BB, 7.0% K. He is doing what you want a leadoff hitter to do.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-6, RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Vivas is hitting .322 with a .878 OPS (5 doubles, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 14 R; 13.9% BB, 6.5% K)
DH-C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, HR (1), SF, 4 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Rodriguez swats his first Triple-A homer. He is hitting .325 with a .913 OPS since his promotion. This ties his personal best for RBI in a game.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, 2B (7), 3 RBI, R, SB (1), HBP, 2 BB, K
Hopefully, this is the start of a hot streak.
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-7, RBI, 3 K
RF Jose Rojas: 1-for-5, 2B (7), 2 R, SB (1), 2 BB, 2 K
C Ronaldo Hernandez: 1-for-5, R, BB, K
   PR-P Edinson Duran: 0-for-0
SS Jake Gatewood: 1-for-4, RBI, R, 2 BB
2B Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-6, R, SB (7), 3 K

RHP Jake Woodford: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3 K, HR
4.32 ERA (16.2 IP, 22 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 4 HR, 9 BB, 12 K). While not prospects, veterans in Triple-A are fighting for depth chart placement. You never know when an emergency will present itself in MLB. Woodford hasn’t pitched well in 2025.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (W, 2-1)  2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
4.76 ERA (11.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 HR, 8 BB, 16 K)
RHP McKinley Moore: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Kervin Castro: 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
1.23 ERA (14.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 17 K). Nice start to the season for the 26-year-old with 20 games of MLB experience (Giants, Cubs).
RHP Edinson Duran: (L, 0-1):  1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Duran’s second career pitching appearance (first was in 2022) 

Somerset (9-12) (Lost to Hartford, 13-5)

3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, K
.258/.329/.485 in 73 PA
2B DJ LeMahieu: 1-for-2
LeMahieu plays in back-to-back games for the first time during his rehab stint.
   PH-2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-2
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
.230/.360/.541 in 89 PA (2 doubles, 7 HR, 12 RBI, 15 R, 4-for-5 SB, 15.7% BB, 34.8% K). His .541 SLG ranks fifth in the Eastern League.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, 2B (6), HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
.266/.322/.494 in 87 PA (6 doubles, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 10 R, 8.0% BB, 33.3% K). Last season, he struck out 25.3% of the time. 33.3% is too high – I am not saying anything groundbreaking.
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, R, K
Martin has homered in back-to-back games (3 HR in his last five games)
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
The 26-year-old Hardman hasn’t been the same since his 2023 injury (26 HR in 77 games that year; 11 HR in 113 games since).
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, R, K
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, K
Gomez is 2-for-25 since his promotion.
SS Max Burt: 1-for-2, 2B (3), SF, RBI, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
3.86 ERA (18.2 IP, 12 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 24 K). Sellers had a rough first start (3 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER) but has settled in since. He had an under-the-radar 2024 debut season, pitching to a 2.26 ERA in 83.1 IP with a 100/40 K/BB.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 HR
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Watson dug the hole. Ayers lit it on fire, allowing three of Watson’s runs to score on a grand slam.

Hudson Valley (15-6) (Doubled up Asheville, 8-4. There is so much intriguing talent at this level. The next wave of Yankees prospects to watch closely.)

DH Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, SF, 2 RBI, R, CS (2), BB, K
.236/.349/.444 in 86 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 18 R, 11-for-13 SB, 12.8% BB, 22.1% K). 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (4), HBP, 2 BB, 2 K
.306/.494/.452 in 87 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 16 R, 9-for-11 SB, 22.99% BB, 20.7% K). He has three doubles in his last five games, so the extra-base power is starting to show. The .494 OBP ranks second in the South Atlantic League.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-5, RBI, K
.267/.375/.417 in 72 PA (6 doubles, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 6 R, 3-for-3 SB, 15.3% BB, 27.8% K)
CF Jace Avina: 3-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, R, BB
Avina has back-to-back 3-hit efforts and is 12-for-22 during his 6-game hitting streak. He is up to .313/.458/.406 in 83 PA (18.1% BB, 21.7% K). The .458 OBP ranks fifth in the South Atlantic League.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-5, SB (5), K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, R, BB, 3 K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-2, 3 R, 2 HBP, BB
Not the typical way to reach base four times, but he’ll take it.
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, RBI, R, BB, 3 K
2B Duncan Pastore: 3-for-5, 2 2B (2), 3 RBI, R, K
Pastore doesn’t play often but is 14-for-42 (.333) in 16 career games with a 5-for-5 stolen base rate. 

LHP Kyle Carr:  4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
2.16 ERA (16.2 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 16 K). He threw 69 pitches, so they aren’t yet pushing him (has yet to throw more than 4.2 innings this season).
RHP Chris Kean: (W, 2-0) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
8 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Hayden Merda: (S, 1) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Merda’s first career save.

Tampa (8-13) (Lost to Dunedin, 8-5. Edgleen Perez remains out of the lineup but is not on the injured list. Yes, I am keeping this note here until his status changes!)

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, BB
Lewis is struggling to get on track (.171/.247/.257). The 21-year-old was their 13th-round pick in 2024.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
.185/.341/.354 in 82 PA (2 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 11 R, 17.1% BB, 20.7% K). His start was slow (2-for-22)
DH Parks Harber: 1-for-3, R, SB (4), HBP, BB
Yes, Harber is too old for this level and will need to be moved up at some point. He played at major Division I schools, swatting 54 HR in 206 games for Georgia and North Carolina. This level of competition isn’t challenging him.
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, SB (6), 2 BB
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, RBI, R, SB (3), BB, K
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, K
LF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, R, SB (4), K
Toole has three multi-hit efforts in his last five games. His triple slash has jumped from .208/.345/.208 to .286/.375/.310.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-4, RBI, R, 2 SB (4)
Gonzalez is having a tough start to 2025 (7-for-51). Today’s performance was needed.

RHP Gage Ziehl: (L, 0-2)  4 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Last year’s 4th-round pick had a solid debut (4.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K), but his last two starts haven’t been up to the standard. No need to be worried, as that’s baseball.
RHP Chris Veach: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
2.89 ERA (9.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 15 K)
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR
Fristoe is throwing hard (maxed out at 96.5), so the hope is that his early-season struggles are due to rust (he didn’t pitch after June 23rd last season due to injury).
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
1.64 ERA (11 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 9 K). Kirtner was drafted by the Mets in 2023, but decided to return to Virginia Tech. In 2024, he went undrafted and signed with the Yankees.

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 8/8: Caleb Durbin Drives in 3

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (61-47) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 8-1, in the completion of last night’s suspended game. The second game of tonight’s doubleheader was postponed due to rain)

DH Caleb Durbin: 2-for-4, 2B (18), SF, 3 RBI, K
Including his time in Somerset/Tampa, Durbin has 20 doubles in 56 games.
CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-5, RBI, K
Dominguez is 6-for-32 (.188) since his latest comeback. From a statistical standpoint, that is the most important thing to watch.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, BB
For Scranton: .244/.383/.376 in 246 PA (15.0% BB, 17.5% K)
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-3, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
RF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4, HR (11), RBI, RS, K
Trammell has 5 HR in his last eight games.
LF Jahmai Jones: 2-for-2, 2 2B (2), 4 RS, 2 BB
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-1, 2B (5), RBI, 2 RS, 3 BB
Escarra is 17-for-46 (.370/.517/.543) since his promotion with 12 walks and 6 strikeouts. His journey is fascinating. He did some catching in college but the Orioles took him away from the position when they drafted him. Over the past few years, he has toiled in the independent/winter leagues, where he took up catching again. It could be his ticket to some MLB playing time. Until Jose Trevino returns, he is probably the #3 catcher (though they may view Ben Rice that way). The only other catcher on the Scranton roster is the little-used (as in 2 career plate appearances) Peter Serruto.
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K

LHP Tanner Tully: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
“Why do they sign pitchers like Tully?” To eat minor league innings. With injuries, promotions, innings limits, etc., you need veteran arms in the minors. It’s that simple.
RHP Phil Bickford (W, 3-4);  1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
1.60 ERA (33.2 IP, 24 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 38 K)
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
I had a discussion on Discord about Marinaccio the other day. To me, the Yankees like him as a shuttle reliever and not a full-time MLB reliever. This is his last option year (unless he qualifies for an extra option next year) so they will likely try to trade him before Opening Day 2025.

Somerset (53-51)

Their game against Binghamton was postponed. I wouldn’t be enthusiastic about tomorrow. Smartly, they scheduled a doubleheader for Saturday.

Hudson Valley (54-49) (Defeated Brooklyn, 4-3, in ten innings)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, RS, SB (18), BB, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, BB, K
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2B (23), RBI, K
Avina has three multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, RS, BB
DH Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, RS, BB, K
Gomez has a 7-game hitting streak that features 6 doubles, a triple, and a home run. He has a .761 OPS  (.492 prior to this streak. That is not a typo).
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (11)
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, RS, 3 K
3B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, BB

RHP Baron Stuart: 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
RHP Sebastian Keane: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
4.71 ERA (72.2 IP, 65 H, 39 R, 38 ER, 6 HR, 36 BB, 72 K). 
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Gabonia’s High-A debut. He pitched to a 4.01 ERA in 49.1 IP for Tampa with a 55/13 K/BB.
RHP Harrison Cohen: (W, 1-0) 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (42-60) (Lost to Daytona, 6-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, SB (2), BB, 2 K
It can’t just be me who has Brett Gardner dreams when the Yankees draft a speedy center fielder.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, BB
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, RS, HBP
Wilson’s first professional hit is a home run. It went 384 feet at 103.5 MPH. In case you don’t read this every night (horrors!), he was their 8th round pick out of Grand Canyon. He is a switch-hitter who hit the HR batting left-handed.
2B Austin Green: 1-for-4, SB (1), 2 K
Green’s first professional hit!
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
DH Parks Harber: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB

RHP Andrew Landry: (L, 0-1) 2.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
The results aren’t as important as the experience. The 22-year-old has 14.2 professional innings to his name.
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Luis Arejula: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Arejula was moved down here from Hudson Valley, where he pitched to a 2.90 ERA in 40.1 IP with a 38/21 K/BB. Because he was demoted to Tampa, we can look at some data. He pumped his fastball up to 95.5 MPH and seems to feature a 3-pitch mix (4-seamer, slider, changeup).
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-29) (Lost to the DSL Phillies White, 10-2)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-3, 2B (7), RS, BB, K
CF Isael Arias: 2-for-3, RBI
1B Diego Flores: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (2)
The 17-year-old is 6-for-31 in his debut campaign. He is listed as a catcher (has played 3 innings behind the plate so far)

DSL Bombers (26-21) (Defeated the DSL Phillies Red, 7-2)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K
RF David Carrera: 1-for-4, 2 RS, SB (10), K
The 17-year-old is having a nice debut season: .271/.406/.412 in 106 PA with a 10-for-12 SB rate.
LF Remy Veldhuisen: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
3B Rafael Martinez: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, SB (3)

RHP Mariano Salomon (W, 4-1): 5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K
Salomon’s first carrer 10+ strikeout game. He owns a 1.51 ERA in 41.2 IP with a 50/10 K/BB. That’s awesome, but he isn’t young (22 years old). 

Yankees MILB 8/1: Zach Messinger Goes 7 Strong

News:

LHP Chasen Shreve was released from his contract for Scranton. Today is August 1st, so the odds are good that he had an opt-out. He pitched in ten games for Scranton, posting a 2.45 ERA in 11 innings.

As I pointed out yesterday, RHP Nick Burdi has options. Today, his rehab stint ended and he was optioned to Scranton. How far have the Yankees come? Jake Cousins, Michael Tonkin, and Tim Hill are blocking Burdi, who many saw as a potential key contributor when the season began. He still can be, but it will require an injury/implosion for him to get his next chance. If/when RHP Scott Effross is ready, he will join the mix.

Scranton (57-46) (Lost to Louisville, 10-8)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, BB, K
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, 2B (9), 2 RS, SB (16), K
Peraza is attempting to build on his .279/.367/.453 July.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, HR (12), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
Rumfield is hitting .288 with a .803 OPS since his promotion. If Rumfield can combine batting average with home runs, there could be something to work with (before 2023, he was a decent batting average guy with little power. In 2023, he showed off power with a low batting average). 
CF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-2, 2B (16), HR (9), 2 RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB
Trammell has three homers in his last four games. 
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, RS
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, RS, BB
Escarra is 14-for-38 (.371) with four doubles since his promotion.
3B Kevin Smith: 1-for-4, RBI
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-4
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-4, 3 K

LHP Tanner Tully: 4 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
1.13 ERA (32 IP, 21 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 37 K). I hope Mauricio makes it to MLB. It’s been a grind going back to 2017.
RHP Art Warren: (L, 1-1) 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Effross needs clean outings before he is considered for the big club.
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (50-49) (Defeated Bowie, 6-2)

DH Spencer Jones: 1-for-2, 2B (17), 3 RS, 3 BB, K
Jones’ OPS is .745. This is his highest number since May 3rd (.767). In his last 6 games, he is 7-for-21 (.333) with 3 doubles, 1 HR, 5 RBI, and 6 walks.
1B Tyler Hardman: 3-for-5, 2B (3), 2 RBI, RS, 2 SB (6)
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (7), 3 RBI, RS, BB
Flores’ power display has become serious. He has homered in back-to-back games and four times in his last eight games. Overall, he has 13 HR in 86 games between here and Hudson Valley. Last season, he hit 8 HR in 105 games.
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, BB, K
CF Grant Richardson: 2-for-5, 2 K
Richardson has three straight multi-hit efforts.
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, BB, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-4, RS, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-3, CS (5), HBP
Vargas is 29-for-111 (.261/.297/.396) since his promotion. That may not jump out at you, but his defense provides additional value.
3B Max Burt: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Zach Messinger:  (W, 3-8) 7 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
3.61 ERA (114.2 IP, 95 H, 63 R, 46 ER, 7 HR, 38 BB, 110 K). Messinger is an interesting prospect who stands 6’6″. He might have that “bulldog” quality. Can he translate that to MLB? We’ll see.
RHP McKinley Moore: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
His arm is worth investing development time in. But it’s going to take a lot of work.
RHP Kevin Stevens: (S, 7)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.37 ERA (38 IP, 28 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 55 K). He has impressed.

Hudson Valley (49-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 4-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, HR (8), RBI, RS
.223/.349/.394 in 351 PA. Much of Riggio’s profile is solid – his .254 BABIP is on the low side.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-3, HR (9), SF, 2 RBI, RS
Avina and Riggio went back-to-back. Avina needed the calendar change after going 7-for-73 in July.
1B Omar Martinez: 2-for-4
It appears that Martinez is a “one level at a time” prospect. They didn’t move him away from Tampa in 2023 and may not move him away from Hudson Valley in 2024. There is nothing wrong with that. No two players are developed the same.
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (5), 2 K
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, K
DH Christopher Familia:  0-for-2, RS, BB, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, 2B (12), RBI, SB (11), K
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, 2B (7), RS

RHP Blane Abeyta: 4.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 4-2)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.71 ERA (34 IP, 28 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 20 BB, 48 K)
LHP Joel Valdez: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating (S, 3): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.50 ERA (56 IP, 40 H, 31 R, 28 ER, 8 HR, 23 BB, 66 K)

Tampa (41-55)

Their game against Lakeland was postponed. A lineup was never posted.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (15-25)

Their game against DSL Phillies Red was canceled due to a tropical rainstorm. It will not be made up.

DSL Bombers (23-19)

Their game against DSL Mets Orange was canceled due to a tropical rainstorm. It will not be made up.

Yankees MILB 6/29: Cam Schlittler Ks 7

News:

C/1B Josh Breaux was released. The 2nd round pick in the 2018 draft showed off his trademark power at times (69 HR, .457 SLG in 326 games) but the rest of his game didn’t develop. Injuries didn’t help in his progression.

C/1B Josue Gonzalez was moved from the FCL to Tampa. After a spectacular 2023 in the DSL, Gonzalez wasn’t hitting as much in the FCL (.233/.395/.433), though he did launch 6 homers and drive in 21 runs in 35 games. Gonzalez did nothing but catch in the DSL, but has played more first base in the FCL (21 starts at first base, 13 games at catcher).

Scranton (45-33)

Their game against Worcester was postponed due to rain. They will attempt to make this up on July 24th. Tomorrow’s weather is iffy in Scranton, which is likely why they didn’t schedule two games.

Somerset (36-38) (Lost to Richmond, 11-3)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (11), RS, 2 K
Jones has doubled in three straight games.
SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-4, K
Cowles’ 9-game hitting streak is snapped.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RBI, K
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 3B (3)
DH Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
He launched 18 HR in 92 games (including 5 in 15 games here) last season.
2B Anthony Seigler: 2-for-4, 2 2B (12), RBI
.205/.303/.384. He has 19 extra-base hits in 59 games (10 in 67 games in 2023).
RF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-3, 2B (5)

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (L, 7-6) 3 IP, 10 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
5.88 ERA (82.2 IP, 92 H, 57 R, 54 ER, 9 HR, 26 BB, 81 K). I am not saying the Yankees made a mistake. I am saying that you are seeing why the vast majority of prospects don’t start their careers in Double-A. He’s had good moments (including a 7 IP, 1 R effort two starts ago) but this is not easy. 
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
For Somerset: 2.10 ERA (25.2 IP, 19 H, 11 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 21 K)
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Back-to-back scoreless efforts for Watson, who hopefully is finding his groove.
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
This is the first time he has allowed multiple runs since April 23rd (17 straight appearances)
RHP McKinley Moore:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (38-35) (Defeated Wilmington, 4-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2B (14), K
Riggio has doubled in five straight contests (six straight with at least one extra-base hit – he homered in the other game). Additionally, he has an 18-game on-base streak and has reached base safely in 38 of his last 39 games. Impressive.
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-4
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-3, 2B (21), HR (8), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Avina has an 8-game hitting streak (13-for-29 (.448), 4 doubles, 2 HR, 4 BB). Overall, he is hitting .289/.369/.481 in 271 PA.
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
Martinez has 44 walks in 248 PA (17.7%). 
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
Gomez’s first home run since June 22, 2023.
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, CS (2), K
Moylan with a walk-off RBI single in the 9th. He has an 8-game hitting streak (13-for-30 (.433), 3 doubles, 2 HR). His average is up to .254 (it hasn’t been this high since he was hitting  .261 on April 17th)
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3

RHP Cam Schlittler: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, HR
For Hudson Valley: 2.44 ERA (59 IP, 36 H, 23 R, 16 ER, 6 HR, 30 BB, 78 K).  This was his first start since an emergency appearance with Scranton.
RHP Eric Reyzelman:  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Since joining Hudson Valley: 9.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 17 K.
RHP Trent Sellers: 2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Sellers deserves props for keeping Reyzelman’s ERA at 0.00, as he stranded two baserunners with one out in the 7th.
RHP Matt Keating: (W, 2-1) 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (27-45) (Their game against Fort Myers was suspended. They trail 2-0 in the second inning. I have no idea why they even tried to start this one. They will try to make it up tomorrow. This game will go the full nine innings, while Game 2 will go seven innings)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-1, SB (22)
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-1, K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-1, K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-1
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-1
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-1, SB (6)
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-1, K
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-0
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-0

RHP Cade Smith: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
This will go down as a wasted start, but that is OK. 

FCL (24-13) (Their game against the FCL Blue Jays was postponed due to wet grounds. Maybe this squad will play again by 2026)

DSL Yankees (8-12) (Defeated DSL Phillies White, 6-1)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
.193/.281/.228 in 64 PA. Peralta, a switch-hitter, turns 17 on July 11th.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-3, RBI, BB
CF Louis Pierre: 1-for-2, 2 RS, SB (2), BB, K
1B Niurby Asigen: 1-for-1, 2B (2), SF, RBI, RS, BB

RHP Jorge Luna (W, 1-2): 4.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
1.50 ERA (18 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 22 K). 
RHP Rafael Arias: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
The 20-year-old has a 7/1 K/BB in his first 2.2 professional innings.

DSL Bombers (11-8) (Lost to DSL Giants Orange, 6-0)

DH Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, 2 K
He played a partial game yesterday and a full contest at DH today. This is the typical formula for a player coming back from injury.
2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-3, CS (2)
A 5’8″ middle infielder. Two things the Yankees like to target (probably because they think they are undervalued and can grab them for small bonsues): Small-ish middle infielders and tall pitchers. Escudero is hitting .371/.549/.486 in 51 PA

RHP Jerson Alejandro (L, 0-3): 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
Speaking of tall pitchers, Alejandro is 6’6″ and listed at 255 pounds.

Yankees MILB 6/27: Jorbit Vivas’ Hot Streak Continues

News:

None.

Scranton (44-33) (Split a doubleheader against Worcester)

Game 1 (Lost, 8-3)

3B Oswald Peraza: 0-for-3, RS, HBP
DH Jorbit Vivas: 3-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (4)
Vivas’ third straight multi-hit effort.
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, RBI
SS Jeter Downs: 0-for-2, BB, K
CF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-3, K
2B Josh VanMeter: 1-for-2, BB

LHP Tanner Tully: (L, 1-6)  4 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Art Warren: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Aaron Boone said that Effross is still a while away. That can mean anything, but I wouldn’t expect him to be down here for too long. 
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Game 2 (Won, 6-5)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-3, RS, SB (25), HBP
25 stolen bases in 49 games (last season, he stole 40 bases in 92 games).
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-2, 2 RS, HBP, CI
Vivas is rolling. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-20, 2 HR, 6 R) and is 13-for-33 (.394, 8 BB) in his last 9 games. If he keeps this up, he can be in the second half MLB conversation. 
3B Oswald Peraza: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 RS, SB (8)
Any hot streak for Peraza would be a welcome sight.
DH Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, SB (2), BB
Ramirez needed these hits in the worst way. He is 3-for-27 since his promotion. As for stealing two bases today? He is now 15-for-16 in that department between here and Somerset.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, K
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 K
Last 3 games: 8-for-13, double, 2 home runs, 6 RBI.
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, HR (16), RBI, RS
Rojas ties Agustin Ramirez for the organizational HR lead.
RF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-1, 2 BB
SS Kevin Smith: 1-for-3

RHP Cody Morris: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K
Scranton went with a bullpen game in Game 2.
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
LHP Chasen Shreve: (W, 1-0)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jack Neely: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K. He is a 24-year-old reliever. Anyone who knows me knows this: I am aggressive with relievers. I can’t tell you he is ready. However, how much time does he realistically need?
RHP Ron Marinaccio (S, 4): 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (35-36) (Defeated Richmond, 6-2)

DH Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, 2B (9), 2 K
2B Ben Cowles: 2-for-4, RBI, BB, K
Cowles has an 8-game hitting streak as he gets his batting average back over .300 (.301/.381/.482). The results are encouraging and he might be trade bait. He could be in the infield mix in 2025 if he isn’t.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RS, BB, K
Flores’ first Double-A extra-base hit (he has 18 doubles in 59 games overall)
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (8), BB, K
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, 2B (11), BB, K
Wegner has 7 doubles in his last 9 games. 
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-1, RBI, RS, BB
   SS Max Burt: 0-for-2, K

RHP Zach Messinger: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
3.60 ERA (80 IP, 64 H, 45 R, 32 ER, 6 HR, 25 BB, 90 K). I like to look at how young pitchers bounce back from a tough start (4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R last time out). I would say Messinger bounced back nicely. As of this writing, his 90 strikeouts are tied for the Eastern League lead.
RHP McKinley Moore (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Colby White: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Joey Gerber: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Gerber was activated from his rehab stint and placed here.

Hudson Valley (36-34) (Lost to Wilmington, 7-5. They put up five runs in the 8th to make it close, but couldn’t get any closer)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, 2B (12), RBI
Riggio has doubled in three straight games and has an extra-base hit in four straight contests (he homered in the 4th game).
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, RS, HBP, K
RF Jace Avina: 3-for-4, RBI, RS
His 6-game hitting streak has raised his triple slash from .267/.346/.437 to .285/.365/.465.
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, RS, BB
1B Josh Moylan: 3-for-4, 2B (6), 2 RBI, K
Moylan has three multi-hit games during his 6-game hitting streak. He has raised his triple slash from .220/.357/.277 to .249/.373/.343 during the streak.
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-3, 2B (1), BB
   PR-LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-0
3B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RS, 2 K
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-4, K

LHP Kyle Carr: (L, 0-4) 5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
Carr left his last start early due to a batted ball off his ankle. I’m glad to see it wasn’t anything serious. He has tossed 17 innings in June, allowing 7 runs on 13 hits with a 17/8 K/BB. It’s progress.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.57 ERA (42 IP, 32 H, 16 R, 12 ER, 15 BB, 51 K, 2 HR)
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 3 HR
Everyone has a bad day. For a reliever, it can skew their results. This spikes his ERA to 4.43 in 42.2 IP (33 H, 23 R, 21 ER, 7 HR, 17 BB, 52 K)
LHP Joel Valdez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (26-45) (Lost to Fort Myers, 6-2)

DH George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-4, 2B (7), SB (19), K
.310/.356/.379 in 161 PA (19-for-23 SB). In the FCL last year, he hit .307/.465/.458. The 19-year-old is showing he can hit. I don’t know if there will be power to tap into, but a contact guy with speed who can play multiple positions has value.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, RS, BB
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RBI
Montero has a 6-game hitting streak.
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, HBP
.250/.305/.365 in 266 PA. He has 30 hits in June (30-for-78, 6 doubles, 4 HR).
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-4, K
C Oscar Silverio: 1-for-4, RBI, 3 K
The 22-year-old doesn’t play much. It’s nice to see him contribute an RBI single.

RHP Luis Serna: (L, 2-4)  4 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
A tough night for Serna, but toss it. The 19-year-old owns a 4.34 ERA in 56 IP (41 H, 28 R, 27 ER, 3 HR, 17 BB, 64 K)
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
2.02 ERA (35.2 IP, 16 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 5 HR, 18 BB, 42 K). The .147 BABIP is absurd but don’t let that distract you. He is pitching very well.
RHP Aaron Nixon: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

FCL (24-13) (Lead the Phillies, 4-0, in the 4th inning. This game was suspended due to rain. They will try to finish it up tomorrow, which is when I will type up a report)

I will note that Abrahan Ramirez has a double (9) and 2 RBI. Low-A Tampa is loaded with infielders. However, Ramirez is forcing his way into a promotion conversation.

DSL Yankees (7-11) (Defeated the DSL Mets Blue, 2-0, in a 7-inning game)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-3, RS, K
3B Richard Matic: 1-for-3
Matic, one of the bonus babies from the international signing class, is hitting .265/.379/.327 in 15 games.
DH Gabriel Lara: 0-for-2, RS, 2 SB (5), CS (3), BB
The only way Lara will learn how to steal bases is by repetition. He should run as often as possible.

RHP Michell Chirinos: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K
12.2 IP, 11 H, 10 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 19 K
LHP Ronald Tejada (W, 2-0): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
12 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 10 K. The 17-year-old is doing well in his debut season.
RHP Jesus Mejia (S, 2): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K. This is the 18-year-old’s debut season.

DSL Bombers (11-6) (Defeated the DSL Mets Orange, 6-2. Who needs to beat the Mets in MLB games when you can take care of business in the DSL?)

SS Christofer Reyes: 4-for-4, 2 2B (2), 3 RS, 2 SB (9), CS (4), BB
This is impressive at any level. Only 16, he is hitting .273/.407/.318 in 54 PA. The two doubles today were his first career extra-base hits.
2B Luis Escudero: 3-for-3, 2B (2), RS, SB (10), BB
Escudero has four multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
CF Browm Martinez: 1-for-3, SB (10), CS (2), BB, K
.297/.364/.324 in 44 PA.
DH David Carrera: 1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
Only 17, Carrera is hitting .294/.444/.471. I don’t take numbers down here seriously, but the only way off the island is by playing well.

RHP Carlos Almonte: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Richard Jimenez: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R,0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Chaury Gomez (W,1-0): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
The 17-year-old’s first professional win. Congrats!
RHP Anthony Mena: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Jose Ledesma: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Ledesma is old for the level (21), but this is his debut season. 

 

Yankees MILB 6/21: Jace Avina Doubles, Homers

News:

RHP Yoendrys Gomez and Phil Bickford were promoted to MLB today. RHP Ron Marinaccio was demoted to Scranton while LHP Victor Gonzalez was designated for assignment. Gonzalez doesn’t have enough service time to refuse an outright assignment, nor has he been outrighted before. Hence, if he somehow clears waivers (unlikely), the Yankees could store him for depth. Gonzalez looked like a good replacement for Wandy Peralta, but it hasn’t worked out. In 27 games, he pitched to a 3.86 ERA (5.93 FIP) with an 11/13 K/BB ratio over 23.1 innings. His calling card (ground balls) was still a strength (52.9%)

I would like to see Gomez get an extended look. He is out of options in 2025, so the time is now for evaluation. That said, he threw a lot of pitches tonight. Will the Yankees replace him for tomorrow’s contest? It isn’t impossible, but I hope not.

When Bickford debuts, it will become his 4th MLB organization since 2020. Unlike other Yankees’ relievers, Bickford is not a ground ball pitcher (35.2% career GB). However, he can miss bats (26.6%). Last season, he pitched to a 4.62 ERA in 25.1 innings for the Mets.

Scranton (41-29) (Down to Buffalo, 11-0, in the third inning. This game is suspended and, unfortunately, will need to be completed)

2B Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-1, K
DH Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-1, K
3B Oswald Peraza: 0-for-1, K
1B Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-1, K
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-1
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-1
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-0
CF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-0
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-0

LHP Edgar Barclay: 2.2 IP, 12 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 3 HR
And you thought you had a bad day…
RHP Matt Sauer: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (32-35) (Lost to Erie, 8-2. I guess this game got a bit chippy, as an Erie pitcher was ejected in the 9th inning. Sounds like fun)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, BB, K
Jones has played well in June (21-for-73 (.288), 3 homers), though one still feels he hasn’t yet gone on a season-altering tear.
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, RS, HBP
Rodriguez is 3-for-11 since his promotion (0 K in 14 PA)
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, RS, K
Cowles has hit safely in three straight games after an 0-for-16 stretch. It’s a start!
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 3 K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, BB
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, K
1B Max Burt: 0-for-3

RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 2-4)  4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
3.89 ERA (74 IP, 61 H, 43 R, 32 R, 6 HR, 25 BB, 83 K). Messinger is a 6’6″ bulldog who is pitching well overall.  As of this writing, he leads the Eastern League in strikeouts.
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Colby White: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP McKinley Moore: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Moore is a project with a low-to-medium probability, but one that is likely worth investing in.
RHP Aaron Palensky: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Palensky is a position player. This was his second pitching appearance in 2024 (washes away a not-so-great first appearance!)

Hudson Valley (33-33) (Lost to Greensboro, 10-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-4, K
Riggio has a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-18, 1 double, 2 HR). It’s nice to see him compile some hits.
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-4, K
Serna is 0-for-15 since missing a game due to a HBP.
DH Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, RS
.295/.406/.486 in 219 PA. He has 17 multi-hit games (54 games played).
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, RS
.237/.376/.390 in 218 PA.  He owns a 17.4% BB and 22.0% K. Last season, for Tampa, he hit .251/.367/.445 in 444 PA with a 15.1% BB and 24.8% K. He is fairly consistent, though his FB rate is down in 2024.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2B (18), HR (7), 3 RBI, RS, K
.271/.349/.457 in 241 PA. He has a pair of doubles and homers in his last five games and has shown signs of breaking out of his slump.
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, 2 K
Familia is having trouble so far, as he is 4-for-26 without an extra-base hit since joining this level.  Remember: He got off to a late start due to injury.
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-4, K
3B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, 2B (3), 2 K

LHP Kyle Carr: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
I am not sure why Carr was pulled after only 40 pitches.
LHP Joel Valdez: (L, 1-2)  2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
2.54 ERA in 39 IP (30 H, 15 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 47 K). 
RHP Trent Sellers: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR

Tampa (24-42) (Lead Palm Beach, 2-0, in the bottom of the 4th. The game was suspended due to lightning/rain. They will try to finish it up tomorrow)

DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-2
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, K
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-1, SB (18), BB
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-2, RS
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-1, RS, BB
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-2
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, SB (14)
C Oscar Silverio:  0-for-0, BB

RHP Luis Serna: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
The weather cuts Serna’s start for the second consecutive time. While the stats aren’t official until the game concludes, this effort will lower his ERA below 4.00 (3.98 in 52 IP (37 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 61 K)). His ERA was 10.32 in his first three starts and 6.97 after five starts. He has been on quite a roll and is still under 20 (until July 20th).

FCL (22-13) (Defeated the Blue Jays, 8-1. I am still not sure how playing the same three teams is helpful, but I guess playing time is the most important thing)

CF Brando Mayea: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 SB (15), CS (3), 2 BB
15 SB in 23 games. The league leader (Staryln Caba (PHI)) has 28 in 32 games.
DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-2, RS, SB (3), 3 BB
2B Abrahan Ramirez: 2-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, 2 RS
Ramirez is hitting .400/.517/.589 in 119 PA. He leads the FCL in average, OBP, and OPS (third in slugging percentage). The Yankees signed him for $30,000.
LF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-5, 3B (3), 2 RBI, SB (11), 3 K
Sanchez is first in slugging percentage (.629) and second in OPS (1.071)
3B Luis Ogando: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, RS, SB (8), K
SS Sebastian Gomez: 1-for-3, 2 SB (8), HBP
RF Fidel Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (3), BB, K

RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Rehab appearance for Cohen, who pitched to a 3.61 ERA in 52.1 IP between Tampa/Hudson Valley/Somerset in 2023.
RHP Danny Flatt (W, 1-0): 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K
2.67 ERA (27 IP, 22 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 30 K). The 20-year-old is a candidate for Low-A Tampa when the promotions start happening.
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Alejandro Gomez: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

DSL Yankees (4-10) (Lost to the DSL Rockies, 6-1)

C Luis Puello: 3-for-3, 2B (2)
Puello had three of the team’s five hits. The 18-year-old is 10-for-22 (2 doubles, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 4 BB, 3 K)
SS Ovandy Frias: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, RS
Frias hit one home run in 35 games last year. He has two in three games this year.

RHP Alexander Almonte: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
10 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 10 K. He is only 17.

DSL Bombers (8-5) (Defeated Mets Blue, 4-1)

SS Christofer Reyes: 2-for-4, RS, SB (6)
CF Richard Meran: 1-for-2, 2B (3), 2 RS, SB (1), HBP, BB

RHP Mariano Salomon (W, 2-0): 5.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
A strong performance by the 21-year-old. I doubt it is common that both DSL starters go 5+ innings on the same day.

Yankees MILB 6/16: George Lombard Jr. Triples, Drives in 3

News:

OF Jasson Dominguez is back on the injured list. According to Aaron Boone, he felt something in his side while swinging. That instantly makes one think of oblique, but we’ll wait until testing is complete.

Dominguez, who was pulled early last night, has consistently hit the ball hard since returning from his injury. This was significant, as one of the early signs of his arm injury was how the ball came off his bat.

Any setback is not good news as Dominguez needs as much playing time as possible. In 2024, Dominguez has only 94 plate appearances and 72.2 innings in the field.

At this point, if you think Dominguez will be an MLB option before the All-Star Break, you are a “glass is full” person. Not half-full. Full. I don’t see it.

Depth OF Greg Allen is also on the injured list. The Railriders activated OF Brandon Lockridge.

In Hudson Valley, one day after leaving a game due to a HBP, Jared Serna was out of the lineup. He is not currently on the injured list but that should be monitored. Hopefully, with Monday off, they decided it would be prudent to give him today off. Serna is hitting .280/.380/.504 (145 wRC+) with 19 doubles, 11 homers, 48 RBI, and 44 runs. Entering today, he is second in the South Atlantic League in homers and runs scored. His wRC+ ranks 8th. Assuming all is OK, he should get to Somerset this season.

Scranton (40-28) (Lost to Rochester, 7-3)

DH Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4
C Ben Rice: 0-for-3, BB
Rice is 2-for-15 in his last four games. Is that a cause for alarm? No.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2B (13)
Rumfield has a 7-game hitting streak (14-for-31). When you can average 2 hits per game during a hitting streak, you are doing something right. While his power is questioned, he has 18 extra-base hits in 47 games for Scranton.
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, BB, K
.230/.360/.521 in 203 PA.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K
.276/.331/.431 in 133 PA (for Scranton)
CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4, SB (3)
The three players above represent the current outfield depth (along with Lockridge). Hopefully, Alex Verdugo/Aaron Judge/Juan Soto can remain healthy.
3B Jeter Downs: 2-for-3, HR (8), RBI, RS, SB (9)
.264/.354/.509 in 190 PA. After a 12-game homerless streak, Downs has homered in back-to-back games.
2B Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3, K
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-3, K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: (L, 2-3)  4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
3.13 ERA (46 IP, 28 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 26 BB, 54 K). He tossed 72 pitches today. I still don’t know what the plan is for Gomez. They may be using starting in the minors to prepare him for a long-man/swingman type in MLB. Or, the best way to showcase him is through starting!
RHP Cody Morris: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Cousins: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (31-32) (Lost to Binghamton, 7-2. Somerset has been toiling around .500 all season)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
.232/.321/.372 in 237 PA (7 doubles, 2 triples, 6 HR, 31 RBI, 35 R, 16-for-20 SB, 10.97% BB, 33.8% K). In 2023, his K% was 28.9% between Hudson Valley and Somerset (28.2% in 78 PA after his promotion).
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-4, K
.290/.374/.571 in 257 PA (13 doubles, 1 triple, 16 HR, 47 RBI, 46 R, 13-for-14 SB, 10.9% BB, 16.3% K). He checks every box you want to be checked offensively. Defensively? He needs work.
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS
Hardman is 6-for-11 with a double and homer since joining Somerset. While his rehab stint is over, they are not giving him full games in the field.
  1B Max Burt: 0-for-1
DH J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2B (7)
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, 3 K
3B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-3
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3
13-for-66 (.197/.229/.303) in 23 games since joining Somerset.

RHP Bailey Dees: (L, 2-4)  5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
This is the first time Dees allowed 4+ earned runs since his first start (11 straight starts of 3 earned runs or less). Season: 3.86 ERA (67.2 IP, 60 H, 33 R, 29 ER, 9 HR, 24 BB, 74 K). He is likely exceeding expectations as a starter. 
RHP Danny Watson: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Dees left the game with two runners on base and nobody out. Watson stranded them both. Due to injury, the 6’7″ Watson has only 7 innings this season (8 H, 6 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K)
LHP Ryan Anderson: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (33-29) (Defeated Brooklyn, 8-7, in 10 innings)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 RS, SB (9), 2 BB, 2 K
Riggio has homered in back-to-back games. So far, he has shown strong plate discipline (15.7% BB) while not hitting for much average or power. Maybe things are beginning to click.
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, HR (6), SF, 3 RBI, RS, BB
Avina’s first home run since May 27th. His sac fly in the bottom of the 10th won the game.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
LF Christopher Familia: 2-for-4, RS, BB
4-for-16 since joining Hudson Valley.
  PR-LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-0
DH Garrett Martin: 2-for-5, 2B (7), RBI, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-4, 2B (6), HBP
RF Nelson Medina: 0-for-5, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-5, 2B (2), RBI, 2 RS, SB (1), K
Escanio’s double in the bottom of the 10th tied the game.

RHP Cam Schlittler: 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
2.32 ERA (54.1 IP, 31 H, 21 R, 14 ER, 5 HR, 28 BB, 71 K). His 2.32 ERA leads the South Atlantic League.
RHP McKinley Moore: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.37 ERA (19 IP, 12 H, 10 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 29 K). He turns 25 in a week, so he should be making his way up the chain.
RHP Trent Sellers: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
3.21 ERA (35.1 IP, 24 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 24 BB, 43 K)
RHP Matt Keating: (W, 1-1)  2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
2.87 ERA (37.2 IP, 25 H, 14 R, 12 ER, 3 HR, 15 BB, 44 K)

Tampa (23-40) (Lost to Clearwater, 4-3)

3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-4, RS, SB (16)
For Tampa: .322/.375/.391 in 129 PA (6.98% BB, 22.5% K). 
DH George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 3B (2), 3 RBI, K
13 of his 21 RBI have come in four games. He is hitting .220/.357/.295 in 213 PA. Lombard Jr. is looking for that elusive first home run.  His triple was hit 378 feet.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, K
Despite the 0-for-4, Arias hit balls at 102.3 MPH and 103.9 MPH. Season: .216/.310/.378 in 277 PA (11.2% BB; 36.5% K). He has over 100 strikeouts (101). I have mentioned it all season: The raw talent stands out – positively and negatively.
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, BB
His June hasn’t been as hot as May, but he is generating walks (11 this month; 22 in May).
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-4
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, RS
Montero increases his hitting streak to 12.  Before the streak: .182/.250/.241. Now: .235/.285/.364. The 19-year-old (20 on August 4th) is showing progress but is a lottery ticket type. That’s not a knock – lottery tickets have value.
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, 3 K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-3, 2B (8), 2 RS
Frick had two of Tampa’s four hits. He is hitting .278/.400/.407 in 130 PA. This is his debut season.

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 1-5) 5.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Between here and Hudson Valley: 6.37 ERA (53.2 IP, 64 H, 52 R, 38 ER, 10 HR, 28 BB, 69 K). There is a lot to dissect in that stat line. Your reminder that he is 21 and in his debut season. He topped out at 95.9 MPH and generated 12 whiffs (5 with his fastball, 7 with his slider).
RHP Jordy Luciano: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Aaron Nixon: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

FCL (18-12)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Yankees (3-7)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (5-4) 

Scheduled day off.