Tag: Jackson Castillo

Yankees MILB 5/8: Ben Hess Dominates

Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Injury Log

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game 2 (Won, 6-3)

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

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

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

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

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

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/26: Jackson Castillo Drives Home 6

Notes:

I have nothing to offer you.

Injury Log

Scranton (12-13) (Lost to Charlotte, 8-7. The Railriders blew a 7-0 lead)

CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-4, R, BB
.256/.362/.372 in 107 PA (4 doubles, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 15 R, 5-for-7 SB, 10.3% BB, 7.5% K)
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, CS (4), 2 BB
Vivas has ten starts at second base and 12 at third base.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, 2B (2), RBI, 2 R, SB (4)
Some websites (ahem…MLB Pipeline…ahem) refuse to rank Rodriguez in the Yankees’ Top 30. The Yankees disagree, as they added him to the 40-man roster, and he continues to hit. Since joining Scranton, he is 12-for-36 (.333/.468/.389) with a pair of doubles and more walks (9) than strikeouts (7). He is also 4-for-4 in the stolen base department. In his 300-game minor league career, the 23-year-old is hitting .306/.394/.464. When Alex Jackson returns (assuming the injury won’t keep him out forever), the Yankees may have a decision to make. One place Rodriguez struggled was Double-A (.196/.250/.339 in 30 games). Do they send him back? Do they use his versatility to their advantage and keep him in Scranton?
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
Rumfield is down to .231/.341/.462 thanks to a 1-for-24 slump.
RF Dominic Smith: 2-for-4, 2 2B (4), RBI, R, BB
Smith has three doubles in his last two games (7-for-23 in his last six games).
LF Jose Rojas: 2-for-5, 3B (1), R
DH Ronaldo Hernandez: 1-for-3, SF, 3 RBI, R
SS Jake Gatewood: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K

RHP Erick Leal: 5 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
4.81 ERA (24.1 IP, 24 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 31 K)
RHP Colten Brewer: 1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman (L, 1-2): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
3.38 ERA (10.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 13 K). Control, control, control.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.61 ERA (10.1 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 11 K)

Somerset (9-11) (Defeated Hartford, 4-3)

1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RBI
Jasso continues to hit (.274 with a .864 OPS) while playing 1B, 2B, and 3B. Is he a legitimate prospect?  If he continues to hit, you can start envisioning him as a utility piece.
2B DJ LeMahieu: 2-for-3, RBI, R, K
LeMahieu is 5-for-8 during his rehab stint.
  2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-1
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, 2B (5), R, BB, K
Flores has hit safely in eight of his last nine games (10-for-35; 4 doubles, 1 HR)
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (8), K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, 2 K
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2, SB (4), BB
SS Max Burt: 1-for-3, 2B (2), R
RF Christopher Familia: 1-for-3, 2B (2), R, 2 K
Familia is 3-for-9 with two doubles and a triple.

LHP Edgar Barclay: 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Beeter struggled in his first rehab appearance at this level. Not tonight.
LHP Will Brian (W, 1-0): 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
An impressive Double-A debut after a strong start at Hudson Valley (7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 12 K). Health has been an issue for the 26-year-old.
RHP Harrison Cohen (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.25 ERA (8 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 10 K)

Hudson Valley (14-6) (Continued their hot start with a 15-0 mauling of Asheville)

CF Brendan Jones: 3-for-6, 2B (4), RBI, 3 R, SB (11)
Jones has hit safely in eight of his last nine games, including three multi-hit efforts (12-for-36). With 11 stolen bases, he is second in the South Atlantic League (Duce Gourson has 12). He is hitting .235/.350/.456 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 3-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, BB
.305/.481/.441 in 81 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 16 R, 9-for-11 SB, 22.2% BB, 19.8% K). And he is still a teenager.
  PR-2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-1, R
Pastore pinch-run for Lombard in the 7th. I am hoping it was due to the score, not an injury.
LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-5, 2B (6), HR (1, grand slam), SF, 6 RBI, R, K
Castillo has two 6-RBI games this season (3 RBI in his other 12 games). His personal best remains seven, which he did last August. 
DH Jace Avina: 3-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
Avina is on a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-18). His triple slash has climbed from .190/.364/.214 to .283/.436/.367.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-6, R, 4 K
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-6, HR (2), RBI, R, K
If you are going to go 1-for-6, you may as well make the one a homer.
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-5, 2 K
2B-SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K

RHP Bryce Cunningham (W, 3-1):  6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
2.63 ERA (24 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 30 K). Cunningham has been brilliant in three of his four starts. In the other start, he allowed five runs in the first inning before settling in and providing the team with six innings. The 6’5″ 22-year-old is showing off impressive command/control thus far. He walked 71 batters in 160 college innings, so is this a hot stretch, or has something clicked in the Yankees Pitching Lab?
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Gilbert pulls off the 4 strikeout inning!
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.32 ERA (8.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 13 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (8-12) (Lost to Dunedin, 5-1. Edgleen Perez remains out of the lineup but is not on the injured list.)

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, SB (9), BB, K
I am not sure why Arias was pulled from the game.
   3B Parks Harber: 0-for-0
DH Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, CS (2), K
.250/.294/.406 in 68 PA. He owned an 11.6% BB last year (5.9% this year).
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, R
LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Wilson: 2-for-2, CS (3), 2 BB
Wilson reaches base four times to improve his triple slash to .258/.364/.258. Correct: All 17 of his hits are singles. Last season, the 22-year-old compiled five doubles and a homer in 21 games.
RF Austin Green: 2-for-4, 2 2B (2), RBI
Green had one extra-base hit in his first 20 professional games. Naturally, he swats a pair tonight to jump that number to three. Baseball!
3B-2B Hans Montero: 1-for-4, K
2B-SS Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-4, K

RHP Greysen Carter (L, 0-2): 5 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
5.74 ERA (15.2 IP, 15 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 20 K). Even at the lower levels, throwing 98+ (and hitting triple digits at times) still requires command and solid secondary pitches. Carter will be a work-in-progress with a massive ceiling.
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Could he get a crack at the closer role if he stays healthy? I prefer closers who miss more bats than Loaisiga does, but a healthy Loaisiga is a massive bullpen upgrade.
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Brandon Decker: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
0.90 ERA (10 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 11 K)

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/10: Jackson Castillo: 2 Doubles, 6 RBI

Notes:

RHP McKinley Moore and OF Christopher Familia have been moved to the organization’s Development List.

The Development List was introduced in 2021, and its purpose is what you think it is. If a player has something to work on, and the organization wants them to do so outside of game competition, the Development List is there for them to use.

Scranton (6-5) 

Their game against Rochester was postponed.  Tomorrow’s weather doesn’t look promising.

Somerset (2-4) (Defeated Reading, 4-1)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (1), K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (2), BB, K
.263/.462/.474 in 26 PA (1 double, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5 R, 2-for-2 SB, 6 BB, 8 K)
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-2, SB (2), 2 BB, K
6-for-21 (2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 R, 2-for-2 SB, 4 BB, 8 K)
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, R, BB
RF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-4, 2B (1), R, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RBI, K
DH Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, CS (1), K
6-for-12 (3 doubles, 3 RBI, 0 BB, 1 K). This is a continuation of his strong spring training.
2B Max Burt: 0-for-2, R, SB (2), BB, K

RHP Clarke Schmidt: 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Schmidt could be in an MLB rotation as soon as next week.
RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
10.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 12 K

Hudson Valley (4-2) (Defeated Brooklyn, 8-3)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, R, 2 SB (3), 2 BB, 2 K
2-for-21 (1 double, 1 triple, 3 RBI, 2 R, 3-for-3 SB, 4 BB, 10 K). Jones is 21-for-21 stealing bases in his short career.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, 3 R, SB (2), 3 BB, K
Lombard had four 3+ BB games in 2024 (including one 4 BB game)
LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-5, 2 2B (2), 6 RBI, SB (2), K
Castillo swats a pair of 3-run doubles. Interestingly, this is not a new best for him for RBI. He knocked in 7 runs on August 13, 2024.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 2 BB, 3 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-5, 4 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2 K
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-2, 2 R, SB (3), 2 BB

RHP Josh Grosz: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K
The 6’4″ Grosz had a solid debut season in 2024 (24 games (23 starts), 7-8, 3.85 ERA; 121.2 IP, 101 H, 14 HR, 52 BB, 131 K). He had his best ERA in seven starts at this level (2.77). He was the Yankees’ 11th-round pick in 2023 (East Carolina).
LHP Will Brian: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Impressive outing for the 6’8″ Warrecker. Like many kids his size, he needs to work on his command/control.
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

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

SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 SB (3), BB, K
Arias needed this night in a bad way.
LF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-2, SB (2), BB, 2 K
Sanchez left the game after striking out in the 5th inning.
  LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-1, K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-2, R, 2 HBP, 2 K
Urena is off to a 1-for-17 start, though he does have seven walks and two HBP.
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Harber hit one homer in 23 games in last year’s debut season.
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, CS (2), BB, K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-3, R, HBP
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, K
DH Duncan Pastore: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R
Signed as an undrafted free agent last year, Pastore went 10-for-27 in ten games with four stolen bases. He is still looking for his first career extra-base hit.

LHP Griffin Herring: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
10.1 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 13 K. I’d say that’s a nice start to one’s professional career.
RHP Sean Hermann: (W, 1-0)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Rossi’s first career save. He was pumping mid-90s sinkers tonight.

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 9/13: Zach Messinger Tosses 6 Shutout Innings

News:

Nothing

Scranton (82-59) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 6-5, in 11 innings. Worcester finally lost, so the Railriders are within one game. The season ends next Sunday)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5
3B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-4, HBP, BB (intentional)
Durbin is in a little slump (5-for-27 in September) but has only three strikeouts. 
1B Ben Rice: 0-for-3, RBI, 3 BB
Walk-off RBI walk.
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-5, K
CF-LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, BB, K
  PR-LF Cam Eden: 0-for-1, RS, SB (32), K
DH Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-2, 2 BB
   PR-CF Greg Allen: 0-for-1, SB (13), K
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, RS, BB, K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-4, SF, 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
LF Jahmai Jones: 2-for-2, HR (4), 2 RBI, RS, HBP
   PR-CF Duke Ellis: 0-for-0, SB (1)
At all levels, including the majors, Ellis is 57-for-61 stealing bases this season.
   PH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-1
   P Oddanier Mosqueda: 0-for-0
   P Scott Effross: 0-for-0
   PH Josh Maciejewski: 0-for-1, K
A pitcher pinch-hitting for a pitcher in a league where pitchers don’t hit. I love it.

LHP Thomas Pannone: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.08 ERA (47.2 IP, 35 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 3 HR, 26 BB, 52 K). I don’t think the Yankees have treated him “poorly,” but I hope he earns an MLB opportunity at some point somewhere. 
RHP Lou Trivino: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Trivino’s rehab clock was about to run out and he is out of options. The Yankees asked for an extension today and were granted one. Hence, he can stay here for the remainder of the Triple-A season, if needed. FYI: The Yankees have a 2025 option that I think they will pick up (unless they think he is fried)
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Scott Effross (W, 5-1): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (73-62) (Defeated New Hampshire, 3-0. Portland also won. Somerset owns a 0.5-game lead with two games left. Keep winning and nothing else matters)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, RS
He is hitting .258/.334/.445 in 536 PA (29 doubles, 6 triples, 16 HR, 77 RBI, 70 R, 52 BB (9.7%), 199 K (37.1%), 25-for-33 SB)
1B Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, RS, K
.278/.362/.526 in 265 PA. Don’t count him out in the first baseman discussion. The Yankees must figure out first base in 2025 and beyond. It is tough to get a read on how they view their minor league options.
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, BB
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (16), K
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-3, RBI, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 SB (28)
Seigler’s previous best for stolen bases was 16. He was always known as an athletic catcher. The move to 2B has likely allowed him to save his legs and run more. I have said it all year: I won’t convince you that he is suddenly a prospect again. It is just fun to watch him have a healthy year at a new position.
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, K
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, 2 K
C Juan Crisp: 0-for-2, K

RHP Zach Messinger: (W, 7-8)  6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
Messinger finishes the regular season with a 3.06 ERA in 150 innings (114 H, 68 R, 51 ER, 9 HR, 52 BB, 136 K). Organizational Pitcher of the Year? Perhaps. The Yankees didn’t have a great minor league season but some of their pitching prospects surged down the stretch (Messinger, Cade Smith, Josh Grosz, Bailey Dees, Trystan Vrieling, Kyle Carr, Trent Sellers, Ben Shields.  Also, Cam Schlittler pitched well enough after his promotion to Somerset)
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo (S, 3): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (1-1) (Defeated Greensboro, 4-1, to take the best-of-3 series. They will face Bowling Green in the championship series, starting on Sunday)

2B Roc Riggio: 3-for-4, RBI
Riggio is 5-for-13 with a double in the playoffs. I look forward to seeing him in Somerset next season (I fully expect him to start 2025 in Double-A)
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, K
Castillo hit a big 2-run HR in the top of the 9th to extend a 2-1 lead to 4-1.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RS, BB
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K

LHP Kyle Carr: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Carr has the potential to be a force in 2025. 
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 1-0)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Kelly Austin (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Austin has pitched well since being acquired from the Astros organization.

Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/3: Josh Grosz Spins Another Gem

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (75-56) (Defeated Syracuse, 4-1, to move within 0.5 games of Rochester. Worcester, who is playing Rochester this week, is also 0.5 games out)

3B Jon Berti: 2-for-4, K
Berti’s rehab was moved here from Somerset today. 
CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB, K
Dominguez is hitting .262 (32-for-122) since returning from his latest injury. If you want to find a criticism, he has compiled only eight extra-base hits during this timeframe.
1B Ben Rice: 1-for-4, K
Rice reported back to Scranton today. He had his share of highlights with the Yankees (including a 3-HR game) but the league seemed to adjust to him. Nobody can tell you with confidence where his career will lead. For now, we will say he earned valuable experience.
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-3, SF, RBI
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4
LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-3, CS (4), BB, K
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4, K
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-3, 2B (11), HR (3), RBI, 3 RS, BB, K
Escarra is hitting .291 with a .869 OPS since his promotion (11 doubles, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 26 R). I don’t know if it would be with the Yankees, but Escarra is one you root for to make MLB.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-4, RS, K

LHP Edgar Barclay:(W, 7-9)  7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
6.30 ERA (130 IP, 139 H, 97 R, 91 ER, 28 HR, 62 BB, 107 K)
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Nick Burdi (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (66-59)

The Patriots played on Labor Day, so today was a day off. They play a doubleheader tomorrow.

Hudson Valley (69-57) (Defeated Asheville, 4-3, to move 3.5 games ahead of Jersey Shore. Jersey Shore is currently losing, 6-3. Greensboro, also in the mix, is losing 5-4 in the 8th. Bottom line? If the Renegades can win three of their final five games, they clinch)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 SB (26), 2 BB, K
Riggio stole home tonight. He is hitting .221/.348/.398 in 461 PA (25 doubles, 5 triples, 11 HR, 45 RBI, 68 R, 26-for-32 SB). His BABIP, a problem most of the season, is now .263.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, SB (7), 2 BB
His hitting streak is snapped at 7 but he still owns a 9-game on-base streak. Between here and Tampa, he is 37-for-45 stealing bases (82.2%).
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-4, 2B (15), SB (15), BB, 2 K
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, BB, 3 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-2, SB (4), 3 BB, K
Castillo has four 3-walk games this season. He is hitting .321/.409/.536 in 66 PA since his promotion.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, RBI, 2 K
Jasso walked it off with an RBI single in the 9th.
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, BB
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, 2B (14), RBI, RS, SB (2), BB, 2 K

RHP Josh Grosz: 7 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
Grosz hadn’t allowed a homer in his previous 7 starts or 3+ earned runs in 9 starts. If those streaks were destined to be broken, this is a stat line you can live with.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.67 ERA (81 IP, 73 H, 45 R, 42 ER, 7 HR, 41 BB, 82 K). He was moved to the bullpen on 7/24, which I assume was done to limit his innings. 
RHP Blane Abeyta: (W, 3-2)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (54-69) (Their game against Dunedin was postponed. They will attempt to play a doubleheader tomorrow. The lineup was posted, and it is below with a few notes)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-0
Arias is hitting .229/.333/.385 (109 wRC+) with a 12.4% BB and 30.9% K. He is 1st in the FSL in runs (73), RBI (72 – tied), triples (8) and is second in stolen bases (32). Yes, a caveat applies: He has played here all season while many others have moved up. It’s still an impressive season – one that should have you looking forward to seeing him in Hudson Valley in 2025.
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-0
The 20-year-old is hitting .249/.311/.364 in 466 PA (23 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 58 RBI, 62 R, 12-for-13 SB, 7.7% BB, 21.5% K). 
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-0
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-0
The 20-year-old bonus baby played well in the FCL last year (.257/.419/.404 in 234 PA) but has struggled in his first taste of a full-season league (.211/.308/.345 in 371 PA)
DH Dillon Lewis: 0-for-0
Lewis has reached base safely in all 8 of his professional starts (0-for-1 as a PH in his other game)
1B Parks Harber: 0-for-0
RF Joe Delossantos: 0-for-0
Delossantos is 16-for-57 (.281/.423/.351; 12 walks, 19 strikeouts). He is splitting time between LF and RF.
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-0
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-0

RHP Danny Flatt: 0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/24: It’s Roderick Arias Night!

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (70-53) (Defeated St. Paul, 6-3)

DH Caleb Durbin: 2-for-5, HR (6), 4 RBI, RS, K
Durbin’s 3-run HR in the top of the 9th broke the 3-3 tie. His best for HR is 8, set in 105 games in 2022. He has 6 HR in 71 games this season. This is his 4th 4-RBI game this year (he’s never had a 5-RBI game). At this level: .298/.418/.464 in 289 PA (19 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 48 RBI, 45 R, 23-for-25 SB, 14.2% BB, 10.0% K)
LF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-4, SB (12), BB, K
At this level: .298/.356/.444 in 135 PA (6 doubles, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 20 R, 12-for-13 SB, 8.1% BB, 20% K). Yes, he walked more last year (15.3% BB), but I am not worrying about that.  He makes solid contact, which is the most important thing as he returns to form.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-5, 2 K
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-4
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, 2 RS, HBP, 2 K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 3-for-3, 2B (16), HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 RS
   PR-RF Cam Eden: 0-for-0, SB (29)
   PH J.C. Escarra: 0-for-1
   RF Greg Allen: 0-for-0
2B Jahmai Jones: 2-for-3, 2B (4), RS, SAC, K

LHP Tanner Tully: 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Effross maxed out at 90.9 with his sinker (averaged 90.7). Effross was never a power pitcher, so it’s hard to tell just how much he is progressing by velocity numbers alone.
RHP Nick Burdi: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Burdi is sitting in the mid-90s. His 4-seamer velocity is down from his MLB average this year (97.5).
LHP Anthony Misiewicz (S, 7): 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (60-57) (Doubled up Portland, 8-4. Tomorrow is a must-win if they want a realistic chance at taking the second-half division title)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (21), RBI, RS, BB, K
.249/.331/.419 in 462 PA. August: .290/.372/.449 (5 doubles, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 9 R, 9 BB, 30 K)
DH Jon Berti: 2-for-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, K
On his way back…
  PH-DH Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-2, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-5, 5 K
We’ll just pretend this never happened.
LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, RS, SB (14), CS (3), 2 BB, 2 K
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-4, SB (15), CS (4), BB, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (23), 2 BB
.221/.339/.396 in 358 PA (20 doubles, 11 HR, 40 RBI, 49 R, 23-for-26 SB, 14.8% BB, 17.6% K). Seigler is not the prospect anyone thought he could be, but he is having a nice year.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (8), BB, 3 K
August: .273/.342/.455 (18-for-66; 2 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R, 5-for-8 SB, 5 BB, 17 K). 
3B Max Burt: 2-for-5, HR (5), RBI, RS, K
C Juan Crisp: 0-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
I love it when a little-used player contributes. 

LHP Ben Shields: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
Since promotion: 3.00 ERA (39 IP, 33 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 46 K). 
RHP Colby White: (W, 2-0)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
An impressive first rehab appearance.
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Matt Sauer: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 4.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K. This is one way to make an impression.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
At this level: 2.70 ERA (16.2 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 26 K). I know I have talked up relievers who ended up being traded or didn’t fire in MLB. I can’t guarantee that Reyzelman will be different. I can only tell you that he is an intriguing arm to watch.

Hudson Valley (64-54) (Defeated Wilmington, 7-3. They have won 6 in a row as they try to hold off Jersey Shore (3 games back), Aberdeen (3.5), and Greensboro (3.5) for the second-half title)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, RS, CS (6), HBP, BB
.216/.346/.371 in 429 PA (23 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 62 R, 24-for-30 SB, 14.7% BB, 19.3% K). The theme has been the same all year: He is making contact, drawing walks, and showing a little pop. His BABIP has been low since Opening Day, but it is up to .259.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, SB (6), BB, K
At this level: 8-for-65 (.123/.230/.123) with a 6-for-7 SB rate (he is 36-for-41 overall). His 21.6% K rate since his promotion suggests he isn’t overwhelmed. 
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, RS, SB (14), 2 BB
Martin has a 6-game hitting streak.
CF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (2), BB
Since promotion: 12-for-31 (.387; 2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 7 R, 2-for-2 SB). He has hit safely in 7 of the 8 games (in the other game, he left early due to injury).
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-5, K
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, K
Since promotion: 10-for-23 (.435) with a double and 6 RBI.
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, HR (5), RBI, RS, K
Gomez has 11 extra-base hits (7 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR) in 18 August games.
LF Anthony Hall: 2-for-3, 2 2B (3), RBI, 2 SB (4), BB

RHP Indigo Diaz: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
The Renegades went with a bullpen game today…
RHP Harrison Cohen: (W, 2-0)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
At this level: 13.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 16 K. Cohen did enough at this level last year to earn a promotion to Somerset late in the year. They need to consider doing that again.
LHP Joel Valdez: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 5.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 HR, 3 BB, 6 K
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Matt Keating: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (49-67) (Split a doubleheader against Ft. Myers)

Game 1 (Came back from a 7-0 deficit in the 5th to win, 8-7)

SS Roderick Arias: 3-for-4, 2 2B (18), HR (11), 4 RBI, RS, SB (29), BB
Arias finished off the comeback with a walk-off double in the bottom of the 7th. This game pushed his OPS over .700 (.225/.324/.378; 18 doubles, 7 triples, 11 HR, 66 RBI, 66 R, 29-for-42 SB). It’s been a season of extremes for Arias, which isn’t surprising.
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-4
3B Hans Montero: 2-for-3, 2B (6), RS, BB
1B Parks Harber: 1-for-4, RS, K
DH Dillon Lewis: 2-for-3, 2B (1), 2 RBI, BB, K
Lewis’ 2-run double in the 6th tied the game. He has started his professional career with back-to-back 2-for-3 efforts (homered in his first game)
LF JoJo Jackson: 0-for-4, K
Jackson debuted on August 6th, disappeared from the lineup, and returned today. The 21-year-old switch-hitter was their 17th-round pick out of Georgia State.
RF Joe Delossantos: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
C Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
2B Owen Cobb: 3-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RBI, 3 RS, SB (4), K
Cobb’s first professional multi-hit effort.

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 2 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 5 BB, 3 K
Lagrange was still throwing hard but didn’t have his control/command tonight. 
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Aaron Nixon: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Kristofer Bow (W, 2-1): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
5.19 ERA (34.2 IP, 24 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 3 HR, 25 BB, 39 K). Bow has also hit 10 batters, so the control needs to be ironed out.

Game 2 (Lost, 7-6, in 8 innings)

CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, RS, SB (7), BB, 2 K
Toole is 11-for-39 (.282) with a pair of doubles and a 7-for-9 stolen base rate.
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-3, 2B (19), RS, 2 SB (31), HBP
Today: 5-for-7, 3 doubles (19), HR (11), 4 RBI (66), 2 RS (67), 3 SB (31), BB, HBP. His OPS is now .709.
DH Willy Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (22), SF, 2 RBI, K
Montero has 7 doubles in 19 August games.
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Parks Harber: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, SB (4), 3 BB, K
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, 2 RS. SB (2), 2 K
3B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, 2 SB (4), 2 K
Pastore is 8-for-15 with three RBI to begin his professional career.
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, 2 SF, 2 RBI, K

RHP Bryce Warrecker: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Warrecker cruised through 3 innings before allowing a grand slam in the 4th.
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Jordy Luciano: (L, 2-5)  2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over. The Bombers had a good season but it wasn’t enough to make the playoffs.

Yankees MILB 8/13: Jackson Castillo: 2 HR, 7 RBI

News:

Former farmhand Andres Chaparro made his debut for the Washington Nationals tonight. He hit three doubles as Washington helped the Yankees by beating the Orioles.

Chaparro spent several years in the Yankees organization before being lost to minor league free agency to the Arizona Diamondbacks last winter. The Diamondbacks traded him to the Nationals at the trade deadline.

A rebuilding team like Washington is a perfect spot for a prospect like Chaparro, who should get playing time over the next several weeks in an attempt to establish himself as a piece of the Nationals’ future. Good luck to him.

While the Yankees could have tried him as they struggled to hit, I don’t consider it a missed opportunity. The Rule 5 and minor league free agency exist for a reason – to give blocked players like Chaparro a chance to perform elsewhere. One game doesn’t define whether the Yankees made a mistake or not. I hope he has a productive MLB career.

Scranton (65-48) (Defeated Buffalo, 6-4)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, SB (14), BB, 2 K
Vivas is likely on a potential call-up list, but they didn’t use him in a series against the Orioles before the All-Star Break. I think they’ll leave him down here.  Plus, if they want someone who can handle 3B, there are questions about Vivas playing there.
3B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-3, HR (5), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Durbin has homered in back-to-back games. He is hitting .301/.421/.480 in 242 PA at this level. He should be considered for MLB playing time. However, the easiest solution will be Oswald Peraza. 
CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-4, RS, K
Dominguez is 8-for-51 since coming back from his latest injury.
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (17), K
Peraza has hit better lately (5-game hitting streak, though it features only one hit per game). His 40-man roster status benefits him.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, 2B (20), RBI, RS, CS (3), BB
Rumfield is 7-for-30 with 10 walks in August.
DH Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, RBI, K
RF Cam Eden: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (27)
Speed is his game.
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, BB
LF Greg Allen: 1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI

LHP Tanner Tully: (W, 2-6) 5 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Nick Burdi: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Tim Mayza: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Scott Effross (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Effross is starting to string together some scoreless outings, but it comes down to how his stuff looks, not statistics. Once he is ready, they aren’t going to hold him back.

Somerset (54-54) (Defeated Hartford, 6-2)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, K
Jones is 12-for-36 (.333) in August (3 doubles, 2 HR, 7 RBI).
C Jose Trevino: 0-for-2
   C Rafael Flores: 1-for-2, 2B (8), K
Flores has 8 doubles and 9 HR in 38 games since his promotion.
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, HR (5), 4 RBI, RS
Rodriguez, who has homered in back-to-back games, turns a 2-1 deficit into a 5-2 lead with a grand slam in the 8th inning. He is hitting .239/.301/.463 in 73 PA since his promotion and .309/.386/.496 with 10 HR and 46 RBI overall. In addition to the bat, he is versatile (games at 1B, 2B, 3B, LF, and C this season).
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, RS, 2 SB (14)
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
DH Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, RS, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RBI
2B Max Burt: 1-for-2, RS, SB (6), BB

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 9-7)  7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
5.07 ERA (119 IP, 120 H, 70 R, 67 ER, 11 HR, 38 BB, 108 K). In his two August starts: 12 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 11 K. The Yankees sent him straight to Double-A, never pitching at any other level. That comes with many challenges, and Vrieling has done well enough to meet those challenges.
RHP Danny Watson: (S, 1): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
6.15 ERA (26.1 IP, 28 H, 22 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 12 BB, 17 K). I consider 2024 to be a rehab season for Watson, but he still has a month to end on a strong note.

Hudson Valley (56-51) (Smoked Hickory, 13-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-5, 2 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, RS, HBP, 2 K
Since promotion: 1-for-25. What do they do about this? The answer is simple: Keep throwing him out there.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-1, 2 RS, HBP, 2 BB
  PH-1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-1, 2B (12), RBI
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-1, 3 RS, 2 HBP, 2 BB
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, 3B (1), HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Since promotion: 6-for-19 (2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 3 RBI). Jasso has 10 HR and 57 RBI between here and Tampa.
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-4, 2 HR (2), 7 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Castillo sets a personal best for RBI in a game, a mark he may never top (7 RBI is hard!). Since his promotion, he is 8-for-21 (2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 11 RBI). He is one of their most consistent prospects in 2024.
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 3-for-5, HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 RS
LF Anthony Hall: 2-for-3, 2 BB
Hall has four multi-hit efforts in his last nine games.

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 1-6) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Carr, in his debut season, earns his first professional win. Season: 5.13 ERA (86 IP, 80 H, 58 R, 49 ER, 5 HR, 50 BB, 80 K).  Last 5 games: 24 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 25 K. This is a sign of a pitcher figuring things out.
RHP Kelly Austin: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Since being acquired: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3.35 ERA (37.2 IP, 29 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 52 K)
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa (43-63) (Lost to Clearwater, 7-2)

CF Brandon Jones: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, K
Jones is 5-for-15 with 6 walks to begin his professional career.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, K
Arias is 5-for-36 with 7 walks and 15 strikeouts in August.
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, RS, K
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 K
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, RS, 2 SB (31), BB, K
31-for-37 in the stolen base category. He is hitting .256/.363/.328 in 372 PA.
DH Joe Delossantos: 0-for-1, HBP, 2 BB
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, HBP

RHP Bryce Warrecker: (L, 1-5)  4 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Not a fun night for Rodriguez, who allowed three inherited runners to score.
RHP Jordy Luciano: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-33) (Lost to the DSL Mets Orange, 7-1)

1B Luis Puello: 2-for-4, RS
.342/.430/.514 in 128 PA. The 18-year-old has shown vast improvement over his debut 2023 season.
CF Isael Arias: 1-for-4, 3B (2), RBI

RHP Luis Burgos: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (29-21) (Defeated the DSL Mets Blue, 9-5)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-5, RS, 2 K
DH Queni Pineda: 3-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, RS
.252/.427/.395 in 157 PA (8 doubles, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 22.9% BB, 23.6% K)
SS Christofer Reyes: 2-for-5, 2B (5), HR (1), 4 RBI, RS, K
The 16-year-old blasts his first professional home run (.239/.335/.312; 16-for-25 SB)
C Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-3, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
LF Browm Martinez: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
2B Juan Araujo: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB
  2B Luis Suarez: 2-for-2, 2B (3), RBI

LHP Franyer Herrera (W, 4-1): 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, HR
2.23 ERA (44.1 IP, 36 H, 16 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 58 K)
RHP Jose Rosario (S, 1): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

Yankees MILB 8/11: Spencer Jones Homers

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (64-48) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 6-2)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-3, HR (4), RBI, 2 RS, BB, HBP
For Scranton: .301/.419/.466 in 238 PA (18 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 40 RBI, 37 R, 14.3% BB, 9.7% K, 20-for-22 sB). The injury sucked but one has to be encouraged by his season.
RF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-4, BB
Dominguez grounded into two double plays. Bring him up!
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-3, 2B (10), RBI, RS, CS (6), 2 BB
.244/.352/.384 in 285 PA (10 doubles, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 41 R, 16-for-22 SB). Where does Peraza fit into the 2025 picture? It’s still up in the air. Let’s see what they do with him in the off-season.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 BB
CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, HR (14), 3 RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Trammell has 8 HR in his last 12 games. 
LF Jahmai Jones: 1-for-4, CS (1), K
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-1, RS, 3 BB
C Peter Serruto: 1-for-3, SAC, 2 K
Serruto’s first professional hit. It isn’t common for a first professional hit to occur in Triple-A. Some background: Serruto is a 24-year-old who the Yankees signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Before today, he was 0-for-2 in his career. Both ABs were taken in the FCL last year. This year, he appeared in one game for Somerset but didn’t get to bat. He is here because the Yankees need a backup for J.C. Escarra, and they aren’t going to use someone like Rafael Flores or Jesus Rodriguez as a Triple-A backup. 

LHP Josh Maciejewski: 3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
LHP Tim Mayza: (W, 1-0)  0.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
1.82 ERA (34.2 IP, 25 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 20 BB, 38 K)
RHP Phil Bickford: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.43 ERA (42.2 IP, 52 H, 29 R, 21 ER, 8 HR, 17 BB, 41 K)
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (53-54) (Lost to Binghamton, 6-4, in 10 innings)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-5, HR (14), 2 RBI, RS, 3 K
Since May 31st: .278/.357/.520 in 255 PA (14 doubles, 2 triples, 12 HR, 45 RBI, 38 R). I won’t hide that his K% is 37.6% during this stretch and a high BABIP is aiding him. However, it’s still an impressive stretch over an extended period.
C Jose Trevino: 0-for-1, BB
Trevino starts his journey back to MLB. How will he be used? Hopefully as a backup catcher, not a 50/50 catcher.
  C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-4, HR (4), RBI, RS, BB
Rodriguez has two multi-hit efforts in his last three games. Given the small sample size at this level, it boosts his OPS to .733. Between here and Hudson Valley, he has 9 HR in 73 games. Last season, he hit 9 HR in 109 games.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-5, 2 K
RF Greg Allen: 0-for-4, K
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB
DH Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, RS
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, 3B (5), RBI, K
Vargas has 12 triples in 152 games over the last two seasons.

LHP Ben Shields: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Since promotion: 2.53 ERA (32 IP, 26 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 37 K). Overall: 3,35 ERA (86 IP, 69 H, 40 R, 32 ER, 7 HR, 25 BB, 109 K). He might not be their minor league Pitcher of the Year but he could be the Surprise of the Year.
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Nice to see Pestana back. It’s his first appearance since June 7th. Pestana is Rule 5 eligible but injuries have likely limited interest. Now that he is in Double-A, however, someone might bite.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: (L, 1-1)  1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
Reyzelman had a lights-out 9th inning but allowed a 3-run home run in the 10th. Since promotion: 3.55 ERA (12.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 21 K)
RHP Colby White: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (55-51) (Swept in a doubleheader by Brooklyn)

Game 1 (Lost, 4-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, 2 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, HR (10), RBI, RS, K
.251/.326/.407 in 384 PA (23 doubles, 10 HR, 48 RBI, 44 R, 8.3% BB, 26.8% K, 4-for-5 SB)
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-3, 2B (12), RS, K
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3
DH Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, RBI, K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3
LF Anthony Hall: 0-for-3, K
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, K

RHP Cade Smith: 4.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
Smith was perfect through four innings before allowing a walk and homer in the 5th. Overall, this is a solid High-A debut.
RHP Huey Morrill (L, 3-3): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Lost, 3-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-2, SB (19), BB, K
.213/.339/.372 in 384 PA (19 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 33 RBI, 58 R, 14.3% BB, 18.2% K, 19-for-24 SB). I like the profile beyond the batting average. The .247 BABIP refuses to normalize in 2024.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3
Since promotion: 1-for-21. The good news is that he is making contact (4 strikeouts in 23 PA). His BABIP is a ridiculous .059.
DH Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, K
1B Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 2 K
.235/.361/.413 in 360 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 13 HR, 38 RBI, 42 R, 16.1% BB, 23.1% K). Pop and walks define his offensive game.
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-2, RS, BB
Gomez’s 8-game hitting streak is snapped.
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, K
Since promotion: 6-for-17 with two doubles and a triple.
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2, 2 K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-2, SB (6)

RHP Trent Sellers: (L, 6-3)  2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, HR
2.58 ERA (66.1 IP, 37 H, 27 R, 19 ER, 3 HR, 32 BB, 79 K). As a starter: 1.04 ERA (17.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 20 K)
RHP Blane Abeyta: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Tampa (43-62) (Lost to Daytona, 4-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, 2B (2), 2 RBI, BB, K
Jones is off to a nice start in his career: 4-for-13 (2 doubles, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R, 4 BB, 3 K, 2-for-2 SB)
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, RBI, CS (12), BB, K
DH Willy Montero: 2-for-4, RS
Montero has a 10-game hitting streak (14-for-36 (.389); 2 doubles, 1 HR).  His triple slash was .241/.299/.357 before the streak and .256/.313/375 now.
LF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2B (2), BB, K
Toole is also off to a nice start to his career: 4-for-13 (2 doubles, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 4 K, 3-for-4 SB)
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, RS, SB (29), BB, K
29-for-35 stealing bases.
1B Parks Harber: 0-for-3, RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, RS, BB

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (W, 5-8)  5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
5.36 ERA (99 IP, 102 H, 64 R, 59 ER, 11 HR, 33 BB, 100 K). 
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Luis Arejula (S, 1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-31)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (27-21)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 7/21: Cade Smith Ks 8 in 5 Innings

News:

We are closing in on the trade deadline. I will watch closely to see if any prospect gets pulled out of a game over the next week. Today, I noted on Twitter that George Lombard Jr. has played third base and Roderick Arias has played shortstop in all three games since the All-Star Break. Is this a “weekend showcase” for scouts, or a coincidence?

Scranton (51-42) (Defeated Buffalo, 4-0)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RBI
For Scranton: .255/.394/.414 in 183 PA (15.8% BB, 21.9% K, 9-for-13 SB). 
1B Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RS, SB (5)
Since promotion: .186/.304/.349 in 102 PA with a 12.7% BB and 17.6% K. Earlier this season, his BABIP was lagging – eventually, he ended up with a normal .292 mark for Somerset. For Scranton, it is .185. There is likely another correction coming.
2B Oswald Peraza: 3-for-4, RBI, RS, 3 SB (12)
Peraza has reached base 8 times in the last two games, increasing his triple slash from .210/.325/.251 to .234/.348/.286.
DH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-3, RS, BB
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, K
Escarra is 6-for-9 in two games since his promotion. That pace should be easily maintained.
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-3, RBI
LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-3

LHP Tanner Tully: 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Effross’ 4th straight scoreless appearance (4 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 3 K). He relies on command to generate outs, so the Yankees will wait until they are satisfied that his command is back. It looks like it is heading in that direction.
LHP Chasen Shreve: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.86 ERA (46.2 IP, 31 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 4 HR, 27 BB, 60 K). He has a 9-game scoreless streak (11.1 IP).
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.57 ERA (35 IP, 25 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 5 HR, 21 BB, 35 K)

Somerset (46-44) (Squeaked past Altoona, 3-2)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
Jones is hitting .238 with a .716 OPS
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, HR (9), RBI, RS, K
Cowles, who has already set a personal best in doubles, is one away from his best in home runs (10, set last year).
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-2, RS, BB, K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3
Dunham has hit safely in 22 of his last 23 games
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-2, SAC
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-2, CS (2), BB
DH Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, SF, RBI
3B Max Burt: 1-for-3, 2B (5), RS, K

RHP Zach Messinger: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
3.90 ERA (101.2 IP, 85 H, 59 R, 44 ER, 7 HR, 34 BB, 103 K).
RHP Joey Gerber: (W, 1-0)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Sauer: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Kevin Stevens (S, 6): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.76 ERA (32.2 IP, 27 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 46 K)

Hudson Valley (44-44) (Defeated Rome, 3-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, BB
.227/.359/.400 in 316 PA. Last 4 games: 6-for-16 (1 triple, 2 HR). 
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-4, K
.248/.339/.429 in 378 PA. He is 10-for-50 (.200) in July with only three extra-base hits (all doubles). That said, he has struck out only four times. Following him over the last few years, I have noticed a streaky trait in his profile.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, HR (10), RBI, RS, 2 K
In his last two seasons, Martinez has 28 HR, 103 RBI, and 119 walks in 744 PA (15.99%).
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, K
DH Christopher Familia: 2-for-3
Familia is 13-for-77 (.169/.256/.286) at this level with a pair of home runs.
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, RS
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, SB (9)
3B Beau Brewer: 1-for-3, RBI
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 5-3)  5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
For Hudson Valley: 2.77 ERA (74.2 IP, 48 H, 31 R, 23 ER, 6 HR, 37 BB, 94 K). He had a tough emergency start for Scranton earlier this year, but I am not concerned about that.
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Cohen’s rehab stint is over and he was assigned here. I thought they might place him in Somerset (where he finished in 2023).
LHP Joel Valdez (S, 3): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.16 ERA (42.2 IP, 29 H, 19 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 50 K). In 2023, he allowed 10 HR in 78.2 IP. In his 172 other career innings, he has allowed 4 HR.

Tampa (35-53) (Defeated Bradenton, 9-6)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 HBP, K
July: 16-for-60 (.267/.343/.483; 4 doubles, 3 HR, 5 BB, 18 K, 4-for-5 SB).  Season: .237/.358/.356 in 324 PA. 
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, RBI, 3 RS, SB (26), BB
July: 16-for-52 (.308/.431/.365; 12 BB, 12 K, 12 R, 7-for-9 SB). I won’t ignore the warts but I will point out that July has been a good month for him.
1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, 2B (22), 2 RBI, K
Jasso leads the FSL in doubles (22) and is second in RBI (52).
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-4, SF, 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
July: 15-for-51 (.294/.403/.431; 4 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 9 BB, 9 K, 3-for-3 SB). The 21-year-old was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Nevada in 2023 and is overachieving. He owns a 16.8% BB and 19.2% K.
LF Willy Montero: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, SB (9), 2 BB
.245/.298/.361 in 329 PA (15 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 40 R, 9-for-10 SB, 6.7% BB, 22.5% K). Montero is a free-swinging type.
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, RS, SB (10), BB
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2 RS, BB
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, SF, RBI, HBP
Gonzalez is 9-for-34 (.265) since his promotion. He has three doubles and six RBI.
DH Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, RS
Frick’s first game since July 4th. He was never placed on the injured list.

RHP Cade Smith: (W, 6-6) 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
3.61 ERA (77.1 IP, 53 H, 37 R, 31 ER, 5 HR, 36 BB, 103 K). July: 14.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 22 K. Last year’s 6th-round pick out of Mississippi State (the Yankees love SEC pitchers nowadays!) doesn’t throw exceptionally hard (averaged 91.4 with the 4-seamer) but generates whiffs with his slider. He also mixes in a curveball.
RHP Gabriel Barbosa (S, 1): 4 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
It looks like they went the “tandem start” route today. In other words, I wouldn’t be concerned about Smith being pulled after five innings with a low pitch count. Barbosa has a 4.95 ERA (87.1 IP, 86 H, 52 R, 48 ER, 8 HR, 28 BB, 89 K)

FCL (34-21)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Yankees (11-22)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (20-14)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 6/19: George Lombard Jr. Hits First Pro HR

News:

There was a flurry of moves today, some of which were prompted by the promotion of Ben Rice to the Yankees from Scranton.

The Yankees promoted C/1B Agustin Ramirez from Somerset to replace Rice.

Ramirez’s ascent has been fun and fast. While he performed well as a 17-year-old in the DSL (18.9% K rate was telling), nothing in his triple slash suggested a monster was about to be born (.239/.300/.374 with 4 home runs). Like every minor leaguer, he missed a development year in 2020. In 2022, he spent the entire year in the FCL as a 20-year-old. Do you see where I am going with this? Prospects develop at different rates and you never know when one will explode.

With Ramirez leaving Somerset, the Patriots needed a catcher. Enter Hudson Valley’s Jesus Rodriguez. a multi-positional player who carries a big stick. In his minor league career, he is hitting .319/.407/.483 in 1,077 plate appearances including a .339/.428/.515 line in 81 High-A games. He has seen time at catcher (101 games), first base (53; none in 2024), second base (3; all in 2024), third base (68), and left field (23).  Additionally, he played 16 games in right field during the 2023-2024 Venezuelan Winter League season. Despite the offense, Rodriguez hasn’t appeared on many Yankees prospect lists. I think that would change if he continues to rake in Somerset.

The train stopped there, as the Yankees didn’t promote anyone from Tampa to Hudson Valley. Rather, they activated Juan Crisp off of the development list. Crisp has been in the organization since 2019 but has only appeared in 60 games.

Unrelated to those moves, top relief prospect Jack Neely was promoted from Somerset to Scranton. In 33 Double-A games between 2023-2024, Neely pitched to a 2.59 ERA in 48.2 innings with an impressive 77/15 K/BB. I don’t see the 6’8″ Neely staying in Scranton for long – he is being fast-tracked to the Yankees, in my opinion. Unlike many Yankees relievers, Neely is not a groundball specialist (33.8%) but he does miss bats, which is needed.

Scranton (41-28) (Defeated Buffalo, 8-2)

2B Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
DH Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-5
Not the sexiest Triple-A debut, but he gets that first hit out of the way.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
Rumfield has four doubles and three homers in his last nine games.
C Carlos Narvaez: 2-for-3, RS, BB
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-4, RS, K
CF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
SS Jeter Downs: 2-for-3, 2B (11), HR (9), SF, 2 RBI, RS
Downs has two doubles and three home runs in his last four games. He is hitting .276/.371/.546.

RHP Will Warren: (W, 5-4)  6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
6.65 ERA (66.1 IP,70 H, 51 R, 49 ER, 16 HR, 26 BB, 72 K). Warren allowed 15 HR in 99.2 IP at this level last season, so 31 HR allowed in 166 Triple-A innings. It’s a juiced-up environment, but that still stands out. If you want good news: Warren seems to be over his May blues. In 22 June innings, he has allowed seven runs on 19 hits with a 24/7 K/BB.
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Liranzo dialed it up to 97.4 MPH. Despite what is a good arm, the 29-year-old has yet to make his MLB debut.
RHP Jack Neely: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Neely hit 98.1 MPH with his fastball. He could come to MLB quickly.

Somerset (32-33) (Lost to Erie, 11-2)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-2, RS, HBP, BB
Rodriguez reaches base a pair of times in his Double-A debut.
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, 2B (21)
Cowles, trying to break out of a slump, hits his 21st double in 61 games.
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, RS, BB
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, 2B (8), RBI, BB
Wegner has four doubles in his last four games.
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Jordan Groshans: 0-for-3
1B Max Burt: 1-for-3, 2 K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (L, 6-5) 4.2 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
He pitched well through four innings but was roughed up in the fifth. Season: 3.95 ERA (68.1 IP, 57 H, 38 R, 30 ER, 4 HR, 34 BB, 70 K)
RHP McKinley Moore: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Moore was moved up here today.
RHP Carlos Gomez: 2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 2 HR

Hudson Valley (33-31) (Lost to Greensboro, 8-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-2, 2B (9), 2 BB
.210/.358/.364 in 218 PA. He has reached base safely in 10 straight games (10-for-40, 2 doubles, 2 HR, 7 BB)
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
.272/.373/.490 in 284 PA. Whether he is a long-term shortstop or not, they are getting a long look at him there (53 starts in 2024, 52 starts in 2023). Letting him play shortstop is also a showcase for opposing scouts.
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-4
.272/.352/.446 in 233 PA. It’s been a slow June for Avina, but a correction was likely after his incredible start. 
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB, K
Flores is hitting .297/.412/.497 in 211 PA. Given all his High-A experience (157 games, 645 PA), he likely was also in consideration for the Somerset promotion.  He likely will get there this year regardless.
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, RS, K
The Yankees have never moved Martinez up a level during a season. That doesn’t mean he is stuck here for 2024, but trends sometimes have meaning. This is not necessarily a bad thing.
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, RS, HBP, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, 2B (10), 2 RBI, K
Gabrielson’s 2-run double broke up the shutout in the 9th, preventing back-to-back shutouts.
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Baron Stuart: (L, 4-2)  4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 10 K, HR
Stuart sets a new personal best with the 10-strikeout performance. 
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Reyzelman hasn’t allowed a run in 10.2 IP between here and the FCL (3 H, 3 BB, 17 K)
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
Keating struck out the side in order in his first inning of work. Season: 3.63 ERA (39.2 IP, 27 H, 18 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 48 K). The 23-year-old struck out 93 batters in 65.1 innings for Low-A Tampa in 2023.

Tampa (24-41) (Defeated Palm Beach, 3-2)

DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-3, 2B (6), RS, SB (17), BB
Back-to-back multi-hit efforts (15th on the season)
2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, SB (17)
Lombard Jr. launches his first professional home run. He is on a 5-game hitting streak.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-1, BB
Gomez’s rehab assignment moved up to Tampa today.
  C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-4, RS
.253/.383/.420 in 201 PA. Castillo has three 3-hit efforts (two this month)
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-4
LF Willy Montero: 2-for-3, RBI, BB
Montero walks it off with an RBI single in the bottom of the 9th.
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, K

RHP JT Brubaker: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Brubaker needs only 22 pitches in his first rehab appearance to get through three innings.
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Effross maxed out at 90.2 MPH with his sinker (remember that he isn’t a velocity guy!). Hopefully, he can get to New York soon enough.
RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (W, 2-7)  5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
A nice piggyback night for Barbosa. Season: 5.63 ERA (62.1 IP, 68 H, 40 R, 39 ER, 7 HR, 18 BB, 63 K). 

FCL (20-13)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Yankees (4-8)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (6-5) (Lost to the DSL Pirates, 7-6)

SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (5), K
DH Browm Martinez: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (9)
Martinez runs wild. He has 8 hits, 2 walks, 1 HBP, and 9 stolen bases.
RF Richard Meran: 1-for-3

LHP Franyer Herrera: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Mauricio Vargas: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
The 17-year-old’s second career appearance.