Tag: Jared Serna

Yankees MILB 5/1: Jared Serna Homers 3 Times

News:

IF Jon Berti‘s rehab is on pause due to a stiff back, according to Bryan Hoch.

Scranton (18-9) (Defeated Jacksonville, 5-0)

3B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-5, SB (13)
DH Everson Pereira: 2-for-4, 2 RS, SB (3), 2 K
Pereira has a 6-game hitting streak (10-for-29). He is hitting .270/.348/.560.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, BB
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (1), K
C Luis Torrens: 2-for-3, HR (2), 4 RBI, RS, BB
.254/.328/.424 in 67 PA.
2B Jeter Downs: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-4, 3 K
CF Greg Allen: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-2, RS, SB (12), 2 BB

RHP Clayton Beeter: (W, 3-1)  5.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 9 K
2.74 ERA (23 IP, 17 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 13 BB, 35 K). I advocate for Bullpen Beeter but the Yankees have their reasons for keeping him in the rotation. Is it easy to convert to the bullpen? Yes, but they wouldn’t be able to ask him to do the back-to-back days thing right away, for example. He would have to be moved carefully.
RHP Art Warren: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Cody Morris: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
1.42 ERA (12.2 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 15 K)
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (10-13) (Lost to New Hampshire, 7-0)

C Ben Rice: 1-for-3, BB
Rice has a 5-game hitting streak going (6-for-17; 2 HR, 6 BB)
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-4
3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-3, BB, K
Anytime you can hold Rice/Jones/Ramirez/Cowles to a 1-for-13 night, it deserves applause.
DH J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4
LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, K
RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-3, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 2-for-3, 2B (5)
.241/.328/.333 in 61 PA. He has hit safely in seven of his last eight games (10-for-29)
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (L, 2-2) 5 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
He cruised until a 5-run fifth inning, where New Hampshire singled him to death. Season: 3.41 ERA (29 IP, 20 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 31 K)
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Impressive Double-A debut for Pestana.
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (14-8) (Defeated Wilmington, 13-10, in a crazy 11-inning affair)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, SB (3), 4 BB
Riggio has a pesky reputation and has shown some of that. His BB/K is currently over 1.0 (15/10).
SS Jared Serna: 3-for-7, 3 HR (5), 6 RBI, 3 RS
These are his first home runs since April 7th, but he is on fire: 9-for-16 with two doubles and three home runs in his last three games. He is up to .231 with a .825 OPS (4 doubles, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 17 R, 15.5% BB, 10.3% K, 1-for-3 SB). When he gets going, it can be a sight to see. This is not his best for RBI in a game (he drove home seven on 7/14/23, a day when he hit two home runs). 
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-5, RS, HBP, 3 K
LF-C Jesus Rodriguez: 4-for-5, 2B (4), HR (3), RBI, RS, CS (3), BB
Rodriguez has a career average of over .300, but this is his first career 4-hit effort. He is up to .325 with a .899 OPS this season (4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 11 R, 7.95% BB, 14.8% K). You don’t see him near the top of Yankees prospect lists, but he performs. That should count for something.
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
Martinez is hitting .246 with a .845 OPS (1 double, 1 triple, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 8 R, 15 BB, 16 K)
   PR-LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-0, RS
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-6, 2B (1), RBI
Moylan has back-to-back multi-hit efforts.
DH Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, BB
  PR-DH Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-0, RS, HBP
3B Kiko Romero: 2-for-5, 2B (2), RBI, BB, K
RF Nelson Medina: 0-for-5, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K

RHP Jackson Fristoe: 3 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 1 K
5.59 ERA (9.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 10 K). 
RHP Trent Sellers: 3 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, HR
2.20 ERA (16.1 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 23 K).
RHP Matt Keating: 3 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Steven Fulgencio: (W, 1-0) 1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Fulgencio’s High-A debut.
RHP Huey Morrill (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Tampa (6-17) (Defeated Dunedin, 5-4)

2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 4-for-5, HR (1), 4 RBI, 2 RS, SB (8), CS (3)
Tejeda’s second career 4-hit game as he sets a new personal best for RBI. A night like this jumps his triple slash from .276/.330/.310 to .304/.353/.370. 
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-5, 2B (2), 2 K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, 2B (7), K
.253/.387/.413 in 93 PA. He is a 21-year-old corner infielder.
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
LF Willy Montero: 0-for-4
DH Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RS, 2 K
Frick has reached base safely in all ten of his games this season (9 feature at least one hit). He is at .353/.476/.441.
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, RS
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 3 K

RHP Luis Serna: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
8.62 ERA (15.2 IP, 17 H, 15 R, 15 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 21 K). A nice bounceback after his 2.2 IP/8 ER outing last time.
RHP Cade Austin: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
3.38 ERA (16 IP, 11 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 21 K)
RHP Montana Semmel (W, 2-2): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.93 ERA (14 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 3 BB, 10 K)

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/30: Jared Serna is Heating Up

News:

The Yankees sent IF Keiner Delgado to the Pirates to complete the trade that landed the Yankees JT Brubaker and $500,000 of International bonus pool money.

Ranked 22nd on my Yankees’ Top 30 prospects list, Delgado hit .293/.414/.485 in 49 FCL games in 2023. He scored 54 runs, drove in 31, and went 36-for-43 in the stolen base department. As I stated in his blurb, video game numbers.  Whether that performance will translate into a full-season league, we don’t know. The Yankees did not move him to Low-A Tampa to begin 2024.

There is a logjam of middle infield prospects in the system. Delgado was blocked by the Roderick Arias, George Lombard Jr., Enmanuel Tejeda trio to begin this season. I have Arias and Lombard ranked ahead of him and Tejeda one spot underneath him.

In case you forgot, Brubaker is out following Tommy John surgery last April. He could eat some innings for the Yankees in the second half of the season. The $500,000 shouldn’t be ignored, as the Yankees tend to be good in the international market. An example of that is Delgado, who signed for $100,000.

RHP Leonardo Pestana was promoted to Somerset from Hudson Valley. The 25-year-old Pestana pitched to a 1.86 ERA in 9.2 innings with a 15/5 K/BB for Hudson Valley. Typically a starter in his career, it appears he was moved to the bullpen for 2024.

OF Oscar Gonzalez is done with his rehab stint and has been assigned to Scranton.

Scranton (18-9) (Defeated Jacksonville, 7-6)

3B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-4, 2B (10), RBI, RS, BB
Durbin finishes April with a .294 average and .896 OPS (10 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 20 R, 17.3% BB, 11.0% K, 12-for-13 SB). Games by position: 2B: 10; SS: 3; 3B: 4; LF: 5 (4 starts); CF: 1; DH: 2.  One has to be intrigued.
DH Everson Pereira: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, HBP, K
Pereira hits .263 with a .914 OPS in April. He finishes the month on a 5-game hitting streak that featured three multi-hit efforts.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
Rumfield is hitting .292 with a .785 OPS since his promotion. He has three multi-hit games in his last four games played.
LF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-5, 2 K
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-5, RBI
C Luis Torrens: 2-for-5, RS, K
CF Greg Allen: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Jeter Downs: 2-for-4, 2B (3), 2 RS, SB (4), K
Downs impresses in his first month in the organization, hitting .294 with a .916 OPS.  He has a 6-game hitting streak going (9-for-22)
2B Josh VanMeter: 1-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS, K
  PH-2B Kevin Smith: 0-for-0, BB

RHP Will Warren: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, HR
If you told me that Warren would get his ERA under 4.00 after allowing five ER in 0.1 innings in his 2024 debut, I would have called you crazy. Yet, here we are: 3.95 ERA (27.1 IP, 20 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 6 HR, 9 BB, 33 K)
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: (W, 1-0)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Phil Bickford (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (10-12) (Defeated New Hampshire, 3-2)

DH Ben Rice: 1-for-3, HR (7), RBI, RS, BB, K
Rice has homered in back-to-back games and has 23 home runs in 319 Double-A plate appearances.
3B Jon Berti: 0-for-2, SB (1), 2 BB
Berti didn’t miss much time with his injury, so you have to assume he will be back in MLB soon.
   SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-0
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 3 K
.320/.382/.540 in 55 PA.
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-4, K
.247/.370/.610 in 92 PA. As great as he has been, he is being brought down by a .200 BABIP.
SS-3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-4
Cowles extends his hitting streak to 8. He ends April at .351/.433/.623 in 90 PA (8 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R, 12.2% BB, 16.7% K, 3-for-3 SB). He has 11 starts at SS, 7 starts at 3B (9 games total), and 3 starts at 2B. What more can you ask for?
1B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-2, RS, BB
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RS, 2 K
.226/.317/.472 in 60 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 2 homers)
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, 2 RBI
Wegner picked the perfect time to extend his hitting streak to 13: A 2-run single in the 7th that gave Somerset the lead they wouldn’t give up. He hit .270/.352/.508 in April. He is 24 years old and this is his first taste of Double-A.
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Bailey Dees: 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
Last four starts: 3.10 ERA (20.1 IP, 18 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 10 BB, 24 K). I will remind you that he is converting to starting, so that line is promising.
LHP Ryan Anderson: (W, 1-1)  2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
4.82 ERA (9.1 IP, 14 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 11 K). His BABIP is .467.
RHP Carlos Gomez (S, 2): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
0.87 ERA (10.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 8 K)

Hudson Valley (13-8) (Mauled Wilmington (thanks to a 9-run 7th), 12-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 3-for-5, 2B (3), RBI, 2 RS, SB (2)
A nice return for Riggio (first game since 4/21), who compiled two hits in the 9-run 7th inning. This is his first career 3-hit game.
  2B Beau Brewer: 1-for-1
SS Jared Serna: 3-for-6, 2B (4), 2 RBI, 2 RS
Serna, who also had two hits in the 7th inning, has back-to-back 3-hit efforts. These two games have jumped his triple slash from .148/.304/.279 to .211/.344/.352. 
LF Jace Avina: 3-for-6, 2 2B (3), 2 RBI, RS, K
Avina’s second 3-hit effort this season (11 games). The 20-year-old is hitting .333/.447/.564 in 47 PA (3 doubles, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R). A strong start to his Yankees’ career.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-6, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, K
If you are going to have only one hit, make it count. He ends April at .293/.354/.440 in 82 PA while playing several positions.
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-5, K
There is always someone not invited to the party. Martinez, who has prospect buzz, hit .242/.367/.424 in 79 April plate appearances.
3B Josh Moylan: 3-for-5, 3B (1), 2 RS
Moylan hit .231/.359/.327 in 64 April plate appearances. The power has yet to show up in his brief professional career, but he is only 21 and has shown some plate discipline (15.8% BB)
1B Rafael Flores: 2-for-5, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, K
.211/.308/.404 in 65 PA. 
CF Nelson Medina: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 2 RS, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, RS, CS (1), 2 HBP

RHP Baron Stuart: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
4.61 ERA (13.2 IP, 13 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 9 K). He is a ground ball pitcher.
RHP Luis Arejula: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Ben Shields: (W, 1-0)  2..2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
0.54 ERA (16.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 20 K). Anyone who has read my stuff in the past knows that I am not patient with college pitchers – when they show a level isn’t challenging them, you move them. Perhaps it’s still a tad early for Shields, but they have to start thinking about it.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.38 ERA (13 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 17 K). He pitched to a 2.50 ERA and 22/6 K/BB in 18 IP at this level last year.

Tampa (5-17) (Lost to Dunedin, 2-0)

2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-4, 3 K
A slump to close out April has him down to .276/.330/.310 in 98 PA. Given his style of play, he will need to bring down that 24.5% K rate.
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, K
.214/.327/.381 in 98 PA. His statistical profile in April shows his raw ability: Eight of his 18 hits went for extra bases. He stole four bases but was caught three times. He owned a 50% K rate at one point, so it is impressive that he dropped that to 36.7%. Overall, it’s encouraging. You have to be willing to accept some warts as he progresses.
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, K
LF Willy Montero: 0-for-3, K
.162/.213/.203 in 80 PA. Baseball is a game of constant adjustments. We’ll see how he adjust.
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, K
Frick is hitting .367/.500/.433 in 38 PA with six walks and six strikeouts. He has reached base safely in all nine games (at least one hit in eight of them)
DH Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, K
3B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-2, 2B (4), BB

RHP Gabriel Barbosa:(L, 0-3)  6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
Barbosa ties his personal best for strikeouts in a game. Last two starts: 12 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 17 K. He is not a major prospect as a minor league Rule 5 draftee, but you never know if/when something will click. Something had to impress the Yankees to lead them to draft him in the first place.
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.45 ERA (11 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 HR, 6 BB, 12 K). If it wasn’t for those pesky home runs…

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/28: Cam Schlittler: 6 IP, 2 R, 7 K

News:

As expected, RHP McKinley Moore cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton. The arm is tempting, but it is hard for organizations to carry it on a 40-man roster.

This is why the outright rule exists. A player can only be outrighted once in their career. After that, they can refuse the outright and become a free agent. This is different from player options. An “outright” happens when you are removed from the 40-man roster and sent through waivers. If you have less than three years of service time, a team can send you to the minors without your permission. However, they can only do that once, regardless of your service time.

Scranton (17-9) (Lost to Durham, 6-2)

CF Greg Allen: 0-for-3, BB
Allen’s first game since April 6th.
  CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-0
2B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-3, BB, K
.296/.426/.469 in 122 PA (9 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 19 R, 17.2% BB, 11.5% K, 12-for-13 SB). As of this writing, he is tied for 6th in the International League in RBI and second in stolen bases.
DH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, 3 K
At this level: .279/.319/.395 in 47 PA. Overall: .296/.370/.380 in 81 PA (6 doubles, 11 RBI, 11 R, 11.1% BB, 23.5% K)
1B Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RS, 2 K
.211/.376/.342 in 101 PA. 
3B Jeter Downs: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RS
.281/.365/.531 in 75 PA. As long as he keeps hitting, he will get playing time. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-18 with a double and two homers)
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, K
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, K
C Josh Breaux: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Josh VanMeter: 0-for-2, BB, K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 HR
4.60 ERA (15.2 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 3 HR, 7 BB, 20 K). He has thrown 15.2 innings in five starts. The Yankees are probably building him up as a multi-inning relief type over a true starter (but if true, why is he on a starter’s schedule rather than coming out of the bullpen every 3-4 days?). Yes, I find his development plan for 2024 (his final option year) a little strange.
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.03 ERA (13.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 16 K). The three runs allowed are all solo homers. 
RHP Alex Mauricio: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.79 ERA at this level (9.2 IP, 10 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 14 K)
LHP Clayton Andrews: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (9-12) (Lost to Reading, 6-3)

C Ben Rice: 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, RS, 2 K
Rice led off the game with a homer. His 25.8% K rate is a tad high (it was 18.9% at this level last year) but the production has been high as well (22 HR, 57 RBI in 68 games)
3B Jon Berti: 0-for-3, 2 K
Berti began his rehab stint today.
  SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-1, K
DH Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2 K
He is hitting .260 with a 1.030 OPS (15.9% BB; 19.3% K)
SS-3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, HR (3), RBI, RS, K
Cowles has homered in back-to-back games and has three in his last four games. He is on a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-29, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 7 RBI). He is hitting .356 with a 1.086 OPS.  As of this writing, he leads the Eastern League in average and OBP. He is third (just ahead of Ramirez) in OPS. 
1B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, RS, BB, K
Wegner is on a 12-game hitting streak (14-for-45 (.311), 2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR)
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-4, 2 K
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, 2 SB (4), HBP

RHP Zach Messinger: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
5.14 ERA (28 IP, 25 H, 22 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 10 BB, 30 K)
RHP Luis Velasquez: (L, 1-1) 0.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Jack Neely: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
0.82 ERA (11 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 17 K). A 2024 debut is not out of the question, but there can be a logjam if Tommy Kahnle, Scott Effross, and Lou Trivino return. It would be a nice problem to have.

Hudson Valley (12-8) (Doubled up Bowling Green, 6-3)

CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
.303/.439/.424 in 41 PA. I suspect they will keep the 20-year-old here all season, but a player can always force the issue.
SS Jared Serna: 3-for-4, 2B (3), RBI
Serna’s first 3-hit game of the season. He had 11 3+ hit games in 2023 (including four 4-hit games)
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 2 BB
.262/.392/.459 in 74 PA. 
2B Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RS, 2 SB (2), K
Rodriguez was 21-for-25 stealing bases in 2023, so it isn’t a foreign concept to him. He is hitting .304/.368/.420 in 76 PA and is at .314/.402/.464 in 911 career plate appearances. Rodriguez is only 22 (won’t be 23 until next April)
DH Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, RBI
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, RS, HBP, BB, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RS, K
LF Kyle Battle: 2-for-2, HR (1), SF, 3 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Battle’s 7th career HR (99 games)

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 3-0) 6 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 2 HR
Schlittler allowed solo homers in the first and second, and that was it. Season: 1.29 ERA (21 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 3 HR, 9 BB, 26 K). He has struck out seven batters four times in his brief career, his personal best.
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Joel Valdez (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (5-16) (Lost to Lakeland, 9-3)

DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-4, 2 K
.289/.344/.325 in 94 PA (3 doubles, 10 RBI, 10 R, 7.4% BB, 22.3% K, 7-for-9 SB). He hit 8 home runs in 96 DSL/FCL games, but home run power is not likely to be a part of his game. Versatility, contact, and speed will be his route to MLB if he makes it.
1B Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, RS
Gonzalez is 6-for-20 with a triple and two homers during his rehab stint.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4
Arias has reached base safely in nine straight games. The single was hit at 107.5 MPH, his hardest-hit ball of the season. He is at .225/.340/.400 in 94 PA (4 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 10 R, 13.8% BB, 37.2% K, 4-for-7 SB). The strikeout rate continues to fall.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Jasso’s second career HR (he hit a homer and drove home 20 runs in 17 FCL games in 2023). He is hitting .254/.400/.418 in 85 PA with 6 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 17.6% BB, and 25.9% K.
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-2, BB, HBP
CF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-4, K
C Edinson Duran: 0-for-2, BB,HBP,  K
RF Daury Arias: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, K

RHP Ryan Harvey: (L, 0-1)  1.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Toss it out and move on to the next.
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
4.00 ERA (9 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 10 K). 
LHP Brady Rose: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HR
RHP Aaron Nixon: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
3.00 ERA (12 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 14 K). Many Yankees’ farmhands are sinker/slider-curve/change types – Nixon is your old-fashioned 4-seamer/slider type. He maxed out at 95 MPH today.
RHP Cade Austin: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/25: Caleb Durbin: 2B, HR, 4 RBI

News:

The Yankees have claimed RHP Michael Tonkin off waivers from the Mets. To make room on the 40-man roster, they designated RHP McKinley Moore for assignment.

Tonkin has 192 games of MLB experience with the Twins, Braves, Twins (again), and Mets. He owns a 4.44 ERA (4.53 FIP) over 235.1 innings with a 23.1% K and 8.0% BB. Tonkin is out of options so he must go on the 26-man roster.

Moore, a hard-throwing reliever with no idea where the ball is going, is a major project. I am not sure if another organization will be willing to put him on their 40-man roster.

According to the Tampa roster page (and what better source is that?), SS George Lombard Jr. was placed on the 7-day injured list. He played a full game yesterday, so hopefully it isn’t a big deal. The 18-year-old is hitting .237/.438/.271 (130 wRC+) in 80 plate appearances with a 25% BB and 23.8% K.

Scranton (15-8) (Mauled Durham, 14-2)

2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-5, 2B (9), HR (2), 4 RBI, RS, BB, K
Durbin’s second 4-RBI game this season. He is hitting .287/.417/.483 in 108 PA. The power numbers are encouraging.
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, 2B (5), 3 RBI, RS, BB, K
The 3-run double was hit off of a 29-year-old infielder, so take it for what it is worth (we’ll forget this fact by tomorrow)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-5, RS, BB, 3 K
7-for-30 since his promotion with a pair of walks and 11 strikeouts.
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-3, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RS, BB, K
3B Jeter Downs: 1-for-4, RS, CS (2), BB, K
.264/.355/.491 in 63 PA. Keep it up, Jeter!
DH Josh VanMeter: 2-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI, 3 RS, BB, 2 K
SS Kevin Smith: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (6), HBP, K
RF Luis Gonzalez: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, HBP, K

RHP Clayton Beeter: (W, 2-1) 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 8 K
3.63 ERA (17.1 IP, 13 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 26 K)
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Tanner Tully: (S, 1) 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (7-11) (Lost to Reading, 5-0)

DH Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, 3 K
.333/.385/.528 in 39 PA with three walks and 11 strikeouts (28.2%)
1B Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-4, BB
Ramirez is down to .213/.342/.557 in 73 PA. He has 11 BB and 13 K, which are still solid during his little slide.
C Ben Rice: 0-for-3, BB
Since hitting homers in four straight games, Rice is 0-for-11, though he has four walks in his last two games.
3B Jordan Groshans: 2-for-4, K
CF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, BB
RF Grant Richardson: 2-for-3, BB
.255/.328/.412 in 58 PA. He can play all three outfield positions.
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, BB, HBP, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 2-for-4, 2B (3)
.231/.333/.308 in 45 PA with six walks and eight strikeouts.
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (L, 2-1)  5.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 7 K
1.88 ERA (24 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 25 K). He had to battle through this one. The overall numbers are strong.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (10-7) (Shut Down Bowling Green, 6-0)

SS Jared Serna: 2-for-4, RBI, 3 RS, HBP
Serna needed this game. He is making much contact, so the hits should start piling up.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, K
.305/.369/.390 in 65 PA. He has seven multi-hit games this season.
1B Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, K
.300/.426/.520 in 61 PA. He has 11 walks and 11 strikeouts.
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-2, K
  PR-LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-3, 3 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, HBP
2B Beau Brewer: 1-for-4, RS, K

RHP Brian Hendry: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
He threw 46 pitches tonight. This season (his debut season): 11 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 15 K
RHP Trent Sellers: (W, 3-0)  3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
1.35 ERA (13.1 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 22 K)
RHP Luis Arejula: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Tampa (4-14) (Lost to Lakeland, 5-4, in 12 innings)

DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, RS, BB, K
Tejeda increases his hitting streak to seven.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, BB, 2 K
Arias has drawn one walk in six straight games.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-6, 2B (4), RBI, RS, K
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-5, RS, SB (5), BB
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-6, RBI, SB (5), 3 K
The average is up to .188 (.188/.232/.234 in 69 PA). He got off to a miserable start, so it will take him a while to build up the stat line.
LF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-5, BB, 4 K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-5, 2B (2), 2 K
   PR Dayro Perez: 0-for-0
   C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-0, BB
RF Daury Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (2), SF, RBI, SB (3), BB, 2 K
2B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RS, SB (2), 2 BB, 2 K

RHP Cade Smith: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
2.93 ERA (15.1 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 22 K)
RHP Aaron Nixon: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.61 ERA (10.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 12 K)
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Cade Austin: (L, 0-1)  3.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/7: Caleb Durbin is on Fire!

News:

Spencer Jones continues to be out of action with his stiff neck. Get that man a sleep number bed and memory foam pillow.

Scranton (4-4) (Defeated Syracuse, 7-2)

2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-2, 2 2B (4), SF, 4 RBI, RS, 2 SB (7), 2 BB
The Yankees received a player with legitimate MLB potential (perhaps as a super-utility type) for Lucas Luetge. Luetge is someone they revived after years of not pitching in MLB. He is now 13-for-28 (4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 6 R, 8 BB, 2 K, 7-for-7 SB)
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, SB (1), HBP, 4 K
Pereira is 6-for-30 with a whopping 15 strikeouts.
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-1, 3 BB
Narvaez is 3-for-20 but has 11 walks.
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
C Luis Torrens: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, K
3B Kevin Smith: 1-for-3, 2 RS, HBP, K
SS Jeter Downs: 0-for-3, RS, HBP, K
6-for-19 with a triple and a homer.
RF Luis Gonzalez: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
1B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, BB

RHP Cody Poteet: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 1 BB,7 K
The 29-year-old is on the 40-man roster. If you like “kitchen sink” types, you will like him. He featured six pitches today, averaging 93 with his 4-seamer and 92.1 with his sinker. He allowed two homers in the fifth inning.
RHP Phil Bickford: (W, 1-0) 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 H, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Mauricio was cutter-heavy today (57% of his 37 pitches). He also featured a 4-seamer and a slider.  The 27-year-old pitched to a 3.14 ERA and 45/19 K/BB in 48.2 innings for Somerset in 2023.
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: (S, 1)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (2-1) (Shut down Richmond, 8-0)

DH Ben Rice: 2-for-4, RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
Rice is 4-for-14 with a homer.
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-5, HR (3), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
Ramirez has homered in three straight games to start his campaign. He is 4-for-14 with six RBI.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-1, RS, SB (1), 3 BB
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, RS, SB (1), BB
He has the athleticism to play an up-the-middle position. Can he stay healthy and hit a little? We’ll see.
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, RS, K
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
SS Ben Cowles: 3-for-4, 2B (2), 3 RBI
Cowles was their 10th-round pick in the 2021 draft (Maryland). The Yankees have played him at 2B/SS/3B (plus two outs in left field)
RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 1-0) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
This is his professional debut (yes, he was thrown right into the Double-A fire). He was drafted in the third round of the 2022 draft but missed the 2023 season. He did make five starts (10.2 innings) in the Arizona Fall League.
RHP Tanner Myatt: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Health and control have been issues for the 6’7″ Myatt, who has 232 strikeouts in 194 innings. 
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
The 6’6″ lefty pitched well last season (2.17 ERA in 37 games).
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Watson could make his MLB debut in 2024, even though he isn’t on the 40-man roster. He is a tall kid with a funky motion who pitched to a 1.58 ERA in 62.2 IP with an 82/25 K/BB in 2023.

Hudson Valley (2-1) (Shut down Bowling Green, 3-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, 2B (1), K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
After going 28 games without a home run at this level, he has homered in back-to-back games. 
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, BB, K
LF Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, RS, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-4, SB (1), 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 1-0) 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
The 6’6″ 23-year-old was drafted in the 7th round of the 2022 draft (Northeastern). He pitched to a 4.11 ERA and 50/21 K/BB over 46 innings last year (FCL/Tampa/Hudson Valley)
LHP Ben Shields: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Signed as a non-drafted free agent, this is the 25-year-old’s professional debut. I know nothing about him beyond the fact that he pitched for George Mason in 2023. The baseball-reference linker will take you to a pitcher from the early 1900s. That Shields went 4-0 with an 8.27 ERA in his brief career.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Gilbert was their 13th-round pick in the 2022 draft.

Tampa (1-2) (Lost to Fort Myers, 5-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, RS, SB (2), 2 BB
The 18-year-old is 1-for-11 but has drawn four walks and stolen a pair of bases. This is his first 2024 start at shortstop, as they switched Lombard and Arias today. We’ll see more of that.
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, 3 K
Nobody said baseball is easy, teenager! He is 3-for-13 with a triple, a homer, and seven strikeouts. You should expect a mixed bag from a teenager making his full-season debut. The goal is for the good to outweigh the bad.
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (2), K
Speaking of teenagers, Tejeda will play this entire year as a 19-year-old. He is 4-for-12 with four runs batted in.
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-4
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, SB (1), 2 BB, K
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-3, SB (2), BB, K
The 19-year-old is 2-for-10 with a double, two walks, and two stolen bases.
RF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-3, 2B (1), SB (1), BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, BB
Drafted in the 15th round in the 2023 draft out of North Carolina, this represents his professional debut.

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 0-1) 3.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 6 K
This is Grosz’s professional debut. The 21-year-old was drafted in the 11th round out of East Carolina. He throws a sinker/slider/change, a mix the Yankees like to work with.
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
According to Savant, Gabonia used a 5-pitch mix among his 11 pitches. There could be an error in the tracking, of course. His fastball/sinker was in the lower 90s.
RHP Montana Semmel: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Semmell maxed out at 94.4 MPH, equally mixing his 4-seamer and slider. He had some long-term buzz about him when he was drafted out of high school in 2019 and is still young enough (22) to tap into that potential.

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/6: Omar Martinez: 4 Hits, HR

News:

No news is good news, except when it isn’t.

Scranton (3-4) (Lost a doubleheader to Syracuse)

Game 1 (Lost, 4-2)

RF Greg Allen: 1-for-1, RS, SB (3)
Allen left the game early.
   RF Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3
LF Caleb Durbin: 0-for-3, RS, SB (5), BB
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-2, SB (1), 2 BB, K
Narvaez is 3-for-19 with eight walks. That is how you turn a .158 batting average into a .393 OBP.
DH Everson Pereira: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
1B Luis Torrens: 0-for-2, RBI, BB, K
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-1, SF, RBI, BB, K
2B Jeter Downs: 0-for-3, K
3B Jordan Groshans: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-2, 3 SB (7), BB, K

RHP Will Warren: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Warren didn’t pitch well in not-so-ideal Opening Day conditions. He bounced back tonight.
LHP Tanner Tully (L, 0-1): 3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 3 K
Tully cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton, where he will eat some innings as needed.

Game 2 (Lost, 9-6, in eight innings. Remember that minor-league doubleheaders are 7-inning games. Syracuse scored five in the 7th to take the lead, only for Scranton to answer with three. However, Syracuse pulled away in the 8th).

CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 SB (9), 2 BB
Lockridge has nine stolen bases in six games. He stole 40 in 92 games in 2023.
SS Caleb Durbin: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, K
Durbin is 11-for-26 (2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 5 R, 6 BB, 2 K, 5-for-5 SB). So far this season, he has already played 2B/SS/3B/LF/DH. This kid has serious “fan favorite” ability because he can do so many things.
DH-1B Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
The 31-year-old depth piece has three homers in five games.
RF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, 2 K
6-for-26 (.231) with a pair of home runs. He has four walks and 11 strikeouts.
1B-2B Luis Torrens: 1-for-3, RS, BB
LF Luis Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K
3B Jeter Downs: 1-for-2, RBI, RS, BB, K
C Josh Breaux: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
2B-P Josh VanMeter: 0-for-2, RS, BB, K

RHP Clayton Beeter: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 5 K
As usual, Beeter was fastball/slider-heavy. He topped out at 94.5 MPH but averaged 91.8. On a good note: He generated 12 whiffs. There’s talent here – I still wonder where that talent is best utilized.
LHP Clayton Andrews: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos (L, 0-1): 0.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
De Los Santos is throwing hard (95.9 MPH sinkers). With the injuries happening with the big club, there will be opportunities for some of these relievers to shine. That can change once Tommy Kahnle/Scott Effross/Lou Trivino emerge from their injuries.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Josh VanMeter: 1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
VanMeter was forced into some relief duty. It isn’t foreign to him, as he has three games of MLB experience on the hill. Those games didn’t go much better.

Somerset (1-1) (Lost to Richmond, 13-3)

C Ben Rice: 1-for-5, RS
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, 2B (1), BB, K
Rumfield’s HR spiked from four homers in 2021-2022 to 17 in 2023. If the power game continues to develop, he will become interesting.
DH Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
After his promotion last year, he hit two home runs in 31 games. This year? Two home runs in two games. You will hear about whether the 22-year-old can stick behind the plate. Remember this: We heard that about Austin Wells since day one. I like that Fangraphs said that he isn’t ready to be an MLB catcher YET instead of making a decisive prediction on his future position.
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-2, 2 K
I think many were hoping that Dunham would get some MLB at-bats last year. However, he had a tough year. I don’t know why he was pulled today.
  RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, 3B (1), RS
LF J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, 2B(1), BB, K
Typically a 1B/DH, this is Escarra’s first career game in the outfield. He was signed to a minor league contract over the winter.
3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-4
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 3 K
2B Aaron Palensky: 0-for-1, 2 BB, HBP, K
Anthony Seigler at 2B yesterday…Aaron Palensky (typically an OF) today! He played one game at 2B in 2023.
SS Max Burt: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Bailey Dees (L, 0-1): 3.1 IP, 5 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 3 K
Dees is undergoing a role change, it appears. With that will come growing pains, as we saw tonight. He is listed at 6’8″, 255 pounds.
LHP Clay Aguilar: 1.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 1 K
Typically reliable, Aguilar had a tough time today in his Double-A debut (he pitched four games for Scranton last year). 
RHP Kevin Stevens: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Stevens (26) was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022. He didn’t pitch in 2023. This is only his sixth career game.
RHP Carlos Gomez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (1-1) (Walloped Bowling Green, 14-2)

2B Jared Serna: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB
I wrote last night about his lack of home runs since joining Hudson Valley last year. It must feel good to get that first one out of the way finally.
 PH-2B Beau Brewer: 0-for-1, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-6, RS, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 4-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, 3 RS, BB
The left-handed hitting catcher hit .291/.367/.445 with 18 HR in 105 games for Tampa last year. He was one of the few performing prospects who did not receive a promotion, but I wouldn’t read into that. 
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 3 RBI, 2 RS, K
  RF Kyle Battle: 0-for-0, HBP
LF Anthony Hall: 0-for-5, RS, BB, K
DH Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 RS
The 23-year-old C/1B spent the entire season here last year, hitting .259/.346/.366 with eight home runs.
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (1), HBP, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, RBI, BB
Vargas has the glove to stick at SS. However, the bat has yet to develop.
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-5, RBI, RS, SB (1), K
Gabrielson was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. MLB shortened the draft a few years ago, so talented kids will slip through. 

LHP Kyle Carr: 2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Carr (21) is receiving a lot of buzz. This represented the professional debut for the 21-year-old, who was drafted in the third round in the 2023 draft out of Palomar College.
RHP Trent Sellers: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
Professional debut for the 24-year-old Sellers, who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. In 15 starts for Oregon State, he posted a 4.86 ERA and 106/32 K/BB over 74 innings. It looks like he continued the strikeout tradition tonight.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
LHP Joel Valdez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Tampa (1-1) (Lost to Fort Myers, 6-4)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RS, K
A homer and triple in his first two games? We’ll take it.
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (1)
This looks like it will be the infield configuration early. It is smart, as Arias should play a lot at SS. It should change as players eventually move around levels. Plus, there will be off days, DH days, etc. Back to Tejeda: He stole 24 bases in 30 attempts in the FCL last year.
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, RS, 3 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, RS, K
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-3, RBI, SB (1), BB, K
Montero was productive last season, but only stole five bases. In 2022, he stole 16 in 53 games.
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
The toolsy Arias didn’t perform well here last season (.217/.335/.318 with six home runs)
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RS, BB, K
The 21-year-old played ten games at this level in 2023 (11-for-35). 

RHP Ryan Harvey: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
The 23-year-old was the Yankees 11th round pick in the 2022 draft. He pitched to a 3.94 ERA with a 48/22 K/BB ratio over 45.2 innings last year (his debut year).
LHP Allen Facundo: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Fucando threw one of his 4-seamers 96.1 MPH. His sinker? Maxed at 97.4. That will get my attention, as will the 127 strikeouts in 80.2 career innings.
RHP Jordy Luciano (L, 0-1): 2.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Throughout his brief career, the 22-year-old’s issue has been control. 
RHP Kris Bow: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
The Yankees drafted Bow in the 14th round of the 2022 draft. He is a sinker/slider type, who threw one sinker 94.8 MPH tonight. Control has been an issue in his short career.

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 9/9: Jesus Rodriguez Hits a Slam

News:

The Yankees sent RHP Ron Marinaccio and LHP Matt Krook back down to Scranton after today’s game, meaning that two new pitchers are on their way to the Bronx. People are hoping for RHP Clayton Beeter, but he pitched on Friday. It is possible they will bring up a temporary filler before giving Beeter a roster spot once rested.  RHP Will Warren is another popular pick – he last pitched on September 7th, so he wouldn’t be available tomorrow. RHP Matt Bowman is a veteran on the 40-man – they could certainly bring him up as a warm body until someone else is ready. The same is true for LHP Anthony Misiewicz. The “Big 3” (literally) relievers down in Somerset (Bailey Dees, Danny Watson, Jack Neely) would be intriguing but I am not sure if they are going down that path. RHP Chase Hampton is shut down for the season and RHP Richard Fitts and Drew Thorpe appear to be winding down (Thorpe more than Fitts).

I guess what I am saying is that I have no idea who the two mystery pitchers will be. If it is any of the veterans listed above, it will likely (hopefully) be temporary until others are rested.

Scranton (66-68; 32-28 in the second half) (Lost to Columbus, 5-3)

LF Estevan Florial: 1-for-4, HR (26), RBI, RS, K
Florial’s HR was a lead-off blast. He ties Tyler Hardman (who has been out for a while) for the organization’s home run lead. Scranton’s season continues for a few more weeks (while everyone else ends tomorrow), so he has a good chance to win the HR title.
2B Jamie Westbrook: 2-for-4, RS, SB (6)
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Andres Chaparro: 2-for-4, RS, 2 K
.252/.336/.457 in 544 PA (21 doubles, 2 triples, 24 HR, 82 RBI, 76 R, 60 BB, 113 K). 
1B Mike Lamb: 1-for-2, BB, HBP
DH Rodolfo Duran: 0-for-3, RBI, HBP
RF Michael Hermosillo: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-4, K, CS (3)
SS Jesus Bastidas: 1-for-4, 3 K

RHP Mitch Spence: 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 9 K
4.56 ERA (150 IP, 151 H, 84 R, 76 ER, 28 HR, 47 BB, 144 K). Imagine having to throw 150 innings in this league – poor kid. But he certainly has held his own.
RHP Zach Greene (L, 2-1): 1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR

Somerset (78-52; 36-26 in the second half) (Lost to Erie, 5-3)

CF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K, SB (22)
Dunham is up to 34 stolen bases in 41 attempts between here and Scranton.
DH Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K, SB (5), CS (2)
Jones joins Brandon Lockridge and Jasson Dominguez in the organization’s 40 SB club (all three have exactly 40 stolen bases in the minors. Dominguez added an MLB stolen base today). Anyway, Jones has three multi-hit games in his last four games as he tries to finish his season strongly.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, BB, SB (8)
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RS, BB, K, SB (3)
Ramirez is at .216/.278/.310 in 126 PA since his promotion.
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-2, BB, HBP, SB (2)
LF Jeisson Rosario: 2-for-4, 2B (17), RBI, RS, SB (11)
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (11), RBI, K
3B Eduardo Torrealba: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
3.69 ERA (61 IP, 46 H, 27 R, 25 ER, 6 HR, 33 BB, 71 K). Gomez’s issue has always been injuries – he has been with the organization since 2017, yet this year’s 61 innings are a new personal best. A crucial spring training is upcoming in 2024.
RHP Tanner Myatt: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Carlos Gomez: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
RHP Mickey Gasper: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Gasper (a C/1B who has played some 2B this year) with his third professional pitching appearance (he had two in 2019)

Hudson Valley (70-61; 31-34 in the second half)  (Split a doubleheader with Jersey Shore)

Game 1 (Won, 2-0)

SS Jared Serna: 0-for-3, K
2B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2, BB, K
DH Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, 2 K
Between Tampa and Hudson Valley: .307/.378/.617 in 294 PA (11 doubles, 2 triples, 22 HR, 63 RBI, 57 R, 25 BB, 61 K). He was insane for Tampa but has hit well enough here to keep your attention.
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-2, RS, BB, K
.230/.286/.322 in 349 PA (18 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 32 R, 21 BB, 111 K). It wasn’t long ago when Gomez was their most tantalizing catching prospect. Some catchers are late bloomers, so maybe he can find some discover some offense in his game.
1B Spencer Henson: 1-for-3, RS
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, BB, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-3, RBI, K
3B Marcos Cabrera: 1-for-3, RBI
LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-1, BB

RHP Cam Schlittler (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
Schlittler’s first professional win. Congrats!  This season (professional debut), he pitched to a 4.11 ERA in 46 innings between the FCL/Tampa/Hudson Valley with a 51/20 K/BB. He is a 6’6″ 22-year-old out of Northeastern. 
RHP Anderson Munoz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
At this level: 12.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 18 K. 
RHP Cole Ayers (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 18 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 22 K. Ayers (a 2021 draftee) is 24 years old.

Game 2 (Lost, 8-5)

SS Jared Serna: 1-for-2, 2B (7), 2 RS, 2 BB, SB (10), CS (2)
Serna has 28 doubles and 29 stolen bases between here and Tampa. Tomorrow is his last chance to reach 20 home runs. By the way, though it is widely assumed that Serna is a 2B long-term (60 starts there in 2023), he has 51 starts at shortstop. 
DH Alexander Vargas: 2-for-3, 2B (18), RBI, RS, BB
.206/.249/.345 in 441 PA. Vargas looked like he might be breaking out earlier this season but his final stat line is going to look quite similar to his 2022 line in Tampa.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, HR (3), 4 RBI, RS, BB, K
A grand slam for Rodriguez, who continues to hit. He is up to .365 (1.025 OPS) in 103 PA since his promotion and .312/.400/.454 in 454 plate appearances overall. Quite a season.
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-3, K
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Luis Santos: 1-for-2, RS, BB, SB (10)
LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-3, K

RHP Baron Stuart: (L, 2-4) 4 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Clay Aguilar: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K

Tampa (61-68; 30-33 in the second half) (Lost to Lakeland, 4-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2 BB, CS (2)
At this level: 7-for-29 (.241) with a double and eight walks (.405 OBP). Very small sample size in 2023, but Lombard doesn’t seem to be overwhelmed.
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, 2B (10), RS, BB, 2 K, SB (21)
.221/.333/.289 in 472 PA with 21 stolen bases in 27 attempts. 
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-4, BB
DH Garrett Martin: 2-for-3, 2B (6), RBI, HBP
13-for-65 (.200) with six doubles and seven runs batted in. The Yankees placed the 23-year-old at this level immediately after signing him (undrafted signee)
CF Nelson Medina: 1-for-3, BB, K
LF Daury Arias: 1-for-4
RF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-4, K
3B Beau Brewer: 2-for-4
.280/.410/.293 in a weird 195 PA sample. Brewer (obviously) hasn’t hit for power (two doubles) but he has 35 walks (17.9%) while striking out 12 times.
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4

RHP Sebastian Keane: (L, 0-2)  3 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
He threw 47 pitches tonight. He came out of the bullpen down in the FCL before two late starts here. This is essentially a get-your-feet-wet type of season. 
RHP Matt Keating: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
3.64 ERA in 64.1 IP (60 H, 32 R, 26 ER, 6 HR, 36 BB, 92 K). Keating doesn’t throw hard (his out pitch appears to be a slider, and he features it as much as he does the fastball)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
2.92 ERA in 49.1 IP (35 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 1 HR, 28 BB, 58 K). On pitch profile alone, he might just be the left-handed version of Keating. I will note that arsenals can change as players work their way through a system.
RHP Alex Bustamante: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Nolberto Henriquez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
As I mentioned last time, Henriquez throws a lot of sinkers. Tonight, he averaged 95.4 MPH with that pitch – he is a bit of a project with uneven results, but I can imagine that the organization would like to work with someone who can throw a sinker in the mid-90s. We’ll see.

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/5: Jared Serna (3 Hits) Increases Hitting Streak to 14

News:

SS Trey Sweeney was activated today for Somerset. IF Caleb Durbin, who left the game early the other day, was placed on the injured list.

Scranton (65-66; 31-26 in the second half) (Lost to Columbus, 6-5)

CF Estevan Florial: 2-for-4, 2B (22), HR (25), 3 RBI, RS, BB, K, SB (24)
.279/.378/.550 in 458 PA (22 doubles, 4 triples, 25 HR, 72 RBI, 76 R, 64 BB, 136 K, 24-for-34 SB)
2B Jamie Westbrook: 1-for-5, RBI, K
1B Andres Chaparro: 1-for-3, RS, BB
RF Franchy Cordero: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Rodolfo Duran: 1-for-4, 2 K
3B Jake Lamb: 1-for-4, RBI, K
DH Josh Breaux: 0-for-3, BB, K, SB (1)
Breaux is 5-for-5 stealing bases in his career (307 games). That is my random, useless fact of the night.
SS Wilmer Difo: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
LF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-3, 2 RS, BB, 2 K, 2 SB (23)
Lockridge joins Jasson Dominguez in the organization’s 40 SB club (he had 17 with Somerset). With Durbin injured and Dominguez onto bigger things, Lockridge has an easy lane to the SB title. In a league where teams are looking for more “athleticism” and base stealing, I must wonder if Lockridge wil find himself valued highly this winter.

LHP Edgar Barclay: 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
Since promotion: 7.45 ERA (29 IP, 28 H, 27 R, 24 ER, 24 BB, 27 K, 9 HR)
RHP Zac Houston: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz (L, 3-2): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Bowman: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (76-50; 34-24 in the second half) (Lost to Erie, 9-7, in ten innings. Erie (71-55) plays in the opposite division in the Eastern League. Both teams have a chance to win both the first and second half titles)

SS Trey Sweeney: 0-for-3, 2 K
Sweeney’s first game since August 2nd. It is good to see that he was able to get back before the season ends. He is hitting .248/.363/.416 in 432 PA (18 doubles, 2 triples, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 62 R, 59 BB, 85 K, 16-for-23 SB)
  SS Eduardo Torrealba: 2-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, K
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-5
Jones is 3-for-27 with a homer since his promotion.
C Ben Rice: 2-for-3, 2B (10), 2 BB, CS (2)
Rice was in a little 2-for-16 slump entering tonight, so this was a nice way to break out of that.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
Rumfield is back from his rehab stint.
LF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-4, 2 RS, BB, K, SB (19)
RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-4, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB
DH Jeisson Rosario: 2-for-4, 2B (16), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
3B Max Burt: 3-for-5, HR (12), 4 RBI, 2 RS, K
Burt with his fifth 3+ RBI game this season. He also has three 3+ hit games.

RHP Richard Fitts: 6 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
3.51 ERA in 141 IP (122 H, 56 R, 55 ER, 20 HR, 38 BB, 147 K). He allowed two runs in both the second and third innings but closed strong with three scoreless innings. 
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jack Neely (L, 1-2): 2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
An error in the 9th and the ghost runner in the 10th didn’t help his cause, but he did allow those two homers. At this level: 2.65 ERA in 17 IP (11 H, 9 R, 5 ER, 4 HR, 3 BB, 24 K)

Hudson Valley (69-58; 30-31 in the second half) (Destroyed Jersey Shore, 13-0)

RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-5, RBI
2B Jared Serna: 3-for-4, 2B (6), 2 RBI, 3 RS, BB, 2 SB (9)
Serna increases his hitting streak to 14 by compiling his 11th 3+ hit game (first with Hudson Valley). Between here and Tampa, he has 27 doubles and 28 stolen bases (.286/.350/.468 in 548 PA). It isn’t impossible that we will see him start 2024 in Double-A. I bet they give him a few weeks or so down here though.
LF Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, RS, 2 BB, SB (4)
Since his promotion: .378 (28-for-74; 5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 11 R, 15 BB, 13 K, 4-for-5 SB). He has three multi-hit games in his last four games played.
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-5, 2B (18), 2 RBI, RS, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-5, 2 2B (17), 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (16)
Vargas at his best is a disrupter. Consistency has been an issue, though.
3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-2, 2 RS, 3 BB, 2 SB (22)
DH Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, SF, RBI, RS, K
1B Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, HR (8), 4 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Flores has three home runs in his last seven games.
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, RS, HBP

LHP Brock Selvidge: 6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
At this level: 3.38 ERA in 45.1 IP (38 H, 18 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 42 K). For Tampa, his ERA was also 3.38 (77.1 IP)
LHP Clay Aguilar: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
2.34 ERA (42.1 IP, 28 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 22 BB, 63 K)

Tampa (60-65; 29-30 in the second half) (Lost to Lakeland, 10-3)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, RBI, BB, K
Lombard has reached base safely in all 12 of his pro games (that includes the three playoff games down in the FCL)
RF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, BB, SB (1)
Castillo is 4-for-25 (.160) at this level with a homer and five runs batted in.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
3B Kiko Romero: 2-for-4, K
.224/.353/.365 in 102 PA at this level. 
2B Brenny Escanio: 3-for-4, 2B (9), RS, K
Escanio has struggled to get his season going, but he did put up a .286/.367/.357 August with a 5-for-5 SB rate.
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
DH Daury Arias: 1-for-3, 2B (13), BB

RHP Jackson Fristoe: (L, 0-1)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Fristoe maxed out at 98.2 MPH (averaged 95.2). If a kid can throw this hard, you can work with him to try to figure out everything else.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Luis Arejula: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Adam Stone: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHO Osiel Rodriguez: 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Rodriguez averaged 93 MPH (maxed at 94.2) with his sinker. He is a sinker/changeup/slider guy who mixed in a few curves tonight as well. 

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

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

News:

No news to report.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/2: Sean Hermann Tosses 8 Shutout Innings

News:

C/1B/DH Josh Breaux is back up with Scranton. The Railriders are in need of bodies and Breaux is a logical prospect to promote. I think OF Elijah Dunham also belongs, but they are resisting that move for some reason.

Scranton (65-64; 31-24 in the second half) (Defeated Rochester, 7-2)

LF Estevan Florial: 1-for-4, 2B (21), SF, 3 RBI, K
Florial’s 9th game with 3+ RBI this season.
2B Jamie Westbrook: 0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
1B Andres Chaparro:  1-for-4, SF, RBI
Chaparro’s 80th RBI this season.
DH Franchy Cordero: 1-for-4, RS, BB, K, SB (6)
3B Jake Lamb: 2-for-5, 2B (6), RS, K
C Rodolfo Duran: 3-for-5, 2 2B (15), 2 RBI, K
.254/.325/.454 in 228 PA (15 doubles, 1 triple, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 22 R, 20 BB, 51 K)
RF Michael Hermosillo: 1-for-5, K
SS Wilmer Difo: 0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB
CF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-3, 2 RS, BB, 2 SB (21)
Lockridge, who is hitiing .294 with a .738 OPS at this level, is now 38-for-42 in the stolen base department between here and Somerset.

RHP Clayton Beeter: (W, 2-4; 8-6 overall) 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
At this level: 5.15 ERA in 50.2 IP (45 H, 30 R, 29 ER, 11 HR, 31 BB, 58 K). Beeter mostly features his fastball (52% tonight) and slider (42%). Some still think his future is out of the bullpen.
RHP Zach Greene: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (76-48; 34-22 in the second half) (Lost to Portland, 2-1)

SS Caleb Durbin: 0-for-4
Between here and Hudson Valley, Durbin’s K% is 6.2% in 275 PA. Amongst prospects with at least 250 plate appearances, that is second-best in all of minor league baseball (27-year-old Ernie Clement (AAA, Toronto) is at 4.9% entering today)
C Ben Rice: 1-for-4, 2B (9), RS, K
Rice has 33 extra-base hits (14 doubles, 1 triple, 18 HR) in 62 games. Last year, he swatted 18 extra-base hits in 66 games.
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 2 K
3-for-22 since his promotion with a homer, three walks, and nine strikeouts. You may have heard about an article talking about how Spencer Jones “lacks athleticism.”  Anyone who writes or says that has no clue what they are talking about. His athleticism is what makes him such a tantalizing prospect despite some warts (K%, GB%). Some of the old-school writers are so desperate for attention that they are jumping on the “Yankees are dysfunctional” bandwagon and literally making stuff up. There is enough to complain about without the need to do that. 
DH Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B Mickey Gasper: 1-for-3, 2B (6), RBI
.256/.364/.369 in 239 PA (8 doubles, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 32 R, 28 BB (11.7%), 40 K (16.7%), 8-for-9 SB)
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, BB, K, SB (6)
RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-3
Since promotion: .196/.336/.411 in 211 PA (10 doubles, 1 triple, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 37 R, 28 BB, 49 K, 11-for-12 SB). 
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-3, K, CS (1)
Since promotion: 7-for-20 with a pair of home runs. He has yet to walk and has eight strikeouts.
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, K

RHP Blane Abeyta (L, 8-7): 5.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, HR
5.71 ERA in 116.2 IP (120 H, 77 R, 74 ER, 15 HR, 11 HR, 50 BB, 114 K)
RHP Jack Neely: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 15 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 3 BB, 20 K
RHP Tanner Myatt: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
2.96 ERA in 51.2 IP (30 H, 20 R, 17 ER, 3 HR, 36 BB, 62 K). Myatt is a “post-hype” prospect who is still only 25. 

Hudson Valley (68-57; 29-30 in the second half) (Defeated Wilmington, 8-5)

RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-5, 3B (1), 2 RBI, RS, K
Hall extends his hitting streak to six.
2B Jared Serna: 1-for-5, 3B (2), RBI
It isn’t often you see back-to-back triples. Serna is the owner of a 12-game hitting streak (16-for-51 (.314; 3 doubles, 2 triples)). 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, RS
  1B Spencer Henson: 0-for-1, RS
C Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-4, RS, BB, SB (3)
Rodriguez is hitting .366 with a .993 OPS since his promotion. Overall, between here and Tampa, he has 18 stolen bases in 22 attempts. Why don’t you see his name prominently on the Yankees’ prospect lists? His overall profile is likely not “sexy” enough and he doesn’t have a set position (which may add to his future value, especially if he can play some catcher). Here is what I see: A kid who is hitting .314 in 198 career minor league games. It isn’t like he is old either (only 21). Bottom line? Who cares about prospect lists – just keep on hitting.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-5, RS, 2 SB (15)
3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-4, SF, RBI, RS, K
His on-base streak ends at 41, but his night was still productive enough.
LF Christopher Familia: 2-for-3, SF, RBI, RS, BB, K
61 RBI and 55 runs in 64 games between here and Tampa.
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RS, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, BB, 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: 0.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
This isn’t what someone dreams about in their first start after a promotion. That said, who cares? Move on to the next.
RHP Cole Ayers: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
Since his promotion: 2.70 ERA (16.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 21 K). Overall, Ayers has an 85/23 K/BB over 63 IP.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 2-0) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Since his promotion: 2.73 ERA (33 IP, 23 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 37 K)
RHP Anderson Munoz: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
At this level: 0.93 ERA (9.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 15 K). Munoz is 25 and missed the entire 2022 season, so this is essentially a rehab year.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (60-63; 29-28 in the second half) (Defeated St. Lucie, 2-1, in ten innings. The Tarpons won’t make the playoffs, but an over-.500 record is still within reach)

SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4
RF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, K
.254/.368/.459 in 419 PA. This is his first taste of full-season ball and he is handling it fine. 
  PR Roc Riggio: 0-for-0, RS
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, K
Jasso’s first Low-A hit is a big one: A game-tying RBI double in the bottom of the 10th.
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-4, RBI, K
Walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 10th. 
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3, K
10-for-28 (.357) since his promotion with four RBI, two walks, and two strikeouts.

RHP Sean Hermann: 8 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Hermann only needed 71 pitches to get through eight innings. While there might be room for growth (he is only 20), Hermann’s ticket up the chain will rely more on efficiency than pure power. Between here and Hudson Valley (one start): 4.98 ERA (106.2 IP, 115 H, 68 R, 59 ER, 9 HR, 44 BB, 86 K)
RHP Luis Arejula: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.