Yankees MILB 9/21: Richard Fitts Finishes Season with a Strong Effort

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (71-74; 37-34 in the second half) (Lost to Syracuse, 5-4)

2B Wilmer Difo: 1-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K, SB (23)
3B Ben Cowles1-for-5, 4 K
Cowles’ Triple-A debut.
C Carlos Narvaez0-for-2, 3 BB
1B Andres Chaparro: 1-for-5, RBI, RS, 3 K
Chaparro now has 87 RBI. It is the most RBI in the organization since Oswaldo Cabrera drove home 89 in 2021 (I never said it was a long time ago)
DH Josh Breaux1-for-2, K
He left the game after an “injury delay.”
  PH-DH Edinson Duran0-for-2, K
Duran’s Triple-A debut.
SS Jesus Bastidas2-for-4, HR (11), RBI, RS, 2 K
RF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, RS, K, CS (2)
Palensky’s 22nd HR between here, Somerset, and Hudson Valley. 
CF Nelson Medina0-for-3, 2 K
LF Kyle Battle: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K, SB (1)
Battle’s first Triple-A hit.

RHP Mitch Spence7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, HR
Spence finishes the season with a 4.47 ERA in 163 innings (the most in all of MILB – not just the Yankees organization!). He allowed 162 hits while walking 53 and striking out 153. Spence is already Rule 5 eligible – not sure if he is eligible for MILB free agency.
RHP Zach Greene: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Matt Bowman (L, 4-1) 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (84-53; 42-27 in the second half) (Lost to Binghamton, 2-0. Their big season comes to an end as the Rumble Ponies sweep them in two games. Sometimes, the best team simply doesn’t win, especially in the minor leagues, where rosters fluctuate all year)

SS Trey Sweeney0-for-3, BB, K
Sweeney likely begins 2024 in Scranton. I don’t like prospects staying there for long, so we’ll see how he does in the first few months.
C Ben Rice0-for-4
Rice doesn’t really need to go to Triple-A in 2024, but the question is where he fits into the Yankees’ plan. He can catch and play first base. Furthermore, his swing looks perfect for the Yankee Stadium porch. For a team that lacks offense, you would think they could find a spot.
CF Spencer Jones0-for-4, K
Was Jones’ 2023 season a success? Between here and Hudson Valley, he hit .267/.336/.444 (113 wRC+) in 537 plate appearances with a 9.1% BB and 28.9% K. He was also 43-for-55 in the stolen base department. I would say this is an overall success with some room for improvement. That is a fair enough assessment.
DH Agustin Ramirez0-for-4, 4 K
There is no doubt that Ramirez will return to this level to start 2024. That is OK – it’s been a long season for the catcher and he likely ran into a wall late.
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, K
His first half HR binge was fun – he couldn’t get it back post-injury. He should be the Scranton first baseman next year.
LF Elijah Dunham0-for-3, K
I don’t know where Dunham’s future lies – he probably isn’t protected from the Rule 5 this winter. Does another organization see value in his left-handed bat and solid ability to steal bases? We’ll find out.
3B Caleb Durbin1-for-3
Durbin is a unique prospect – not much power, but can play 2B/3B (and played a few games at SS) and has strong contact skills with speed to burn. Don’t sleep on him.
2B Mickey Gasper: 1-for-2, 2B (1), BB, CS (1)
RF Jeisson Rosario0-for-2, K
  PH-RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-1

RHP Richard Fitts: (L, 0-1)  6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, HR
Fitts is one of a few top prospects who spent all season at one level (that is not a bad thing if that level is Double-A!). Between the regular season and this playoff start, he pitched to a 3.46 ERA in 158.2 IP (136 H, 62 R, 61 ER, 23 HR, 44 BB, 171 K). The home runs are a bit high, and scouting reports indicate that sometimes he can have command issues inside the strike zone. That can be worked on with experience. He should firmly be in contention for some MLB innings in 2024.
RHP Bailey Dees1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Jack Neely: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Both Dees and Neely are arms to watch for call-ups in 2024. I don’t think either will start the season in the big league pen, but the talent is there to make it at some point (the same goes for Danny Watson, who missed the last several games of the season due to a not-so-bad injury)
RHP Tanner Myatt0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (70-62; 31-35 in the second half) 

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

Tampa (61-69; 30-34 in the second half) 

Their season is over.

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. They missed the playoffs by a half-game.

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/13: Trey Sweeney: 3 Hits

News:

OF Aaron Palensky is now a member of the Scranton Railriders.

Palensky has been the organization’s leader in wRC+ for most of the season (especially after Ben Rice‘s injury). He hit .252/.369/.531 in 369 plate appearances between Hudson Valley and Somerset with 21 stolen bases in 22 attempts.

That said, most of the good stuff happened in Hudson Valley, where he hit an astonishing .352/.434/.744 (209 wRC+) in 143 plate appearances. For Somerset, the line was .183/.327/.383 (98 wRC+) in 226 PA. The walk rate was still strong and his K% was similar. One major difference? His BABIP was .405 in Hudson Valley and .202 for Somerset.

Palensky is Rule 5 eligible. I don’t think he will be drafted, but you never know.

Scranton also received C Edinson Duran from all the way down in the FCL. This is likely a “warm body” kind of transaction. The 21-year-old hit .314/.405/.457 (130 wRC+) in 121 plate appearances with a pair of home runs and 17 runs batted in.

OF Brandon Lockridge, who stole 40 bases between Somerset and Scranton this season, was placed on the 7-day IL today. If this is the end of his campaign, he may have played his last game as a member of the Yankees organization. I think Lockridge will make MLB as I can see him as a Tim Locastro type. That’s not a bad outcome, folks.

Scranton (68-70; 34-30 in the second half) (Lost to Buffalo, 9-1)

“Why aren’t you updating the standings anymore?”
Durham (41-23) put together an extended period of exceptional play while Scranton started to fall back. If they somehow make it close again, I’ll update this space again. It doesn’t seem likely.

3B Jake Lamb: 1-for-3, BB
Jake Lamb leading off games in mid-September. That is what happens when the prospects are either in MLB or injured.
C Carlos Narvaez2-for-4, 2 K
Narvaez is 9-for-29 (.310) in September with three doubles and a homer.
1B Andres Chaparro0-for-3, BB
RF Franchy Cordero0-for-4, 3 K
DH-2B Jamie Westbrook0-for-3, BB, K
LF Michael Hermosillo: 1-for-3, BB, K, SB (8), CS (2)
SS-P Jesus Bastidas1-for-4, HR (10), RBI, RS, 2 K
Bastidas has 13 HR in 109 games between here and Somerset. 
2B-SS Wilmer Difo0-for-3, 2 K
CF Nelson Medina0-for-2, BB, K, SB (1)
Medina’s first Triple-A start. He was 8-for-11 stealing bases down in Tampa.

RHP Zach Greene3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Recently promoted, the 28-year-old spent the majority of his season in Somerset. The Yankees purchased him from Lancaster (Independent) on June 27th.
LHP Matt Krook1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski: (L, 3-1) 1.1 IP, 4 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
Entering tonight, Maciejewski had allowed eight earned runs in 26 games (38.2 IP).
RHP Ron Marinaccio1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jesus Bastidas1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
His first career pitching performance is a clean one…

Somerset (80-53; 38-27 in the second half) (Lost to New Hampshire, 5-1)

SS Trey Sweeney3-for-5, 2B (19), SB (18)
Sweeney has seven 3-hit games this season. He is hitting .249 with a .773 OPS in 457 PA (19 doubles, 2 triples, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 64 R, 62 BB, 87 K, 18-for-25 SB). I would assume he was on his way to Scranton at some point before his injury – maybe they still get his feet wet, but it really is not a big deal. May as well just let him play here through the playoffs.
C Ben Rice0-for-4, RS, BB, 3 K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-5, 3 K
CF Spencer Jones1-for-5, K, SB (6)
Jones’ 41st stolen base between here and Hudson Valley. Unless Lockridge gets back, Jones is going to lead the organization in stolen bases this season.
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
RF Jeisson Rosario: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
2B Mickey Gasper0-for-4, K
DH Grant Richardson: 2-for-3, 2B (1), BB, K, SB (5)
Richardson has 16 homers and 19 stolen bases between here and Hudson Valley. He is now 15-for-41 since his promotion.
3B Max Burt0-for-4, K

RHP Blane Abeyta: (L, 8-8)  4.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
5.67 ERA (127 IP, 130 H, 83 R, 80 ER, 18 HR, 51 BB, 126 K)
RHP Bailey Dees: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
Since promotion: 4.50 ERA (20 IP, 16 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 18 K). Overall, Dees has a 77/26 K/BB over 61.2 IP.
RHP Anderson Munoz: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Munoz started 2023 at this level (two games before going down to injury). He dominated during his stay in Hudson Valley (12.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 18 K)

Hudson Valley (70-62; 31-35 in the second half)  

They lost to Jersey Shore last night in Game 1. The series continues tomorrow. The Renegades must win the next two games to advance.

Tampa (61-69; 30-34 in the second half) 

Their season is over.

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 6/30: Brando Mayea Hits First Home Run

News:

The Yankees have purchased RHP Jesus Liranzo from Lancaster (Independent). He was assigned to Somerset.

The 28-year-old started his professional journey in 2012. He owns a career minor league record of 11-18 with a 4.38 ERA in 212 games (15 starts). Liranzo has bounced all around the minors, having played for the Braves, Orioles, Pirates, Diamondbacks, Tigers, and Nationals. Fangraphs placed him on the “others to watch” in their minor league report on the Diamondbacks last year. He was given praise for his high-octane fastball and spin rates. I can see why the Yankees were interested.

Scranton (36-41; 2-1 in the second half) (Knocked off Syracuse, 10-6)

LF Estevan Florial0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB, 3 SB (16)
Florial ties his personal best for SB in a game. He is hitting .290/.384/.597 in 292 PA (10 doubles, 3 triples, 20 HR, 46 RBI, 50 R, 40 BB, 85 K, 16-for-24 SB)
CF Brandon Lockridge0-for-5, 2 K
C-1B Carlos Narvaez2-for-5, HR (5), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
The 24-year-old also hit a pair of home runs down in Somerset earlier this season. Narvaez has 25 walks (19.2%) and 26 strikeouts (20%) since his promotion and is looking more and more like a legitimate MLB backup option. Last season was the only season when his batting average tanked, but he did contribute a personal-best 11 home runs. If you remember, he hit a walk-off home run during spring training.
DH Andres Chaparro1-for-3, RS, 2 BB
Chaparro has drawn seven walks in his last six games. 
1B Rodolfo Duran1-for-4
  PH-C Ben Rortvedt1-for-1, 2B (4), RBI, RS
Rortvedt’s pinch-hit RBI double in the top of the 9th broke the 6-6 tie.
3B Jamie Westbrook: 3-for-4, HR (11), 2 RBI, 3 RS, BB
RF Michael Hermosillo1-for-4, HR (10), SF, 2 RBI, RS, K
SS Jesus Bastidas: 3-for-5, 3B (2), 2 RBI
.265/.321/.422 in 246 PA. This is his 4th 3-hit game this season.
2B Max Burt0-for-3, 2 BB, K

RHP Clayton Beeter5.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, HR
Beeter’s first two Triple-A starts: 11 IP, 11 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 HR, 7 BB, 7 K. Lucky 7’s!
RHP Michael Gomez1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Greg Weissert: (W, 2-2)  1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
LHP Josh Maciejewski1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Used primarily as a starter in 2019 and 2021, Maciejewski took on more of a bullpen role in 2022 (he hasn’t made any starts in 2023). 

Somerset (44-27; 2-1 in the second half) (Lost to Bowie, 7-6)

SS Trey Sweeney0-for-5
Sweeney ends June 29-for-108 (.269) with seven doubles and eight home runs. The power display was impressive and hopefully continues into July.
LF Jasson Dominguez0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
Dominguez goes 18-for-97 (.186) with three doubles, three home runs, 19 walks, and 37 strikeouts. Judge for yourself.
DH T.J. Rumfield0-for-4, 3 K
3B Tyler Hardman0-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, K
Hardman had an impressive June (especially in the power department), going 21-for-80 (.263) with eight home runs and 16 runs batted in. 
CF Jeisson Rosario1-for-4, 2 RBI, 3 K
C Mickey Gasper: 2-for-4, HR (4), RBI, RS, 2 K
RF Aaron Palensky0-for-4, RS, K
1B Eric Wagaman: 2-for-3, 2B (6), 2 RS, BB
2B Matt Pita0-for-2, RBI, RS, BB, HBP

RHP Matt Sauer: (L, 0-1) 3 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, HR
LHP Lisandro Santos2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
2.77 ERA (39 IP, 22 H, 16 R, 12 ER, 1 HR, 27 BB, 43 K). Santos isn’t easy to hit – but control has always been an issue.
RHP Jesus Liranzo1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
Liranzo’s organizational debut.
RHP Tanner Myatt2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (39-33; 0-3 in the second half) (Lost to Wilmington, 4-3)

CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, RS, BB, K
Jones had an up-and-down month. He finishes it 23-for-94 (.245; 4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR; 13 BB, 30 K)
2B Ben Cowles0-for-5, 3 K
DH Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS
Ramirez is an intriguing catching prospect. He has eight home runs in 58 games between here and Tampa to go along with 43 walks (17.9%) and 41 strikeouts (17.1%). 
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, RS, BB
RF Christopher Familia1-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, 2 K
Given how Familia’s season is going, it comes as no surprise that his first High-A hit is a 2-run double. Between here and Tampa, he has 8 doubles, 2 triples, 11 HR, and 33 RBI in 23 games.
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-3, BB, 2 K, CS (5)
C Antonio Gomez1-for-3, BB, 2 K
Gomez ends June on a 6-game hitting streak.  He didn’t want to see the month end as he went 21-for-61 (.344) with five doubles. He started the month at .205/.272/.280 and ended it at .249/.319/.358.
LF Anthony Garcia2-for-4, K, SB (2)
.199/.295/.316 in 156 PA. Typically known for his ability to take walks and hit home runs, he has only three HR this season.
3B Marcos Cabrera0-for-2, BB, HBP, K

LHP Joel Valdez4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
5.65 ERA (51 IP, 42 H, 34 R, 32 ER, 7 HR, 37 BB, 52 K). The walks and the homers certainly present a problem at the moment.
RHP Harrison Cohen2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
3.09 ERA between here and Tampa (20.1 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 7 BB, 26 K)
RHP Nick Paciorek: (L, 4-1)  0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Velasquez0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Luis Santos0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
This is indeed the same Luis Santos who normally operates as a utility infielder. 

Tampa (34-38; 1-2 in the second half) (Score four in the bottom of the 9th to defeat Daytona Beach, 4-3)

SS Jared Serna1-for-5, K
.289/.351/.491 in 305 PA. He ran into a bit of a wall at the end of June, finishing 30-for-114 (.263). However, he did hit seven doubles and five home runs while driving home 21 runs from the leadoff position.
2B Brenny Escanio1-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K
Escanio, who is only 20, finishes June with a .294/.370/.424 line that featured both of his home runs this season. I won’t try to convince you that he is a top prospect – just showing you that a 20-year-old may be adjusting to a level.
C Jesus Rodriguez2-for-5, 2 RBI, K
His 2-run single with two outs in the bottom of the 9th finished off the comeback. Rodriguez is now hitting .294/.377/.423 in 224 PA with 25 walks (11.2%) and 32 strikeouts (14.3%). He finishes June 31-for-85 (.365). As stated a few days ago, he should get some more catching opportunities (in addition to his work elsewhere on the diamond) with Agustin Ramirez‘s promotion.
CF Anthony Hall0-for-3, HBP, K
.275/.389/.466 in 226 PA. A mundane ending to a solid month, where he hit .284/.373/.545 with six home runs. In May, he hit .338/.477/.471 with one home run. After a slow April (which came on the heels of receiving one AB before being injured in 2022), he has essentially destroyed this level.
DH Omar Martinez0-for-3, RS, BB, K
LF Daury Arias: 2-for-3, RS, BB, K, SB (7)
RF Tayler Aguilar0-for-2, 2 BB, K
1B Jake Palmer0-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
3B Beau Brewer1-for-4, RBI, RS, K

RHP Hayden Merda: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
The 9th-inning rally saves Merda from what would have been an undeserved loss. He owns a 5.07 ERA in 60.1 IP (56 H, 38 R, 34 ER, 4 HR, 27 BB, 60 K). One thing those who follow Yankees’ prospects have learned is to pay attention to the middle-round pitchers they choose.
RHP Manny Ramirez2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Alex Bustamante (W, 2-0): 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

FCL Yankees (11-8) (Lost to the Tigers, 9-5)

DH Keiner Delgado0-for-4, BB
SS Roderick Arias1-for-4, RS, 2 K
Arias now has a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-33)
3B Hans Montero0-for-4
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-1, 3B (1), RBI, 3 RS, 3 BB, 2 SB (13), CS (2)
Great day for Tejeda, but he did leave the game for reasons unknown. He is hitting .311/.506/.525 in 87 PA with a 23/18 BB/K
CF John Cruz1-for-2, 2B (2), RBI, BB, K, SB (4)
LF Dayro Perez0-for-4, RBI, 2 K, SB (5)
C Edinson Duran: 1-for-4, RBI

RHP Cam Schlittler 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Zach Greene: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
He should be back in Scranton soon.
LHP Miguel Pozo2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
8.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 10 K

DSL Bombers (10-9) (Won a football game over the Braves, 21-10. Never settle for field goals, folks!)

C Edgleen Perez1-for-3, 2B (2), 2 RBI, 3 RS, 4 BB
Perez is 9-for-46 but owns a .412 OBP thanks to 17 walks. That’s the DSL, baby!
CF Ramiro Altagracia3-for-6, 2B (4), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
.306/.358/.548 in 67 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 11 R)
RF David Beckles2-for-6, 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
LF Geyber Blanco4-for-7, 2 2B (5), RBI, 3 RS, CS (1)
The 17-year-old is off to a 15-for-45 start in his first professional season. He is 6-for-11 with three doubles in his last two starts.
3B Adrian Gonzalez2-for-4, 2B (1), SF, 3 RBI, 4 RS, 2 BB, K
6-for-34 with ten walks.
2B Abrahan Ramirez2-for-3, RBI, 4 RS, 3 BB, K
SS Rafael Martinez3-for-4, RS, 2 BB, K, CS (3)
The 17-year-old is 11-for-37 with a pair of doubles and 11 runs batted in.

RHP Joshawn Lampson3.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Keninson Diaz (S, 1): 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

DSL Yankees (14-4) (Lost to the Twins, 10-7)

CF Brando Mayea2-for-4, 2B (5), HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, BB, K, SB (7)
Mayea’s first professional home run and he did a bit of everything today. He is hitting .316/.381/.526 in 42 PA with a 7-for-7 stolen base rate.
3B Luis Suarez1-for-5, RBI
LF Luis Ogando2-for-4, HR (2), RBI, RS, K
The 19-year-old is hitting .407/.477/.630 in 65 PA, He is on a 7-game hitting streak (13-for-28; 3 doubles, 2 HR)
RF Andres Lacruz1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Just like Mayea, Lacruz hits his first professional home run.
2B Luis Escudero2-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, RS, K, CS (2)
The 17-year-old is hitting .286/.453/.429 in 64 PA with 15 runs batted in.
1B Gabriel Bersing1-for-3, 2 RS, BB, 2 K, SB (3)
SS Jelson Coca0-for-4, K

RHP Orvis Fernandez: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Professional debut for the 19-year-old, who was signed on June 20th.
RHP Kevin Aparicio2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

Yankees MILB 6/13: Spencer Jones Goes Yard

News:

C Ben Rortvedt has been placed on the 7-day injured list. He has played in only 23 games this season (14 with Scranton), as he missed the beginning of the season due to an aneurysm.

The third catcher slot is again up for grabs, with Rodolfo Duran and Carlos Narvaez next in line. Josh Breaux is rehabbing in Hudson Valley.

Scranton (29-34) (Lost to Rochester, 18-10)

CF Estevan Florial1-for-4, HR (15), SF, 3 RBI, RS, 3 K
Florial now has a 31-game on-base streak. He has homered in back-to-back games and has three home runs in his last four games. He has matched last year’s home run total in 54 fewer games.
DH Oswald Peraza1-for-5, RBI, RS
Peraza is back from his illness.
3B-1B Andres Chaparro0-for-4, RS, BB
RF Elijah Dunham1-for-5, RS, 2 K
C Carlos Narvaez1-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RBI, HBP, 2 K
Narvaez, firmly in the third catcher mix, is hitting .279 (17-for-61) in 20 games since his promotion. 
LF Brandon Lockridge2-for-4, 2B (2), RS, BB, K, SB (1)
Lockridge is 4-for-11 since his promotion. He has 18 stolen bases in 20 attempts.
1B Franchy Cordero0-for-1, RS, BB
  3B Wilmer Difo0-for-3, RBI, RS, SB (13)
2B Jamie Westbrook2-for-3, 3 RS, BB, K
SS Jesus Bastidas3-for-4, 2B (8), 2 RBI, K
Bastidas has been streaky in 2023 (cold April, hot May, cooled off in June). Maybe this will catapult him for the rest of the month. Overall, he is hitting .260 with 8 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 22 RBI, and 27 runs.

RHP Mitch Spence: (L, 4-3)  3.2 IP, 9 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
Spence has been solid lately, but it wasn’t there tonight.
RHP Michael Feliz1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Deivi Garcia1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Michael Gomez2 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, HR

Somerset (35-22) (Doubled up Altoona, 8-4)

SS Trey Sweeney: 2-for-5, RBI, 2 K
Sweeney now has a 10-game hitting streak (14-for-46; .304). He is hitting .240/.362/.358 in 246 plate appearances.
CF Jasson Dominguez0-for-3, RS, BB, K, SB (16)
Dominguez is 53-for-63 in the stolen base department going back to last season (173 games)
C Austin Wells1-for-4, 2B (8), 2 RBI, 3 K
Wells, in 85 Double-A games: .257/.358/.489 (15 doubles, 1 triple, 20 HR, 71 RBI, 52 R, 48 BB, 89 K)
DH T.J. Rumfield1-for-4, HR (11), RBI, RS, K
Rumfield has homered in four straight games and five times in his last six games. He hit four home runs in his first 84 professional games coming into this year. 
3B Tyler Hardman2-for-4, 2B (6), RS, K
.233/.303/.497 in 185 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 11 HR, 30 RBI, 28 R, 17 BB, 56 K). Unlike Rumfield, double-digit home runs is an expected result for Hardman!
2B Caleb Durbin0-for-4, K
LF Jeisson Rosario2-for-4, 2B (2), RS, K
Rosario now has a 7-game hitting streak (9-for-23)
RF Aaron Palensky2-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, 3 RS, BB
Palensky is hitting .281/.489/.594 in 12 games since his promotion, as he tries to prove his .352/.434/.744 performance for Hudson Valley was no fluke. 
1B Eric Wagaman3-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, RS, K
.293/.333/.480 in 81 plate appearances. Wagaman hasn’t received a lot of playing time but has hit well.

RHP Gray Fenter2.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
Fenter left the game due to an arm injury. One never wants to see that pop up on Gameday.
RHP Steven Jennings2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
LHP Lisandro Santos2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
2.51 ERA (32.1 IP, 15 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 21 BB, 36 K)
RHP Alex Mauricio1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Zac Houston1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (33-25) (Lost to Rome, 3-1)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, HR (8), RBI, RS, 2 K
Jones ends a stretch of 21 games without a home run. He is hitting .269/.322/.500 in 227 PA. So, despite his recent struggles, his triple slash isn’t bad. 
2B Ben Cowles0-for-4, 2 K
DH Josh Breaux0-for-4, 2 K
Breaux is only 11-for-51 (.216/.259/.294) during his rehab stint.
1B Rafael Flores1-for-4, K
LF Anthony Garcia0-for-4, 4 K
.198/.308/.352 in 107 PA.
C Antonio Gomez1-for-3, K
Gomez is up to .241 thanks to an 11-for-26 June.
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-3, K
RF Grant Richardson0-for-3, 2 K
3B Eduardo Torrealba0-for-3, K

LHP Joel Valdez: (L, 1-4)  5 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 K, HR
RHP Harrison Cohen1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.70 ERA (15.2 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 6 BB, 21 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
LHP Clay Aguilar0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.21 ERA (14 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 9 BB, 22 K)
RHP Nick Paciorek0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (25-32) (Lost to Clearwater, 10-4)

SS Jared Serna1-for-5, K
It wasn’t Serna’s best night, but the hitting streak is up to six.
CF Daury Arias2-for-5, HR (3), RBI, 2 RS, K
2B Brenny Escanio1-for-5, 2 K, SB (12)
LF Christopher Familia: 3-for-5, 2B (4), 2 RS
18-for-45 (.400; 4 doubles, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 15 R, 4 BB, 10 K). He is in the midst of an 8-game hitting streak.
RF Matt Pita1-for-1, 3B (1), 2 RBI, 2 BB
He likely left the game because he is on a rehab stint.
  RF Felix Negueis1-for-1
3B Jesus Rodriguez0-for-4, K
C Omar Martinez0-for-3, BB, K
DH Tayler Aguilar0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
1B Beau Brewer0-for-3, BB

RHP Hayden Merda: (L, 1-3)  4.2 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
Like with Mitch Spence, Merda was pitching very well lately. Just have to toss it and move on to the next.
RHP Yorlin Calderon1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
2.01 ERA (31.1 IP, 22 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 39 K)
RHP Shane Gray2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
3.99 ERA (29.1 IP, 24 H, 14 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 11 BB, 35 K). Gray’s first 5 games: 7 IP, 10 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 3 BB, 11 K. Since: 22.1 IP, 14 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 8 BB, 24 K

FCL Yankees (4-3) (Lost to the Tigers, 12-4)

DH Keiner Delgado0-for-4, RS, BB
SS Roderick Arias0-for-3, RS, BB
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-5, K
2B Hans Montero2-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, RS, BB, SB (2)
.320/.500/.680 in 34 plate appearances.
3B Enmanuel Tejeda0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K, SB (5)
.318/.500/.591 in 32 plate appearances. He was a $40,000 signee.
LF Joel Mendez2-for-4, RBI

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
Standing 6’7″, Lagrange struck out 43 hitters in 33 innings last season (DSL). He also walked 19.
RHP Osiel Rodriguez2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
RHP Montana Semmel: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL Yankees (7-0) defeated the DSL Bombers (6-1), 19-8

Yankees: (I will do something I do not typically do – list out the entire lineup since they scored 19 runs and everyone compiled at least one hit)

DH Luis Suarez2-for-6, HR (2), RBI, 2 RS, 4 K, SB (4)
The info I can find on Suarez suggests he signed for $50,000. He is an 18-year-old infielder.
SS Santiago Gomez4-for-6, 2 RBI, 3 RS, 2 K, SB (4)
Gomez compiles his first career 4-hit game (had a pair of 3-hit games in 2022)
LF Jhon Imbert1-for-1, 2B (1), RBI, 2 RS, BB
  PH-LF Andry Javier1-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
I am not sure why Imbert left the game.
1B Luis Ogando2-for-4, 2 2B (3), 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB, K, SB (4)
9-for-23 (.391) with 6 RBI.
2B Luis Escudero1-for-6, 2 RBI, RS, CS (1)
C Gabriel Bersing2-for-4, 2B (1), 4 RS, 2 BB, 2 K, SB (2)
CF Andres Lacruz1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB, 2 K, SB (3)
3B Jelson Coca: 3-for-5, 2B (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Only 17, Coca is 7-for-20 with 6 RBI in his debut season.
RF Niurby Asigen1-for-5, 2B (2), RBI, BB, 4 K

RHP Jorge Luna3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 1 K
RHP Dari Brito (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Brito’s first professional win (second career appearance)

Bombers:

CF Gabriel Lara2-for-3, 2B (3), 2 RBI, 2 BB, CS (2)
Lara (17) is 9-for-19 (3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 8 R, 5 BB, 2 K). Not a bad start to your first professional campaign.
2B Abrahan Ramirez1-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB, SB (1)
Ramirez (18) is 7-for-14 after hitting .330/.440/.500 in 25 games here in 2022. From what I can find, his signing bonus was $30,000.
DH Luis Puello0-for-1, 2 RS, 3 BB
Puello (17) is listed as a catcher. He is 5-for-17 with a double, triple, 4 RBI, 6 R, and 3 SB.

Yankees MILB 5/19: Oswald Peraza Goes Off

News:

The Yankees have acquired some outfield depth tonight, as they acquire old friend Greg Allen from the Red Sox for minor league RHP Diego Hernandez. Allen hit .186/.260/.271 in 46 games for the Pirates in 2022 with an 8-for-10 stolen base rate. In Pawtucket this season, he hit .250/.407/.388 in 151 plate appearances with a perfect 23-for-23 stolen base rate. If you recall, Allen played in 15 games for the offensively-challenged 2021 Yankees, hitting .270/.417/.432 with four doubles. While that is an impressive small sample line, it doesn’t match up to his .232/.299/.336 career line. He brings a lot of speed – essentially he is up there with someone like Tim Locastro

Allen invoked a clause in his contract that stated that they needed to either promote him or trade him if another organization was offering him an MLB roster spot. So, expect him to make a trip out to Cincinnati.

Hernandez is a young pitcher (18) who pitched to a 2.10 ERA in 12 games (five starts) for the DSL squad last year.

Scranton (21-22) (Mauled Charlotte, 17-4)

CF Estevan Florial: 4-for-5, HR (8), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Florial is hitting .313/.441/.591 in 143 plate appearances. He has five home runs in his last six games. Wow.
SS Oswald Peraza: 4-for-5, 2 HR (3), 5 RBI, 4 RS, BB
What is he doing here?  He is hitting .358/.414/.566 in 13 games at this level with 11 RBI. I know it is hard to fit him into the MLB infield, but wow – he already proved last year that he was beyond Triple-A.
DH Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2B (9), RS, 2 BB
Dunham reaches base three times as he tries to get his season going. 
LF Kole Calhoun2-for-4, HR (4), 4 RBI, 3 RS, 2 HBP
RF Franchy Cordero: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB
It can be very easy for a player who tastes MLB to come down here and sulk. Cordero is hitting .370 with a 1.016 OPS.
C Rodolfo Duran0-for-6, K
There is always one player who misses the party. Do something big tomorrow!
1B Billy McKinney2-for-3, RBI, RS, 3 BB
3B Jamie Westbrook0-for-6, RS, K
2B Jesus Bastidas2-for-3, HR (4), 2 RBI, 4 RS, BB, HBP, K
.246/.307/.385 in 137 plate appearances. He is 5-for-10 in his last three games with two home runs and eight (yes, eight) runs scored.

LHP Tanner Tully: (W, 3-1) 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
LHP D.J. Snelten2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Aaron McGarity2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 2 HR
The line may not impress – but he did what you want a pitcher to do in this spot – throw strikes.

Somerset (23-13) (Squeaked past Reading, 4-3)

SS Trey Sweeney0-for-3, RS, 2 BB
Sweeney continues to draw a lot of walks from the top of the lineup. He owns a .259/.406/.375 triple slash over 143 plate appearances with 27 walks (18.9%). 
LF Jasson Dominguez0-for-5, RBI, 2 K
DH Austin Wells0-for-4, BB, K
CF Everson Pereira1-for-3, 2 BB
.265/.333/.504 in 129 plate appearances. He is not a walking machine (this is his first multi-BB game of the season) but he does own a decent enough 9.3% BB.
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-3, SF, RBI, RS, BB
Rumfield walks it off with a sacrifice fly. 
3B Tyler Hardman0-for-4, 2 K
2B Caleb Durbin2-for-3, 2 RS, BB, CS (2)
I think it is accurate to think of Durbin as a pesky type of hitter. He is hitting .200 (6-for-30) since his promotion but has walked four times with only one strikeout (He has ten strikeouts in 133 PA between here and Hudson Valley)
C Anthony Seigler1-for-2, 2 BB
.212/.376/.242 in 85 interesting plate appearances. While power doesn’t appear to be a big part of his game, he does need something better than a .242 SLG!
RF Brandon Lockridge1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB, K

RHP Clayton Beeter: 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
3.48 ERA (33.2 IP, 31 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 3 HR, 18 BB, 43 K). His last two starts haven’t been sharp after his big 6 IP, 11 K performance on 5/5.
RHP Tanner Myatt1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
1.62 ERA (16.2 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 20 K). His season isn’t just an audition for the Yankees.
LHP Lisandro Santos (W, 1-1): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
2.49 ERA (21.1 IP, 11 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 28 K). This pretty much matches up with his career before coming here – a lot of strikeouts, a lot of walks. 

Hudson Valley (22-15) (Lost to Brooklyn, 6-1)

CF Spencer Jones1-for-5, 3 K
.292/.329/.589 in 140 plate appearances. The biggest blemish is the 8/47 BB/K ratio.
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-4
Vargas is down to .225/.289/.450 in 121 plate appearances after a red-hot start. He is 2-for-23 in his last five games. This is the big test – can he rebound from an extended slump?
C Antonio Gomez0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
1B Rafael Flores2-for-4, 2 K
Flores increases his hitting streak to 9. He is hitting an impressive .333/.389/.422 in 113 plate appearances.
DH Spencer Henson0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Aaron Palensky0-for-3, BB, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson2-for-4, HR (3), RBI, RS
Richardson is off to a tough start (.138/.225/.263) after hitting 16 home runs and slugging .445 in 90 games last season. Maybe this night will get him going.
3B Eduardo Torrealba1-for-4
2B Ben Cowles1-for-4, 2 K
Cowles increases his on-base streak to 14.

RHP Juan Carela: (L, 1-2)  5.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
4.15 ERA (30.1 IP, 26 H, 18 R, 14 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 39 K). The 21-year-old is pitching fine thus far. 
RHP Enrique Santana0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since moving to Hudson Valley: 8 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 9 K
LHP Clay Aguilar1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.97 ERA (11.1 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 18 K)
LHP Ryan Anderson1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (13-25) (Split a doubleheader with Dunedin)

Game 1 (Lost, 4-3, in eight innings)

SS Jared Serna1-for-4
This was just the appetizer for his Game 2 performance…
LF Anthony Hall1-for-4, RS, K
.250/.355/.400 in 93 plate appearances. In May, he is 16-for-47 (.340/.436/.511). He is catching on to this level, which was expected.
C Agustin Ramirez2-for-4, RS
.229/.353/.385 in 119 plate appearances.  He has 19 walks and 19 strikeouts (15.97% in each category)
PR Brett Barrera0-for-0
DH Brenny Escanio1-for-4, RBI, RS
CF Nelson Medina1-for-4, 2 K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-3, K
RF Tayler Aguilar0-for-2, RBI, BB, K
2B Beau Brewer0-for-2, RBI, BB
1B Ronny Rojas0-for-2, BB

RHP Justin Lange4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 8 K
3.81 ERA (28.1 IP, 15 H, 12 R, 12 ER, 0 HR, 19 BB, 53 K). There is a lot to digest in his stat line – but I will keep hammering home the point that this kid has rawness in his game that needs to be ironed out. That’s why the minor leagues exist.
RHP Ocean Gabonia2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
5.56 ERA (11.1 IP, 14 H, 11 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 13 K). 
RHP Shane Gray (L, 0-2): 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
5.03 ERA (19.2 IP, 18 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 30 K). The strikeouts standout as the highlight.

Game 2 (Won, 2-1)

DH Jared Serna: 2-for-2, HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
The first HR was a leadoff home blast and this is his first career multi-HR game. Serna has the potential to develop into a leadoff type of hitter – we are still a while away from that, of course. On the year, he is now hitting .333/.406/.569 in 138 PA (6 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 21 RBI, 20 R, 14 BB, 16 K, 8-for-11 SB). The seven home runs are a new personal best (he hit six last year)
CF Daury Arias1-for-3, 2B (6)
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-1, 2 BB
.202/.314/.244 in 141 plate appearances with 11 stolen bases in 14 attempts. 
RF Nelson Medina0-for-3, 2 K
.280/.371/.460 in 116 plate appearances (7 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, 20 RBI, 12 R, 14 BB, 37 K, 5-for-6 SB)
1B Jesus Rodriguez0-for-3
C Omar Martinez0-for-1, 2 BB
.253/.393/.448 in 107 plate appearances. He has a .391 career OBP in 524 plate appearances.
2B Brett Barrera0-for-3
3B Beau Brewer0-for-2
LF Felix Negueis0-for-2

RHP Sean Hermann: (W, 2-4)  5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
5.56 ERA (34 IP, 37 H, 22 R, 21 ER, 3 HR, 12 BB, 28 K). What do I expect from a 19-year-old at this level? An improvement as the season goes on. I don’t expect him to become a pitching prodigy who flies up the system. 
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
2.50 ERA (18 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 23 K)
RHP Cole Ayers (S, 2): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.11 ERA (15.1 IP, 14 H, 10 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 19 K)