Tag: Jesus Rodriguez

Yankees MILB 6/1: Cam Schlittler Tosses 5 Shutout Innings

Notes:

RHP Jake Woodford triggered his May 31st opt-out and is now a free agent. Most veteran players include various opt-out clauses in their spring training and minor league deals. The opt-outs are a way to force the MLB team to either add them to the 26-man roster or let them go. On occasion, the player may renegotiate their minor league deal for a higher salary.

A veteran of five seasons with the Cardinals, White Sox, and Pirates, Woodford pitched to a 4.54 ERA (5.09 FIP) over 39.2 innings for Scranton. He owned a 9.4% BB, 21.5% K, and 42.4% GB.

With Woodford likely gone, the Yankees’ veteran minor league pitching depth (with MLB experience) consists of Allan Winans, Anthony DeSclafani, and Brandon Leibrandt. Carlos Carrasco was called up to the big club today as an extra arm and will need to go through the DFA process again.

After a hot May, 1B/OF Dominic Smith also exercised his opt-out clause. Given how the season has played out, there wasn’t a path to MLB for Smith.

Injury Log

Scranton (25-29) (Lost to Worcester, 7-4)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-2, 2B (7), R, 2 BB, K
.362/.443/.461 in 167 PA. I will reiterate what I have been saying all year: If there were any plans on deploying Rodriguez at 3B in MLB, they would be playing him there more often than they are. It’s not coming soon. With Chisholm Jr. almost back and the insistence that DJ LeMahieu has something to offer, there isn’t room anyway.
LF Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, R, CS (1), BB, 2 K
.275/.380/.517 in 142 PA. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 3-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, R, K
For De La Cruz to have any value, he has to hit home runs. It’s what he does. He has three in 22 games since joining Scranton.
2B Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, K
DH Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-4
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, SB (14), BB, K
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-2, R, HBP, K

RHP Sean Boyle: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
4.72 ERA (55.1 IP, 47 H, 33 R, 29 ER, 8 HR, 20 BB, 57 K). The Yankees could have summoned Boyle to Los Angeles instead of Carrasco, but it isn’t surprising they went with the disposable veteran over their minor league depth.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
I don’t know if it was strategy or not, but taking Reyzelman out of the game after recording a strikeout (and stranding a runner) wasn’t a bad idea. Let him build some confidence.
RHP Scott Effross: (L, 0-1)  1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Effross has allowed eight runs in three innings since moving to Scranton. It is possible that his injuries won’t be overcome, which would be a sad outcome. I would argue we aren’t there yet.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (24-26) (Defeated Akron, 3-0)

DH Jazz Chisholm Jr.: 0-for-3, K
The Yankees have yet to let him play a full game in the field. I believe that’s coming, and he will be activated soon.
   DH Max Burt: 0-for-1
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, R, CS (2), 2 BB, 2 K
Lombard Jr. continues to try to find his stroke. The good news is that the walks keep coming (20 in 23 games). Today is the last day we can call him a teenage prospect. Happy 20th Birthday tomorrow, George! 
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, R, 2 K
.240/.382/.550 in 123 PA (4 doubles, 9 HR, 17 RBI, 24 R, 7-for-9 SB, 17.9% BB, 36.6% K).
   CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-0, BB
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (11), 3 RBI, R, K
Flores’s 3-run homer in the first was all the scoring they needed. He leads the Eastern League in homers and is tied for second in RBI (37).
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, HBP, K
.274/.335/.469 in 191 PA. Jasso hit .260/.311/.385 in May after a .303/.369/.592 April.
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-3, BB
Davis is 6-for-26 with a pair of homers, eight walks, and nine strikeouts.
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, 2B (9), BB
.231/.339/.442 in 184 PA. 17 of his 36 hits have gone for extra bases (9 doubles, 8 HR). Over his career, 55 of his 111 hits have gone for extra bases.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3

RHP Cam Schlittler (W, 4-5): 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
2.38 ERA (53 IP, 47 H, 19 R, 14 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 64 K). Schlittler has been among the best pitchers in the Eastern League. He entered today as the league leader in FIP and is in the top five in strikeouts and K-BB%. The only bad thing in his profile is something that is hard for him to control: An elevated BABIP (.357 after today’s game).
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.41 ERA (18.2 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 26 K)
RHP Kelly Austin (S, 3): 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
1.69 ERA (16 IP, 13 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 16 K)
Trying to figure out which relief prospects are legitimate is a tough exercise. We’ve seen pitchers like Brooks Kriske dominate in the minors, only to struggle once in MLB. By the way, in case you are wondering, Kriske is still out there. He recently tossed two scoreless innings for the Cubs but has since been designated for assignment.

Hudson Valley (31-19) (Defeated Wilmington, 2-1, in ten innings)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, BB, 3 K
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, 2 SB (23), CS (4), 3 BB, K
Jones is 41-for-45 (91.1%) stealing bases in 68 minor league games. He was 70-for-77 (90.9%) in college.
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, RBI, 2B (13), 2 BB
Avina’s walked it off with a … walk. He has 13 doubles in 40 games (8 doubles in 17 May games).
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-4, K
3B Parks Harber: 0-for-4, K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, 2 K
Martinez slowed down after an insane hot stretch but still finished May at .293/.424/.533 with five home runs.
SS Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 3B (1), R, BB
Colmenares tripled with one out in the 9th. He scored the tying run on a wild pitch.
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, 3 K
  PR Luis Durango: 0-for-0, R

LHP Griffin Herring: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Herring is dominant in his High-A debut. He has my full attention.
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Between here and Tampa: 17.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 24 K. Impressive.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
0.79 ERA (22.2 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 29 K). Pure dominance. This is the first time he didn’t strike out a batter in his professional career (33rd game).
RHP Huey Morrill (W, 3-1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (26-23) (Lost a heartbreaker to Fort Myers, 3-2. They had a 2-1 lead entering the 9th)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, SF, RBI, SB (11), K
Sanchez has seven multi-hit efforts in his last nine games. He is hitting .286/.341/.445 in 132 PA (4 doubles, 20 RBI, 10 R, 11-for-14 SB). 
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, K
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, HBP, K
.212/.346/.341 in 208 PA. Urena has shown flashes of the power he is known for, but it hasn’t been consistent. Not surprising for a 20-year-old playing in Low-A. 
LF Cam Eden: 1-for-3, BB
RF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
The raking continues. He is hitting .250/.323/.477 in 195 PA (9 doubles, 2 triples, 9 HR, 29 RBI, 33 R, 13-for-14 SB, 9.2% BB, 28.2% K). 
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, K
1B Hans Montero: 2-for-4, RBI

LHP Xavier Rivas: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Rivas’s Low-A debut (he tossed 15.2 innings in the FCL before his promotion). The 22-year-old was another SEC draft pick last year, nabbed in the 16th round out of Ole Miss. There is no StatCast data available today, so the information is limited. He generated 9 whiffs and hit the low 90s with his 4-seam fastball and sinker. His arsenal also includes a changeup and slider.
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Stevens’ rehab assignment was moved here from the FCL.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
This is Coleman’s fourth rehab appearance. It likely won’t be long before he is in Scranton’s bullpen. Perhaps Somerset.
RHP Sean Hermann: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
1.35 ERA (20 IP, 15 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 32 K). Veach hasn’t allowed a run since April 27th. He has ten straight scoreless appearances (10.2 IP).
RHP Brady Kirtner (L, 2-2): 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Kirtner has been strong in his debut season. Today wasn’t his day. Season: 2.67 ERA (27 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 31 K)

FCL (9-11)

Day off. They have a doubleheader scheduled against the Phillies tomorrow.

DSL Yankees (0-0)

Their season begins on Monday.

DSL Bombers (0-0)

Their season begins on Monday.

My coverage of the DSL is even lighter than my FCL coverage. I will probably write a report tomorrow since it is Opening Day.

Yankees MILB 5/31: Dillon Lewis’ Hot May Ends with a Homer

Notes:

A lot of roster assignments in the DSL today in anticipation of their openers on Monday. I say openers because the Yankees have two Dominican Summer League (DSL) teams. If you are new to this, they do play each other during the season.

One unique feature of the DSL is that the rosters do not count towards the organizational limit. If you look at their rosters, you will often see a zillion pitchers, a million catchers, and several hundred thousand infielders who are labeled as “shortstops” (every outfielder is a center fielder, also!).

SS Mani Cedeno is one of the most highly touted prospects. The 16-year-old signed for $2.5 million in January. One of his teammates is 18-year-old OF Francisco Vilorio. Vilorio, signed for $1.75M in 2024, struggled in his first taste of professional ball last year. He hit .196/.294/.345 with four homers and eight stolen bases in 42 games. 2025 is already a big year for his prospect status. I doubt many top players struggled in back-to-back DSL seasons.

Now for the reality: Many of the best players who come out of the DSL signed for much less than the bonus babies.  I won’t get into the entire list, but Mariano Rivera famously signed for $2,500 in 1990. It was a different system and bonus structure, but that is one of the biggest international bargains in history. Who do I think will be those “surprise” players in the DSL? A moment of honesty: I don’t know who 99% of these players are, never mind trying to project their futures.

Injury Log

Scranton (25-28) (Defeated Worcester, 3-0)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2B (6), R, SB (9), K
Since promotion: .360/.436/.453 in 163 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 18 RBI, 27 R, 9-for-13 SB, 12.3% BB, 14.1% K). In his last five games, in order: 3B, 3B, C, C, DH. He compiled 34 hits in 23 May games.
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-2, HR (8), 2 RBI, R, SB (4), BB
The veteran had an outstanding May: .317/.389/.622 with 7 homers and 22 RBI in 23 games.
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, RBI, K
.302/.387/.604 in 111 PA (8 HR, 28 RBI, 21 runs in 26 games). He has never hit in MLB, but he is valuable as a #3 catcher.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, SB (4), BB
Rumfield in May: .343/.422/.486 with four doubles and a pair of home runs. 
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, 2B (2)
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-4, CS (4), K
2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-2, SB (13), BB
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-2, R, BB, K

RHP Allan Winans (W, 4-0): 5.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
0.27 ERA (33.1 IP, 23 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 39 K). You see numbers like these, and your first instinct may be “What about that BABIP?” In Winans’ case, it is normal: .280.  Anyway, Winans needs to be precise because he doesn’t throw hard. His 4-seamer maxed at 89.7 MPH (sinker reached 89.8).
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Beeeter reached 96.4 MPH with his 4-seamer. Season: 1.13 ERA (8 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 8 BB, 12 K)
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K
Four walks and three strikeouts in an inning of work (his outing spanned two innings). Now for the good stuff: Rodriguez reached 99.3 MPH with his 4-seamer, and his cutter reached 98.9. If you are skeptical of that number, so am I. It is possible that it was a misread 4-seam fastball. Either way, those readings keep teams interested. Season: 4.42 ERA (18.1 IP, 14 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 27 K).
RHP Colten Brewer (S, 3): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.98 ERA (20.1 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 3 HR, 12 BB, 26 K)

Somerset (23-26) (Lost to Akron, 10-5. The game ended on a triple play with the bases loaded)

3B Jazz Chisholm Jr.: 1-for-3, SB (1)
I doubt he will be down here much longer. The Yankees typically want a player to play a full game in the field before they consider activation.
   3B Max Burt: 0-for-2, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 3 K
We all have bad days. At this level, he is hitting .200 (15-for-75) with a double and a triple. He has 18 walks (18.8%) and 21 strikeouts (21.9%). The Yankees knew there would be struggles. They feel that he can handle them.
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2B (13), R
In April, Flores hit seven doubles and five homers. In May, he compiled six doubles and five homers. He played more games in May, but he has been consistent.
2B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4
CF Garrett Martin: 2-for-3, 2 HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (9), BB
This is Martin’s third career 2-HR game. He has 31 doubles, 20 homers, and 26 stolen bases in 149 career games. 
LF Brennen Davis: 0-for-3, RBI, R, BB, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4
RF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-4, HR (3), RBI, R, K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Bailey Dees: (L, 1-4)  4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 6 BB, 7 K, HR
5.02 ERA (43 IP, 43 H, 25 R, 24 ER, 6 HR, 25 BB, 52 K)
RHP Baron Stuart: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
5.00 ERA (27 IP, 17 H, 17 R, 15 ER, 3 HR, 20 BB, 27 K)
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR

Hudson Valley (30-19) (Lost to Wilmington, 5-1. The Renegades flew out of the gate but haven’t played as well lately. They have fallen into third place behind Brooklyn (34-15) and Greensboro (33-15).)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
.265/.438/.618 in 89 PA. Including 2024, Riggio is hitting .227/.363/.429 in 569 PA at this level with 17 homers, 62 RBI, 90 runs, 15.8% BB, 20.4% K, and a 29-for-39 stolen base rate. 
LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, SB (21), BB, K
Jones finished May a perfect 10-for-10 stealing bases. After showing some pop in April (.238/.347/.425), it disappeared in May (.239/.339/.315). I’m not concerned.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Parks Harber: 1-for-4, RBI
.323/.380/.515 in 108 PA since his promotion. His 53 total hits are tied for second with Jesus Rodriguez (the organizational leader is Rafael Flores, who has 55)
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, 3 K
.225/.323/.344 in 186 PA. Castillo slumped in May (.186/.286/.286) after a strong April (.275/.370/.420). 
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, HBP, K
SS Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, CS (2), 2 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, 2B (10), BB, 2 K
RF Luis Durango: 1-for-4, CS (1), K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (L, 3-2): 5.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
3.38 ERA (48 IP, 31 H, 20 R, 18 ER, 0 HR, 22 BB, 57 K).  A lot of groundballs, zero home runs allowed (9 allowed in 231.1 career innings), and a high strikeout rate. A 21-year-old doing this in High-A is impressive, even if there are a few warts.
RHP Chris Kean: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.00 ERA (21 IP, 18 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 19 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Tampa (26-23) (Lost to Fort Myers, 11-1)

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, 3 K
Maybe I am being harsh, but we all see the reality here, right?
DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, HBP
CF Cam Eden: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, HR (9), RBI, R, K
Lewis doesn’t want May to end, as he finished the month 29-for-94 (.309) with 15 extra-base hits (5 doubles, 2 triples, 8 HR), 26 RBI, 24 runs, and a 7-for-7 stolen base rate. He entered tonight in a 5-way tie for first place in the league home run race. I don’t know if anyone else hit their 9th, nor do I care. 
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, K
.291/.362/.358. He finishes May 30-for-96 (.313) with 13 RBI, 15 runs, and a 10-for-13 stolen base rate.
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, SB (6), BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, SB (8), BB, 3 K

LHP Brock Selvidge (L, 0-1): 2.2 IP, 1 H, 5 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
This is only his third rehab appearance. 
RHP Gus Hughes: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP J.T. Etheridge: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
6.00 ERA (9 IP, 8 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 10 K)
RHP Cade Austin: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR

FCL (9-11)

Their game against the Phillies was postponed. They will try to play two on Monday.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/27: Jesus Rodriguez Swats 3 Hits

Notes:

Nothing that would interest you.

Injury Log

Scranton (23-26) (Knocked off Worcester, 11-6)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, RBI
Rodriguez has seven 3-hit efforts since his promotion (32 games) and has 31 hits in 19 May games. This is incredible to watch, no matter what one thinks of his prospect status.
LF Dominic Smith: 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
DH Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, R, SB (5), BB, 2 K
Pereira seems to disappear out of nowhere, only to reappear out of nowhere days later. We need him to stay on the field.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, 2B (11), 2 R
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-5, R, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, RBI, R, SB (1), 3 K
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, 2 R, SB (4), 3 BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 3-for-5, 2B (6), HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 3-for-5, 4 RBI, 2 SB (11), CS (3)
The bottom of the order showed up tonight!

RHP Sean Boyle: 5 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
4.71 ERA (49.2 IP, 42 H, 30 R, 26 ER, 8 HR, 19 BB, 53 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
We need Reyzelman to start displaying better control. Maybe tonight is the start of that.
RHP Clayton Beeter: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
1.29 ERA (7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 10 K). The control isn’t there yet (and it has been a weakness in his career).
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Colten Brewer: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (22-23) (Lost to Akron, 6-1)

2B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2B (8), R, BB, 2 K
Position breakdown: First base: 6 games; Second base: 15; Third base: 16.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, K
Since promotion: .207/.377/.224 in 77 PA, with more walks (16) than strikeouts (15). He is 6-for-7 stealing bases.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, K
Flores has a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-21). Overall, he is hitting .305/.358/.542 in 193 PA. Including last year at this level, he is at .287/.358/.529 in 466 PA (26 doubles, 25 HR, 67 RBI, 66 R).
RF Brennen Davis: 0-for-4
Davis is 2-for-13 with a homer since returning from his rehab stint.
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, HBP, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3

RHP Cam Schlittler: (L, 3-5)  4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Schlittler needed 83 pitches to record 13 outs. Overall, I would call this a bend-don’t-break performance. Season: 2.63 ERA (48 IP, 43 H, 19 R, 14 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 58 K). His numbers are mostly in line with his 2024 campaign, though he has reduced his walk rate. 
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.60 ERA (10 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 7 K)
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Brian has allowed two runs in two appearances this year. In his other ten appearances, he’s allowed zero runs.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (29-16) (Lost to Wilmington, 6-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, BB, K
CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, SB (20), 2 K
.242/.346/.379 in 191 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 35 R, 20-for-23 SB, 13.1% BB, 17.8% K). He is 9-for-9 stealing bases in May.
DH Parks Harber: 1-for-4, 2B (7), 2 K
Harber has followed up a .325/.435/.584 April with a .333/.390/.533 May. He spent most of April in Low-A and all of May in High-A.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, HBP
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
SS Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, K

LHP Kyle Carr (L, 0-3): 6.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
4.14 ERA (37 IP, 31 H, 19 R, 17 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 25 K). I wish he were missing more bats.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.45 ERA (15.2 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 21 K). Yulie is pitching well in his first full season as a reliever.
RHP Matt Keating: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR

Tampa (24-21) 

Their game against Lakeland was postponed.

FCL (8-10) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 15-4)

DH Cam Eden: 2-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, R, BB
One has to assume this rehab stint is almost over.
CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-5, R
.300/.372/.514 in 79 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 19 R, 4-for-7 SB). He ranks second in the FCL in runs scored.
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-5, RBI
3B Santiago Gomez: 3-for-4, 2B (1), 2 R, 3 SB (6), K
.300/.351/.320 in 57 plate appearances.
SS Kevin Verde: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 SB (2), BB, K

LHP Xavier Rivas: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 1 K
Rivas’s first rough outing (he didn’t allow any runs in his first three appearances, covering 13.1 innings). He owns a 1.15 ERA in 15.2 innings with a 22/9 K/BB.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/23: An Offensive Explosion

Notes:

Nothing to see here.

Injury Log

Scranton (22-25) (Doubled up Nashville, 10-5)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-4, RBI, SB (8), CS (4), BB, K
Rodriguez extends his hitting streak to 13 (seven multi-hit efforts).  He is hitting .389 with a .970 OPS since his promotion (44 hits in 30 games). All he does is hit, hit, hit (I seem to type that often, eh?)
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-5, HR (7), 3 RBI, R, K
Smith has six homers in 18 May games.
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-3, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Jackson has a 1.115 OPS in 21 games.
1B Jose Rojas: 3-for-4, 2 2B (12), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, R, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-5, 2 K
2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, RBI, R, SAC, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-4, R
3B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-4, R, SB (2), K

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 3-0)  5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Winans finally allows an earned run. Season: 0.32 ERA (28 IP, 20 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 36 K)
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jon Olsen: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
I wonder when Beeter will get the call to MLB. The Yankees seem to like Yerry De los Santos, but Beeter has more upside.

Somerset (20-21) (Defeated New Hampshire, 9-6)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, 2B (1), R, BB, 3 K
Lombard Jr. earns his first Double-A extra-base hit. 
C Rafael Flores: 3-for-6, 2B (11), RBI, 2 R
.296/.347/.531 in 176 PA (11 doubles, 9 HR, 31 RBI, 23 R, 4-for-4 SB, 6.8% BB, 28.98% K). Keith Law’s opinion of Flores sees him as a platoon bat in MLB. He doesn’t see a full-time catcher, but the Yankees are stubborn about keeping players behind the plate for as long as possible. Some of that is definitely for trade value purposes.
CF Garrett Martin: 2-for-3, HR (5), 2 RBI, 4 R, HBP, BB
Martin ends his 18-game homerless streak. He has 30 doubles, 17 homers, and 24 stolen bases (27 attempts) in 141 career games.
DH Brennen Davis: 1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, SB (1), 2 BB, K
Davis’s rehab is over, and he was assigned here. A no-risk flyer on a once highly-regarded kid. We’ll see how it goes.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, K
  LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-2, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 3-for-5, 2 2B (9), 2 RBI, K
Hardman’s third straight multi-hit effort.
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, BB
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, CS (2), 2 BB, 2 K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-4, R, 2 SB (5), BB

RHP JT Brubaker: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Brubaker’s rehab was moved here today. Your reminder that, unlike with Scott Effross and Clayton Beeter, Brubaker doesn’t have any options left.
RHP Brendan Beck (W, 3-1): 5.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 2 HR
2.67 ERA (33.2 IP, 24 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 37 K).  Beck’s appearances are widely spread out (first time we’ve seen him since 5/15).  Given his history of injuries, this makes sense.
RHP Indigo Diaz (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (28-14) (Walloped Winston-Salem, 10-1. Hudson Valley has outscored them 23-3 over the last two nights)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, 2B (4), 2 R, BB, K
Riggio has a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-27). He has three doubles, a triple, and four home runs during the streak.
CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (6), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (17), 2 BB
.231/.345/.361 in 177 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 32 R, 17-for-20 SB, 14.1% BB, 17.5% K). There is an interesting prospect bubbling under the surface here.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-6, RBI, R, 2 K
DH Parks Harber: 4-for-5, 2B (6), 4 RBI, R, BB
Harber is hitting better here than in Low-A, though with fewer walks. He is hitting .368/.422/.592 in 83 PA here after hitting .304/.422/.551 in 83 PA for Tampa. He has three 3+ hit efforts in his last five games, including a pair of 4-hit efforts. I am not here to spread bullcrap – he is doing what you want college bats to do at the lower levels and it could be meaningless. However, it isn’t meaningless for him as this will get him to Double-A.
LF Jace Avina: 2-for-2, 2B (8), SF, RBI, 3 BB
.288/.418/.441 in 141 PA.
SS Jose Colmenares: 0-for-6
Colmenares is simply saving his hits for when the team needs them.
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 R, HBP, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, 2 R, BB, 2 K

RHP Josh Grosz: (W, 3-2)  7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K, HR
Grosz was efficient tonight, needing only 88 pitches to record 21 outs. Season: 3.60 ERA (35 IP, 28 H, 18 R, 14 ER, 3 HR, 12 BB, 45 K). Last three starts: 18.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 23 K.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.64 ERA (11 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 12 K). He hasn’t allowed a run in seven straight appearances.
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.25 ERA (12 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 9 K)

Tampa (22-21) (Lost a slugfest to Dunedin, 13-9)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, R, SB (10), BB, 3 K
.173/.337/.296 in 101 PA (7 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 12 R, 10-for-12 SB, 18.8% BB, 28.7% K).
C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-5, R
Perez is 19-for-69 (.275; 3 doubles, 8 RBI, 11 R, 14 BB, 14 K) in May. He is hitting .232/.391/.264 in 161 PA.
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, K
Sanchez’s first game since May 10th.
  CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-2, R, K
DH Engelth Urena: 4-for-5, 2 2B (6), RBI, 3 R
This is his second career 4-hit effort. Known as an intriguing bat prospect, Urena has struggled this year. Hopefully, this gets him going. Season: .219/.352/.342 in 179 PA (6 doubles, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 28 R, 4-for-5 SB, 14.5% BB, 19.6% K). 
LF Dillon Lewis: 3-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (11), K
Lewis is 22-for-73 (.301; 5 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 19 R, 5-for-5 SB) in May.  Overall, he is hitting .232/.305/.437 in 167 PA.
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-5, RBI, K
RF Tyler Wilson: 4-for-5, 2B (4), HR (3), 4 RBI, R, K
Wilson’s first career 4-hit game. Last year’s 8th-round pick is hitting .252/.329/.340 in 164 PA. 
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Brandon Decker: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Decker’s first career start. I don’t know if this is the start of a transition to the rotation or if they wanted him to open the game for some other reason. In college, he was used as a starter and reliever.  Season: 1.93 ERA (18.2 IP, 16 H, 9 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 20 K)
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, HR
LHP Tanner Bauman: (L, 1-4)  2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
RHP Jack Sokol: 1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.25 ERA (24 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 27 K)

FCL (7-8) (Phlasted the Phillies, 15-0. The 4-team division that keeps playing each other is ruled by the Tigers and Blue Jays, with the Yankees in striking range. The Phillies are 4-11 with the division’s lone negative run differential)

DH Cam Eden: 1-for-4, 2B (1), 3 RBI, SB (3), BB, 2 K
Eden is only 3-for-20 on his rehab stint, but how long does a 27-year-old need to be here?
CF Brando Mayea: 2-for-5, 3B (1), 2 R, SB (4), 2 K
.286/.365/.536 in 64 PA (7.8% BB; 25% K).
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, K
C Ediel Rivera: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 3 R, K
Rivera’s first professional home run. The 19-year-old is 9-for-35 with three doubles and a home run.
3B Luis Escudero: 2-for-5, RBI, 3 R, SB (4)
SS Kevin Verde: 2-for-4, SF, 3 RBI, R, K
1B John Cristino: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, R, SB (1), HBP, K
4-for-11 with three walks and two strikeouts.
2B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, R

RHP Edinzo Marquez: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
The 20-year-old owns a 4.05 ERA. (13.1 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 11 K)
RHP Mariano Salomon (W, 3-0): 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
0.87 ERA (10.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 12 K). Any reliever with the first name “Mariano” gets my eyes.
RHP Chance Nolan: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Alexis Paulino: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Control has been an issue for the 22-year-old (84 in 90 career innings). This season, he owns a 14/3 K/BB over 7.2 IP. Progress!

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/22: Griffin Herring Dazzles (6 IP, 0 H, 10 K)

Notes:

Cooper Hummel has exercised an opt-out clause in his contract and will become a free agent if the Yankees don’t add him to their 26-man roster. I find that unlikely, as his MLB career (.159/.255/.275 in 82 games) hardly inspires confidence. Furthermore, he is primarily an outfielder, which the Yankees don’t need.

I wouldn’t cry if he replaced Pablo Reyes, but that bar is hardly high.

Injury Log

Scranton (21-25) (Lost to Nashville, 7-6, in 11 innings. I just noticed that former Yankees’ prospect Anthony Seigler plays for Nashville. He is hitting .282 with a .946 OPS in 150 plate appearances. The first-round pick in the 2018 draft reached minor league free agency last winter and signed with the Brewers.)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-6, R, SB (7), K
Not his best effort during the streak, but Rodriguez’s hitting streak reaches 12. He has 25 hits in 16 May games.
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-6, R, K
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-4, 2 HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (1), BB
The alternating home run streak continues!  Jackson has homered in five of his last nine games (HR, no HR, HR, no HR, HR, no HR, HR, no HR, 2 HR). 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
   2B Braden Shewmake: 0-for-1, SB (4)
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, R, SB (3), BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-5, R, SB (11), 2 K
2B-1B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, SAC, BB, 2 K
One thing Gatewood has done well in his minor league career is hit home runs. This season, he has only two in 33 games.
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-5, 2B (5), 2 RBI, 2 K

RHP Erick Leal: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
4.26 ERA (19 IP, 9 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 21 BB, 20 K). He may be hard to hit (38 hits/98 strikeouts in 69.1 career innings), but those darn walks (47).
RHP Scott Effross: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
If I didn’t mention it, Effross is no longer on a rehab stint. The Yankees officially optioned him to Scranton.
RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 0-3) 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Back-to-back relief outings for Messinger. He hit 95 MPH with his 4-seam fastball. A story to watch if this is a permanent move, though he was given a starter’s workload here.

Somerset (19-21)

Their game against New Hampshire was postponed. They will attempt to make it up on Saturday.

Hudson Valley (27-14) (Trounced Winston-Salem, 13-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, 3 R, HBP, BB, K
Riggio is scorching (.295/.456/.750; 3 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R in 12 games). He has homered in back-to-back games and has four home runs in his last four games.
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, 2 R, 2 BB, K
RF Coby Morales: 4-for-5, 2 2B (7), HR (4), 3 RBI, 3 R, BB, K
Morales earns his first career 4-hit effort. He went 3-for-19 in his brief Somerset stay. If he continues to rake here, he’ll get a longer stay.
1B Parks Harber: 3-for-6, 2 2B (5), 2 RBI, 2 R, K
Since promotion: .338/.390/.563 in 77 PA with three 3+ hit efforts. As an undrafted college bat, you won’t see Harber high on any organizational prospect lists. Nobody will care if he keeps raking as he moves up the chain.
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2 2B (11), 2 RBI, R
Castillo continues a recent surge, collecting multiple hits for the third time in his last five games. That has increased his triple slash from .216/.328/336 to .235/.334/.360. As you know, as sample sizes get larger, brief surges don’t increase your numbers significantly.
SS Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, R, SB (5), 2 BB, K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, RBI, HBP, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2, R, HBP, 2 BB, K

RHP Ben Hess (W, 4-2): 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 K
3.28 ERA (35.2 IP, 20 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 20 BB, 52 K). I love the strikeouts. The walk rate needs work. That is why they have the minor leagues.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.50 ERA (18 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 24 K). If the plan is to keep him in the bullpen permanently, a trip to Somerset may not be far off.

Tampa (22-20) (Their hot streak continues, courtesy of a 3-1 win over Dunedin. Dunedin entered this series as one of the top dogs in the division. They are now in second place. Tampa is in 4th place, but only 2.5 games behind first-place Lakeland.)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, 2 BB
.225/.391/.258 in 156 PA. Perez has 31 walks (19.9%). 
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, BB
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, R, 3 K
.219/.296/.425 in 162 PA (8 doubles, 2 triples, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 25 R, 9-for-10 SB, 9.3% BB, 29% K). His power/speed combination is enticing, and he has hit better overall in May (.279/.355/.618 with five homers and 17 RBI)
SS Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, R, SB (12), 2 BB
The hitting streak is over, but he still contributed. He is hitting .302/.369/.373 in 149 PA. Scouting reports are scarce, but Fangraphs ranked him 26th in the organization, touting his versatility (shortstop should remain part of that profile) and bat-to-ball skills. Power? Not likely to be one of his strengths.
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-4, 2 K
His hitting streak comes to an end. He is hitting .417/.455/.733 in 67 PA while playing 2B/SS/3B.
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 3B (4), R
.305/.400/.453 in 110 PA. 
1B Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-4, K

LHP Griffin Herring (W, 4-1): 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K
I said earlier this week that Bryce Cunningham has been the most impressive 2024 draftee. Given the level difference, I still believe that, but Herring has made a case. He owns a 1.21 ERA in 44.2 IP (24 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 58 K). He leads the Florida State League in strikeouts and batting average against (second in ERA and WHIP).
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach (S, 3): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.59 ERA (17 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 29 K)

FCL (6-8) (Lost to the Tigers, 6-4)

LF Brando Mayea: 0-for-4
CF Cam Eden: 0-for-3, SF, RBI
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-2, 2 SB (2), BB
The left-handed hitting outfielder (20) was drafted out of high school in the 17th round in 2023. This was only his 25th career game.
3B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-3, SB (3), BB, K
.297/.325/.297 in 40 plate appearances.
2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB, K

RHP Stanly Alcantara: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Alcantara has allowed five walks in ten innings. Before this season, he walked 56 in 38.1 innings. Progress!

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/21: Roc Riggio’s Big Night

Notes:

RHP Greysen Carter, the hard thrower with no idea where the ball is going, was sent to the FCL today. Carter, who hit 100+ MPH earlier this season, made seven starts for Tampa, going 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA over 24 innings with a 20.2% K and 21.8% BB.

RHP J.T. Etheridge replaces Carter on Tampa’s roster. Signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2024, the 23-year-old pitched in three games for the FCL squad this year, posting a 2.31 ERA over 11.2 innings with a 42.3% K and 15.4% BB.

Carter is an intriguing talent but needs work. If your job is to work with young pitchers, Carter presents a fun challenge.

Injury Log

Scranton (21-24) (Lost a doubleheader to Nashville. The bats didn’t show up. Everson Pereira didn’t play in either game, which always raises a red flag.)

Game 1 (Lost, 3-0)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, SB (6), K
Rodriguez has a 10-game hitting streak.
DH Dominic Smith: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Cooper Hummel: 0-for-2, BB, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, 2 K
3B Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, BB
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, K
2B Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, SB (10), K
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3

RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 3-5)  4.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
4.23 ERA (44.2 IP, 37 H, 25 R, 21 ER, 6 HR, 16 BB, 51 K)
RHP Colten Brewer: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
4.41 ERA (16.1 IP, 13 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 21 K)

Game 2 (Lost, 2-1)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-3, CS (3)
Rodriguez extends his hitting streak to 11 (19-for-43; .442). He is hitting .388 with a .981 OPS in 28 games since his promotion.
LF Dominic Smith: 0-for-3, SB (1)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, 2 K
Rumfield is hitting .292 with an .885 OPS. 
C Alex Jackson: 0-for-3
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-2, HR (2), RBI, R, BB
De La Cruz has 34 homers in 535 minor league games. He has 58 homers in 491 major league games.
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-1, 2 BB
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3

LHP Brandon Leibrandt: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: (L, 1-1)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
4.50 ERA (16 IP, 12 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 22 K)

Somerset (19-21) (Defeated New Hampshire, 4-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, RBI, K
Since promotion: 8-for-41 (.195/.352/.195; 10 walks, 11 strikeouts).
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, K
After a .295/.357/.545 triple slash in April, Flores has a .297/.338/.531 triple slash in May. I like consistency!
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB
DH Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, R, CS (1), BB, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, 3 K
C Antonio Gomez: 3-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI, R
Gomez has two 3-hit games in May (back-to-back multi-hit games).
2B Max Burt: 0-for-4, K

RHP Cam Schlittler (W, 3-4): 6 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
2.47 ERA (43.2 IP, 37 H, 17 R, 12 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 52 K). Schlittler has allowed 15 homers in 210.1 career innings (0.64 HR/9). Impressively, he has maintained a strong strikeout rate while reducing his walk rate by a comfortable margin.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (26-14) (Lost to Winston-Salem, 11-8)

DH Roc Riggio: 2-for-2, 3B (1), HR (4), 3 RBI, 4 R, SB (2), CS (3), 3 BB
.275/.431/.700 in 51 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 11 R, 2-for-5 SB, 21.6% BB, 21.6% K). I hope Riggio gets to Somerset this season.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, R, HBP, 3 K
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-5, 3 RBI, K
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-5, RBI, R, K
.261/.367/.433 in 158 PA. In 588 plate appearances at this level, Martinez is hitting .244/.372/.412 with 20 doubles, 2 triples, 19 HR, 67 RBI, and 76 runs. He has drawn 95 walks (16.2%) and has struck out 146 times (24.8%).
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
.229/.342/.344 in 155 PA (9 doubles, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 14 R, 5-for-5 SB). He hasn’t been able to carry over his hot 81 plate appearance stretch after being promoted here in 2024.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-5, RBI, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Luis Durango: 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (3), BB, K
His speed is likely what attracted the Yankees to him. He has never shown any hints of power (hasn’t hit a home run since 2021. This was his 145th game since that season.)

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 3.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
4.63 ERA (35 IP, 28 H, 19 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 11 BB, 56 K). Lagrange’s first rough start since April 8th (his 2025 debut). This is the first time he’s allowed more than two walks this season (did it four times in nine games in 2024).
RHP Chris Kean: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.02 ERA (17.2 IP, 14 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 15 K)
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: (L, 0-1)  1.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
4.00 ERA (18 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 25 K)

Tampa (21-20) (Defeated Dunedin, 9-5. Getting over .500 was something I didn’t anticipate in the first half)

DH Roderick Arias: 1-for-2, 2B (7), RBI, R, CS (2), 3 BB, K
His first two games coming off the injured list have been encouraging (3-for-6, 3 doubles, 2 RBI, 1 R, 4 BB, 2 K). Let’s see if he can keep it going.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-5
LF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-5, 2B (8), RBI, K
.218/.297/.408 in 158 PA (8 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 24 R, 9-for-10 SB, 9.5% BB, 27.8% K).
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-5, R, SB (11), 2 K
Matheus has a 9-game hitting streak (17-for-35). He is hitting .306/.366/.379 in 145 PA (9 doubles, 22 RBI, 16 R, 11-for-16 SB, 10.3% BB, 22.8% K). Matheus has some speed but has to work on his base-stealing technique (49-for-71 (69%)).
RF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-4, 2B (3), HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
3B Owen Cobb: 3-for-5, RBI, R, SB (8), CS (2)
Cobb has an 8-game hitting streak (14-for-31). He is hitting .446/.484/.786 in 63 plate appearances. The 23-year-old should find his way to Hudson Valley this season.
2B Hans Montero: 2-for-5, RBI, R,  2 K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (10), BB, K
.297/.396/.429 in 106 PA (6 doubles, 3 triples, 7 RBI, 22 R, 10-for-11 SB, 13.2% BB, 25.5% K). 
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, HR (2), SF, 3 RBI, R, CS (2), HBP

RHP Danny Flatt: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
4.33 ERA (27 IP, 27 H, 17 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 21 K). 
RHP Cade Austin: (W, 2-0)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (6-7)

Day off.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/17: Roc Riggio Homers Twice

Notes:

The rumblings about Jesus Rodriguez are starting. I get it – the Yankees have an issue with offense at third base, and Rodriguez can further help balance the lineup.

But is he a third baseman?  The Yankees have tried various positions with him. A natural catcher, he also has experience at 1B/2B (limited)/3B/LF. MLB Pipeline’s write-up on his defense was rather…scary? Pipeline, however, isn’t the only source for your prospect needs. Fangraphs was more flattering, even talking him up as potentially above-average at the hot corner.

I have been bullish on his offense for several years now. He crushed the Complex League in 2022 (which should always come with hesitation) before his promotion to Low-A in 2023.  While with the Tampa Tarpons, he showed his FCL game was no fluke, as he hit .297/.378/.426, earning a promotion to High-A after 84 games. All he did in Hudson Valley the rest of that season was hit .356/.464/.533 in 25 games. His 2024 season was similarly exciting, though he ran into trouble after his promotion to Somerset. That trouble continued into 2025, and his current Double-A triple slash is .196/.250/.339 in 30 games. When Alex Jackson was injured earlier this season, the Yankees moved Rodriguez to Scranton, where he started flourishing again. His issues in Double-A may be sample-size related. His BABIP there is only .207.  You want a prospect to conquer Double-A. It’s Prospect Following 101. He didn’t, but it’s hard to argue against his success.

Rodriguez isn’t your traditional corner power hitter, but we need to look at what he is up against: Strong defender Oswald Peraza, who the organization hasn’t shown much faith in; Jorbit Vivas, who isn’t seen as much of a defender at third base and has struggled to hit; Pablo Reyes, who Rodriguez could replace right now and nobody would flinch; DJ LeMahieu, who I think the Yankees want to play mostly at second base until Jazz Chisholm Jr. returns. The Yankees wouldn’t ask him to take over for current MLB All-Stars. We are talking about being better than replacement level.

Would I do it? It’s tempting. Even if you are skeptical about his profile, you can ride a hot streak for a while. Or, maybe your skepticism is misguided, and his bat will play just fine in MLB. Most of the hesitation comes from an aggressive approach and the questions about whether he can hit velocity. The problem with the latter is that he hasn’t faced enough velocity to draw any conclusions.

What is working against this possibility? The Yankees aren’t playing him every day at third base in the minors. If the plan was for Rodriguez to play third, that would be his position nearly every night. He has played third base in only nine of his 33 games between Somerset and Scranton.

Injury Log

Scranton (21-21) (Defeated Toledo, 7-2)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-5, 3B (2), R, CS (2), 2 K
Rodriguez owns a 9-game hitting streak that includes five multi-hit games (four consecutive). He is hitting .385/.479/.510 in 117 PA. Fire is too soft a word to use.
LF Dominic Smith: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R
A veteran like Smith is not only auditioning for the Yankees, as veterans can easily ask out of their minor league deals (or, like with Luis Torrens last year, can be traded in small deals). Smith is 16-for-42 (.381) with four homers and 16 RBI in May.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, R, HBP, K
RF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Cooper Hummel: 1-for-2, 2B (1), SF, RBI, BB
3B Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, HR (8, grand slam), 4 RBI, BB, K
Rojas has three grand slams this month (5/1, 5/7, 5/17). He has 8 HR and 34 RBI in 36 games. If only he weren’t a 32-year-old journeyman.
2B Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, R, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, 2 K
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI
A fun story in spring training, Munguia is hitting only .219/.321/.328 in 164 PA. He is 8-for-10 stealing bases.

RHP Anthony DeSclafani: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
He touched 95.3 MPH with his sinker, which likely has Matt Blake drooling.
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Headrick, a victim of the numbers game earlier this season, reached 97.1 MPH with his fastball today.
RHP Allan Winans: (W, 2-0) 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
0.00 ERA (23 IP, 16 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 31 K). They used him in a piggyback role today, which doesn’t bother me. His season has been impressive.

Somerset (17-20) (Defeated Portland, 11-5)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 R, BB
Lombard Jr. plays third base for the second day in a row (hadn’t played the position before that since his promotion). For Somerset: 6-for-31 (3 RBI, 7 R, 3-for-3 SB, 9 BB, 8 K). Overall, he is at .292/.461/.407 in 152 PA with more walks (32) than strikeouts (30). He is 14-for-16 stealing bases.
C Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, HR (8), 3 RBI, 3 R
Flores has homered in back-to-back games and is surging. His triple slash is .303/.350/.538 in 145 PA (10 doubles, 8 HR, 29 RBI, 19 R, 6.4% BB, 29.9% K). He has three 3-hit games in May. By the way, his 8 HR are tied for second in the Eastern League. Spencer Jones (who has missed several games now) still leads with 9.
CF Garrett Martin: 3-for-5, 2B (7), 3 RBI, R
.222/.336/.398 in 128 PA. He isn’t striking out much (20.3%). I don’t have info on his quality of contact, though.
2B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-5, 3 RBI
.284/.338/.507 (7 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 20 R).  Last 9 games: 13-for-36 (.361; 2 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI). 
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-5
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-2, 2B (7), R, 2 SB (7), CS (4), 2 BB
.250/.333/.402 in 105 PA. Vargas is having a strong May (.282/.378/.513).
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (3), BB
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
He left the game after an “injury delay.” That is not encouraging.
  PR-DH Grant Richardson: 0-for-0, R

RHP Trent Sellers: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 2 HR
Sellers was cruising until he allowed a 2-run HR with two outs in the 6th. The 6th inning remains his “blocker” as he has yet to complete six full innings during his career. Season: 3.48 ERA (33.2 IP, 19 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 14 BB, 44 K)
RHP Danny Watson: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
A tough outing for Effross, who has struggled to get back to MLB.
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.11 ERA (15.1 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 20 K)
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.54 ERA (11.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 11 K)

Hudson Valley (25-12) (Outlasted Aberdeen, 10-7)

LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (16), BB
.229/.338/.366 in 157 PA. 
2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-5, 2 HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R
Riggio’s first career multi-HR game. He is 8-for-34 (.235) since returning from his rehab stint (2 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI)
DH Parks Harber: 4-for-5, 3B (1), HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R
Harber’s first career 4-hit effort.  Since promotion: .362/.413/.603 in 63 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 12 R). Overall, Harber is hitting .331/.418/.575 in 146 PA (7 doubles, 3 triples, 6 HR, 26 RBI). Yes, he may move two levels this season and get to Somerset.
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
  RF Luis Durango: 0-for-1, SB (1)
Durango was 21-for-22 in the stolen base department in 2024.
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, R, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-2, 3 R, SB (4), HBP, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-2, 2B (7), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: 4.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
He didn’t have it today, but his teammates bailed him out. Season: 3.22 ERA (36.1 IP, 22 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 0 HR, 17 BB, 43 K). Rodriguez-Cruz has allowed only 9 HR in 219.2 career innings.
RHP Sebastian Keane: (W, 3-0)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.80 ERA (10 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 10 K)
RHP Hayden Merda: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
3.78 ERA (16.2 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 22 K). As a starter in 2023 (he missed 2024 due to injury), he allowed ten homers in 95.2 innings.
RHP Bryce Warrecker (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Warrecker’s first career save. His dominant season continues: 0.53 ERA (17 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 23 K)

Tampa (18-20) (Lost to Palm Beach, 5-4)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
Perez is 15-for-53 (.283) in May after going 10-for-56 (.179/.373/.196) in April. I’ve said it multiple times: The only thing missing is power. That isn’t concerning as he is 18 years old. You hope he grows into some pop.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, BB
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, R, SB (8), 2 K
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, R, SB (10), 2 K
Matheus is 13-for-22 (.591) during his 6-game hitting streak. He is an under-the-radar switch-hitting middle infielder prospect.
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, R, K
2B Hans Montero: 2-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI
Sneakily, Montero is up to .278 with a .846 OPS. He is 12-for-33 (.364) in May with four doubles and two home runs.
3B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI
Cobb has 11 extra-base hits (6 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR) in 13 games.
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 2B (6), R, K
Toole is 7-for-19 (.368) during his 6-game hitting streak. He has four doubles and a triple during the streak. 
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K

RHP Greysen Carter: (L, 1-3)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 1 K
Carter is why the Development List exists. I advocate for continuing to throw kids out there to learn, but he is lost (6.75 ERA in 24 IP with a 25/27 K/BB)
RHP Brandon Decker: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.59 ERA (17 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 20 K)
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
This line defines Sandridge’s career. Looking at the data, Sandridge peaked at 95.8 MPH (averaged 94.2) and generated four whiffs (on 11 pitches) with his slider. The Yankees are trying to unlock the 26-year-old who allows few hits, walks half the ballpark, and strikes out the other half.
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
1.80 ERA (15 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 26 K). I know Savant isn’t always perfect, but Veach used six different pitches to earn four outs (change, curve, sinker, 4-seamer, cutter, slider). You may ask if Veach was a starter in college. The answer is no, as none of his 57 college appearances (mostly with South Carolina) were starts.
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

FCL (5-6) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 5-1. The Yankees compiled only two hits)

CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, 2 K
It’s not so bad when one of those hits is a home run by their best prospect at the level. I don’t love the strikeouts for a big prospect repeating the level (27.7%), but his start remains encouraging (.293/.370/.512).
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-3, K

RHP Jose Rodriguez (L, 0-1): 2.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Jose Martinez: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Martinez’s 2025 debut. The Yankees grabbed him after the Red Sox released him in February. Not that DSL numbers tell a full story, but Martinez put together a 45/9 K/BB over 41.1 IP (3.48 ERA) for Boston’s DSL squad last year.
RHP Mariano Salomon: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Franyer Herrera: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Jose Ledesma: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Ledesma’s 2025 debut. Last season, the 22-year-old pitched to a 1.25 ERA in 21.2 IP with a 28/14 K/BB in the DSL.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/16: Jesus Rodriguez is Scorching

Notes:

RHP Clayton Beeter‘s rehab is over. The Yankees have optioned him to Scranton.

The Yankees traded LHP Rob Zastryzny to the Brewers for cash considerations. This is a massive win since I no longer need to type that name. The 33-year-old has pitched for several organizations, including MLB stops with the Cubs, Mets, Angels, and Pirates. This will be his second stint with the Brewers.

He never pitched in MLB for the Yankees. In 13 games for Scranton, he pitched to a 4.50 ERA over 12 innings with a 12/2 K/BB.

LHP Edgar Barclay, who looked like he was making a push to get to MLB a few years ago, was transferred from the 7-day injured list to the Full Season list for Somerset. RHP Luis Velasquez suffered the same fate.

Injury Log

Scranton (20-21) (Lost to Toledo, 6-3)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, CS (1), K
This is silly. He has back-to-back 3-hit efforts and is 14-for-31 (.452) during his 8-game hitting streak. Since his promotion: .385/.482/.495 in 112 PA (5 doubles, 3 triples, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 23 R, 5-for-6 SB, 16.1% BB, 12.5% K)
RF Cooper Hummel: 0-for-3, CS (1), BB, 2 K
  CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-0
   PH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-1
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, 2 R, 2 BB, K
.289/.391/.577 in 115 PA. 16 walks in 115 PA this season. 16 walks in 182 PA last year. He is on an 11-game on-base streak (at least one hit in ten of those games)
DH Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, K
1B Dominic Smith: 1-for-4, RBI
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, K
3B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2 2B (10), K
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, 2 K

RHP Jake Woodford (L, 1-2): 6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
3.86 ERA (30.1 IP, 32 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 6 HR, 12 BB, 28 K). 
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Colten Brewer: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Somerset (16-20) (Defeated Portland, 4-2, in ten innings. As the home team, you know what that means!)

DH Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, K
Yes, that is what it means:  Jasso hit a walk-off 2-run blast. He has homered in back-to-back games and owns a .271/.329/.504 triple slash in his first taste of Double-A. Hitting him at the top of the lineup all season shows that the Yankees like something about this kid.
3B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, R, BB, 3 K
You don’t see Lombard Jr. have many no-contact games. Sometimes, he will remind you that he is still a teenager.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, K
.293/.342/.514 in 152 PA. Flores has slumped in the power department this month, so it’s nice to see him hit one out.
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-2, SB (6), HBP, K
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, 2 K
Morales’s first Double-A hit.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, SB (5), BB, K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
2B Max Burt: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
Vrieling’s rehab is over. This is his first start for Somerset this season. He tossed 60 pitches (34 strikes).
RHP Baron Stuart: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jon Olsen: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Olsen’s Somerset debut. It’s his first game in affiliated ball since 2022.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard (W, 1-1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
After a slow start, he is pitching better (4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K this month)

Hudson Valley (24-12) (Lost to Aberdeen, 4-3. They scored a pair in the 9th to make it interesting but couldn’t get over the hump)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-5, 2 K
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2 K
DH Jace Avina: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, 3 K
Avina was activated from the injured list today. He is hitting .305 with a .879 OPS.
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, R, SB (5), 2 BB
Jackson has a 14.6% BB rate and has 102 walks in 637 career plate appearances. He showed he could hit here in a brief audition in 2024, so his slow start is somewhat surprising.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-4, 2 2B (5), RBI, R, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, HBP, BB, K
  PR Luis Durango: 0-for-0
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 2-2)  5 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
4.18 ERA (28 IP, 24 H, 17 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 37 K)
RHP Chris Kean: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.10 ERA (16.1 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 14 K)
RHP Matt Keating: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.45 ERA (11 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 9 K)

Tampa (18-19)

Scheduled day off.

The Tarpons have won four in a row and are 9-3 in their last 12 as they pulled themselves out of an abyss.

FCL (5-5) (Lost to the Phillies, 15-5)

CF Cam Eden: 1-for-4, SB (2)
DH Brennen Davis: 3-for-4, 2B (2), HR (3), RBI, 2 R, K
OK, get him to Scranton.
LF Brando Mayea: 2-for-4, R
.297/.381/.459 in 43 PA. At this level last year, the 19-year-old bonus baby hit .281/.370/.326 in 154 PA. I would be shocked if he doesn’t make his Low-A debut this year.
2B Luis Escudero: 3-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, R
SS Santiago Gomez: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (2), K

None of the pitching lines warrant inclusion!

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/14: Juan Matheus Goes 6-for-6

Notes:

There is nothing new.

Injury Log

Scranton (20-19) (Defeated Toledo, 5-4)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2B (4), R
Since promotion: .358/.471/.469 in 102 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 21 R, 17.6% BB, 11.8% K).  His career triple slash sits at .309/.397/.467 in 1,300 plate appearances. He hits, hits, hits and is on a 6-game hitting streak.
LF Cooper Hummel: 2-for-4, R, SB (1)
DH Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, R, BB
.289/.381/.567 in 105 PA (1 double, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 25 R, 3-for-3 SB, 12.4% BB, 31.4% K). The K% is slowly falling.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
.305/.404/.534 in 141 PA (9 doubles, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 27 R, 2-for-3 SB, 12.1% BB, 18.4% K).  He is 15-for-31 (.484/.528/.742) in May with a pair of doubles and homers.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 K
Since the Yankees claimed him, he has gone 4-for-33 (.121) with a homer, three walks, and 12 strikeouts.
3B Jose Rojas: 0-for-2, SF, RBI
   3B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-1
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, SB (3), K
.203/.338/.344 in 78 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R, 3-for-3 SB). 
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3

LHP Brandon Leibrandt: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
LHP Brent Headrick (W, 2-0): 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
4.15 ERA (8.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 5 K)
RHP Sean Boyle (S, 1): 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, HR
Boyle’s 5th career save. Season: 4.28 ERA (40 IP, 33 H, 22 R, 19 ER, 6 HR, 14 BB, 45 K)

Somerset (14-19)

Their game against Portland was postponed. They will attempt to make it up on June 11th. They have a doubleheader scheduled for tomorrow (makeup of Tuesday’s game).

Hudson Valley (23-10)

Their game against Aberdeen was postponed. They will attempt to play two tomorrow.

Tampa (17-19) (Scored 21 runs in a doubleheader sweep of Palm Beach)

Game 1 (Won, 9-2)

DH Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, R, K
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 R
Urena’s first HR since April 19th (at the time, he had hit three HR in four games).
SS Juan Matheus: 4-for-4, RBI, 2 R
Matheus compiles his first career 4-hit game.
RF Austin Green: 2-for-2, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, HBP, BB
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, RBI
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, R, K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2B (4), R
3B Owen Cobb: 1-for-3, HR (3), 3 RBI, R, K
9 extra-base hits in 10 games this season (4 (all doubles) in 18 games last year).

LHP Griffin Herring: 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
1.40 ERA (38.2 IP, 24 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 48 K). Herring is averaging 87 pitches per start (77 today). 
RHP Gus Hughes (W, 3-1): 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Cade Austin: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.21 ERA (14 IP, 14 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 12 K)

Game 2 (Won, 12-4)

C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, R
Watch out once his offensive game (beyond the walks) starts improving.
DH Engelth Urena: 2-for-3, 2 R, BB
Urena entered the doubleheader 7-for-36 in May. 
CF Dillon Lewis: 3-for-3, 2B (7), HR (5), 2 RBI, 3 R, BB
Lewis is 13-for-42 (.310; 3 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 14 R) in 11 May contests (.167/.244/.256 in April)
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-2, 2 SF, 2 RBI, R
Matheus is hitting .291 with a .702 OPS and is 8-for-10 in his last three games (his OPS was .619 before that).
2B Austin Green: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, K
RF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-4, 2B (2), HR (1), 4 RBI, R, 2 K
Wilson sets a personal best for RBI in a game.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB
LF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB
SS Owen Cobb: 2-for-3, R
Cobb didn’t add to his extra-base hit totals, but the raking continues. He is 15-for-35 (.429).

RHP Danny Flatt: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.43 ERA (22.1 IP, 21 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 20 K)
RHP Jack Sokol (W, 1-1): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Sokol’s first professional win. Season: 3.55 ERA (12.2 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 12 K)
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
2.75 ERA (19.2 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 20 K)

FCL (5-3)

Day off.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/11: A Day for Pitchers

Notes:

A quiet weekend for notes.

Injury Log

Scranton (19-18) (Rolled past Rochester, 12-0)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: .356/.479/.466 in 94 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 20 R, 5-for-5 SB, 18 BB, 11 K). 20 runs in 21 games. His teammates must appreciate the RBI opportunities.
2B DJ LeMahieu: 1-for-4, RBI, R, CS (1), BB
LeMahieu is 12-for-27 (.444) on his rehab stint. I am unsure when the Yankees will bring him up from his rehab stint, but inserting him into the same picture as Aaron Judge and Juan Soto for the Subway Series will only add to the hype.
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 R, SB (3), BB, 2 K
.287/.376/.575 in 101 PA (1 double, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 24 R, 3-for-3 SB, 11.9% BB, 32.7% K). Like Rodriguez, he creates opportunities for his teammates, as his 24 runs have come in 24 games.
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-3, HR (4), SF, 4 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Jackson has four home runs in his last eight games.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, R, HBP, 2 K
1B Dominic Smith: 2-for-3, HR (4), SF, 3 RBI, R, K
Smith has homered in back-to-back games and is 10-for-28 (.357) in May.
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, BB
3B Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, R, SB (2)
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (9), BB

RHP Allan Winans (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
0.00 ERA (19 IP, 13 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 27 K). In the starting pitcher depth chart competition, it’s hard to deny that Winans has impressed the most. The lone negative is that this was the first time he went 5+ innings this season.
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
16 pitches/10 strikes. He has to be close.
RHP Jake Woodford: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.33 ERA (24.1 IP, 27 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 5 HR, 10 BB, 21 K). This is his first relief appearance in 2025.

Somerset (14-19) (Lost to Akron, 2-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, BB, K
4-for-21 since his promotion, with four walks and four strikeouts.
C Rafael Flores: 3-for-4, R
.290/.333/.504 in 104 PA (10 doubles, 6 HR, 24 RBI, 15 R, 3-for-3 SB, 6.4% BB, 31.2% K). I wouldn’t be surprised if Flores, Rule 5 eligible this winter, is traded this summer.
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, K
.269/.326/.471 in 129 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 18 R, 6.2% BB, 18.6% K). He is on a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-21, 2 doubles, 3 RBI)
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, SB (2)
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, K
8-for-51 since his promotion (.157/.214/.176 with a double, four walks, and 19 strikeouts)

RHP Bailey Dees: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
4.82 ERA (28 IP, 27 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 33 K). Solid performance for Dees, who hopefully can get on a roll.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin (L, 1-1): 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
His season won’t be perfect: 1.69 ERA (10.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 9 K)

Hudson Valley (23-9) (Defeated Wilmington, 9-1. They take 5-out-of-6 in the series by a 45-10 margin)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, 2 R, SB (14), 3 BB, K
.248/.360/.407 in 136 PA (5 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 26 R, 14-for-17 SB, 13.97% BB, 17.6% K). He’s doing what you want leadoff hitters to do.
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
Riggio won’t overwhelm you with power, but he has sneaky pop (43 extra-base hits in 2024 (27 doubles, 5 triples, 11 HR)). 
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Since promotion: .333/.396/.521 in 53 PA. He is on a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-32, 3 doubles, 1 HR)
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-5, 3 K
.264/.364/.445 in 129 PA. Martinez is 0-for-8 since his insane hitting streak, which is as baseball as baseball can be.
DH Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, R, SB (3), CS (1), 2 BB, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, BB
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, 2B (3), R, BB, 2 K
Hall is on a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-20)

RHP Bryce Cunningham (W, 4-1): 6.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
1.98 ERA (36.1 IP, 28 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 38 K). Cunningham continues to cruise (he allowed five runs in the first inning on 4/13. Beyond that, nobody has touched him)
RHP Chris Kean: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
1.32 ERA (13.2 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 12 K)
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Tony Rossi:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Between here and Tampa: 12.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 18 K. I think Somerset will call his name sometime this season.

Tampa (14-19) (Lost to Daytona, 2-1)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, BB
.202/.377/.234 in 122 PA (3 doubles, 10 RBI, 13 R, 3-for-3 SB, 19.7% BB, 22.95% K). I don’t expect an 18-year-old to show off big power in Low-A. There is a good chance he will be here for two seasons.
LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, 2 K
.200/.273/.382 in 121 PA (6 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 17 R, 7-for-8 SB, 8.3% BB, 28.9% K). 
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, SB (9)
.237/.318/.301 in 110 PA (6 doubles, 15 RBI, 9 R, 9-for-13 SB, 11.8% BB, 21.8% K). 
2B Austin Green: 0-for-2, SB (4), 2 BB
DH Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, K
1B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (3), CS (2)
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-2, 3B (3), R, BB
.292/.387/.415 in 75 PA (2 doubles, 3 triples, 5 RBI, 12 R, 7-for-7 SB, 13.3% BB, 28% K).  He has six multi-hit efforts in his last 12 games.
SS Owen Cobb: 0-for-3, RBI, K
Cobb’s .500 pace is over!  He is now 11-for-25.

RHP Gage Ziehl: 6.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
4.08 ERA (17.2 IP, 17 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 9 K). This was his first start since making an emergency start for Somerset. Hopefully, he can build off this effort.
RHP Cade Austin: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Brady Kirtner (L, 2-1): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
Kirtner struck out four in a row before allowing a walk-off HR. Season: 1.93 ERA (18.2 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 18 K)

FCL (4-2)

Day off.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.