Tag: Jesus Rodriguez

My Take: Yankees Acquire Jose Caballero & Camilo Doval

Other takes:

David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

The details:

The Yankees acquire UTIL Jose Caballero, RHP Camilo Doval, OF Wilberson De Pena, and international bonus pool money.
The Rays acquire OF Everson Pereira
The Giants acquire C/3B Jesus Rodriguez, 1B/3B Parks Harber, RHP Trystan Vrieling, and LHP Carlos De La Rosa
The Angels acquire UTIL Oswald Peraza

This trade deadline was wacky, and the Yankees have roster decisions to make. And they have to make them in a hurry.

They took care of three 40-man roster slots by dealing Pereira, Rodriguez, and Peraza.

What the Yankees get:

I didn’t expect these trades after the first two. But one theme of this trade deadline was improving at the margins. Could they have kept Peraza around as the last guy on the bench? Yes. However, they wanted more. I like the aggressiveness.

Caballero can play anywhere and has elite speed. The Rays, who always value versatility, have played him at second base, shortstop, third base, and all three outfield positions in 2025. Like their other acquisitions, he has a platoon split, hitting .241/.348/.392 against LHP and only .219/.318/.271 against RHP. His value is more in his versatility and speed. He leads baseball with 34 stolen bases this season after leading the American League with 44 last year. One thing he has done this year is improve his efficiency (73.3% in 2024; 80.9% in 2025). The entire profile adds up to being worth 1.0 fWAR this year after posting a 1.9 fWAR in 2023 and 2024.

Doval has a lot of talent in his right-handed arm, including a cutter that averages 98.1 MPH. He is mostly a cutter/slider pitcher, though he mixes in a sinker.  It adds up to a profile that includes a 52.6% ground ball and 26.2% K. The walk rate (12.6%) is high, but his talent can overshadow that (3.09 ERA/3.18 FIP). Doval screams, “Matt Blake Special.” He is the type of arm that Blake will likely love to work with to go the next level. The arm talent is as good as anybody’s, and the results have mostly been good. It’s not like he is a project like Clay Holmes was. During his recent run of success, only his 2024 campaign can be seen as below average. And even that came with a 3.71 FIP. In other words, don’t underestimate his value. The Yankees have him through 2027. He can close games, but will go into the middle inning mix, a mix that is filled with impressive arms and the weirdness that is Tim Hill.

De Pena, who was acquired for Peraza, is the only prospect the Yankees acquired at the deadline. He is a DSL outfielder who is hitting .211/.296/.451 with four homers in 31 games. Sometimes, there is a backstory to these acquisitions.  I wouldn’t be shocked if the Yankees scouted De Pena at some point before he signed with the Angels and grabbed him when they had a chance. It doesn’t matter, as they did this deal for the 40-man roster space. Peraza had no future with the organization.

What the Rays get:

Pereira has the power to tap into. The biggest question is whether he has enough contact to support that power. He is a good fit for a high-contact Tampa team that needs pop. While his first MLB audition didn’t go well (.151/.233/.194 in 103 plate appearances in 2023), I am confident he has the tools to hit against the world’s best competition. Even if that is a low-average, high SLG type, that’s valuable. I think I said it last week: Sometimes, we are too enamored with the “perfect player.” Pereira doesn’t need to be perfect.

What the Angels get:

I hide nothing. I was once very high on Peraza, and it didn’t work out. With the Angels, he should earn some extra playing time to see if he can get into a groove. That won’t be as a shortstop, as the Angels have Zach Neto. However, he can play second base (Kyren Paris is hitting .190/.266/.381 in 44 games) and third base (Luis Rengifo is hitting .244/.286/.327 in 102 games) as well. The Yankees were also working him out in the outfield. We’ll see if the Angels decide to stick with that.

Can he still become a valuable player? The odds don’t seem great, but the Angels have the bandwidth to find out.

What the Giants get:

Rodriguez was the latest fan favorite, given his ability to make contact (and his current 17-game hitting streak). After struggling in Somerset to begin 2025, the Yankees promoted him to Scranton after Alex Jackson went on the injured list. He hit very well for Scranton, putting up a .317/.409/.430 (129 wRC+) line over 362 plate appearances. There are questions about his defensive position. The Yankees have tried him at catcher, first base, second base (small sample), third base, and the outfield. This year, the Yankees have limited him to catcher and third base, and they have cut back his third base time considerably over the past several weeks. While some of that was due to signing Jeimer Candelario and trading Alex Jackson, it likely was also done as a showcase.

Harber got off to an incredible start in the lower minors this season, but has been missing in action for a while. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina, the 23-year-old hit .319/.404/.510 in 54 games between Tampa and Hudson Valley. College bats tend to murder the ball in the lower minors, but not all of them do. For now, Harber has done enough to earn a shot in the upper minors. He probably falls somewhere in the Andres Chaparro or Eric Wagaman lane, which means MLB is a reasonable goal.

The Yankees were very aggressive with Vrieling, placing him instantly in Double-A to start his debut 2024 season. He did OK after being fed to the sharks, going 13-7 with a 4.58 ERA (3.73 FIP) with a 21.3% K over 147.1 innings. An injury delayed the start to his 2025 campaign, and he owns a 4.50 ERA in 46 Double-A innings. This is the type of prospect the Yankees have traditionally dealt over the past several seasons. I see him continuing as a starter with a back-of-the-rotation type of ceiling.

De La Rosa is your typical lottery ticket. Signed for $400,000 (the Yankees typically don’t spend high on international starters, so this stands out), the 17-year-old owns a 5.32 ERA in 22 innings with a 36/5 K/BB. 17-year-old pitchers in the DSL are as volatile as you can get, but that’s an impressive K/BB for a kid his age. I will watch him closely as he moves up.

The Bottom Line:

This is the craziest deadline in recent history, all across baseball. Cashman revamped the bullpen and the position player mix immensely. I am not shocked about the bullpen. I am shocked by the bench pieces they acquired. It feels as if he found the light, no longer mostly ignoring the bench. Aaron Boone has a lot of versatility to work with, and we will see how he deploys it all. When Aaron Judge returns, someone has to go. I hate to say it, but Cabellero has options. I don’t know if that is the path they will go down, or what other paths are possible. Technically, they can go with 12 pitches and 14 position players (the only rule is that you can’t have more than 13 pitchers), but that would be unusual, and it just shifts the logjam elsewhere. Until Judge comes back, there is nothing to worry about.

The Yankees made these moves while trading only one top ten prospect (Rafael Flores). It looks like they aimed high with starting pitchers instead of looking at 4th/5th starter types who would come with lower price tags. You can criticize that part, but none of the big starters were moved today. The “aim-high” guy (Minnesota’s Joe Ryan) required a massive package that the Red Sox supposedly weren’t even close to meeting. We don’t know what the Marlins wanted for Sandy Alcantara or Edward Cabrera, but Spencer Jones‘ name likely came up. The Padres didn’t move Dylan Cease. Most of the starters traded today were mid-to-lower-rotation types, and Cashman likely wasn’t interested in pitchers at that level. Criticizing that is fine, but if you like Cam Schlittler, it may buy him more time in the rotation.  I am not as upset with that as I expected to be, as I thought they would at least look to acquire a #3 type. They decided against it at the prices being asked.

Overall, I am a fan of the deadline. I like some of the prospects they traded, but is there a high-impact MLB player in that mix? I am not so sure. As stated above, not every player needs to be high-impact to be valuable. But those are also the type of prospects you shouldn’t be scared to trade.

 

Yankees MILB 7/27: Jesus Rodriguez Hits Two 3-Run Homers

Notes:

In case you missed them, here is my article on the Ryan McMahon transaction and my analysis of the Amed Rosario transaction.

OF Spencer Jones missed his third straight game today (back spasms). With tomorrow’s off-day, he will have four days off going into Tuesday.

Injury Log

Scranton (59-39; 21-5 in second half) (Defeated Rochester, 8-7. Clayton Beeter had to do nothing more than switch dugouts. He appeared in this game, tossing a scoreless inning with a walk and strikeout).

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2 HR (5), 6 RBI, 2 R, SB (16), BB, K
You may as well extend your hitting streak to 15 in style. This is his third career 2-HR game (2023, 2024), and he sets a personal best for RBI in a game. He is hitting .320/.414/.437 since his promotion and .302/.394/.409 overall. As for his future with the organization, your guess is as good as mine. They valued him enough to protect him from the Rule 5 draft last winter, so there is something they like, perhaps as a trade chip.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, CS (2), BB, K
Rumfield has a 5-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games (including eight multi-hit efforts).
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-5, 3 K
Flores’ 30th multi-hit game this season (second with Scranton).
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-5, 2 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, R, HBP, BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-5, HR (10), 2 RBI, R, K
De La Cruz is what he is: 10 HR in 54 games since signing with the Yankees. 
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4
  2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-0
2B-SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-3, 2B (15), 2 R, BB
CF Duke Ellis: 2-for-4, 2 R, K

RHP Sean Boyle: 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.58 ERA (92.1 IP, 85 H, 54 R, 47 ER, 11 HR, 31 BB, 92 K)
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Bailey Dees: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: (W, 2-0)  0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Since signing: 8.1 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 1 BB, 11 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 1.46 ERA (12.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 11 K)
RHP Baron Stuart (S, 1): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Stuart’s first career save.

Somerset (51-45; 16-11 in second half) (Lost to Erie, 7-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 3 K
He’s been hitting better lately, so we’ll toss this. 
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, K
Never easy to win when your top three go 0-for-12 with six strikeouts.
3B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-4, 3B (6)
Jasso has back-to-back 3-hit efforts and four multi-hit efforts during his 6-game hitting streak. It has increased his triple slash from .261/.334/.453 to .275/.342/.458.  Jasso, a right-handed bat, is much better against RHP than he is LHP.
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, 2B (5), 2 K
.220/.290/.390 since his promotion and .228/.325/.381 overall. His BB%, one of his strengths, is only 9.7% since his promotion. Pitchers tend to have better control and command when they get to Double-A.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Ben Shields: (L, 1-2)  5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, HR
3.42 ERA (23.2 IP, 19 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 26 K). Overall, he is up to 35.2 innings since coming back from injury.
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.23 ERA (30.2 IP, 26 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 29 K)

Hudson Valley (57-36; 20-10 second half) (Defeated Rome, 6-3)

CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, R, BB
DH Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, 2B (6), 2 RBI, R, CS (1), BB
Lewis is caught stealing for the second time in his career (23-for-25). He increases his hitting streak to nine straight (14-for-33).
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-4, RBI
2B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-4, 2B (17), RBI
Colmenares has three doubles and two homers in his last five games.
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, R, K
C John Cristino: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
LF Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, R, HBP, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2, R, CI

LHP Kyle Carr: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
2.16 ERA (87.1 IP, 59 H, 30 R, 21 ER, 5 HR, 38 BB, 76 K). The walk rate isn’t ideal, and he doesn’t strike out a ton of hitters. However, he is tough to hit (hitters were hitting .192/.281/.269 with a 51.1% GB rate entering today). 
RHP Chris Kean: (W, 5-2) 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (45-47; 9-18 in the second half)  (Lost to Clearwater, 4-2. Suffice to say, the playoffs aren’t looking likely)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, HBP, K
I will say what I said when he struggled mightily at the beginning of the season: You have to keep throwing him out there. He’s up to 372 plate appearances.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-1, 4 BB, K
Arias also had a 4-walk effort on June 6th. It isn’t his personal best as he walked five times in a DSL game in 2022. Despite many offensive issues, the ability to take walks has always been there (14.9% rate in 2025). He needs better ball-to-bat skills. Whether he can develop that tough-to-master skill, I don’t know.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-5, K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, R, BB, K
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-5, K
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
Rodriguez is 11-for-46 (.239/.327/.348) since his promotion. 
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, RBI
Tejeda with his first hit since coming back from his rehab stint (1-for-10). 
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, BB
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K

LHP Xavier Rivas (L, 2-3): 4 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Since his 13-strikeout effort: 14.1 IP, 17 H, 17 R, 15 ER, 4 HR, 11 BB, 16 K. 
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Coleman started a rehab stint on May 20th, disappeared on June 5th, and reappeared today. It’s been a journey for the 27-year-old, who was once a top relief prospect before injuries took over his career. He was coveted enough for the Texas Rangers to take him in the Rule 5 draft, even though he was hurt. After spending the entire 2024 campaign on the injured list, they returned him to the Yankees before 2025. Anyway, despite the shoulder injury and the downtime, he was still hitting 95.8 MPH today with his sinker. Crazy.
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Mendoza was promoted from the FCL (season over) today. Already 21, he spent five years in the rookie leagues (two in the DSL, three in the FCL) before getting this chance. Injuries were an issue as he tossed only 104.2 innings in those five years, compiling a 3.44 ERA and 146/59 K/BB. He maxed at 95.4 MPH during this appearance.
RHP Sean Hermann: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.05 ERA (44 IP, 28 H, 17 R, 10 ER, 0 HR, 29 BB, 33 K). 
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.09 ERA (33 IP, 29 H, 20 R, 15 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 34 K)

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (16-23)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (21-18)

Day off.

By the way, there is a new playoff format in the DSL. Sixteen squads (eight division winners and eight teams with the best records after the division winners are determined) make the tournament, which is called the “DSL Cup.”

The tournament is played World Cup style. The 16 teams are broken down into four pods of four teams each. They will do a round-robin where the team with the best record advances to the semifinals. Both the semifinals and the finals are best-of-three.

You might think 16 teams is a lot. The DSL is a 52-team league, as most franchises have two teams, and unlike other minor leagues, every MLB franchise plays in the same league.

“Wait! 30 x 2 = 60! Which MLB teams don’t have two squads?” The cheapskates are the Twins, Athletics, Nationals, Cardinals, Braves, Angels, Mariners, and White Sox. You are probably shocked by a few of those.

The Bombers currently rank 18th overall and are three games behind the Miami Marlins in their division.

Yankees MILB 7/25: Jesus Rodriguez Extends Hitting Streak

Notes:

In case you missed it, here is my article on the Ryan McMahon transaction.

A day after hitting 1,200+ feet of home runs, OF Spencer Jones was out of tonight’s lineup due to back spasms. The Yankees are unlikely to mess with this, but as someone who has back spasms, I know how they can come and go. I am not a prized professional athlete though (I am not a prized anything), so I wouldn’t be shocked if he at least missed this weekend.

Injury Log

Scranton (57-39; 19-5 in second half) (Defeated Rochester, 7-5. July has been a good month for Scranton hitters.)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, 3B (3), RBI, 2 R, SB (14), K
Rodriguez increases his hitting streak to 13 (18-for-54 (.333); 2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 14 R, 9 BB, 7 K)
LF Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, R, SB (9), K
Pereira is hitting .299/.405/.687 in July (3 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 18 RBI, 20 R, 4-for-4 SB). 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, 2B (26), SF, RBI, R, BB, K
.308/.392/.498 in 378 PA. Rumfield has gone crazy in July: 28-for-71 (.394/.471/.606; 9 doubles, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 15 R, 12 BB). He leads the organization in doubles (26) and RBI (67).  He is second in the International League in both categories. 
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 5-for-24 (1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 7 BB, 10 K).
3B Jeimer Candelario: 2-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, K
If Candelario hoped to get back to MLB this year, it likely won’t be with the Yankees now. He has four multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-5, K
2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-4
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, BB, K
   SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-0
CF Duke Ellis: 4-for-4, 3 2B (7), 2 R, 2 SB (16), CS (4)
Fun night from the #9 spot in the lineup. 

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 6-7) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
5.50 ERA (86.2 IP, 79 H, 60 R, 53 ER, 21 HR, 35 BB, 96 K). The veteran has provided solid innings over his last five starts but is no threat to make it to MLB. He’s doing what he was signed to do in an organization that has a reputation for helping middling veteran pitchers.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Since signing: 7.1 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 1 BB, 8 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (50-44; 15-10 in second half) (Lost to Erie, 5-4)

LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
The end of his 7-game hitting streak. He is hitting .207/.327/.332 in 278 PA since his promotion.
2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-3, HR (10), RBI, R, SB (7), BB
Since promotion: .261/.338/.551 in 154 PA (10 doubles, 10 HR, 26 RBI, 24 R, 7-for-10 SB, 7.8% BB, 23.4% K). The extra-base hits stand out (he has 17 HR and 32 extra-base hits overall in 58 games this season)
DH Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, R
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, HR (3), RBI, R, K
Martinez has never hit for much average, but has flashed some pop and ability to take walks (though his walk rate has fallen since his promotion)
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 3B (1), HR (15), 2 RBI, R, K
It’s nice to see Hardman launch home runs again. Maybe it gets him noticed by another organization. You think I am knocking the Yankees with that comment, but I’m not. Players like Hardman tend to get their chances with teams looking for cheap talent.
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Cam Eden: 1-for-4, K
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (9), K

LHP Brock Selvidge: 4 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
At this level: 3.78 ERA (33.1 IP, 26 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 29 K). He started the season on the injured list, so he is likely still bouncing back. However, I think it is fair to point out that Selvidge has allowed 61 walks in 118 Double-A innings.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson (L, 1-4): 0.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (55-36; 18-10 second half) (Defeated Rome, 3-0. They went with a bullpen game, and it worked perfectly)

CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-4, R, K
.243/.341/.332 in 364 PA (14 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 42 R, 18-for-19 SB, 12.1% BB, 20.1% K). 
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
Morales has a 5-game hitting streak.
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, HR (6), 3 RBI, R, K
His 3-run blast in the 6th inning accounted for the game’s only runs.  Colmenares has homered in back-to-back games.
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, 2 K
Moylan is hitting .277/.404/.468 in July.
DH Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3
LF Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, 2 K
C John Cristino: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, K

RHP Chris Kean: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
It feels like yesterday when I talked about the surplus of pitching at Hudson Valley. Now? Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and Carlos Lagrange are in Somerset, Bryce Cunningham is on the injured list, and Griffin Herring/Josh Grosz are off to pitch in the Rockies’ organization. That leaves Hudson Valley with three healthy starters: Ben Hess (who has been closely monitored since missing a month), Cade Smith (who has pitched in only two games due to injury), and Kyle Carr. They don’t make trades without a plan, though.
RHP Huey Morrill: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
0.26 ERA (34.2 IP, 13 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 27 K). He also made one appearance for Somerset earlier this season, a level I think he deserves an extended look at.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: (W, 3-2)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3.16 ERA (25.2 IP, 24 H, 14 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 25 K). Over his last 15.1 innings: 8 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 15 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: (S, 2)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
2.28 ERA (27.2 IP, 21 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 42 K). Gilbert (24) has a 2.46 career ERA over 84 IP with a 110/42 K/BB. 

Tampa (45-45; 9-16 in the second half) (Lost to Clearwater, 5-0. They only played seven innings after a long rain delay to start the evening. Tampa recorded only one hit)

2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-3
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, BB
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-2, K
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-2, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-2
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-2, K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-1, CS (5), BB

RHP Cade Austin: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Tampa also had to go with a bullpen game tonight. Season: 3.11 ERA (37.2 IP, 33 H, 20 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 41 K)
LHP Tanner Bauman: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jack Sokol: (L, 4-2) 0.2 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Veach: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.71 ERA (42 IP, 38 H, 26 R, 22 ER, 8 HR, 26 BB, 34 K).

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (15-23) (Squeaked past to the DSL Cardinals, 4-3)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, R, K
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-2, BB, K
.186/.370/.248 in 146 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 28 R, 11-for-12 SB, 18.5% BB, 35.6% K). 
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
DH Justin Capellan: 0-for-2, RBI, R, BB
LF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-3, HR (7), 3 RBI, R
Montero is within two of the DSL home run lead. He is hitting .288/.380/.538 in 121 plate appearances.
1B Diego Flores: 1-for-2, K

LHP Carlos De La Rosa: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
The 17-year-old owns a 5.32 ERA in 22 innings (27 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 36 K). You have to love the strikeout and walk rates.
RHP Rafael Arias (W, 4-0): 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
4.34 ERA (29 IP, 31 H, 17 R, 14 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 38 K)
LHP Luis Rodriguez (S, 3): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

DSL Bombers (21-17) (Mauled the DSL Rangers Blue, 16-6)

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Marinez is hitting .250/.430/.313 in 151 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 0 HR, 12 RBI, 29 R, 19-for-24 SB, 23.2% BB, 25.2% K). His encouraging debut season continues.
CF Ruben Castillo: 2-for-5, 2 R, BB, K
.219/.329/.383 in 149 PA (6 doubles, 3 triples, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 26 R, 15-for-19 SB, 10.7% BB, 26.8% K)
DH Jose Castro: 1-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
3B Juan Torres: 3-for-6, 2B (5), HR (4), 4 RBI, 2 R, K
.344/.404/.521 in 109 PA (5 doubles, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 23 R, 10-for-16 SB, 4.6% BB, 12.8% K). The 17-year-old, who is in his debut campaign, has impressed all year. Do I worry about that crazy low BB%? No. He is making a lot of loud contact.
RF David Carrera: 1-for-4, R, SB (11), 2 BB, K
2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-6, 2B (4), R, SB (20), 2 K
LF Richard Meran: 0-for-1, RBI, R, CS (4), 4 BB
C Carlos Rondon: 2-for-3, HR (1), 4 RBI, 2 R, 3 BB, K
The 19-year-old launches his first professional home run.
1B Jesus Guerrero: 1-for-4, 2 R, 2 BB, K

RHP Carlos Hampshire (W, 3-2): 4.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Yankees MILB 7/23: Jesus Rodriguez Extends Hitting Streak

Notes:

Pipeline released a new Top 30 list, and Carlos Lagrange has jumped all the way to #2 (behind George Lombard Jr.). He also joined the Top 100. RHP Cam Schlittler is now third while Spencer Jones, despite his incredible hot streak, dropped to 4th.  LHP Griffin Herring surged up the list to 8th. Seven of their top ten prospects are pitchers (Lombard Jr., Jones, and Rafael Flores are the position players.)

This was not a “full” update, which will come in August. They decided to update the list to better reflect prospect value at the Trade Deadline.  Hence, no recent draftees appear on the list.

Injury Log

Scranton (56-38; 18-4 in second half) (Defeated Rochester, 8-6, in 11 innings)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-6, R, CS (8), K
Rodriguez increases his hitting streak to 11 (14-for-44 (.318), 9 BB). 
LF Everson Pereira: 2-for-6, HR (19), 3 RBI, R, K
Pereira has homered in four of his last five games. He is tied for third in the International League in homers (though I don’t know how the players he is tied with did today/tonight).
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, SF, RBI, R, HBP, K
His Triple-A average drops below .400 (the horrors!)
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, R, 3 BB, 2 K
Flores has an interesting power profile that is elevated if he can catch even part-time (think Ben Rice, in that regard). If another organization projects him as a viable catcher, that should increase his trade value. He is Rule 5 eligible this winter. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-6, RBI, 2 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-5
If you thought he could help the third base situation, look somewhere else. He is 7-for-49 since signing.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-4, 2 2B (9), R, BB, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-2, K
Shewmake was activated off the injured list today.
  2B Jose Rojas: 2-for-2, 2B (24), RBI, R
  PR Duke Ellis: 0-for-0
Ellis came in to pinch run and was instantly picked off. That would fit in perfectly with the big club.
  2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-1, R, SB (3)
2B-SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, 2B (13), R, BB

RHP Luis Gil: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, HR
The numbers weren’t impressive, but he got in his work. Gil used his fastball (36%), slider (43%), and changeup (21%) mix, topping out at 96.2 with the fastball (94.4 average). He generated 11 whiffs on 32 swings.
RHP Kervin Castro: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Castro hit 95.3 MPH, generating six whiffs on ten swings with his fastball. He owns a 1.69 ERA (26.2 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 36 K)
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Beeter’s live arm (maxed at 98.7) will allow him to get plenty of MLB chances. Can he harness fastball/slider combo to develop into a consistent option?
RHP Baron Stuart: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Reyzelman was humming in his first inning of work, reaching 98.4 MPH while striking out the side. They put him out there in the 10th, and the velocity was down, though he did record a 4th strikeout. Season: 4.03 ERA (38 IP, 24 H, 17 R, 17 ER, 5 HR, 39 BB, 40 K).
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (W, 2-3)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Edinson Duran (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Scranton ran out of pitchers, so they trotted out their #3 catcher to get the final out. It was his second career pitching appearance (2022). 

Somerset (49-43; 14-9 in second half) (Defeated Erie, 3-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Since promotion: .231/.322/.408 in 152 PA (7 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 19 R, 9-for-10 SB, 12.5% BB, 21.1% K). It’s not always a perfect barometer, but one way to gauge a team’s sentiment about a prospect is their lineup placement. 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, 2B (11), R, 3 K
Lombard Jr. has a 6-game hitting streak (7-for-26; 3 doubles, 2 HR). He owns a .404 SLG in July. While he showed off his plate discipline upon promotion, he is now showcasing more power. If he is good enough, the package will come together.
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, K
18 of his 33 Double-A hits have gone for extra bases (9 doubles, 9 HR).
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-2, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: 6-for-27 (2 doubles, 1 HR, 8 BB, 7 K). While he is hitting only .222, his small sample OBP (.400) and SLG (.481) are solid.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RBI
.263/.334/.449 in 353 PA (13 doubles, 5 triples, 12 HR, 47 RBI, 48 R, 7.9% BB, 21.8% K).  Jasso’s game features a reverse split (.833 OPS vs. RHP; .615 vs. LHP)
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4
Since promotion: .227/.303/.379 in 76 PA
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, BB, K
Frick’s Double-A debut (.227/.344/.383 in 44 High-A games)
RF Cam Eden: 1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
Vrieling was pulled after 73 pitches. He owns a 4.39 ERA in 41 IP (45 H, 22 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 38 K). In July: 13.2 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 16 K. 
RHP Cole Ayers (W, 1-1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Danny Watson (S, 3): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
6.48 ERA (33.1 IP, 42 H, 25 R, 24 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 36 K). July: 6 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 0 BB, 7 K.  Watson hasn’t allowed a walk over his last 15 appearances. 

Hudson Valley (52-36; 15-10 second half) (Lost to Rome, 6-1)

CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
.239/.335/.330 in 355 PA (14 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 40 R, 18-for-19 SB, 11.8% BB, 19.7% K). After a red-hot start to July, he is in a 0-for-15 slide (his July triple slash is still .278/.371/.426).
DH Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4
Since promotion: .221/.280/.416 in 162 PA (4 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 21 RBI, 14 R, 6-for-6 SB, 6.8% BB, 19.8% K). His BABIP is .236.
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, R, BB
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 2B (14), RBI, K
.191/.328/.321. He entered July at .170/.311/.282. Moylan had some hype as an undrafted free agent but the bat has yet to come around.
C John Cristino: 0-for-4, SB (1), 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, BB, K
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3

RHP Josh Grosz (L, 4-8): 6.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
4.14 ERA (87 IP, 66 H, 46 R, 40 ER, 5 HR, 35 BB, 94 K). 
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 2 HR
His first full year as a reliever hasn’t gone to plan: 6.23 ERA (26 IP, 23 H, 19 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 16 BB, 35 K). June and July have been especially rough.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.33 ERA (40.2 IP, 20 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 42 K). Hitters have a .147/.203/.199 triple slash off of him.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (45-44; 9-15 in the second half)

Their game against Dunedin was postponed due to rain.

FCL (28-29)

Day off. Their season concludes with a game against the Tigers tomorrow.

DSL Yankees (14-22)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (19-17)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 7/18: Brendan Beck: 5 Hitless Innings

Notes:

In case you missed it (or you want to read it for the 50th time), I wrote up a mid-season review of the Yankees’ system.

OF Spencer Jones was missing from tonight’s Scranton lineup. That raises an eyebrow because the Railriders just had four days off. As I said last week, being out of a lineup doesn’t mean a trade is coming. Something is up because there isn’t a reason to give him five days off. If it is injury-related, I hope it isn’t the same injury that caused him to miss weeks of action earlier this season.

The Yankees signed several undrafted free agents to minor league deals:

OF Eric Genther
RHP Tommy O’Rourke
OF Robbie Burnett

The left-handed hitting Genther spent his entire collegiate career (that still happens?) with Rhode Island. This season, at age 23, he hit .361/.478/.584 with ten homers and 53 RBI in 60 games. While he has experience in LF and CF, he spent the entire 2025 season in right field.

Burnett, who also hits lefty, spent the 2025 season at the University of Georgia (transferred from UNC Asheville). He hit 307/.477/.693 with 20 homers, 66 RBI, and 17 stolen bases in 56 games. When a hitter does that in the SEC, you notice. While listed as an outfielder, he played 20 games at second base in addition to 34 games in right field, four games in left field, and two games in center field.

O’Rourke is a 23-year-old who spent 2025 pitching for Vanderbilt. It was his first action since 2022, when he threw for Stanford. This year, he posted a 4.02 ERA in 15.2 innings with an 18/6 K/BB. The fact that he caught Stanford’s eye in the first place tells you he had talent coming out of high school.

By the way, in addition to drafting Jeff Kent‘s son (Kaeden Kent), the Yankees drafted Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek, son of Mark Grudzielanek, in the latest example of how old I am getting. He was drafted in the 20th (final) round out of USC.

Plenty of the 2025 draftees were assigned to the FCL. That doesn’t mean they will make their debuts immediately, but we might see a few of them before the FCL season ends on July 24th. Some may get playing time for Tampa. In 2024, many of the draftees/undrafted free agent signings went that route, including Brendan Jones, Marshall Toole, and Parks Harber. As you may suspect, pitchers are less likely to debut.

Injury Log

Scranton (53-37; 15-3 in second half) (Defeated Worcester, 11-3)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, SB (13), CS (7), BB
He will likely have to tone down that baserunning. Anyway, Rodriguez has a 10-game hitting streak (12-for-38; .316) and is hitting .313/.413/.411 at this level.
DH Jose Rojas: 3-for-4, 2B (23), HR (14), RBI, 2 R, BB, K
RF Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, HR (16), 2 RBI, 2 R
Pereira is 14-for-39 (.359; 3 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 13 R) in July and has 16 homers in 61 games. Over his minor league career, he has 82 homers in 1,720 plate appearances (392 games).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-5, HR (11), 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
Rumfield has a 6-game hitting streak and has compiled six multi-hit efforts in his last nine games. In those nine games, he is 17-for-38 (.447; 4 doubles, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 8 R). His triple slash has climbed from .281/.365/.462 to .302/.380/.493.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 2-for-5, 2B (5), 2 RBI, K
2B Nicky Lopez: 1-for-5, R, 2 K
LF Ismael Munguia: 2-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, R, SB (21)
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-3, 2B (12), RBI, R, SB (23), BB
CF Duke Ellis: 0-for-3, SAC, K

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 2-0)  5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K (new personal best)
Beck throws 79 pitches in a dominant effort. This drops his Scranton ERA to 3.89 (23.1 IP, 18 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 4 HR, 3 BB, 22 K). A healthy Beck has “modern day bulldog” potential, given that he can keep the walks low. The keyword in that sentence is “healthy”. While Beck is not a consistently hard thrower, he did dial up to 94.2 MPH today and generated 12 whiffs with his slider/curve combo.
RHP Baron Stuart: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The Yankees probably like his mid-90s sinker, though swing-and-miss is an issue (zero strikeouts in six innings since his promotion). 
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
4.17 ERA (36.2 IP, 22 H, 17 R, 17 ER, 5 HR, 39 BB, 36 K).
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Zach Messinger: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
5.16 ERA (52.1 IP, 56 H, 31 R, 30 ER, 4 HR, 34 BB, 51 K). As reliever: 2.59 ERA (24.1 IP, 20 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 15 BB, 25 K)

Somerset (48-40; 13-6 in second half) (Defeated Hartford, 8-5)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, 2B (9), K
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Flores has 28 multi-hit efforts this season. 
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, 2B (12), RBI, 2 R, 3 K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, R, BB, K
Avina’s first Double-A homer (9th HR overall this season).
CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, R, SB (8), 2 BB, K
Jones started slow here but is now 13-for-40 (.325; 3 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R, 6-for-6 SB, 9 BB, 10 K) in July.
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
Since promotion: .260 (13-for-50).
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, HR (14), 3 RBI, R, 2 K
Hardman has four doubles and three home runs in 11 July games. His trade value isn’t much, but if Andres Chaparro and Eric Wagaman can find MLB jobs, perhaps Hardman can too.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, 2 BB
2B Max Burt: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Luis Gil: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, HR
Gil allowed a 2-run homer to the third batter he faced before settling in. He threw 57 pitches tonight and likely has a few more rehab starts to get through.
RHP Hayden Merda: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Merda was used as a bridge tonight.
LHP Brock Selvidge: (W, 2-2)  4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Selvidge piggybacked off of Gil and put together a strong effort. At this level: 3.07 ERA (29.1 IP, 19 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 19 BB, 25 K)
LHP Ryan Anderson: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (52-34; 14-8 second half) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 9-3. Former Yankees’ farmhand Gabriel Barbosa got some revenge on his former organization by tossing five hitless innings)

LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
CF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, RBI
Lewis collects their only two hits. He owns a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-19; 1 double, 2 HR). 
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
DH Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, K

LHP Griffin Herring: (L, 3-2) 4 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
One of the Yankees’ biggest 2025 success stories couldn’t find a groove in his first start out of the break, though damage was limited. He required 90 pitches to get those 12 outs. Since promotion: 2.22 ERA (44.2 IP, 32 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 20 BB, 44 K). Overall, he has passed the 100 strikeout mark (102/36 K/BB over 89.1 innings)
RHP Matt Keating: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.52 ERA (23 IP, 24 H, 14 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 21 K)
RHP Chris Kean: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (45-41; 9-12 in second half) (Lost to Dunedin, 4-3)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, R, 2 K
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-1
I am not sure why he left the game.
   CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, R, BB
Toole is the proud owner of a 10-game hitting streak (15-for-34 with two doubles and five triples. How often do you see five triples during a 10-game hitting streak?)  His triple slash has climbed from .287/.388/.443 to .313/.418/.502.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-2, R, 2 SB (22), 2 BB, K
Broken record. I am not sure why he left the game.  If you want some positive news for their struggling bonus baby, he has hit fairly well in July (.244/.358/.467; 1 double, 3 HR).
  1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1, K
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-2, CS (2), 2 BB, K
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, K
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 2-for-4, SB (3)
Since promotion: 9-for-36 (1 double, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 6 R, 3-for-3 SB, 4 BB, 4 K)
1B-2B Hans Montero: 1-for-4, 3 K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-0, SB (8), BB
More broken records: I am not sure why he left the game. 
   PH-2B-SS Owen Cobb: 0-for-3, K

LHP Allen Facundo: 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Facundo continues to hum. Tonight, he reached 99.7 MPH and averaged 96.4…with his sinker. His 4-seam fastball “only” reached 98.4. He also uses a slider (his top pitch tonight – 40%). Signed for an undisclosed amount, his main issue is health. Including tonight, he has tossed 121.1 innings in his career (which traces back to 2021). He has the talent – can he harness it and stay healthy?
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.96 ERA (41.1 IP, 24 H, 16 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 27 BB, 35 K). One loves a reliever who can keep the ball in the ballpark. The walks have come down considerably since April, but remain something he needs to work on.
RHP Justin Lange (L, 1-1): 0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 2 HR
That didn’t go according to plan.
RHP Cade Austin: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

FCL (25-29 – they have no shot at the playoffs) (Lost to the FCL Tigers (35-20), 7-6)

DH Dexters Peralta: 2-for-5, R
After a miserable start (he was hitting .097 on July 1st), Peralta is 10-for-30 (.333). That’s enough to raise his average to .154.
C Ediel Rivera: 2-for-3, SB (9), CS (4), K
   RF Luis Puello: 1-for-2, HR (3), 2 RBI, R
1B-C John Cristino: 3-for-5, HR (4), RBI, 2 R, SB (6)
Cristino is 30-for-90 (.333/.396/.544) with four homers, 16 RBI, and 20 runs.
LF Gabriel Lara: 2-for-4, R
.287/.326/.437 in 92 PA.
SS Kevin Verde: 2-for-4, 2B (5), 3 RBI

RHP Omar Gonzalez: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 3 K
I think this is known as a “bend-don’t-break” performance/

DSL Yankees (14-20) (Lost to the DSL Bombers, 10-4)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, BB, 2 K
.279/.406/.327 in 128 PA (5 doubles, 0 HR, 12 RBI, 26 R, 5-for-6 SB)
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-3, R, 2 SB (7), 2 BB, 2 K
.176/.364/.235 in 132 PA (2 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 8 RBI, 26 R, 7-for-8 SB). Reps, reps, reps.
2B Carlos Bello: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (2), BB
.260/.405/.438 in 121 PA (6 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 23 RBI, 25 R, 7-for-9 SB). Impressive for a 17-year-old in his debut campaign.
3B Richard Matic: 2-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
.341/.475/.560 in 120 impressive plate appearances. How crazy is this league? Not only is Matic not in the top ten in any category, but there is a hitter at this level (Cristian Arguelles (COL)) who is hitting .463/.561/.720 with 12 doubles and 45 RBI in 33 games.
C Edgar Jimenez: 2-for-4, R, K
.324/.378/.441 in 37 PA.

DSL Bombers (17-17) (Knocked off the DSL Yankees, 10-4)

SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, 2 R, SB (19), 2 K
Marinez is hitting .250/.431/.313 in 130 PA. This season will be considered a success for the 17-year-old.
CF Ruben Castillo: 2-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (12), BB
Castillo’s debut season has its ups and downs. He has back-to-back multi-hit games to build on.
LF Jose Castro: 1-for-4, 2 R, 2 SB (10), BB, K
28-for-32 stealing bases in 50 career games.
C Carlos Villarroel: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, 2 K
2B Juan Torres: 1-for-2, SF, 3 RBI, R, SB (10), BB
Torres is having an under-the-radar debut campaign, hitting .333/.398/.457 in 93 plate appearances. He is 17.
3B Leni Done: 0-for-3, RBI, SB (7), BB, 2 K

RHP Carlos Hampshire (W, 2-2): 3.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K
RHP Diego Carrillo: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K

Yankees MILB 7/12: George Lombard Jr.’s Futures Game Performance

Notes:

George Lombard Jr. went 1-for-2 with a double, an RBI, a stolen base, and a run scored in today’s Futures Game. He played second base and shortstop.

A reminder that full-season affiliates take the same four days off as their MLB counterparts. Tomorrow is their last game until next Friday.

Injury Log

Scranton (51-37; 13-3 in second half) (Defeated Buffalo, 6-3)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, 2B (14), SB (12), HBP, BB
Rodriguez has an 8-game hitting streak (9-for-30; .300). Rodriguez has stolen as many as 21 bases (2023).
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-5, 2 K
Slump!
RF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, 2B (8), K
Pereira is 13-for-31 (3 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR) in July.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2B (22), R
Rumfield continues his recent hot stretch (15-for-40 (.375) in July). 
DH Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, HBP, K
Candelario is 2-for-20 since signing.
SS Nicky Lopez: 3-for-4, RBI, 2 R, SB (2)
Lopez is hitting .407 (11-for-27) since signing. This is his second 3-hit effort in his last three games.
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, HR (13), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
3B Jake Gatewood: 2-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, R
Gatewood’s first game since June 6th.
LF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, BB

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 5-7) 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
5.87 ERA (76.2 IP, 72 H, 56 R, 50 ER, 20 HR (that’s not a typo), 31 BB, 88 K). To his credit, the 30-year-old has pitched well recently, going 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA in his last four starts (24 IP, 13 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 7 BB, 22 K).
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (44-41; 11-6 in second half) (Lost to New Hampshire, 6-3)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, K
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RBI
Somerset numbers: 37 doubles, 30 HR, 89 RBI in 150 games.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, K
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, R, SB (1), BB, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 2 K
Since promotion: 10-for-43 (.233) with three doubles, two homers, and eight RBI.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, SB (9), BB, 2 K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, R, K
2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-4, 3 K
Pastore’s Double-A debut.
SS Max Burt: 2-for-3, 2 2B (8), 2 RBI, R

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (L, 0-1) 6 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Rodriguez-Cruz’s Double-A debut. For Hudson Valley, he was dominant (2.26 ERA in 83.2 IP with 52 hits allowed and a 99/37 K/BB). Including tonight’s game, Rodriguez-Cruz has allowed one home run in 89.2 innings this season.
RHP Trystan Vrieling: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.95 ERA (36.1 IP, 43 H, 22 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 31 K). This was likely a “piggyback” situation.

Hudson Valley (51-33; 13-7 second half) (Lost to Asheville, 6-3)

CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, R, SB (18), BB, 2 K
Castillo’s surge continues. He is hitting .251/.347/.348 in 334 PA (14 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 39 R, 18-for-19 SB, 11.98% BB, 20.1% K). He is hitting .400 (14-for-35) in July.
DH Dillon Lewis: 1-for-2, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
Lewis has homered in back-to-back games and three times in his last six games. Since promotion: .197/.262/.401 in 150 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 20 RBI, 13 R, 6-for-6 SB, 7.3% BB, 20.7% K). His K% for Tampa earlier this season was 28.2. 
1B-LF Coby Morales: 0-for-4, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 2B (13), RBI, BB, K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, HBP, K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-4, K
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-1, SB (6), CS (6), BB
   1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-1, HBP
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2, R, SB (5), 2 BB, K

RHP Andrew Landry (L, 0-1): 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
Landry’s High-A debut (4.20 ERA in 64.1 IP with a 63/26 K/BB for Tampa)
RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 1.69 ERA (21.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 27 K). Overall: 1.24 ERA (29 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 39 K)
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
4.81 ERA (24.1 IP, 17 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 33 K). A mixed bag in his first season as a reliever.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.27 ERA (22 IP, 15 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 23 K)

Tampa (45-39; 9-10 in second half) (Lost to Lakeland, 6-3)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-5, K
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-5, 2B (16), R
.276/.366/.435 in 281 PA. 
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-4, 2B (13), RBI, 2 R, K
.212/.339/.340 in 348 PA (13 doubles, 8 HR, 38 RBI, 49 R, 8-for-9 SB, 13.8% BB, 18.97% K). 
LF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 K
Montero is 8-for-21 since coming back from his rehab stint.
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, 2B (19), RBI, K
Matheus has 20 multi-hit games this season.
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-4
Rodriguez is 7-for-28 since his promotion. He has four walks and only two strikeouts.
1B Hans Montero: 2-for-4
Montero is 9-for-33 with two doubles and two homers in July.
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4

RHP Brandon Decker: (L, 1-3)  4.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
3.38 ERA (45.1 IP, 41 H, 24 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 44 K). He is up to nine starts after starting the season with eight relief appearances. As a starter, he owns a 4.45 ERA in 28.1 carefully monitored innings with a 24/16 K/BB.
LHP Tanner Bauman: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 1 K
RHP Jack Sokol: 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (25-26) (Split two games against the FCL Phillies)

Game 1 (Lost, 2-1. This was the conclusion of a game started on 7/5)

LF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-2, 2B (5), K
  PH-LF Santiago Gomez: 1-for-1, BB
RF Luis Puello: 1-for-3, R, SB (3)
2B Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-3, RBI, K

RHP Edinzo Marquez: 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
This isn’t the first time you’ll see Marquez’s name today.
RHP Jose Martinez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Won, 1-0)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-2, SB (7), BB, K
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-2, BB, K
C Ediel Rivera: 1-for-3, 2B (10), K
Rivera has ten doubles in 41 games (.238/.346/.354 in 156 PA).
CF Isael Arias: 0-for-1, SF, RBI, SB (20), BB
Arias is 20-for-21 stealing bases in 49 games. He’s only hitting .183/.255/.238.
LF Santiago Gomez: 0-for-2, SB (15), HBP, K
It looks like they are trying to give Gomez some outfield time (9.1 innings in LF/RF in his career before this season. He is up to 48.2 innings this year).
RF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-3, K
DH Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (9), K

RHP Cade Smith: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
Smith’s second rehab game.
RHP Edinzo Marquez (W, 2-2): 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Marquez shows up twice in today’s report. That’s 9.2 scoreless innings added to his ledger. Season: 2.40 ERA (48.2 IP, 40 H, 18 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 37 K)

DSL Yankees (12-18) (Lost to the DSL White Sox, 9-4)

SS Mani Cedeno: 1-for-4, 3B (2), R, 2 K
.180/.365/.247 in 115 PA (2 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 8 RBI, 24 R, 4-for-5 SB, 17.4% BB, 35.7% K).
DH Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Richard Matic: 1-for-3
Matic has reached base safely in 24 of his 25 games (23 in a row). He is hitting .313/.437/.550 in 103 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 22 R, 4-for-7 SB, 16.5% BB, 24.3% K).
1B Jose Lavagnino: 2-for-3, R
The 18-year-old is 8-for-30 in his debut season.
2B Emmanuel Orozco: 0-for-2, R, HBP, 2 SB (7)
Orozco (16) has struggled with the bat (3-for-31 with a double and triple). His saving grace is a .317 OBP, which isn’t special but when compared to a .097 BA…
CF Angel Ventura: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (12)

RHP Anthony Mena: 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, HR
Mena owns a 4.21 ERA and 28/11 K/BB over 25.2 innings.

DSL Bombers (15-15) (Defeated the DSL Phillies Red, 5-3)

SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-4
CF Jose Castro: 0-for-2, R, SB (5), BB
2B Juan Torres: 2-for-3, R, SB (9)
The 17-year-old continues to impress in his debut season, hitting .324/.386/.459 in 83 PA (4 doubles, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 18 R, 9-for-12 SB)
RF Eddinson Charles: 1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, R, K
.200/.273/.325 in 44 PA
C Edgar Jimenez: 0-for-1, 2 BB

RHP Randy Angomas: 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
Like many 17-year-olds, his debut season has been a struggle. This is comfortably his best start.
RHP Jose Vargas (W, 1-0): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
The 17-year-old earns his first professional win.

Yankees MILB 7/9: The Spencer Jones Show

Notes:

As I said last night, pulling a player from the lineup doesn’t mean they were traded.

OF Everson Pereira is sick. OF Bryan De La Cruz is injured.

As for DJ LeMahieu, I have been rough on him over the last few seasons, as he hasn’t been productive. The only reason why it should be shocking that he was designated for assignment is because of the money he is owed and his clubhouse presence. Will he end up somewhere, or is he going down the path of Anthony Rizzo? I would bet more on the latter, but a team in desperate need at second base can take a flyer.

Injury Log

Scranton (48-37) (Defeated Buffalo, 7-2)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, R, CS (7), BB
Triple-A in the afternoon, MLB at night…
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
At this level: .315/.416/.417 in 303 PA with a 14.2% BB and 15.5% K. He had a 9.9% BB in 2024.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, HR (5), RBI, 3 R, SB (4), K
The home run traveled 418 feet at 110 MPH. Including his time with Somerset, he has 11 home runs in his last 23 games. Since promotion: 15-for-39 (.385/.469/.846; 3 doubles, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 12 R, 4-for-4 SB, 8 BB, 15 K). Overall, Jones has 21 home runs and 14 stolen bases. If he stays in the minors the rest of the season, he has a legitimate shot at 30 home runs. The last Yankees prospect to accomplish that was Dermis Garcia, who hit 31 in 2021.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, RBI, R, BB
Rumfield has three multi-hit efforts in his last four games (10-for-27 in July).
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Nicky Lopez: 2-for-4, 3B (1), 2 RBI
Although he has only one good offensive season on his MLB ledger, his defense has always been solid. 
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-4
LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3

RHP Sean Boyle (W, 7-6): 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
4.36 ERA (84.2 IP, 76 H, 47 R, 41 ER, 10 HR, 27 BB, 83 K). Boyle keeps providing Triple-A innings.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (44-39) (Defeated New Hampshire, 9-1, in a rain-shortened contest)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, K
2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-1, 2 R, SB (5), 2 BB
At this level: .282/.358/.573 in 123 PA (8 doubles, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 22 R, 5-for-7 SB)
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-3, R, SB (6)
Flores has 26 multi-hit efforts this season.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3
CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-2, 3B (2), HR (2), 4 RBI, 3 R, SB (5), BB
Jones is getting hot (three multi-hit efforts in his last six games). He is up to .253 with a .749 OPS since his promotion (he started 3-for-26 (.115/.219/.115))
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-2, HR (2), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB
Martinez is 10-for-36 (3 doubles, 2 HR, 8 RBI) since his promotion. Overall, he has ten home runs and 44 RBI (third straight double-digit HR season). He hit 11 HR in the first 120 games in his career and 41 HR in 267 games since.
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-3, 2B (16), HR (13), 2 RBI, R
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3
LF Cam Eden: 0-for-3

LHP Brock Selvidge: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 1 K
Selvidge needed 74 pitches to record nine outs. This is his 9th start coming back from injury, so they weren’t going to push him when he didn’t “have it.” Anyway, for Somerset, he owns a 2.88 ERA in 25 innings with a 21/16 K/BB.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Hayden Merda: (W, 1-0)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
A much-needed scoreless effort by Merda.

Hudson Valley (49-32) (Defeated Asheville, 4-1)

CF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2 HR (8), 3 RBI, 2 R
Avina hits multiple home runs for the second night in a row. These games raised his SLG from .434 to .511.
LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, K
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-2, HBP, BB
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, CS (1), BB
Vargas’ hitting streak is snapped at 16.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, 2B (12), 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, 3B (2), R, K
Moylan is 5-for-16 with a triple and a homer in July.
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-2, CS (5), BB
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2, R, HBP
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, RBI

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 4-5) 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K (ties personal best)
2.37 ERA (76 IP, 51 H, 29 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 35 BB, 65 K). June/July: 0.69 ERA (39 IP, 20 H, 10 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 40 K)
RHP Michael Arias: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
His rehab stint was moved here.
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 4): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
At this level: 1.31 ERA (20.2 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 25 K). This is his debut season, but he just turned 26 years old. It may be time to throw him into the Double-A fire.

Tampa (44-37) (Defeated Lakeland, 7-1)

C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB
Last 12 games: 16-for-45 (.356) with 13 walks. His triple slash has risen from .194/.353/.223 to .223/.383/.250.
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, BB, K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
.189/.312/.304 in 270 PA (11 doubles, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 36 R, 20-for-25 SB, 14.4% BB, 28.5% K)
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB
.268/.358/.353 in 316 PA (18 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 36 RBI, 41 R, 30-for-38 SB). He is on a 5-game hitting streak and is 8-for-27 (.296) in July.
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 3-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 3 R
Rodriguez hits his first Low-A homer (two in 26 FCL games). This is his first career 3-hit effort.
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, R, 2 K
RF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2B (11), 2 RBI, R, SB (27), BB, K
.306/.413/.487 in 230 PA (11 doubles, 9 triples, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 44 R, 27-for-30 SB, 15.2% BB, 20% K). Toole is third in the FSL in batting average and second in OPS. The leader in OPS (19-year-old Konnor Griffin) is now in High-A for the Pirates.
2B Austin Green: 1-for-4, RBI

LHP Allen Facundo: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K
Facundo was activated off the injured list today (5.1 rehab innings in the FCL). He was humming today, topping out at 98.3 MPH while generating 13 whiffs. Beyond that, this game didn’t have StatCast data.
RHP Jack Sokol (W, 4-1): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
3.49 ERA (28.1 IP, 25 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 23 K)
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
4.85 ERA (39 IP, 36 H, 25 R, 21 ER, 7 HR, 24 BB, 30 K)

FCL (23-24)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (12-15)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (13-14) (Lost to DSL Arizona Black, 8-6, in a rare Wednesday contest)

SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
.274/.461/.342 in 102 PA. This breaks a 5-game hitting streak, but his on-base streak is up to 15.
2B Christofer Reyes: 0-for-3, R, SB (17)
RF Jose Castro: 0-for-2, R, SB (3), BB, K
1B Remy Veldhuisen: 1-for-1, 2B (4), 2 R, HBP, BB
LF Richard Meran: 2-for-3, 2 2B (5), 3 RBI, R
The good news: .351/.442/.703 in 43 PA. The bad news: This is his third year at this level.

RHP Christopher Vasquez: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Yankees MILB 7/6: Spencer Jones Launches a Bomb

Notes:

The Yankees traded veteran catcher Alex Jackson to the Orioles for international bonus pool money. Yesterday, the Yankees released Ronaldo Hernandez. Their catching depth has taken a (minor) hit, but they are comfortable with Ben Rice. Their Scranton depth now consists of Jesus Rodriguez and Edinson Duran, a 22-year-old who has appeared in three games this season. Rafael Flores and Omar Martinez provide additional depth in Somerset.  It wouldn’t be shocking if they look around for a veteran depth piece. Is Erik Kratz available?

Jackson probably had another opt-out coming up. He already opted out twice, only to come back (likely for more money). Teams don’t typically hold back veterans if an opportunity presents itself. It’s the same thing that happened with Luis Torrens last year.

For Scranton, he hit .226/.308/.463 (101 wRC+) with ten homers and 34 RBI in 44 games. Providing offense in the minors has never been an issue for Jackson. The majors? It’s hard to find a worse stat line than his .132/.224/.232 (29 wRC+) line in 340 plate appearances. To put it in perspective, Oswald Peraza has a 42 wRC+ this season.

Injury Log

Scranton (46-37) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 9-6)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 2 R, CI, BB, K
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, R, SB (11), HBP, K
Rodriguez may be coming out of his funk, as he is 6-for-20 with five walks in July. He is hitting .315/.412/.407 at this level.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (4), SF, 4 RBI, K
This wasn’t a garden variety homer, as Jones hit it 445 feet at 113.4 MPH. Wow. He is up to 20 HR in 57 games between Somerset/Scranton. The minor league leaders entering today are Ryan Ward (27 years old; LAA) and Bob Seymour (26; TB), who have hit 22 in considerably more games.
LF Everson Pereira: 0-for-3, R, SB (6), 2 BB, K
Known for his power, Pereira shows off some plate discipline and speed today. He is hitting .262/.350/.514 in 246 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR, 45 RBI, 52 R, 6-for-7 SB). He has stolen as many as 21 bases in a season, but that was three years ago.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, 2 2B (20), 2 RBI, R, BB
.294/.378/.476 in 315 PA. He has back-to-back 3-hit efforts (six 3+ hit efforts this season). I point out that Rumfield wasn’t chosen in the Rule 5 draft last year. While true, that doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of interest. Most teams go into the Rule 5 looking for bullpen help or versatility. Rumfield offers neither.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-4, 2B (7), HR (9), SF, 3 RBI, R
De La Cruz has six doubles and nine homers in 47 games for Scranton. He has added a 6-for-6 stolen base rate, but his entire game is the ability to swat extra-base hits.
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, BB, K
2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-4, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, 2 R, SB (19), HBP

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 4-7) 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
From 1-7 to 4-7. He isn’t viable in MLB, but nice to see the veteran get on a little roll and provide some Triple-A innings.
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Castro’s first appearance since May 18th. The 26-year-old owns a 2.08 ERA in 21.2 IP (8 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 26 K). He hasn’t pitched in MLB since 2022. In 2021, he allowed one run (unearned) in 13.1 innings. The next year, he allowed 14 runs in 12.1 innings.
RHP Baron Stuart: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Double-A is the toughest level to conquer. That doesn’t mean Triple-A is “easy”.
RHP Zach Messinger: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR

Somerset (42-39) (Defeated Reading, 4-2)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (8), R, HBP, K
Lombard Jr. has four doubles in his last 11 games. Because he is having trouble getting on base lately, the stolen bases have disappeared (one in his last 15 games). My level of concern remains extremely low.
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-2, HBP, BB
At this level: .286/.353/.590 in 116 PA. He’s hitting during his first taste at this level. Encouraging.
DH Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, RBI
.285/.345/.495 in 342 PA (23 doubles, 14 HR, 54 RBI, 44 R, 5-for-5 SB, 8.5% BB, 26% K). Will they move him up to Scranton during tomorrow’s off day? I wouldn’t discount it. He is up to 615 Double-A plate appearances (.280/.351/.505; 37 doubles, 29 HR, 87 RBI)
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, R, K
LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, R, K
We have seen a few signs of life from Jones (mostly from his 4-hit game, however), though he hasn’t “broken out” yet at this level. 
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 2B (15), HR (12), 2 RBI, R, SB (8), K
.216/.257/.435 in 245 PA (15 doubles, 12 HR, 36 RBI, 28 R, 8-for-9 SB, 5.3% BB, 31.8% K)
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Max Burt: 0-for-2, SB (8), HBP, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 1-2)  6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, HR
Vrieling tossed 72 pitches today, so they are close to letting him fully stretch out. He is up to 41 innings since coming back from injury.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
As a reliever: 2.76 ERA (16.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 5 BB, 17 K). 
RHP Danny Watson (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
I remember dreaming of Dees/Watson/Jack Neely as three tall right-handed relievers in the pen.  Season: 6.90 ERA (30 IP, 35 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 34 K).  Watson, who stands 6’7″, was having a big year in 2023 before an injury ended his campaign.  He hasn’t been the same since, though he’s had some solid outings lately.

Hudson Valley (47-32) (Defeated Brooklyn, 2-1. Thank goodness for tomorrow’s offday, as the bullpen was worked today!)

CF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, R, K
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, R, K
Lewis has 14 HR in 75 games between here and Tampa. He is only hitting .185/.242/.370 since his promotion, with ten extra-base hits (22 hits overall)
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 3 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-4, 2B (13)
Castillo is heating up. He is 12-for-30 in his last eight games, raising his triple slash from .221/.318/.303 to .241/.334/.328.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, SB (8), HBP, K
Vargas’ hitting streak reaches an impressive 15.
3B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, K
2B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, 2B (8),

LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
About a month ago, I bragged about their pitching logjam. Today, they used a reliever to start. Sue me. Season: 2.59 ERA (24.1 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 11 BB, 36 K). This was his first professional start (made five starts for Clemson in 2022)
RHP Bryce Warrecker (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.77 ERA (35 IP, 15 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 38 K). He is having a ridiculous season. Yes, I see the low BABIP – it’s almost impossible to be this good without a low BABIP!
RHP Chris Kean: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
0.31 ERA (28.1 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 21 K). The Warrecker/Morrill duo has been lights out. 
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 3): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The easiest kind of save. He owns a 0.99 ERA between here and Tampa (27.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 35 K)

Tampa (43-36) (Lost a crazy game against Clearwater, 14-9)

C Edgleen Perez: 3-for-4, 2 BB
Reaching base five times works, even if it didn’t lead to a win. He is hitting .225/.383/.253 in 316 PA and has five multi-hit efforts in his last nine games. The Yankees haven’t wavered all season, even when he was struggling mightily early. It’s paying off.
LF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-6, RBI, R, K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
Known more for speed than pop (10th HR in 183 career games), Matheus hits his first HR since July 13, 2024. 
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
1B-2B Hans Montero: 3-for-5, 2 2B (8), HR (8), 3 RBI, 2 R, K
Eight total bases make for a strong afternoon. He is hitting .250/.338/.410 in 229 PA (8 doubles, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 32 R, 15-for-19 SB) and is on an 8-game hitting streak (10-for-33). His personal best for stolen bases is 17, set in 2023.
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-3, 3B (9), RBI, R, CS (3), 2 BB, K
Fun fact: Toole is the first Yankees’ farmhand to hit 9 triples since Everson Pereira in 2022. The last Yankees prospect to reach ten? Jorge Mateo, who hit 11 in 2017.  Toole’s season: .305/.412/.484 in 226 PA (10 doubles, 9 triples, 2 HR, 23 RBI, 43 R, 26-for-29 SB). 
2B Austin Green: 1-for-3, K
  1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1, R, BB, K

RHP Brandon Decker: (L, 1-2)  2.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
A little misstep in his transition to starting. He owns a 3.10 ERA in 40.2 IP (37 H, 21 R, 14 ER, 1 HR, 19 BB, 38 K). 
RHP Jack Sokol: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.43 ERA (37.2 IP, 20 H, 13 R, 6 ER, 26 BB, 30 K)
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR

FCL (20-24)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (11-14)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (11-13)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 7/4: Everson Pereira Homers, Drives Home 3

Notes:

Bonus baby outfielder Brando Mayea was moved from the 7-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.

If he does come back in 2025, it will have to be in Low-A Tampa, as the FCL schedule will run out before he is eligible to come off the list. They can make it retroactive to May 31st.

Mayea, who signed for a whopping $4.35 million, hit a solid .276/.382/.400 in 38 DSL games in 2023. Promoted to the FCL for 2024, his power dissipated (no home runs), though he still hit .281/.370/.326 with 19 stolen bases in 22 attempts. Asked to repeat the level, the 19-year-old was hitting .297/.373/.500 with three homers and 19 RBI in 84 plate appearances. He will turn 20 in September, presumably without yet tasting a full-season league.

Injury Log

Scranton (44-37) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 5-4)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-5, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-2, HR (2), RBI, 3 R, 3 BB
Since promotion: .314/.410/.406 in 283 PA (12 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 41 R, 13.8% BB, 15.9% K). Rodriguez had a tough June, though he salvaged it by increasing his walk rate. He has ten walks in his last ten games.
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
Jones is 9-for-24 since his promotion (2 doubles, 3 HR, 5 BB, 10 K)
LF Everson Pereira: 2-for-5, HR (13), 3 RBI, R, K
.249/.336/.468 in 235 PA. In 129 Triple-A games (575 PA), he’s hitting .271/.353/.505 with 21 doubles, 31 homers, 99 RBI, and 109 runs. The downside is a 31.5% K rate.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, K
C Alex Jackson: 0-for-3, BB
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, BB, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-4

RHP Brendan Beck: 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Since promotion: 2.93 ERA (15.1 IP, 13 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 HR, 1 BB, 11 K). Overall: 2.07 ERA (69.2 IP, 51 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 13 BB, 63 K). He maxed at 93.7 with his 4-seam fastball tonight.
RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 6-6) 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.46 ERA (78.2 IP, 71 H, 45 R, 39 ER, 9 HR, 26 BB, 77 K). 

Somerset (40-39) (Won, 4-3, in ten innings)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-5, 2 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
Lombard Jr. continues to show off his patience (15.0% BB at this level after a 20.7% rate for Hudson Valley). Between the two levels, he has scored 58 runs while walking 57 times in 76 games.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, 2B (23), SF, RBI, BB
Flores has three doubles and a homer in four July games and eight doubles in his last 12 games.
CF Garrett Martin: 2-for-5, R, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-2, 2B (11), SF, RBI, BB
  PR Cam Eden: 0-for-0
  3B Max Burt: 0-for-0, SAC
DH Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, BB (intentional), 3 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-5, RBI, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, R, BB, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Sellers tossed a career-high 98 pitches. Season: 3.88 ERA (60.1 IP, 46 H, 29 R, 26 ER, 6 HR, 29 BB, 73 K).
RHP Sebastian Keane: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
Keane’s Double-A debut. Over the last two years for Hudson Valley, he pitched to a 4.47 ERA in 98.2 innings with a 102/54 K/BB. Some of that time was spent in the rotation.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Kelly Austin: (W, 2-1)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
He struck out the side with the ghost runner on second base in the 10th. Season: 3.86  ERA (25.2 IP, 22 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 24 K). Austin has struggled since a hot start (6 R in 2.2 innings over his last three games entering tonight). Good to see him put together a strong performance.

Hudson Valley (45-32) (Lost to Brooklyn, 7-4)

CF Jace Avina: 1-for-5, RBI, K
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, CI, K
Since promotion: .189/.244/.360 in 120 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 10 R, 4-for-4 SB, 5.8% BB, 21.7% K)
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-5, 2B (15), R
Morales is 6-for-14 with a pair of doubles in July. He was in a 0-for-15 slump heading into the month.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, K
Castillo finally breaks his home run drought (first HR since May 15th). He’s hitting .229/.325/.316 in 308 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 39 RBI, 33 R, 13-for-13 SB). The solid RBI number is due to a strong showing with RISP.
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, HR (5), RBI, R
Vargas has a 13-game hitting streak (20-for-46 (.435); 3 doubles, 4 HR, 13 RBI)
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 4-7)  5 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 2 HR
4.04 ERA (75.2 IP, 57 H, 40 R, 34 ER, 5 HR, 29 BB, 83 K). A tough night for the 22-year-old, though he did miss some bats.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 1.40 ERA (19.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 23 K). Rossi encountered the first bump in his career road the last two times out (all three runs in two innings). Hopefully, he’s back on track.

Tampa (43-33) (Both games against Clearwater were postponed)

Game 1 (Lead, 4-3. This game is the conclusion of last night’s game. They will try to finish it tomorrow.)

CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, R, K
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-2, 2B (12), K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-2, HR (5), 2 RBI, R
Once this is official, he will have three HR in his last two games.
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-2, SB (30)
While not yet official, he will be the first Yankees’ prospect to steal 30 bases this season.
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-2
Rodriguez’s Low-A debut.
LF Austin Green: 0-for-1, R, BB, K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-2
RF Marshall Toole: 1-for-2, 3B (9), RBI
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-1, BB
Cobb’s first game since June 13th. He is hitting .333/.385/.544 in 106 plate appearances while playing second base, shortstop, and third base.

LHP Xavier Rivas: 3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, HR

FCL (20-23)

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

DSL Yankees (11-13) (Knocked off the DSL Marlins, 6-4. The pitching staff struck out 16 Marlins in this 7-inning game)

SS Mani Cedeno: 1-for-3, 2B (2), K
.182/.365/.242 in 85 PA. He has a pair of doubles, a triple, and three stolen bases. The strikeouts are elevated (36.5%).
CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-2, R, BB, K
.270/.434/.302 in 83 PA. His OPS is up nearly 100 points from his debut campaign, though the power is not yet showing up (two extra-base hits in 19 games. Last year, he swatted 13 extra-base hits in 42 games.)
2B Carlos Bello: 1-for-3, 2B (5), R, K
The 17-year-old continues his impressive debut season (.292/.440/.492 in 84 PA; 5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 19 R, 6-for-7 SB). While he is not a millionaire bonus baby, he did secure a $400,000 signing bonus.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-2, R, SB (4), HBP, 2 K
.295/.408/.557 in 76 PA (7 doubles, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 18 R, 4-for-6 SB, 14.5% BB, 28.9% K). Matic struggled here as a 16-year-old in 2024 but is playing better in 2025.
C Justin Capellan: 2-for-3, 2 2B (7), RBI, R, CS (2)
Capellan didn’t struggle in 2024, but is showing more in 2025. Over his brief career, he has 19 doubles, 4 triples, 4 homers, 40 RBI, and 31 runs in 58 games.
DH Carlos Villarroel: 2-for-3, 2 HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R
Villarroel didn’t homer in his first 14 games this season. He has three in his last two games. It isn’t often I am typing up multi-HR efforts in the rookie leagues.

LHP Carlos De La Rosa: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Only 17, De La Rosa is impressing with the K/BB ratio (29/3 in 15.2 innings). According to Baseball America, De La Rosa (who is only 5’11”) touches 93 MPH. The Yankees don’t typically spend big on international pitching (beyond trying to get a few Japanese stars!) but handed De La Rosa $400,000.
RHP Rafael Arias (W, 3-0): 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
One good way to pile up wins is by being a middle reliever in the rookie leagues, where starters don’t often go five innings. The 21-year-old Arias owns a 5.30 ERA and 27/7 K/BB over 18.2 innings.
LHP Luis Rodriguez (S, 2): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
The 20-year-old owns a 5.94 ERA in his debut campaign (16.2 IP, 20 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 16 K). The BABIP is .404.

DSL Bombers (10-13) (Split two games against the DSL Twins)

Game 1 (Lost, 16-5. This was the conclusion of a game started on June 16th. I won’t go into crazy detail.)

CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-5, 3 K
SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-5, K
Now that this game counts, it will bring down his triple slash a bit.
C Queni Pineda: 1-for-3, 2 R, K

RHP Diego Carrillo: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.38 ERA (12.1 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 10 K)

Game 2 (Won, 9-5)

DH Stiven Marinez: 1-for-4, 2B (2), SB (10), BB
.254/.464/.322 in 84 PA. Marinez is 10-for-12 stealing bases and has a 26.2% BB rate.
CF Ruben Castillo: 0-for-5, R, 3 K
SS Christofer Reyes: 2-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K
RF Jose Castro: 1-for-3, 2 R, SB (1), BB, K
.267/.368/.533. It’s only 19 PA, though.
3B-1B Leni Done: 0-for-4
2B Adrian Feliz: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (3), K
C Carlos Rodon: 0-for-1, R, SB (1), 2 BB
  PR-3B Juan Torres: 1-for-1, 2 R, CS (4)
The 17-year-old is hitting .309/.387/.473 in 62 PA (3 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 12 R, 6-for-10 SB)
1B-C Edgar Jimenez: 0-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 K
Productive outs!
LF Eddinson Charles: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (2), 3 K

RHP Alexis Gonzalez: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Ronald Tejada (W, 1-1): 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Yankees MILB 6/24: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz Pitches Well

Notes:

A trio of players made rehab appearances in the FCL today. None are on the Pipeline Top 30 list, though Facundo and Arias have received blurbs in the past on Fangraphs.

OF JoJo Jackson was their 17th-round pick in the 2024 draft. He played in six games for Low-A Tampa last season, going 4-for-21 without an extra-base hit. The right-handed bat out of Georgia State showed some thump at the mid-major school, hitting 30 home runs in 141 games.

LHP Allen Facundo (22) impressed in 30 Low-A innings last year, compiling a 2.40 ERA (3.16 FIP), 30.2% K, and 11.1% BB. Seven of his eight games were starts.

RHP Michael Arias (23) was acquired from the Cubs for cash last winter (after Chicago designated him for assignment).  In 49 Double-A/Triple-A games in 2024, he posted a 4.77 ERA (4.69 FIP) over 60.1 innings with a 25.2% K, 16.8% BB, and 40.4% GB. Originally signed by the Blue Jays as a shortstop, he’s had (predictably) mixed results on the hill. That said, he impressed the Cubs enough to be placed on the 40-man roster after the 2023 season.

The Yankees promoted C Omar Martinez from Hudson Valley to Somerset. After one year in Low-A, they decided to give Martinez 1+ years in High-A, where he hit .235/.361/.394 in 679 plate appearances. Martinez, a left-handed bat, has some home run pop, takes walks, and has played only C/DH this year (he played some first base in previous campaigns).

Reliever Hayden Merda will join him in Somerset. The 25-year-old pitched in 22 High-A games, posting a 3.68 ERA (3.57 FIP) over 29.1 innings with a 34.7% K and 10.5% BB. Moved to the bullpen this year, he has seen a significant jump in his strikeout rate (from 21.8% last year in Low-A).

Injury Log

Scranton (39-34) (Defeated Worcester, 6-5)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, K
Since I mentioned how Chase Burns schooled him, I will also bring up that his RBI single was off of rehabbing pitcher Tanner Houck. He is hitting .340/.427/.431 in 246 PA (13% BB, 14.2% K) and continues to lead the International League in batting average.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, 2B (9), RBI, K
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
Pereira is in a little 2-for-18 slump (9 K)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2 R, BB
DH Alex Jackson: 0-for-3, R, HBP, 3 K
3B CJ Alexander: 0-for-3, SB (2), BB, 3 K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-1, 2 R, SB (4), 3 BB, K
LF Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2B (17), 3 RBI, R, K
Rojas is your prototypical “AAAA” player who couldn’t get anything going in 83 games for the Angels between 2021 and 2022.
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-2, RBI, 2 BB

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 2-7)  5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
Leal is doing his job as a veteran innings leader, but his profile doesn’t lead you to believe he will be more than that (7.34 ERA in 57.2 IP. As one positive, he has 72 strikeouts).
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
I wish we saw him after his (very) brief call-up. For Scranton: 1.13 ERA (8 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 16 K). Overall, he owns a 23/7 K/BB over 13 innings.
RHP Scott Effross: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Beeter has mostly been on his game, but didn’t have it tonight. I don’t think we will ever see spectacular walk rates, but that can be OK if he supplements that with plenty of strikeouts.
RHP Harrison Cohen (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K

Somerset (35-35) (Destroyed by Erie, 12-5, despite (supposedly) having a Major League pitcher on the hill)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, BB
Lombard Jr. has reached base safely in nine straight contests.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, R, 3 K
Jones has hit safely in ten of his last 11 games (13-game on-base streak)
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, 2B (19), RBI, R, K
.279/.341/.483 in 296 PA (19 doubles, 12 HR, 44 RBI, 39 R). 
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, K
Riggio has seven home runs in 17 games since his promotion (13 in 38 games overall). He isn’t the biggest guy (5’9″), but he loves to launch balls to right field. He isn’t a utility prospect as 2B is likely his only position. Can he overachieve his way to an MLB starting job? So far, he is overachieving his way to making you feel as if it is possible.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 3B (5), R, K
Jasso has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games and has a 28-game on-base streak. 
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4
DH Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-3, HR (5), RBI, R, K

RHP Marcus Stroman: (L, 0-1)  3.2 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Given he pitched like he does when he is with the big club, that’s a good sign that he’s ready. Or something like that. I can’t believe that a Ryan Yarbrough injury was something we would fret this year.
RHP Trystan Vrieling: 2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Not how he wanted his Double-A debut to go, but his feet are wet.

Hudson Valley (40-27) (Lost to Wilmington, 1-0. The minors are about development. When you lose George Lombard Jr., Roc Riggio, Brendan Jones, and Omar Martinez to promotion, the offense will suffer. Plus, Parks Harber is still MIA.)

LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, BB, K
.226/.327/.309 in 269 PA (13-for-13 SB). Castillo caused some excitement with his 21-game audition here in 2024 (.314/.383/.514), but it hasn’t carried over.
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, K
Since promotion: .185/.214/.407 in 84 PA. Small sample. I think he’ll get it going.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 3 K
While it didn’t tonight, Avina’s return should help this offense. He is hitting .281/.409/.460 in 176 PA (13 doubles, 4 HR)
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-3, SB (5)
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
RF Luis Durango: 0-for-3, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, 2B (7)

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (L, 5-3)  6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, HR (!!!!)
Why the exclamation points? That was Rodriguez-Cruz’s first HR allowed in 2025 (72 IP). Season: 2.50 ERA (72 IP, 44 H, 23 R, 20 ER, 1 HR, 30 BB, 85 K)
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.87 ERA (20.1 IP, 14 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 29 K). Some good, some not-so-good in his first full season as a reliever.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Warrecker wasn’t his usual dominant self, but a zero is a zero. Season: 0.88 ERA (30.2 IP, 14 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 36 K)

Tampa (38-31) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 6-3)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, HBP, BB, K
49 walks in 60 games. So far, that is his offensive calling card.
CF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-4, R, SB (18), BB, K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, 2B (10), RBI, R
The extra-base hits are starting to show up (2 doubles, 2 HR in last six games). 
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-2, 2B (15), RBI, 2 R, SB (21), HBP, BB
1B Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, RBI, CI
LF Hans Montero: 2-for-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
RF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, R, SB (21)
Toole is 11-for-12 stealing bases in June.
2B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-4, SB (2), K
He hasn’t been getting on base enough since his promotion to show his ability to steal some bases.

RHP Brandon Decker: 3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Decker tossed 60 pitches. He owns a 2.91 ERA in 34 IP (29 H, 16 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 34 K). As you would expect, his numbers were better as a reliever, but they are trying to stretch him out to start. Not unreasonable (he was a hybrid starter/reliever for Oakland University last year), and likely the plan all along.
RHP Justin Lange: (W, 1-0)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Lange’s rehab stint was moved here today.  His fastball didn’t reach 90 MPH, and he didn’t emphasize it much, going more with his sinker, slider, curve, and change. We don’t have full data as Tampa is home (remember, they aren’t playing at George M. Steinbrenner Field this year)
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach: (S, 6) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.57 ERA (28.2 IP, 19 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 HR, 17 BB, 42 K)

FCL (17-21) (Lost to the FCL Tigers, 2-0)

LF JoJo Jackson: 0-for-2
   PH-RF Luis Puello: 2-for-2
RF-LF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-4, K
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-4
He started a rehab stint on May 30th, but it didn’t last. Hopefully, it does this time.
3B Luis Escudero: 2-for-3, CS (4), K

RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The Yankees didn’t acquire him without a reason. They think there is something to work with here. No risk.
LHP Allen Facundo: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
Facundo’s first appearance since May 24, 2024.  He was rolling at the time of his injury, striking out 11 in five shutout innings that day (struck out eight in five shutout innings in his previous start).
RHP Jose M Rodriguez (L, 0-3): 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Talk about a tough luck 0-3. Rodriguez owns a 0.99 ERA in 27.1 IP (16 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 29 K)

DSL Yankees (7-9) (Defeated the DSL Rockiers, 4-2)

SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-0, HBP
Ugh. Let’s hope he was pulled for precautionary reasons.
  PR-SS Emmanuel Orozco: 0-for-2, R, SB (2), BB, K
CF Francisco Vilorio: 2-for-3, RBI, R
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-3, 2B (5), R, SB (5), BB, K
.308/.364/.590 in 44 PA. Five doubles and a homer in 44 plate appearances is nice power production.
2B Alfred Ciriaco: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (4), 3 CS (3)
A mixed bag of craziness, but we’ll take the three hits and pair of RBI.

RHP Enixon Sanchez: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
1.98 ERA (13.2 IP, 13 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 18 K). The 17-year-old impressed in his age-16 season last year. He is keeping up the pace so far this year (walks are an issue, but he is too young to worry about it)
RHP Emanuel Vargas (W, 2-1): 3 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
LHP Luis Rodriguez (S, 1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Rodriguez earns his first professional save.

DSL Bombers (6-9) (They have a 7-0 lead against Arizona Black. The game was stopped due to a power outage, I guess)

CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-2, 2B (3), RBI, R, BB, K
SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-1, R, CS (1), 2 BB
DH Queni Pineda: 0-for-2, RBI, R, BB
LF Browm Martinez: 3-for-3, 2B (1), 3 RBI
These numbers don’t yet count, but I will add them to his start to 2025: 16-for-35 with three homers and 12 RBI. It will be his third 3-hit effort.
C Carlos Rodon: 1-for-1, SF, 2 RBI, R

RHP Alexander Almonte: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Once these numbers count (I guess assuming they do), he will have 15 innings without allowing an earned run this season (two unearned runs)