Tag: Jesus Rodriguez

Yankees MILB 4/16: Enmanuel Tejeda: 3 Hits, 2 SB

News:

LHP Josh Maciejewski cleared waivers and was outrighted back to Scranton. I believe the rule is that teams get one chance to outright you after you clear waivers. After that, a player can elect free agency if they get through waivers a second time.

Scranton (10-5) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 7-1)

CF Brandon Lockridge:  0-for-5, K
2B-SS Caleb Durbin: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, BB, K
Triple-A debut for Rumfield. He was 9-for-28 with a double, six walks, and four strikeouts for Somerset. While he didn’t hit for average in Somerset last season (.219), he had a power surge (17 HR in 82 games). So far this season, the power hasn’t shown up but the average is there.
C-3B Carlos Narvaez: 2-for-3, BB
Last four games: 6-for-16 with two doubles and a homer.
RF Jose Rojas: 2-for-3, 2B (4), BB
SS Jeter Downs: 0-for-2, HBP
  C Josh Breaux: 0-for-1
3B-2B Josh VanMeter: 0-for-4, K
DH Jordan Groshans: 0-for-3, BB
LF Luis Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K

LHP Tanner Tully: 2.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
6.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 11 K. One has to love the number of walks! He touched 95.1 MPH with his 4-seamer tonight.
RHP McKinley Moore: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 1 K
Moore throws very hard (topped out at 99.7, averaged 97.7). The problem? Control. He has 90 walks in 133.2 minor league innings (200 strikeouts). The Yankees claimed him off waivers from the Phillies over the winter (he made his big league debut last year). One of those arms you hope you can unlock.
RHP Phil Bickford: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Cody Morris: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (4-6) (Lost to Hartford, 5-1)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
The results don’t matter yet – the good news is that he is back on the field.
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Did you expect him to keep up with his 95 HR pace?
DH Ben Rice: 0-for-4, K
He is down to .179 (7-for-39) with four walks and 12 strikeouts. He had an 18.7% K rate last season. Thus far this year, it is 27.9%. He’ll likely snap out of it soon enough…
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RS, K
3B J.C. Escarra: 3-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, K
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-3, 2B (6), BB, K
His average falls to an unacceptable .412.
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3
1B Spencer Henson: 0-for-3, K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (L, 0-1) 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
It’s a better effort this time around. Selvidge’s error contributed to the unearned runs.
RHP Luis Velasquez: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Tanner Myatt: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 8 K. Impressive start to the 2024 campaign for Myatt, who once had some prospect buzz attached to him.

Hudson Valley (6-3) (Scored two in the 9th to beat Aberdeen, 3-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, BB, 3 K
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-4, RBI, BB
Tied the game with an RBI walk in the 9th.
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, K
Won the game with an RBI walk in the 9th.
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4
.303/.343/.424 in 35 PA.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, HBP, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-2, CS (1), 2 BB, K
CF Nelson Medina: 1-for-2, RS, SB (2), BB, HBP, K

RHP Baron Stuart: 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Stuart’s 2024 debut. In 2023, he pitched to a 4.47 ERA between here and Tampa with an 85/46 K/BB over 100.2 IP. He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Pittsburgh.
LHP Ben Shields: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (W, 1-0) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Tampa (2-8) (Lost to St. Lucie, 11-3. Tampa isn’t having a perfect start to 2024. They have scored 32 runs and allowed 71 runs. It’s a young roster that you hope improves as the season moves along)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, RS, 3 K
Lombard Jr. has reached base safely in ten straight games to start the season.
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 3-for-5, RBI, RS, 2 SB (7), K
12-for-35 (.343) with six RBI and five runs scored. He is 7-for-9 stealing bases.
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, SB (2), BB, 2 K
8-for-40
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, RBI, SB (1), 2 BB
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, RBI, K
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
4-for-34
RF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
C Edinson Duran: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
3B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RS, K

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (L, 0-2) 4.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Art Warren: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Warren’s first action since 2022. The 31-year-old has 71 games of big league experience, pitching to a 4.19 ERA in 62.1 innings for the Mariners and Reds between 2019-2022. He is a sinker/slider/changeup type.
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/5: Roderick Arias Homers in Tampa Debut

News:

OF Spencer Jones was scratched from tonight’s lineup in Somerset due to a stiff neck.

The Yankees signed veteran infielder Rougned Odor to a minor league deal with a July 1st opt-out.  Odor hit .202/.286/.379 in 102 games for the 2021 Yankees. I never thought I would need to relive those days.

His calling card is the home run (178 home runs in 4,424 plate appearances) but his MLB value is limited. I am not a fan, but minor-league depth is always welcome. I doubt he is going to take time away from Caleb Durbin. He will likely rotate with the other non-prospect veterans.

Scranton (3-2) (Doubled up Syracuse, 8-4)

LF Greg Allen: 0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-2, HR (1), 3 RBI, 3 RS, 2 SB (4), 3 BB
If Durbin adds extra-base hit power to his profile, he could become more than a hypothetical to start the 2024 season as the Yankees’ second baseman. It is too early to go that far, but he is off to an incredible start (10-for-19, 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 4 R, 5 BB, 1 K, 4-for-4 SB)
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, 3 BB, K
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
1B Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, HR (2), 4 RBI, RS, BB, K
3B Luis Torrens: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
I have nothing against Torrens (who is typically a catcher), but this is why Odor has room to get some playing time without upsetting the apple cart. 
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-3, 2 SB (2), 2 BB, 2 K
DH Jordan Groshans: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
RF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
This is a big season for Gomez, who is out of options in 2025. Unless they trade him, we should see him in MLB this year.
RHP Phil Bickford: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
Bickford was recently signed to add more pitching depth.
RHP Cody Morris: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski: (W, 1-0) 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Marinaccio is on the 40-man, but the Yankees chose to bring up Dennis Santana instead. Some of the shine may be off, but he can still work his way back.

Somerset (1-0) (Defeated Richmond, 5-4)

DH Ben Rice: 1-for-5, HR (1), RBI, RS, 3 K
Rice homers in his first at-bat of the season. While he is in Double-A (for now), there is a possibility that he will make his debut this season. He is eligible for the Rule 5 this winter.
C Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-5, HR (1), RBI, RS
Ramirez, who jumped from Tampa to Hudson Valley to Somerset last season (impressive for anyone, but especially for a catcher) went back-to-back with Rice to start the game. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB
Rumfield underwent a power spike in 2023.
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, K
Cowles received some playing time in the Arizona Fall League. He hit .290/.405/.551 in 20 games with four homers.
CF Grant Richardson: 3-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, RS, K
Richardson’s ability to play CF adds to his value. He went 18-for-53 with five home runs and five stolen bases in his first taste of Double-A in 2023.
LF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, 2 BB
Seigler, once a promising catching prospect, makes his 14th career start at second base.
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, BB
3B Max Burt: 1-for-2, 2B (1), RBI, 2 BB
The 27-year-old Burt has served as a utility player for Somerset over the last four seasons (he played some for Trenton in 2019, as well!). Sometimes when a player hangs around this long, you feel that the Yankees see something beyond just playing ability. 

RHP Zach Messinger:  5.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
Messinger, who is better than his career record, has a solid 2024 debut. His main issue is walks, something that can be fixed. He is relatively new to starting games.
RHP Luis Velasquez (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
In 2023, Velasquez pitched to a 1.74 ERA in 62 innings with a 77/33 K/BB. He pitched for Tampa and Hudson Valley.
RHP Jack Neely (S, 1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Neely is tall (6’8″) and has an opportunity to make his MLB debut in 2024.

Hudson Valley (0-1) (Lost to Bowling Green, 6-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, 2 K
Riggio (left-handed bat drafted in the 4th round last year) is an emotional gamer. He is the type of player you love if he is on your side but may annoy fans on the other side. 
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, K
Serna isn’t big but has shown pop in his minor-league career. He is still looking for his first High-A homer (123 plate appearances). He hit 19 while in Tampa last season.
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS
Rodriguez was my favorite under-the-radar prospect to follow last year. He played C/1B/3B/LF and maintained solid offense (.310/.399/.450 in 460 plate appearances). He was the only player in the system to hit over .300 (amongst those with 350+ PA). Ben Rice and Everson Pereira also hit over .300 if I drop that to 300+ plate appearances.
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 2 K
Moylan, out of East Carolina, was a highly sought-after undrafted free agent last year.
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, HBP, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, 4 K
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-3, 2 K
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, 2 K

RHP Sebastian Keane: (L, 0-1) 1.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Keane has a rough first outing, but no big deal. Move on to the next one!
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
His stint in Scranton was a “we need an arm” thing.
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

Tampa (1-0) (Defeated Fort Myers, 4-2)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
Lombard was their first-round pick in the 2023 draft. This is not his Low-A debut (.273/.415/.303 in a small sample size last year). 
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, 3 K
Arias, who has superstar potential (we’ll see) struck out in his first two Low-A plate appearances before turning his night around in a hurry. His homer broke a 2-2 tie in the 7th.
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (1), 3 K
Like Lombard and Arias, Tejeda can play shortstop. In the FCL, he hit .307/.465/.458 in 50 games.
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, SB (1), 3 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, BB, HBP
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, 3B (1), 2 K
Castillo is a 20-year-old who went undrafted last year. 
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, 2B (1), K
Montero drove in 43 runs in 47 games in the FCL last season.
DH Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4
C Edinson Duran: 0-for-3, RS, BB
The 21-year-old Duran hit .314/.405/.457 in 32 FCL games last year. This is not his full-season debut as he went 0-for-2 in a random game for Scranton. 

RHP Cade Smith: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
Smith is a 21-year-old drafted in the 6th round in the 2023 draft out of Mississippi State. This was his professional debut, so it is understandable if he was amped. I don’t even care about the walks – I like those strikeouts. BaseballSavant registered six pitches (4-seam, slider, curve, sinker, change, cutter). However, the cutter only registered once, which might be an error. Impressively, he generated six whiffs on his 18 sliders (ten swings). 
RHP Cade Austin: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
Austin is a 22-year-old drafted out of South Carolina in the 19th round of the 2023 draft. This was his professional debut, as well. The Yankees tend to develop these types of pitchers so I wouldn’t dismiss him based on draft position.
RHP Hueston Morrill (Huey Morrill on baseball reference): (W, 1-0) 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Morrill was signed in 2022 out of Oklahoma State. He was a two-way player for the Cowboys (SS was his other position),
RHP Aaron Nixon: (S, 1) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
You guessed it – this is the 22-year-old’s professional debut. He went undrafted out of Mississippi State.

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 9/14: Clayton Beeter Ks 13

News:

LHP Clay Aguilar stayed in Double-A for 24 hours or so. He was promoted to Scranton today.

The Rule 5 eligible 24-year-old pitched to a 2.25 ERA (3.30 FIP) over 44 innings down in Hudson Valley with a 34.1% K and 13% BB. He missed the entire 2022 season.

Scranton (68-71; 34-31 in the second half) (Lost to Buffalo, 7-1)

RF Franchy Cordero: 1-for-3, 2 BB, K
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-5, K
3B Andres Chaparro: 0-for-1, 2 BB, HBP
2B Jamie Westbrook: 1-for-4, K
1B Jake Lamb: 1-for-3, BB, K
LF Michael Hermosillo: 2-for-4, 2B (5), RS, K
C Josh Breaux: 0-for-2, BB, HBP
SS Jesus Bastidas: 1-for-3, BB, K, SB (10)
Bastidas has 13 HR and 11 stolen bases between Somerset and Scranton. I think he has a chance to make it to MLB as a utility type – probably not with the Yankees.
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-4

RHP Clayton Beeter: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 13 K
Beeter sets a new personal best for strikeouts in a game. He owns a 5.40 ERA in 60 innings at this level (57 H, 37 R, 36 ER, 13 HR, 37 BB, 75 K). Overall, he owns a 151/68 K/BB over 120.2 IP. Unless they use him in a deal, Beeter is going to be protected from the Rule 5 draft this winter.  Tonight, he featured two pitches in his 100-pitch effort: 49 sliders + 48 4-seam fastballs (three changeups).
LHP Clay Aguilar: (L, 0-1) 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
Aguilar’s Triple-A debut.
RHP Michael Gomez: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR

Somerset (81-53; 39-27 in the second half) (Defeated New Hampshire, 6-2)

CF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-5, 3 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, RS, 3 K
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RS
Ramirez is hitting .217 with a .594 OPS in 130 PA since his promotion. 
DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, 2 RS, BB
2B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-3, 2B (12), 2 RBI, K
If not for his injuries, Durbin easily steals 50+ bases this season. As is, he is 36-for-44 in 67 games.
   PH-2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-0, RS, BB
LF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, HR (4), 3 RBI, RS
Richardson is 17-for-45 since his promotion (1 double, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R). His 17 HR between Hudson Valley and Somerset is a new personal best. He is a 24-year-old left-handed bat who has too much swing-and-miss in his profile to date – if he can clean that up, he has a chance.
RF Jeisson Rosario: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Eduardo Torrealba: 0-for-3, BB, K, 2 SB (4)
SS Max Burt: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Zach Messinger: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
A nice Double-A debut for Messinger, who pitched to a 4.36 ERA in 97 innings for Hudson Valley (82 H, 13 HR, 53 BB, 113 K).
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Cohen’s Double-A debut. He pitched to a 3.86 ERA in 49 IP between Tampa and Hudson Valley (40 H, 23 R, 21 ER, 5 HR, 24 BB, 64 K)

Hudson Valley (70-62; 31-35 in the second half)  (Defeated Jersey Shore, 6-2. The series is tied at 1-1. The decisive third game is tomorrow night)

3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-4
2B Jared Serna: 1-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 BB
Serna was on his way to a 20/20/20 (doubles/HR/SB) season, but couldn’t put a ball over the fence after his promotion here. That said, he wasn’t overmatched here either. The full package is a kid who should break into Double-A at some point in 2024. 
DH Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 K
LF Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-3, RS, BB, K, SB (1)
Rodriguez is 4-for-7 in two playoff games. When you combine that with his regular season performance, he is hitting .315. I keep talking about this kid because I think performance still should matter. He has hit all season long at a young age while being asked to play four positions (C/1B/3B/LF). I simply cannot ignore that regardless of the Top 30 lists.
  LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-0
I hope this move was for defensive purposes only (as I have said before: In the playoffs, minor league managers can often be a little more “strategic”)
1B-C Rafael Flores: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, K
Hall struggled a bit after his promotion – good to see him compile a multi-hit game tongiht.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-0
I am not sure why Gomez left the game early.
  1B Spencer Henson: 2-for-4, 2B (1), HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
Not bad for a player who wasn’t in the starting lineup.
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, 2B (1), K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 1-0) 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K
A strong performance by Schlittler, who tossed 46 regular season innings between the FCL/Tampa/Hudson Valley this year (professional debut season)
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Rodriguez has the talent to move quickly. He is still only 21 years old (if it feels he has been around forever, he has been – since he debuted in 2019). He just has to start putting the puzzle together.
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

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

Their season is over.

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/12: Will Warren Solid Again

News:

The Yankees announced that RHP Drew Thorpe (who should be the organization’s Pitcher of the Year) has been placed on the 7-day IL. No matter how minor the injury may be, he’s done for the year. They aren’t going to push him for the Double-A playoffs.

In his first professional season, Thorpe was dominant down in Hudson Valley, pitching to a 2.81 ERA (3.30 FIP) over 109 innings with a 32.4% K and 7.7% BB. That was more than enough to earn a promotion to Somerset, where he was more dominant. In five starts for the Patriots, he pitched to a 1.48 ERA (2.15 FIP) over 30.1 IP with a 40% K and 4.5% BB. Thorpe isn’t Rule 5 eligible until after the 2025 season, but that won’t stop the Yankees from using him in 2024 once he is ready.

RHP Danny Watson, one of their best relief prospects, was also placed on the IL. In 45 games between Hudson Valley and Somerset, Watson pitched to a 1.58 ERA over 62.2 IP with a 32.7% K and 10.0% BB. He held opponents to a .138 BAA. Hopefully, the injury is minor because he should be in the 2024 bullpen mix at some point. He isn’t Rule 5 eligible until after the 2024 season.

OF Nelson Medina was promoted from Tampa all the way up to Scranton today. Don’t read a lot into that – he is not likely to be playing in Scranton to start 2024. Medina, soon to be 23, hit .276/.380/.479 in 192 PA for Tampa with six home runs and 28 runs batted in. I can’t tell you how the decision-making process works (Elijah Dunham would have been a good choice to bring back to Scranton), but this is usually a move to get a warm body onto the roster. The Railriders recently lost Estevan Florial to MLB promotion after losing Jasson Dominguez and Everson Pereira.

The Somerset Patriots received some pitching from Hudson Valley today, as LHP Clay Aguilar, RHP Harrison Cohen, RHP Zach Messinger, and RHP Anderson Munoz are now on the roster. This is a good indication that these four pitchers are scheduled to start 2024 at this level. Munoz started 2023 at Somerset before an injury sidelined him for a significant amount of time. The Yankees aren’t loaded with LHP, so there is an opportunity for Aguilar to make some noise.

With Tampa’s season over, Hudson Valley received some players for the playoffs (which started tonight):
RHP Luis Arejula
RHP Jackson Fristoe
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert
RHP Nolberto Henriquez
RHP Sebastian Keane
RHP Matt Keating

Just like with the kids promoted to Somerset, this is a good indicator that at least some of these pitchers will begin 2024 in Hudson Valley.

Scranton (68-68; 34-28 in the second half) (Defeated Buffalo, 4-1)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-2, HBP, K
  PR-CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-1, RS, K
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-4, 2B (11), RBI, 2 K
.252/.379/.402 in 301 plate appearances since his promotion. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Yankees look for a trade partner before they need to submit their 40-man roster this winter.
RF Franchy Cordero: 2-for-2, RS, 2 BB, SB (7)
1B Andres Chaparro: 1-for-4, 2 K
3B Jamie Westbrook: 1-for-4, RBI, K
DH Jake Lamb: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
LF Michael Hermosillo: 0-for-3, K
SS Jesus Bastidas: 0-for-2, BB
2B Wilmer Difo: 1-for-2, RS, BB

RHP Will Warren: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
At this level: 3.91 ERA (89.2 IP, 76 H, 49 R, 39 ER, 15 HR, 43 BB, 93 K). Entering today, the league ERA was 5.53 – which should show you just how well Warren has been pitching lately.
RHP Zac Houston: (W, 2-1)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Aaron McGarity: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Michael Gomez (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
5.40 ERA (61.2 IP, 59 H, 45 R, 37 ER, 6 HR, 40 BB, 54 K)

Somerset (80-52; 38-26 in the second half) (Defeated New Hampshire, 3-2)

SS Trey Sweeney: 1-for-5, RS
Since coming off of the IL: 3-for-20 with three walks and four strikeouts. Overall, he is hitting .245 with a .766 OPS (18 doubles, 2 triples, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 63 R, 62 BB, 87 K, 17-for-24 SB)
C Ben Rice: 0-for-3, RS, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 3 K
LF Elijah Dunham: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, K
DH Jeisson Rosario: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, BB, SB (7)
It is too bad that the injury bug hit Seigler so hard – he is an athletic kid who switch hits and can take a walk. The rest of his offensive game simply hasn’t been there.
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-3, BB, K, 2 SB (4)
Richardson is 18-for-21 stealing bases between here and Hudson Valley. He is 13-for-38 since his promotion with three home runs.
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, RS, K, SB (18)

RHP Matt Sauer: (W, 5-4)  5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, HR
3.63 ERA (62 IP, 47 H, 26 R, 25 ER, 10 HR, 27 BB, 74 K). Does he survive the Rule 5 draft again?
RHP Carlos Gomez: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Tanner Myatt: (S, 6) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
2.80 ERA (54.2 IP, 29 H, 20 R, 17 ER, 3 HR, 38 BB, 67 K). As usual, Myatt is tough to hit but walks too many hitters. 

Hudson Valley (70-62; 31-35 in the second half)  (Lost to Jersey Shore, 2-1. They fall behind in the best-of-3 series, 1-0. The final two games will be at home)

RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-5, 2 K
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4
Of course, Rodriguez would compile a multi-hit game in Game 1. During the regular season, between here and Tampa, he finished at .310/.399/.450 in 460 PA (20 doubles, 4 triples, 9 HR, 62 RBI, 66 R, 55 BB, 70 K, 21-for-25 SB)
LF Christopher Familia: 2-for-4, 2B (1), K
A multi-hit game for Familia. It will be interesting to see what he does in 2024 after a power surge in 2023.
3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-3, BB
2B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-2, 3B (1), RS, 2 BB
Vargas had an organization-leading six triples during the regular season.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
1B Spencer Henson: 0-for-3, BB
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, K

RHP Yorlin Calderon: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
A sparkling performance in Game 1 for Calderon, who entered this game with two High-A starts to his name.
LHP Joel Valdez: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Cole Ayers:  (L, 0-1) 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR

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

Their season is over.

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/9: Jesus Rodriguez Hits a Slam

News:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game 1 (Won, 2-0)

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

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

Game 2 (Lost, 8-5)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

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

News:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

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

News:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/30: Ben Rice Goes Off

News:

It looked like it might be a slow news day.

Late this afternoon, Bryan Hoch announced that the Yankees are calling up Jasson Dominguez and Austin Wells.

When we woke up on July 7th, Dominguez was staring at a .198/.341/.343 triple slash with a 94 wRC+ and 28.7% K. Since then (not including today), he has hit .364/.433/.543 (163 wRC+) with a 17.8% K.

Dominguez has the potential to be a star. The ceiling is just as enormous now as it was when he was signed. Ceilings are hard to achieve, but Dominguez is someone every fan should be excited about. Even his 75% outcome is All-Star level.

I won’t lie and tell you that Wells has played at a high level in 2023. His .240/.333/.442 line isn’t going to dazzle you.  That said, he has the power profile to take advantage of the porch and draws his share of walks. In 188 games between 2022-2023, Wells has 41 doubles, 37 home runs, and 104 walks (12.5%) in 831 plate appearances. This is what the Yankees are hoping for – enough average to go along with power and walks. Not everyone has to be a top-of-the-order stud. If Wells develops into a 6th-7th hitter, you take it. The other question that needs answering is his future position. He is athletic enough to play left field, but the Yankees are playing other youngsters out there. First base is another option, though that does raise the offensive bar. For 2023, he will get his time behind the plate and we’ll see what happens.

Fans just need to be patient because it is unlikely we will see another Gary Sanchez level of explosion. It can happen, but you can’t count on that. The important thing for 2023 is the experience.

The Yankees have released RHP Spencer Howard. Howard, acquired for cash considerations at the deadline, was low on the 40-man roster totem pole He only pitched in three games for Scranton, allowing four runs in 3.1 innings.

“Why make this trade?”

The Yankees were taking a flyer on a former Top 30 prospect (as recent as 2021). When you have a 40-man roster opening, acquiring someone with a prospect pedigree isn’t a bad idea. No harm, no foul.

Scranton (63-63; 29-23 in the second half) (Lost to Rochester, 8-4)

Up to the second second-half title chase:
Worcester: 31-20 (Game not over)
Durham: 31-21
Lehigh Valley: 31-22
Scranton: 29-23

RF Estevan Florial: 1-for-5, HR (24), RBI, 2 RS, K, 2 SB (23)
.285/.384/.556 in 432 PA. This was his first home run since July 30th (he was out of action from August 2 – August 16)
LF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RS, BB, K, SB (3)
Dominguez has 40 stolen bases between here and Somerset. Overall stat line: .265/.377/.425 in 544 PA (22 doubles, 3 triples, 15 HR, 76 RBI, 89 R, 83 BB (15.3%), 133 K (24.4%), 40-for-48 SB). Last year, playing for Tampa, Hudson Valley, and Somerset, he hit .273/.375/.461 in 530 PA. I would have called you nuts back in June if you told me he was going to eventually approach his 2022 totals. Yet, here we are…
C Austin Wells: 0-for-4, K
Since promotion: .254/.349/.452 in 146 PA with ten doubles, five home runs and a 23.3% K.
1B Andres Chaparro: 1-for-5, RS, K
DH Franchy Cordero: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Jamie Westbrook: 2-for-3, 2B (17), 2 RBI, K, SB (5)
3B Jake Lamb: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Wilmer Difo: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K, SB (17)
CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-3, BB

LHP Edgar Barclay (L, 0-3): 4.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
He left the game with the bases loaded and all three runners ended up scoring. Furthermore, a big error was the lighted match that turned into an inferno. At this level, he owns a bloated 7.88 ERA in 24 innings. Again, it is so hard to get a good read on pitchers in Triple-A this season.
RHP Zach Greene: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Nick Ramirez: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Zac Houston: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (74-47; 32-21 in the second half) (Toyed with Portland, 13-6. They fell behind 5-2 and 6-3 before taking off)

LF Elijah Dunham: 3-for-5, 2B (11), 3 RS, BB, K, 2 SB (18)
Dunham has 23 doubles and 30 stolen bases between here and Scranton. I think he should take the place of Dominguez in Triple-A. 
C Ben Rice: 4-for-6, 2B (8), 2 HR (14), 5 RBI, 4 RS, SB (6)
Is this guy for real? Since his promotion, in a mere 34 games, he is hitting .343 with a 1.114 OPS (8 doubles, 14 HR, 41 RBI, 30 R, and 6 stolen bases).  It is kind of surprising that he is only on a 5-game hitting streak!
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (1), 4 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, 3 K, SB (1)
Jones takes care of his first Double-A homer (a grand slam!) and first Double-A stolen base on the same night. He is 3-for-11 since his promotion and has 28 doubles, 4 triples, 14 HR, 60 RBI, 65 runs scored, and 36 stolen bases overall. I don’t know if he will be a stolen base machine in MLB, but his athleticism continues to shine in the minors. Rough edges to work out? Definitely. But the ceiling is tantalizing.
1B Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-5
3B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-3, RS, BB, HBP, CS (5)
Since returning from the IL: 14-for-41 (.341) with three walks and only two strikeouts. 
DH Josh Breaux: 2-for-5, RBI
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, BB, K
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-5, RS, 4 K
SS Max Burt: 2-for-5, 2 RS, 2 K

RHP Richard Fitts: 4 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, HR
Fitts has been so good lately that we can toss this. As I have mentioned before, the one knock on him is that he sometimes loses his command within the strike zone. Tonight, he uncharacteristically allowed some walks. It happens. Season: 3.40 ERA (135 IP, 114 H, 52 R, 51 ER, 19 HR, 37 BB, 143 K). He is one of the few performing prospects who has stayed at one level all season. That is fine – just a random observation. He doesn’t ever need to step foot in Triple-A.
RHP Carlos Gomez: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jack Neely: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 1.98 ERA (13.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 2 BB, 18 K). Overall, he has a 92/19 K/BB over 62.1 innings. He should be ready in 2024 – perhaps as early as Opening Day, though I wouldn’t bet money on it.
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (67-55; 28-28 in the second half) (Knocked off Wilmington, 9-3)

RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, RS, BB
SS Jared Serna: 2-for-5, 2B (4), RS, 2 K
Serna increases his hitting streak to nine. He is hitting .284 since his promotion. Serna has only five extra-base hits in 18 games at this level, but his season has been so good that we won’t worry about that. As long as he isn’t overwhelmed at a more advanced level, that is a win.
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, BB
Rumfield’s first rehab game. In Somerset earlier this season, he hit .224/.322/.463 with 17 home runs in 72 games. The power surge was unexpected. As for the average, his .218 BABIP may indicate some bad luck there.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, HR (2), SF, 3 RBI, RS, K
Rodriguez is hitting .359 (23-for-64) since his promotion (5 doubles, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 11 BB, 13 K). He has not stopped hitting all season.
2B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-5, RS, 2 K
3B Ben Cowles: 2-for-5, 2 RS, K
Cowles now has a 40-game on-base streak.
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, RBI, RS
CF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS
This is what you call making an impression in your High-A debut.
1B Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, RBI

LHP Brock Selvidge: (W, 3-1) 5 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
It was a grind tonight for Selvidge, but he kept the damage at bay. At this level: 3.96 in 38.2 IP (35 H, 18 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 37 K). Overall, Selvidge (just turned 21) is up to 116 innings after tossing 42.2 innings in 2022. Will they let him finish out the season, or is the end near? There isn’t too much time left.
RHP Anderson Munoz: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
6 outs, all via strikeout! That works.

Tampa (57-63; 26-28 in the second half)

Their game against St. Lucie was canceled due to Hurricane Idalia. They hope to resume play on Thursday.

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

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

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/23: Ben Rice Homers Again

News:

Nothing new.

Scranton (59-61; 25-21 in the second half) (Split a doubleheader against Lehigh Valley)

This is a big series against Lehigh Valley, the team they are chasing for the second-half title. It is a logjam, however, as four teams are between Lehigh Valley and Scranton in the standings.

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

CF Estevan Florial: 1-for-3, 2B (18), RBI, RS, BB, K
DH Austin Wells: 2-for-4, 2 RS, CS (1)
Wells’ first career caught stealing (he is now 39-for-40 stealing bases)
1B Andres Chaparro: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, K
RF Franchy Cordero: 1-for-2, RBI, BB, HBP
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-4, RBI
Narvaez walks it off with an RBI single in the 8th.
3B Mike Lamb: 2-for-3, RS
2B Jamie Westbrook: 0-for-1, 2 HBP
LF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-1, BB, SAC
SS Wilmer Difo: 0-for-2
  PH Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-0, BB (intentional)
  SS Jesus Bastidas: 0-for-0

RHP Mitch Spence: 7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
4.59 ERA (133.1 IP, 131 H, 75 R, 68 ER, 24 HR, 44 BB, 125 K). August: 25.2 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 33 K. This is Spence’s first career 10+ strikeout effort.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz (W, 2-0): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Lost, 6-0)

LF Estevan Florial: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-2, BB
Dominguez has 79 walks in 517 plate appearances (15.3%). 
DH Austin Wells: 1-for-3
There is talk that Wells could be promoted to the big club. He has multiple hits in three of his last five games and is 20-for-77 (.260) in August with seven doubles, four homers, and 17 runs batted in.
1B Andres Chaparro: 0-for-3, K
.246/.340/.467 in 483 PA (19 doubles, 2 triples, 23 HR, 76 RBI, 70 R, 59 BB, 104 K, 3-for-3 SB). Chaparro’s first season in the organization was back in 2016, so I believe he could be staring at minor league free agency this winter. Just like with the Rule 5, the Yankees can “block” that free agency by adding him to the 40-man roster. For example, they did that a few years ago with Donny Sands before they traded him to the Phillies. 
C Rodolfo Duran: 0-for-3
3B Jake Lamb: 0-for-3, K
2B Jamie Westbrook: 0-for-3
RF Michael Hermosillo: 2-for-2, SB (7)
SS Jesus Bastidas: 0-for-1, HBP, SB (7)
Bastidas was called back up here for today’s doubleheader. 

RHP Zach McAllister: (L, 1-1) 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
McAllister’s first start as a member of the Yankees’ organization since August 17th, 2010.
RHP Matt Bowman: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Matt Krook: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Krook, who has a 1.04 ERA in 26 innings at this level, makes his first appearance since July 18th.
LHP Nick Ramirez: 1.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Wilmer Difo: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Difo, a utility infielder, with his 4th pitching appearance this season (3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K)

Somerset (68-47; 26-21 in the second half) (Lost to Hartford, 3-2)

3B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-4, 2 SB (17)
Durbin has 32 stolen bases (37 attempts) in 57 games between here and Hudson Valley. He is hitting .298/.395/.400 in 238 PA with 24 walks (10.1%) and 16 strikeouts (6.7%). 
1B Ben Rice: 1-for-4, HR (11), RBI, RS
Rice has 11 home runs in 28 games at this level. Overall, he is hitting .319/.441/.623 in 236 PA (11 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 44 R, 34 BB (14.4%), 42 K (17.8%), 8-for-9 SB). Rice is 24 and you wonder just how much more development he needs. 
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, RS
Since promotion: 12-for-59 (1 double, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 9 R, 5 BB, 11 K) 
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K, SB (15)
Dunham has 28 stolen bases in 35 attempts between here and Scranton.
DH Josh Breaux: 1-for-4, RBI, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, K
CF Jeisson Rosario: 0-for-2, BB, K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, 2 K
Richardson’s Double-A debut. I am not sure if this is permanent or a “we need a body” situation. Anyway, he hit .204/.306/.389 in 304 PA for Hudson Valley (13 HR, 37 RBI). He was 10-for-33 in August with three homers and seven runs batted in.
SS Max Burt: 0-for-2, BB, K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
The oft-injured Gomez with his longest outing since August 22, 2019. He owns a 3.14 ERA in 48.2 IP (34 H, 19 R, 17 ER, 5 HR, 25 BB, 56 K). We have seen extra option years handed out in the past. If Gomez doesn’t qualify, this is his final option year,  so a very interesting winter/spring is shaping up for him. 
RHP Carlos Gomez: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: (L, 1-1)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Watson allowed Anderson’s run to score in the 9th. Given his season, I think we can let this one go!

Hudson Valley (64-52; 25-25 in the second half) (Defeated Aberdeen, 3-2)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, RS, K
August: 19-for-74 (.257) with four doubles, a home run, and 12 runs scored.
DH Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, 4 K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-2, 3B (1), SF, RBI, RS, BB, CS (1)
At this level: 14-for-51 (.275/.356/.373; 3 doubles, 1 triple). Serna has hit safely in four straight games. 
1B Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-4, 2B (3), 2 RBI
Rodriguez with the walk-off single in the bottom of the 9th. At this level: 17-for-44 (.386/.491/.523; 3 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 6 R, 8 BB, 9 K). He has three 3-hit games since his promotion.
2B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, 2 K
3B Ben Cowles: 2-for-3, CS (4)
August: 19-for-54 (.352) with 15 walks and 15 strikeouts.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, K
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, RS, BB, 2 K

RHP Justin Lange: 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Lange’s second start since his promotion (5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K in his first start). Lange has a 128/59 K/BB over 82.1 innings between here and Tampa.
LHP Clay Aguilar: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.80 ERA (35.1 IP, 27 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 52 K). Aguilar is 24 and was signed as an undrafted free agent after the shortened 2020 COVID draft.
RHP Anderson Munoz: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
The 25-year-old puts together an impressive night. I guess his rehab is over as he is now listed as active. While he didn’t pitch well during his stint in Tampa, he has tossed 3.1 hitless innings here with a 7/0 K/BB.
RHP Harrison Cohen (W, 3-2): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
At this level: 3.79 ERA (38 IP, 29 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 48 K)

Tampa (56-60; 25-25 in the second half) (Defeated Palm Beach, 4-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, K, SB (2)
.220/.692 OPS (12-for-57; 12 runs scored)
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, RBI
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-1, SF, RBI, BB
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, RBI, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-3, K
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB
DH Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 2 K
3B Beau Brewer: 0-for-3, RS

RHP Hayden Merda: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
6.32 ERA (94 IP, 100 H, 74 R, 66 ER, 10 HR, 53 BB, 94 K)
RHP Nolberto Henriquez: (W, 1-0) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Arejula (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL Yankees (35-22)

The playoffs begin on Thursday. As I suspected, they will play the Pirates in the semifinals, which is only one game.

DSL Yankees (33-19)

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

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/17: Solid Night for Richard Fitts

News:

Estevan Florial‘s stay on the injured list was short-lived as he returned to action tonight.

Both OF Everson Pereira and C Austin Wells didn’t play tonight for Scranton, fueling speculation that one or both could be on their way to New York. There is nothing (yet) that indicates this will happen (players do get random days off in the minors, though the timing would be interesting. On Friday, the Yankees can bring them up without losing a year of control).

Scranton (56-58; 22-18 in the second half) (Defeated Worcester, 2-1)

CF Estevan Florial: 0-for-5
His stay on the IL wasn’t a long one.
2B Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4
1B Andres Chaparro: 1-for-4, HR (21), RBI, RS, K
Chaparro sets a new personal best for home runs in a season. He has 41 HR in 749 plate appearances over the last two seasons.
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-2, BB, HBP, K
3B Jamie Westbrook: 1-for-4, RS
DH Rodolfo Duran: 2-for-2, 2 BB
.249/.323/.447 in 220 plate appearances. 
RF Michael Hermosillo: 1-for-4, RBI, K
LF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-3, SAC
And we were told that the Yankees don’t “teach baseball”…
SS Wilmer Difo: 1-for-3, 2B (7), BB, K

RHP Mitch Spence: 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
4.63 ERA (126.1 IP, 125 H, 72 R, 65 ER, 24 HR, 43 BB, 115 K). Spence is doing a solid job eating innings down here and perhaps can earn himself a big-league shot. I don’t think that will happen with the Yankees, though.
RHP Michael Gomez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz (W, 1-1): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Zach Greene (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (65-45; 23-19 in the second half) (Lost to Reading, 5-4)

CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-4, 2B (16), 2 RBI, BB, 3 K
Yes, he struck out three times. You still can’t ignore how much better Dominguez has played in recent weeks. I would end his season in Scranton, personally.
C Ben Rice: 1-for-4, RS, BB
You know you are having a good season when a single and a walk are a “ho-hum” night for you.
DH Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-5, 2 K
Ramirez is 7-for-39 with a double since his promotion. I will continue to tell anyone who reads his stat line during this adjustment period to have some patience.
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-2, 2 BB, K
2B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-3, K
    2B Eduardo Torrealba: 1-for-1, RBI
1B Mickey Gasper: 0-for-4, K
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-4, RS, SB (9)
Between Hudson Valley and Somerset, Palensky has 19 doubles, 19 homers, and 20 stolen bases.
SS Jesus Bastidas: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Bastidas has 11 home runs between Scranton and Somerset. 
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, K

RHP Richard Fitts: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, HR
It was a battle for Fitts tonight, who needed 102 pitches to earn the 16 outs. The impressive thing is that he was able to keep runs off the board, allowing only a solo HR in the first inning. He owns a 3.31 ERA in 125 IP (105 H, 47 R, 46 ER, 18 HR, 32 BB, 135 K). August: 18.1 IP, 9 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 6 BB, 17 K. It is all a matter of preference when it comes to their Double-A arms. I think Chase Hampton has the most upside as a potential top-of-the-rotation guy, but Fitts and Drew Thorpe both appear to be legitimate. 
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Since promotion: 1.55 ERA (29 IP, 13 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 HR, 14 BB, 33 K)
RHP Jack Neely: (L, 0-1) 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
We expect Dees-Watson-Neely to shut it down every night – sometimes, the baseball gods just tell us no.

Hudson Valley (62-49; 23-22 in the second half) (Pulled off a nice comeback against Brooklyn, 6-5. They were down 5-0 entering the top of the 5th)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K, SB (33)
DH Anthony Hall: 2-for-3, 2B (5), RBI, 2 BB
Hall is up to .258/.361/.419 in 37 PA since his promotion and .267/.380/.446 in 309 PA overall.
2B Jared Serna: 0-for-5, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, RBI, RS
Rodriguez’s big season continues. He has two 3-hit games in eight games played since his promotion (11-for-28). 
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-5, K
1B Spencer Henson: 0-for-4
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2B (15), RBI, RS, K
RF Grant Richardson: 3-for-4, 2B (6), HR (13), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
Richardson has been hovering around .200 for most of the season (currently at .199). There is power and speed in his game – can they develop his hit tool?
LF Jared Wegner: 2-for-3, RS, BB, K
At this level: 4-for-11 with a pair of doubles.

LHP Brock Selvidge: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
The strikeouts are nice, but it was a tough night for Selvidge. Given how well he is pitching in 2023, we can toss this one aside. Since his promotion: 3.95 ERA (27.1 IP, 23 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 28 K). Overall, Selvidge is up to 104.2 innings (he tossed 42.2 innings in 2022)
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 2.22 ERA (28.1 IP, 16 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 31 K)
LHP Clay Aguilar: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
3.13 ERA (31.2 IP, 27 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 47 K). Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020 (shortened COVID draft), Aguilar has pitched well. He did miss all of 2022 due to injury.
RHP Shane Gray: (W, 2-1) 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
A much-needed performance for Gray, who struggled in his first seven appearances at this level.

Tampa (54-57; 23-22 in the second half) (Destroyed Daytona, 10-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 BB, 3 K
Riggio has 11 walks in seven games since his promotion.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, RS, BB, K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
.267/.377/.485 in 363 solid plate appearances (14 doubles, 1 triple, 17 HR, 62 RBI, 57 R, 52 BB, 95 K)
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, 2 K
RF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RS, BB, 3 K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-5, 3B (1), RBI, RS, 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, 3 RS, BB
Palencia is 7-for-16 with four RBI and five runs scored at this level. He hit .271/.354/.314 in 79 FCL plate appearances.
3B Beau Brewer: 2-for-2, 2 RBI, 2 RS, 3 BB
Brewer continues his hot August (15-for-37; 11 BB, 4 K). He has walked six times in his last two games.
SS Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, HR (5), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
The 21-year-old has five HR in 15 games. He hit four homers in 57 games in 2021-2022.

RHP Hayden Merda: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 5 K
RHP Montana Semmel: (W, 2-0)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
Impressive night for the 21-year-old. He owns a 13/2 K/BB ratio in 12.1 IP at this level (3.65 ERA)
RHP Luis Arejula: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Low-A debut for the 21-year-old. He pitched to a 2.84 ERA in seven games down in the FCL.

FCL Yankees (30-21) (Lost a big game to the Phillies, 9-5. A win today and tomorrow would have resulted in a division title. A win tomorrow will still reduce the magic number to 1)

2B Keiner Delgado: 0-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K
.283/.400/.473 in 220 PA with more walks (31) than strikeouts (29). He is 28-for-33 stealing bases.
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB
.343/.395/.453 in 190 PA with 42 runs batted in. 
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, RBI, BB
17-for-45 (.378) with a 10/4 BB/K ratio. Jasso has reached base in 12 of his 13 games.
LF John Cruz: 0-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, K
Tejeda is on a 6-game hitting streak and is hitting .310/.465/.471 in 202 PA. He has 22 stolen bases in 28 attempts.
SS Hans Montero: 1-for-3, 3B (3), RS, BB
3B Dayro Perez: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, RS
C Edinson Duran: 1-for-4, RBI, K

RHP Jackson Fristoe (L, 1-3): 3.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
5.27 ERA (27.1 IP, 20 H, 16 R, 16 ER, 3 HR, 24 BB, 31 K)
LHP Allen Facundo: 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
2.37 ERA (30.1 IP, 20 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 40 K). Facundo hasn’t allowed a home run in 79 career innings.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
1.85 ERA (24.1 IP, 11 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 34 K). I will continue to hope that he will spend the last month of the season up in Tampa.
RHP Donys Garcia: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

DSL Yankees (31-17) (Lost to the 39-12 Pirates Gold squad, 10-0)

CF Andres Lacruz and LF Andry Javier (double) are the only two players to compile a hit this afternoon. Javier (19) is hitting .324/.495/.465 with 23 walks and 11 strikeouts. Lacruz (who added two walks to his single) is hitting .250/.432/.340 with 19 stolen bases in 21 attempts.

LHP Franyer Herrera: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
This is the first career start for Herrera (following ten relief appearances)

DSL Bombers (24-26) (Lost to DSL Colorado, 4-2)

2B Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-3, HR (7), 2 RBI, RS, BB
.300/.405/.538 in 153 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 26 RBI, 30 R, 20 BB, 33 K, 14-for-18 SB). A solid debut season for the 17-year-old.
CF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-3, BB, SB (17), CS (7)
We won’t worry about the SB% right now – I 100% agree with having Lara try to steal as often as possible while in the minors. If he makes it, stealing bases will be a part of his value. 

RHP Mariano Salomon (L, 3-3): 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
An impressive debut season includes a 3.13 ERA and 60/9 K/BB ratio over 46 innings. He is 21 years old.
RHP Christopher Medina: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K