Tag: Jorbit Vivas

Yankees MILB 9/24: Jacksonville Evens the Series

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Arizona Fall League Players

LHP Griffin Herring, traded to the Rockies in the Ryan McMahon deal, was named a finalist for Minor League Pitcher of the Year by MLB Pipeline.

In 23 starts, he pitched to a 1.89 ERA over 119.1 innings. In seven starts after being traded, he posted a 2.40 ERA in 30 innings with a 40.5% K and 11.2% BB. It’s a fascinating profile, as Herring’s strikeout rate spiked considerably, his ground ball rate crashed, and his walk rate stayed steady (slight increase) after joining the Rockies’ organization. Unless it is just small sample size noise, they apparently changed something in his approach.

Injury Log

Scranton (Lost to Jacksonville, 6-4.  The series is tied, 1-1, with the deciding game tomorrow night. Who will start for Scranton?  Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz is on four days rest. Sean Boyle would be on five days rest. In case you are wondering, Rodriguez-Cruz has pitched on four days rest five times this season. My assumption is that it will be Boyle.)

While lineups change constantly in the regular season, that isn’t always the case in the postseason. The only change in tonight’s lineup was Andrew Velazquez at shortstop instead of Braden Shewmake. 

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, SAC, BB
Vivas’ final regular-season home run was hit on June 11th.
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-2, R, 3 BB
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-3, 2B (1), R, 2 BB, K
  PR-LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-0
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
Jones had a chance to tie it with first-and-third and two outs in the 8th (it was 5-4 at the time), but struck out.
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
DH Brennen Davis: 1-for-4 2B (2), RBI, HBP, 3 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-5, 2 K
   PR Ismael Munguia: 0-for-0
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, R, K
  PH-SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-2

RHP Allan Winans: (L, 0-1)  3.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 HR
The unhittable Winans (against Triple-A teams, that is) throws up a clunker tonight.
RHP Jake Bird: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
I understand it is Triple-A, but Bird has 12 strikeouts in his last 5.2 innings.
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (73-65; 38-31 in the second half; lost in the first round of the playoffs)

Their season is over.

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 in the second half) 

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/19: Spencer Jones Doubles Twice

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Arizona Fall League Players

I have nothing to report.

Injury Log

Scranton (86-59; 48-25 in second half) (Clinched a playoff berth courtesy of a 10-2 win over Buffalo.)

This is Scranton’s first playoff appearance since 2019, and they haven’t won the International League Championship since 2016 (they also won the overall Triple-A Championship that season). They will take on Jacksonville in a 3-game series starting Tuesday. Because they need to get the series over as quickly as possible (so they can play the Triple-A Championship Game), they play Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday with all games in Jacksonville.  The PCL Championship Series will be between Tacoma and Las Vegas.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5, 2B (21), RBI, 3 R
Vivas has a 6-game hitting streak and has seven doubles this month (15 games).
C J.C. Escarra: 4-for-5, 2B (3), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (2)
Escarra’s fifth career 4-hit effort (first in 2025). He is hitting .294 with a .789 OPS at this level.
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-5, HR (32), 2 RBI, R, K
Rojas sets a new personal best for home runs in a season. His 105 RBI are two short of his best.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2 2B (15), 2 RBI, R, CS (4), BB, K
Jones, who extended his on-base streak to 21, remains two stolen bases shy of 30/30 with two games to play. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
Rumfield’s 38th multi-hit effort this season.
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-5, HR (15), 2 RBI, R, K
De La Cruz’s fifth home run this month.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 2-for-4, 2B (18), BB
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, 2B (12), K
RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, R

RHP Sean Boyle: (W, 9-9) 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K, HR
Last night, I gave a shoutout to Max Burt. Tonight, I will give one to Boyle, who has been with the organization since 2018 (25th round pick out of Dallas Baptist). Before an injury interupted his career, he looked like a sleeper prospect as he compiled a 1.99 ERA in 86 innings in 2021 and 3.71 ERA in 155.1 innings with a 160/34 K/BB in 2022. This year, he compiled a 4.61 ERA in 134.2 innings with a 120/51 K/BB. Will he be back next year? Hard to say as I believe he is a minor league free agent and a path to MLB is likely easier elsewhere.
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Yerry De los Santos: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Nice.

Somerset (73-65; 38-31 in the second half; lost in the first round of the playoffs)

Their season is over.

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 in the second half) 

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/18: Carlos Lagrange Ks 7

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Arizona Fall League Players

The Yankees and Rays completed the Jose Caballero transaction today, as the Bronx Bombers sent Low-A outfielder Marshall Toole to the Rays.

Toole feels like a Rays-type prospect, doesn’t he? In 2025, he hit .305/.406/.420 (148 wRC+) with 44 stolen bases in 50 attempts. He was first in the Florida State League in batting average and triples while finishing second in OBP, SLG, OPS, and wRC+. While center field was his primary position, he also saw time in the outfield corners.

Toole was neither on the Yankees’ Top 30 list before the trade nor the Rays’ Top 30 list after the trade. That said, if he is going to develop his tool set, Tampa seems like the organization for the type of player he is.

Often in trades like these, the teams agree to a list of players at the time of the trade, and one is chosen by a specified date. One famous Yankees’ story was the Texas Rangers choosing Joaquin Arias over Robinson Cano a few months after the Alex Rodriguez trade was announced. It made sense – Arias was a solid shortstop prospect, and a team will typically choose that over a second base prospect. It does show you how inexact the science can be.

The Rays ended up with a power prospect (Everson Pereira, who is now on the MLB roster) and Toole in exchange for Cabellero.  My viewpoint doesn’t change. It was a solid acquisition for the Yankees. Pereira wasn’t a part of their present, and Toole is typically not the type of prospect the Yankees utilize on the MLB roster. Brett Gardner was an exception to that rule.

Injury Log

Scranton (85-59; 47-25 in second half) (Lost to Buffalo, 2-0, in an uneventful afternoon affair.)

Syracuse won last night. Tonight, they are down, 4-1, in the 5th inning. If Lehigh Valley wins, Scranton will have a 3-game lead with three games to play. If my research earlier this week is correct, Syracuse would win a potential tiebreaker.

A reminder that, in Triple-A, there’s only one round of playoffs in each league. If Scranton wins the second half, they will play Jacksonville for the International League title. The winner of that series will play the winner of the Pacific Coast League in the Triple-A Championship Game (yes, only one game) in Las Vegas. Speaking of Las Vegas (ATH), they won the first half in the PCL and will likely play Tacoma (SEA) for the PCL Championship.

3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-2, 2B (20), 2 BB
.268/.390/.362 in 450 PA (20 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 56 R, 12-for-21 SB, 14.2% BB, 10% K). As someone pointed out to me earlier this season, Vivas is out of options next year. His ability to make contact will likely draw interest.
DH J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, BB
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2 K
Jones has a 20-game on-base streak (.256; 5 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 15 R, 8.2% BB, 51.8% K (not a typo)).  With Scranton: .273/.339/.555 in 289 PA (13 doubles, 1 triple, 19 HR, 46 RBI, 58 R, 18-for-21 SB, 8.3% BB, 37% K). Overall: .274/.360/.571 in 497 PA (21 doubles, 1 triple, 35 HR, 78 RBI, 100 R, 28-for-33 SB, 11.3% BB, 35.6% K).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Brennen Davis: 0-for-4, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
RF Duke Ellis: 0-for-3, SAC, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Joel Kuhnel (L, 4-2): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
1.80 ERA (50 IP, 25 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 29 BB, 58 K). We don’t have to wait much longer to see what the organization thinks of him. Do they add him to the 40-man roster to keep him away from the Rule 5 draft? Do they try to trade him before the Rule 5 draft? Or, do they leave him exposed? 
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Erick Leal: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Interesting that they went with four relief pitchers to start the afternoon and finished it off with three innings from a starter. 

Somerset (Lost to Binghamton, 5-4. Binghamton takes the series, 2-0. The Patriots fell behind, 5-0, but scored four runs in the 7th. That was the extent of their offense, however. There is no shame in admitting that they were outclassed by a team that won both halves. That doesn’t diminish their season, as you will see in the next paragraph.)

In the regular season, Somerset compiled a 73-65 mark (38-31 in the second half). Four of their top pitching prospects (Carlos Lagrange (#2), Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (#5), Ben Hess (#6), and Kyle Carr (#13)) joined Brock Selvidge (#10), who made it here last season, in a prospect-laden rotation. It feels like a century ago, but Cam Schlittler‘s 2025 journey also began here. Additionally, their top overall prospect (George Lombard Jr.) and a solid outfield prospect (Brendan Jones (#15)) made their presence known.

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 4 K
This isn’t the way Lombard Jr. wanted to go into the off-season, but there is no doubting the strides he made this season.
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, R, BB
Avina was another mid-season promotion from Hudson Valley. Their #25 prospect struggled in his first taste of this level, hitting .224/.314/.341 in 194 plate appearances.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, R, K
Jasso, unranked by Pipeline (not surprising), was a consistent performer for the Patriots. A 22-year-old hitting .257/.326/.400 (114 wRC+) in his first taste of Double-A shouldn’t be brushed off. He is at least worth a further look.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, R, BB, 3 K
DH Jackson Castillo: 2-for-3, RBI, R, BB
The undrafted free agent (2023) went 4-for-7 in two postseason games after going 11-for-35 (.314/.405/.457) in 18 regular-season September contests. The left-handed bat is 22 years old.
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, RBI, K
2B Max Burt: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
A shoutout to Burt, the 29-year-old organizational utility player who has been with the franchise since 2018 (28th round pick out of Northeastern). Whether he will return next season is unknown, but his longevity suggests that the organization values something about him. That doesn’t mean they think he is an MLB player…
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, SAC

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 0-1)  5 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
It’s odd to see Lagrange get hit around a bit, since it’s typically a lack of control that gets him in trouble. That does not diminish his campaign, as he placed himself firmly in the conversation for best pitching prospect in the system. MLB Pipeline thinks so, due to the overpowering stuff that one expects from a pitcher of his size. Work is still needed on control, but a healthy Lagrange is likely to make his debut in 2026.
RHP Zach Messinger: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
The 25-year-old found some traction as a reliever, but is unlikely to be protected this winter.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
In his first action since 2022, Coleman pitched to a 1.59 ERA in 17 regular-season games (17 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 15 K). Whether it is with the Yankees or elsewhere, Coleman making it to the big leagues would be a nice story. 
RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 second half) 

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/7: George Lombard Jr.: 2 Doubles

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

“What happens when the season ends?”

I will provide some content, but not every day.

I will update the popular “Where are they now?” post.  There will be a lot of new players to add to that. I will do a season recap. I don’t report on the Arizona Fall League every day (if you think people take minor league stats too seriously (include me on that list if you wish), the Arizona Fall League is ripe with overanalysis. However, I will provide updates from time to time.)

We are a while away from that, however. Hudson Valley and Tampa finished up today, but Scranton and Somerset still have games to play.

Injury Log

Scranton (81-54; 43-20 in second half) (Split a doubleheader against Worcester)

Syracuse lost to fall four games back.  Others: Toledo (6 back), Indianapolis (7 back), Lehigh Valley (7.5 back). The season ends on September 21st. Lehigh Valley can make Scranton nervous with a sweep this week.

Game 1 (Lost, 6-5)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5, 2B (17), R
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-2, CS (1), 2 BB, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, R, SB (13), K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, HR (8), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, SF, RBI
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-3, R, BB
Since promotion: .231/.329/.323 in 76 PA. Overall, in 421 plate appearances, he is hitting .227/.323/.367 with 12 home runs and 55 RBI. It is important to follow Martinez due to the lack of catching in the system. There are only three catchers ahead of him on the current depth chart (Austin Wells, Ben Rice, J.C. Escarra).
LF Duke Ellis: 2-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
.349/.394/.500 in 168 Triple-A plate appearances. He also has 33 stolen bases in 40 attempts.

RHP Erick Leal: 3.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Yerry De los Santos: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kervin Castro (L, 4-1): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
It’s rare to see Castro not shut things down, as Worcester scored two in the bottom of the 7th to win it. He owns a 1.69 ERA in 42.2 IP (24 H, 12 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 19 BB, 50 K)

Game 2 (Won, 5-0)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, 2B (18), R
“Vivas Doubles” (OK, that isn’t quite as catchy as Miggy Doubles) has swatted six two-baggers in his last ten games. He has five multi-hit efforts in his last eight games.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, 2B (31), RBI
Maybe Rumfield is getting past his struggles. This is his 10th 3+-hit game this season.
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, BB, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (12), RBI, 3 K
Jones goes 2-for-8 with a double and five strikeouts in the doubleheader. He has hit safely in nine of his last 11 games but is only 10-for-44 with 28 strikeouts during this stretch.
DH Brennen Davis: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, HR (12), RBI, R
  LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-0
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-2, R, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-2, HR (5), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
C Edinson Duran: 2-for-3, R, K
Duran’s first multi-hit game since June 1, 2024. As stated, he doesn’t get to play often.

RHP Sean Boyle: 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.79 ERA (124 IP, 118 H, 73 R, 66 ER, 15 HR, 43 BB, 115 K)
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: (W, 3-1)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
If you do the Sporcle quiz after the season, remember that Sandridge had a cup of coffee with the big club this year!
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (70-62; 35-28 in the second half) (Defeated New Hampshire, 9-4. When you are given a not-so-good opponent, take advantage. The Patriots did just that, sweeping the 6-game series.)

Hartford lost and is now 3.5 games back. Portland lost and is 5.5 games out. A 3-3 finish prevents Hartford from overtaking them. Portland is on life support.

Somerset ends the season against Reading. Reading’s season hasn’t been much better than New Hampshire’s.

CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (12), R, 2 SB (21), BB, K
Jones ties Marshall Toole for the organization’s stolen base lead (44). Given that Toole and Juan Matheus played their final 2025 games today, it seems likely that Jones will take the crown. He is hitting .243/.364/.420 in 308 PA since his promotion and .240/.358/.396 in 517 plate appearances overall. 
3B George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, 2 2B (22), RBI, 2 R, BB, K
Including his time with Hudson Valley, Lombard Jr. has 30 doubles and 33 stolen bases. He has hit safely in six of his last seven games (8-for-26; 4 doubles, 1 HR, 6 RBI). 
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-3, 2B (23), HR (19), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
Hardman has a week to join this year’s 20 HR club (Spencer Jones, Jose Rojas, Dillon Lewis).
DH Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-5, RBI, 2 R
Castillo is looking to finish strongly. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-15; 1 double, 1 HR, 3 BB, 1 K) that has improved his Double-A triple slash from .130/.216/.217 to .230/.319/.361.
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-5, R
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI, R, BB, K
We all know the catching depth took a hit at the deadline. It opened up playing time for the 23-year-old Palencia, who hit for a high average in the rookie leagues (.306 in 123 DSL/FCL contests) and Low-A (.290 in 39 games). I wouldn’t label him a prospect, but he fills in well.
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (W, 4-3): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
Since promotion: 2.56 ERA (56.1 IP, 40 H, 19 R, 16 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 67 K). Overall: 10-7, 2.38 ERA (140 IP, 92 H, 46 R, 37 ER, 3 HR, 54 BB, 166 K). Rodriguez-Cruz pushes back ahead of Carlos Lagrange (163 strikeouts) for the organization’s strikeout crown. Each pitcher should get one start next week. I don’t want to read too much into the insanely low home run rate, but it’s better than giving them up in bushels!
RHP Hayden Merda: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 2.84 ERA (6.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 9 K). 
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
5.09 ERA (53 IP, 59 H, 31 R, 30 ER, 6 HR, 8 BB, 53 K).  Second half: 2.54 ERA (28.1 IP, 29 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 1 BB, 26 K)
RHP Kelly Austin: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
LHP Will Brian (S, 2): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Things became a bit dicey in the 9th, but Brian shut it down.

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 second half) (Lost to Greensboro, 4-1)

Hudson Valley entered this week needing to go 5-1 against Greensboro to win the second-half crown. They end up going 4-2.  Their .612 overall winning percentage is impressive. It’s the second-best winning percentage in the South Atlantic League (behind Greensboro), but you must win a half to get to the playoffs, and they couldn’t pull it off.

A great season for the Renegades comes up just short.  Their season was highlighted by many prospects who leaped to Somerset (George Lombard Jr., Brendan Jones, Jace Avina, Jackson Castillo, Ben Hess, Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz, Carlos Lagrange, Kyle Carr).

3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, BB
Matheus ends the season on an 8-game hitting streak (14-for-31; .452). After his promotion: .287/.381/.398 in 126 PA. Overall, between here and Tampa, he hit .275/.365/.376 in 520 PA (32 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 56 RBI, 61 R, 40-for-51 SB (78.4%), 12.3% BB, 18.5% K). Reps are important for prospects, and Matheus finishes 4th in the organization in plate appearances. While he played 2B (rarely)/SS/3B this season, he only played third base after his promotion.
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-2, R, SB (13), 2 BB
After his promotion: .228/.320/.426 in 332 PA. Overall, like Matheus, he received a lot of reps (527 PA), hitting .237/.321/.445 (21 doubles, 5 triples, 22 HR, 79 RBI, 72 R, 26-for-28 SB, 10.2% BB, 23.5% K).  One impressive part about his campaign was the reduction in strikeouts upon his promotion (from 28.2% to 20.8%). 
2B Core Jackson: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
As we know, drafting Jackson turned into a controversial decision. He didn’t do much hitting (.183/.287/.280 in 108 PA with seven doubles and a triple).
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 2 K
The team’s second-half lineup was different than the first half, as 2025 draftees started to filter into the lineup alongside Matheus and Lewis. Moylan, a 23-year-old in his second campaign at this level, had a big second half to help keep the Renegades in the playoff race.
SS Kaeden Kent: 2-for-4, RBI
Speaking of 2025 draftees, Jeff Kent‘s son hit .186/.217/.265 in 116 PA (2 doubles, 2 HR, 17 RBI). Included in that stat line was an impressive 5-for-5 day on August 27th.
RF Camden Troyer: 1-for-3, BB, K
Their 12th-round pick goes 19-for-75 (.253/.356/.320) with a pair of doubles and a home run. He walked 12 times while striking out 13 times.
DH Connor McGinnis: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
An 0-for-5 finish knocked the 10th-round pick’s average below .200 (.196/.297/.250). His (brief) season included a 6-game hitting streak.
  PH-DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-1
Seen as a power prospect entering the season, Urena struggled for Tampa/Hudson Valley, hitting .198/.318/.305 in 490 PA (17 doubles, 9 HR, 46 RBI, 62 R, 13.3% BB, 19.2% K). The strikeout rate is solid, and his .231 BABIP indicates some bad luck. 2026 will be a key season.
C John Cristino: 0-for-4, 3 K
The 25-year-old was signed to a minor league contract in March and predictably destroyed the FCL. Life wasn’t as easy here (.167/.233/.258 in 21 games).
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-4
Chosen in the Triple-A phase of the Rule 5 draft (Cleveland), Durango battled injuries (only played in 45 games). In 40 games here, he showed off on-base skills (.351 OBP) and speed (17 stolen bases), but little pop (.268 SLG). You can’t expect a full package from a minor league Rule 5 pick!

RHP Brandon Decker: (L, 2-2)  5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
Decker wiggled his way through five today after tossing five shutout innings against Greensboro on Tuesday. At this level: 4.26 ERA (31.2 IP, 25 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 39 K). Overall, he finishes his first season with a 3.61 ERA in 84.2 innings (75 H, 43 R, 34 ER, 3 HR, 42 BB, 92 K).
RHP Chris Kean: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The 23-year-old finishes with a 3.48 ERA in 41.1 innings (35 H, 18 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 37 K). He was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
RHP Jack Cebert: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
Cebert hadn’t allowed a run in his (very) brief career before today (6.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 1 BB, 11 K). He was their 15th-round pick this year.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Warrecker’s impressive campaign (assuming he doesn’t go to Somerset) comes to an end with a 2.05 ERA in 57 innings (35 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 61 K). Used as a starter in all 19 of his 2024 appearances (5.79 ERA in 65.1 innings with a 46/30 K/BB), the Yankees put him in the bullpen this season, and he flourished. He will go to Somerset in 2026, where we will see just how viable he is as a relief prospect. This was step 1.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

The drama of whether they will finish above or below .500 ends with the worst plot twist since the ending of How I Met Your Mother. Today’s game against Clearwater was canceled, so they finished at .500 on the nose!

Outfielder Marshall Toole finishes the season as the only qualified Florida State League player over .300, hitting .305/.406/.479 (148 wRC+; yes, this can change depending on what happens elsewhere today, but it wouldn’t change by much.) with 14 doubles, 13 triples, five home runs, 48 RBI, 66 runs, and 44 stolen bases in 50 attempts. Additionally, he walked 14% of the time while striking out at a 19.6% rate.  Last year’s 15th-round pick will find himself in Hudson Valley in 2026.

First-round pick Dax Kilby adjusted quickly to professional baseball, hitting .353/.457/.441 (159 wRC+) in 18 games. He walked more than he struck out (13 – 11) while stealing 16 bases in 17 attempts. He didn’t play any other position than shortstop, but don’t read into that. We have no idea what the Yankees think when it comes to future position, but they will keep him at shortstop for as long as possible. Other positions can be learned.  As for 2026, he will likely start the season here. George Lombard Jr. didn’t move up to Hudson Valley until halfway through his second campaign. No two prospects are alike, but why wouldn’t he follow a similar path?  Meanwhile, Jackson Lovich‘s stay was short-lived due to an injury, but he went 14-for-22 with four doubles and two triples.

On the flip side, Roderick Arias‘ prospect status is likely in the trash bin. After a decent 2024 campaign at this level (.233/.335/.393; 111 wRC+), Arias crashed and burned to the tune of .208/.325/.315 (89 wRC+). His walk rate climbed while his strikeout rate fell. That means little.  This was his second full season in Low-A, and he failed. His only trade market value is as a sweetener for a team that will buy low on a project.

On the pitching side, RHP Greysen Carter showed off his elite fastball and not-so-elite control before ending his season in the FCL. He will be a fun project for the player development team.

Relievers Chris Veach (2.53 ERA; 30.5% K) and Cade Austin (3.08 ERA; 25.1% K) spent the entire season here, as did Jack Sokol, who relies more on groundballs (54.1%) than strikeouts (19.7%).

They likely did enough to start 2026 in Hudson Valley. LHP Allen Facundo caught my attention with his velocity after his promotion here. He pitched to a 2.14 ERA (3.07 FIP) in 33.1 innings with a 26.5% K and 10.6% BB. LHP Henry Lalane was hurt most of the season, making six late starts (only 16.1 innings). Hopefully, he can be healthy for the full 2026 campaign. Potential won’t be realized from the injured list.

Most prospects don’t “stick” here for a full season. Outfielder Dillon Lewis lasted 46 games (after playing 14 games in 2024) before being bumped to Hudson Valley.

The “fun” story for 2025 was the repackaging of Antonio Gomez. Once considered one of the best all-around catching prospects in the system, the Yankees converted him into a pitcher. He was pumping 100 MPH+ fastballs upon making his debut, but didn’t last long before ending up on the Injured List. Hopefully, they shut him down due to a minor ailment rather than a serious issue.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/2: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: 6 Shutout Innings

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Nothing to report. Maybe they move someone from Hudson Valley to Somerset for the final week of the Double-A season, but, for the most part, I wouldn’t expect newsworthy items over the final few weeks.

Injury Log

Scranton (78-52; 40-18 in second half) (Outlasted Worcester, 8-7. The Railriders were down, 5-0, entering the top of the 6th. A 7-run 7th inning was the key to the comeback.)

Syracuse lost, so Scranton owns a 4-game lead over the Mets for the second-half crown. Toledo also lost, so they are five games out. The season ends on September 21.

LF Austin Slater: 1-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
Slater still has yet to play a full game in the field. For now, J.C. Escarra is with the big club.
   PH-LF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-1, 2B (11)
2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5, 2B (15), 3 RBI, R, K
Vivas has five 3-RBI efforts this season. 
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, 2B (10), 2 RBI, 4 K
A big 2-run double in the middle of his four-strikeout night.
DH Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, RBI, R, HBP, 2 K
   PR-DH Duke Ellis: 0-for-0
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, R, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, R, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, 3B (4), RBI, R, K

RHP Sean Boyle: 4 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: (W, 2-1) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3.80 ERA (21.1 IP, 16 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 3 HR, 20 BB, 31 K)
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
At this level: 1.88 ERA (24 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 24 K)
RHP Kervin Castro: (S, 4) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (65-62; 30-28 in second half) (Shut down New Hampshire, 1-0)

Hartford (0.5 games back) and Portland (1.5 games back) also won.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
Jones has a 14.9% walk rate since his promotion. 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, 2B (19), RBI, SB (20), K
With two outs in the bottom of the 8th, Jones drew a walk, followed by a Lombard Jr. double to score the game’s only run.  
LF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3
RF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3
Castillo has a big extra-inning home run on his Double-A resume, but it has otherwise been a struggle (7-for-49; 1 double, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R, 4 BB, 14 K)
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, K
2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-3

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
For Somerset: 2.81 ERA (51.1 IP, 38 H, 19 R, 16 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 59 K). Overall, the 22-year-old owns a 2.47 ERA in 135 innings (90 H, 46 R, 37 ER, 3 HR, 53 BB, 158 K).  Rodriguez-Cruz slowed down in his previous three starts (11 runs in 13.1 innings, though the strikeout rate was still strong), so it is nice to see him bounce back tonight.
RHP Baron Stuart (W, 1-2): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Carson Coleman (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Not the most important number ever, but Coleman is 26-for-30 (86.7%) converting saves in his minor league career.

Hudson Valley (76-48; 38-22 second half) (Shut down Greensboro, 4-0)

I missed a half-game somewhere. Instead of pulling within two games of Greensboro’s lead, Hudson Valley is now 2.5 games out with five games to go. Does it matter?  No. They will still need to go 4-1 the rest of the week to take the second-half championship.

3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (2), BB, K
At this level: .239/.356/.352 in 104 PA (14.4% BB; 19.2% K).
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4
2B Core Jackson: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Kaeden Kent: 1-for-4, R
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, R
As noted previously, Urena has been struggling since his promotion. This is his first multi-hit game as a member of the Renegades. Let’s see if he can finish off the season with a little hot streak.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
RF Camden Troyer: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
DH Connor McGinnis: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
8-for-44 (.182) with six walks and 14 strikeouts.
LF Luis Durango: 1-for-2, SAC, BB

RHP Brandon Decker: (W, 2-1)  5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K
4.39 ERA (26.2 IP, 22 H, 14 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 34 K). A clutch performance by the 23-year-old.
RHP Brady Kirtner: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.68 ERA (47 IP, 34 H, 17 R, 14 ER, 1 HR, 25 BB, 56 K)
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
For Hudson Valley: 2.45 ERA (36.2 IP, 15 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 0 HR, 24 BB, 51 K). 

Tampa (60-62; 24-33 in the second half) (Lost to Clearwater, 6-5, in ten innings)

This officially eliminates them from the second-half title chase. The season ends on Sunday.

SS Dax Kilby: 2-for-4, 3B (2), RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (12), 2 BB
Kilby has caught on quickly to Low-A. The 18-year-old is hitting .333 (18-for-54) with a pair of doubles and triples to go along with his 12-for-13 stolen base rate. Additionally, he has more walks (10) than strikeouts (6) and has multiple hits in seven of his last nine games. Will he start 2026 in High-A? I doubt it, but a quick promotion is possible.
3B Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, RBI, BB, K
2025 will likely be remembered as a lost season for Arias. It may also end his prospect status.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, RBI, R, BB
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-5, RBI, SB (43), K
I hope he can maintain his .300 average in the final week. He has some cushion (.307). He is 43-for-49 stealing bases.
LF Eric Genther: 1-for-2, 2B (4), 2 BB
DH Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, SB (5), 2 BB, K
Bonomolo tied the game in the top of the 9th with a walk.
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-5, 3 K
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, R, SB (13)
   PH Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-1
   C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-0, HBP

RHP Edinzo Marquez: 4 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 0 K
RHP Josh Tiedemann: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Mendoza has some life on his fastball, reaching 97.2 MPH (averaged 95.6). He also flashed an impressive sinker that reached 96 MPH.
RHP Chris Veach: (L, 2-4)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/30: Brendan Beck Strikes out 9

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

A question I received last night was about Hans Montero and Willy Montero and their prospect status.

Hans is one of the most expensive players in the system. He cost $1.7M and was handed the organization’s highest signing bonus in 2021. Montero was signed as a shortstop but hasn’t played there in 2025 (only two starts there in 2024). It’s never a good thing when an organization takes a player away from a premium position. Can he still make it as a multi-position player? I don’t rule anything out for a player as young as he is. He is hitting better in Tampa this year than he did last, but is still repeating the same level.

Willy doesn’t have the big bonus attached to him. Last night, I mentioned that power isn’t his thing (he hit his first home run of the season).  That is the issue because Montero’s power was often cited as one of his better attributes. In 2023, as an 18-year-old, he put his name on the map with a .331/.389/.436 campaign for the FCL squad. His stint in Low-A Tampa hasn’t been kind. Entering tonight, in 159 games, he was hitting .253/.314/.353 with 28 doubles and 8 home runs for Tampa.

A third Montero (Fidel Montero) was a mid-range international signing who lasted four seasons in the organization (2021-2024) before being released. The White Sox signed him and turned him into a pitcher.

A new Montero has also entered the chat. Estivenzon Montero is an 18-year-old outfielder with a .268/.375/.451 line in 77 DSL games. We should see him in the FCL in 2026.

That’s the Montero Update you never asked for.

Injury Log

Scranton (77-51; 39-17 in second half) (Lost to Syracuse, 2-0. Syracuse is now four games back in the second-half title race.)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-3, BB
It’s been an interesting month for Vivas, who is drawing walks (21; .392 OBP) but has shown little power (four doubles; .290 SLG). Unless he is about to go on a strikeout binge, he is likely to end his Scranton campaign with more walks (he has 57) than strikeouts (38). While he didn’t hit much in his first taste of MLB, his strikeout rate was reasonable (19.7%).
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, BB
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Jones is hitting .278/.347/.582 in 222 plate appearances for Scranton. There is no hiding that he hasn’t been good in August (.178/.250/.308 with 45 strikeouts and nine walks. His strikeout rate this month is 37.5%).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, 2 K
Rumfield is down to .290/.380/.465 in 518 PA. A solid season, obviously – just not quite where he was earlier this month.
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, K
LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K

RHP Brendan Beck (L, 7-2): 7 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, HR
This is what you call a tough-luck loss. Beck, who pitched seven innings for the first time in his career, owns a 4.26 ERA in 61.1 innings since his promotion (47 H, 29 R, 29 ER, 12 HR, 17 BB, 53 K) and owns a 105/29 K/BB over 115.2 innings overall. As stated many times, Beck doesn’t throw hard for a modern pitcher (he can dial it up into the 93-94 range). If he can stay healthy, a bottom-of-the-rotation innings eater is somewhere he can settle in.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
A rare hiccup for Cohen.

Somerset (64-61; 29-27 in second half) (Lost to Binghamton, 2-1)

Hartford lost to Portland, so both teams are 1.5 games behind Somerset in the race for a playoff berth.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
The batting average isn’t there this month, but he has shown off some pop (6 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR) and patience (19 walks). 
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 2 K
Jasso has hit safely in eight of his last nine games.
CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (11), R, 2 K
Jones is at .250/.357/.436 in 280 PA at this level. He had a .362 SLG for Hudson Valley. 
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, 3B (4), RBI, BB, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
SS Jake Gatewood: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 5-6)  3.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 6 K
Lagrange can be an adventure at times. He owns a 3.74 ERA in 67.1 innings at this level, which is fine, as are the 89 strikeouts. The issue? 47 walks.  I would place him somewhere on the 2026 depth chart but work is needed.
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
5.29 ERA (51 IP, 58 H, 31 R, 30 ER, 6 HR, 8 BB, 50 K). His BABIP is an elevated .356 and he continues to show off impeccable control.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (74-48; 36-22 second half) (Lost to Brooklyn, 5-4)

Greensboro lost and owns a 3-game lead over Hudson Valley for the second-half title. It would be nice to cut it to two games heading into next week’s season-ending series, but they definitely don’t want it to be four.

DH Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, HR (13), RBI, R, 2 K
Lewis is hitting .242/.328/.457 at this level.  Since coming up to Hudson Valley, he isn’t showing any major split advantage (.246/.321/.469 vs. RHP and .242/.346/.451 vs. LHP)
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, BB, K
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-5, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-5, R, K
Moylan has three multi-hit efforts in his last four games. After a tough start to his campaign, he hit .281/.387/.422 in July and is hitting .272/.378/.420 in August.
   PR Owen Cobb: 0-for-0
CF Camden Troyer: 0-for-3, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
The 23-year-old hasn’t shown much pop in his first 15 professional games, but does have a .350 OBP.
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-4, K
2B Connor McGinnis: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, 2 K
McGinnis earns his first professional extra-base hit (7-for-41).
RF Robbie Burnett: 1-for-4, RBI, K
C John Cristino: 1-for-4, 2B (3), 3 K

RHP Andrew Landry: (L, 2-4) 6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
At this level: 4.58 ERA (37.1 IP, 29 H, 19 R, 19 ER, 2 HR, 23 BB, 31 K). For Tampa, he owned a 4.59 ERA in 68.2 innings.
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (60-61; 24-32 in the second half) (Defeated Bradenton, 9-4. They are making a strong run at .500)

Tampa’s season ends on September 7th.

SS Dax Kilby: 0-for-4, R, BB
Kilby has reached base safely in 11 straight games.
3B Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, K
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, 2 R, HBP, K
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-3, 2 R, BB
Toole is hitting .309 with a .902 OPS. Last five games: 9-for-20.
2B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-4, 2B (2), 3 RBI, R
Martin-Grudzielanek has been productive (14 RBI in 19 games). He has hit well with RISP in his brief career.
LF Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 0-for-3, RBI, R, BB
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, RBI, R, SB (5), HBP, K
1B Hans Montero: 1-for-2, HR (10), 3 RBI, R, SB (23), BB, K
Well, if Hans wants to have nights like these, he will jump back on the radar. This is his first career double-digit home run campaign.

LHP Henry Lalane: 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
1.88 ERA (14.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 16 K)
RHP Sunayro Martina: 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
LHP Franyer Herrera: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 8.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K
RHP Ty Boudreau: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 7/8: Carlos Lagrange Ks 8

Notes:

RHP Cade Smith, ranked 14th in the organization by Pipeline, made a rehab appearance for the FCL yesterday. He went two perfect innings, striking out three.

Last season, in 93.2 innings between Tampa and Hudson Valley (8 innings), Smith went 6-7 with a 3.65 ERA (3.37 FIP). 42.8% GB, 30.6% K, and 11.1% BB. He was drafted in the 6th round in the 2023 draft out of Mississippi State.

OF Everson Pereira being pulled from tonight’s lineup in Scranton is interesting, only because the Yankees are (obviously) in the third base and bullpen markets. Most of the time, this is just a way for people on Twitter to get impressions by making you think a trade is imminent. It could be a trade. It could be an injury. It could be an illness. It could be a mistake in the original lineup. It could be that he is about to be summoned to MLB for some reason. Have fun with it, but don’t automatically think a trade is imminent.

As for the debut of RHP Cam Schlittler, I like the move. At the very least, he will get his feet wet in MLB, which I find more valuable than going with Carlos Carrasco. How will he do? We know he throws hard. We know that one concern was his ability to command pitches. I never expect much from rookie pitchers, but he has the swing-and-miss stuff that intrigues and can get through an order a few times. Either way, whether he sticks for a while or not, it will be a learning experience.

Injury Log

Scranton (47-37) (Defeated Buffalo, 5-2)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 3-for-4, RBI, BB, K
Vivas has seven 3-hit efforts this season. He is hitting .285/.408/.394 in 242 PA with more walks (34) than strikeouts (23).
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB
Rodriguez is 7-for-23 with seven walks in July. 
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, SB (3), 2 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 13-for-35 (3 doubles, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R, 3-for-3 SB, 8 BB, 14 K). We focus on the power (11 doubles, 20 HR) and the strikeouts, but we shouldn’t ignore the 40 walks in 58 games.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-5, K
DH Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
Candelario’s Scranton debut. 
2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-4, K
LF Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2 2B (20), R, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, R, SB (20)
RF Ismael Munguia: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (20), K
.231/.304/.314 in 259 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 33 R, 20-for-25 SB). This is his first career 20+ SB season.

RHP Carlos Carrasco: (W, 1-2)  5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 8 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 7 K. 13 of his 18 pitches tonight were cutters, and he generated four whiffs on six swings with that pitch. His 4-seamer sits comfortably in the low 90s.
RHY Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.71 ERA (34 IP, 21 H, 14 R, 14 ER, 4 HR, 37 BB, 35 K). He’s done a decent job of preventing runs lately, but we need to see a consistent run of good control. By the way, he reached 96.2 MPH with his 4-seamer (averaged 94.9).
RHP Joel Kuhnel (S, 3): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
First save as a member of the Yankees’ organization (had two for Lehigh Valley this year).

Somerset (43-39) (Defeated New Hampshire, 5-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, R
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4
Riggio is 10-for-25 in July (4 doubles, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 4 BB, 2 K)
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (15), RBI, R
Flores is third in the Eastern League in HR, behind Ryan Clifford (Binghamton) and former teammate Spencer Jones.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-3, 2 R, BB
CF Brendan Jones: 3-for-4, 2 2B (7), RBI, R
Jones is 8-for-22 with three doubles in July. He has seven doubles in 27 games since his promotion. 
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, 2B (3), SF, 3 RBI, K
Martinez is 8-for-34 with three doubles, a homer, and five RBI since his promotion.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, HBP, BB
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 8 K
Since promotion: 4.40 ERA (30.2 IP, 20 H, 15 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 42 K). Pure talent. Between here and Hudson Valley, he owns a 106/33 K/BB over 72.1 innings. Yes, his BB rate has risen considerably since his promotion. That does not shock me.
RHP Luis Pacheco (W, 2-0): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (48-32) (Defeated Asheville, 7-6)

CF Jace Avina: 3-for-4, 2 HR (6), 4 RBI, 2 R, K
One of the homers was a lead-off blast. This is his fourth career 2-HR game (last one was in 2023) and he is on a 6-game hitting streak (9-for-22). He is hitting .294/.406/.476.
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, SB (5), BB
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-4, SB (13), K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, R, CS (1), BB, 2 K
Castillo is now 14-for-15 stealing bases. He is 8-for-24 (.333) with three walks and five strikeouts in July.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, R
Vargas increases his hitting streak to 16 (this was his 8th straight 1-hit game). He is 23-for-59 (.390) during the streak.
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, CS (4), HBP, K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, R, K
DH Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, HR (4), 3 RBI, R, K
Moylan is on a bit of a run (10-for-28 with two homers in his last eight games). 
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, R, 2 K

RHP Ben Hess: 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K
In his third start back, Hess tossed 53 pitches. He owns a 4.20 ERA in 49.1 IP (32 H, 27 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 31 BB, 72 K). Missing bats, missing the strike zone. There is plenty of time to work on the latter.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Sebastian Keane (W, 5-0): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
3.32 ERA (19 IP, 13 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 22 K). His stay in Somerset was short-lived (one game), so it was likely a “need” thing.

Tampa (43-37) (Lost to Lakeland, 10-5)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, HBP, BB, K
RF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, 3B (5), R, 2 BB
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, K
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-2
In the inning before he was pulled, Urena was wiped off the basepaths due to a line drive double play. Hopefully, no injury occurred on that play. I will let others try to tell you that the Yankees are packaging Pereira and Urena for a random superstar.
   C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R, HBP
The presence of Perez and Urena hasn’t allowed Gonzalez to get much time behind the plate (5 games, 1 start).
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, R, HBP
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 3B (1), 2 RBI, R
Montero’s rehab stint is over.
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-4, BB
Since promotion: 1-for-12 with a stolen base, four walks, and only one strikeout.
1B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, BB
2B Owen Cobb: 2-for-4, 3B (3), RBI

RHP Gage Ziehl: (L, 4-4)  5 IP, 10 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
4.08 ERA (68.1 IP, 70 H, 39 R, 31 ER, 6 HR, 11 BB, 57 K). He’s pitched well lately, so we’ll toss this one aside.
LHP Tanner Bauman: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Justin Lange: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

FCL (23-24) (Defeated the FCL Blue Jays, 4-2. By the way, the regular season ends on July 24th)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-2, SB (6), BB, 2 K
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-2, K
Tejeda has played 2B/SS/3B in his career (one game in LF).
1B John Cristino: 2-for-2, 3B (1), RBI, 2 R, HBP
Cristino continues to beat up FCL competition. He is hitting .323/.397/.538 in 73 plate appearances and will hopefully make his way to Tampa after the FCL season ends (at the latest).
2B Luis Escudero: 2-for-3, HR (2), 3 RBI, R, CS (5)
.223/.338/.317 in 151 PA (23 BB, 21 K, 12-for-17 SB)

RHP Jose Martinez: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

DSL Yankees (12-15) (Lost to the DSL Tigers, 13-1)

SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-3
Since the rookie leagues are the only leagues in action, I tend to skip Monday reports. Of course, Cedeno had one of his better games yesterday (2-for-4, 3 runs, 2 BB). That temporarily moved his average over .200. After today, he’s hitting .195/.374/.247.
CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3
Vilorio has reached base safely in 21 of his 22 games (14 straight).
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-1, 2 BB, K
.314/.444/.571 in 90 PA. He has reached base safely in 21 of his 22 games (20 straight).
LF Estivenzon Montero: 2-for-2, 2 2B (3), RBI, BB
.338/.427/.549 in 82 PA (3 doubles, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 10 R, 5-for-7 SB, 12.2% BB, 29.3% K). Montero (18) is having a solid year in his second tour at this level.

RHP Enixon Sanchez (L, 0-2): 3.1 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
3.00 ERA (21 IP, 21 H, 11 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 18 BB, 29 K). The 18-year-old hasn’t allowed a home run in his first 50 professional innings.

DSL Bombers (13-13) (Outscored the DSL Cardinals, 10-9)

SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-5, RBI, R, CS (4), K
.286/.469/.357 in 98 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 18 R, 13-for-17 SB, 24.5% BB, 19.4% K). He is on a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-17).
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-4, 2B (4), R, SB (10), BB, K
.216/.310/.432 in 100 PA (4 doubles, 3 triples, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 15 R, 10-for-13 SB)
2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-4, 2 R, SB (16)
Reyes is 16-for-17 stealing bases in 19 games.
RF Jose Castro: 0-for-2, 2 R, SB (2), 2 BB, K
3B Juan Torres: 3-for-5, 2B (4), 3 RBI, 3 R
The 17-year-old records his first career 3-hit game.
DH Remy Veldhuisen: 3-for-5, 2B (3), 2 RBI, K
Veldhuisen’s 7th multi-hit game. He had a 4-hit game on 7/5.
LF Richard Meran: 2-for-4, R, BB, 2 K

RHP Alexander Almonte: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
3.32 ERA (21.2 IP, 16 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 23 K). In 14 DSL starts, the 18-year-old owns a 3.42 ERA in 47.1 IP (36 H, 25 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 22 BB, 49 K)

Yankees MILB 6/22: Another Strong Effort for Griffin Herring

Notes:

I have concluded that we aren’t receiving accurate roster updates from Hudson Valley. Today, they announced that OF Jace Avina was activated off the injured list. The problem? From what I can find, it was never announced that he was ever on the list.

Keep that in mind while you wonder what the heck happened to RHP Ben Hess (last year’s first-round pick ), who hasn’t pitched since the end of May, and infielder Parks Harber. There is a good chance that both are currently on the injured list. We just haven’t been told about it.

By the way, I am not complaining. They don’t have to tell us anything. But I assume they have to submit the transactions, so perhaps it is milb.com that is missing in action.

What do we know? That RHP Brendan Beck has been promoted to Scranton. RHP Allan Winans, who was promoted to the Yankees to take LHP Ryan Yarbrough‘s spot in the rotation, was scheduled to pitch today. Beck took his place. Is this permanent? Unknown. I don’t think Jesus Rodriguez‘s promotion was supposed to be permanent, but he forced the issue.

Either way, Beck earned this chance by posting a 1.82 ERA (2.54 FIP) over 54.1 innings. He owns a 24.8% K, 5.7% BB, and 37.2% GB.

Injury Log

Scranton (38-34) (Defeated Louisville, 3-2)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, 2B (8), 2 RBI, SB (8)
.306/.420/.442 in 183 PA (8 doubles, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 28 R, 8-for-13 SB, 13.1% BB, 7.1% K). Vivas had a 20.8% K in his brief MLB tenure.
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, BB, K
.246/.340/.470 in 212 PA. What do I think of his MLB chances? He has the power to hit home runs at the big league level. I am confident there.  I am skeptical about his swing-and-miss, and there is a fine line between a player who develops into an everyday player vs. someone like Bryan De La Cruz.
DH-1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4
.278/.366/.474 in 268 PA. As I often say, the Yankees seemingly don’t have faith in his ability to play in the big leagues (and nobody else bit during the Rule 5 draft). However, I expect him to get a shot in MLB.
LF Brennen Davis: 0-for-1, K
Davis was taken out of the game after a play in left field to close out the third inning.
  PH-LF Ismael Munguia: 2-for-3, R
He wasn’t expecting to play, but ended up having a good day.
1B CJ Alexander: 1-for-4
Alexander is 6-for-25 since joining the organization.
  P Zach Messinger: 0-for-0
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, RBI, K
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, 2B (6), R, K
Off to a hot start, Jackson has since settled in to be…well, Alex Jackson. He is hitting .237/.310/.468 and is 4-for-43 in June.
2B Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, 2B (8), R
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 1-0)  6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Well, if this was only supposed to be an emergency start, he did his best to make it a difficult decision to move him back down! One thing today gives us is Savant data! Beck used mostly a 3-pitch mix (4-seamer, slider, curve) with a cutter mixed in. Savant also picked up on one change-up, which may be a misread. His fastball maxed at 93.7 and didn’t generate a whiff. His slider, however, generated five. I don’t think Beck was ever projected as a big strikeout guy, and he could be used as trade bait next month. For now, I am impressed that he has looked so good given how much time he has missed.
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Zach Messinger: (S, 1) 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Messinger earns his fourth career save.  As a reliever: 2.87 ERA (15.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 16 K). Today, he maxed out at 96.5 MPH as he featured mostly his fastball (50%)/slider (48%) combo.

Somerset (35-34) (Knocked off New Hampshire, 12-5, to get above .500)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, R, K
Riggio is 18-for-67 with four doubles and six home runs since his promotion. You did know the home run surge would end at some point, right? He has one in his last nine games.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-5, RBI, K
Lombard Jr. started June 3-for-21. He is 15-for-53 (.283) since. It seems he is reaching a comfort level, which is what we want to see.
DH Spencer Jones: 2-for-5, HR (15), RBI, 2 R, K
Perhaps he deserved the headline for the third day in a row, but I went for variety. Given that Jones missed so much time, being only four home runs behind the minor league leader is impressive. Last ten games: 17-for-36 (.472; 2 doubles, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 12 R, 2-for-2 SB). He has three straight multi-hit games, and his OPS is an Eastern League-leading .994. His SLG, which also leads the Eastern League, is just a tad below .600 (.59876). Jones is Rule 5 eligible this winter, which only means he will be on the 40-man roster if he isn’t traded.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-5, 2 2B (18), RBI, 2 R, 3 K
Flores has 32 doubles and 27 home runs in 133 Double-A games. 
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, BB, K
Jasso is hitting .284 with a .844 OPS (10 doubles, 4 triples, 10 HR, 39 RBI, 38 R). He has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games. He has been one of the system’s most consistent bats since Opening Day.
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, SF, RBI
CF Brendan Jones: 3-for-5, 2 2B (3), HR (1), 3 RBI, 3 R, K
Jones is up to .241 with a .682 OPS since his promotion. This is due to an 11-for-32 (.344) surge over his last eight games. 
1B Tyler Hardman: 3-for-5, 2B (13), HR (11), 3 RBI, 2 R
Hardman had two shots at the cycle but couldn’t get that elusive triple. Given he only has five in 371 minor league games, that is hardly a surprise.
RF Cam Eden: 0-for-3, SB (2), 2 BB, 2 K

RHP Mason Vinyard: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
The “trickle down” effect – they needed Winans in MLB and Beck in Scranton, so someone had to start for Somerset. This was Vinyard’s first start since who knows when, as he was nothing but a reliever in college as well.
RHP Bailey Dees: (W, 3-4)  2.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Danny Watson: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Baron Stuart: (S, 1)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Stuart’s first professional save.

Hudson Valley (40-27) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 3-1)

LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, K
Between here and Tampa: .233/.295/.462 in 275 PA (11 doubles, 4 triples, 13 HR, 41 RBI, 42 R, 15-for-16 SB, 7.6% BB, 26.9% K). He has cut down on the strikeouts in Hudson Valley (23.8%), and his lower batting average (.195) could be attributed to the .204 BABIP.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-1, R, SB (11), 3 BB, K
Morales’ stolen bases were a fun storyline last year, though I have dropped it this year. He has 45 stolen bases in 174 games over the past two seasons after going 1-for-3 in 104 collegiate contests.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, SB (5), BB, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Luis Durango: 0-for-2, BB
Durango is 12-for-42 (.286/.345/..286) since returning from his rehab stint.
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, 3 K
DH Duncan Pastore: 0-for-3, K

LHP Griffin Herring: 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Since his promotion: 0.76 ERA (23.2 IP, 16 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 20 K). Overall: 1.05 ERA (68.1 IP, 40 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 23 BB, 78 K). Herring has the lowest ERA among qualified minor league pitchers at every full-season level (including the FCL and DSL would be foolish).  Can he make it to Somerset this year? That likely wasn’t the plan, but plans often change. I think it was smart not to push him there today, though there was a need. But at some point in the second half?  Sure.
RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 4-5)  3 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 5 K
3.55 ERA (63.1 IP, 44 H, 29 R, 25 ER, 3 HR, 27 BB, 73 K). His profile shows a lot of promise, including a solid strikeout rate. Additionally, he has cut down on the home run rate this year. The walks? Still needs some work there.

Tampa (37-31) (Lost to Bradenton, 5-3)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, R, BB
.194/.353/.223 in 266 PA (6 doubles, 0 HR, 19 RBI, 29 R, 4-for-5 SB, 18% BB, 21.4% K). I told myself at the beginning of the season not to worry much about his numbers, and I will stick to that…for now.
LF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
All of Sanchez’s homers have come in the last ten games. He has seven in 128 career games. Baseball!  He is hitting .273/.352/.443 in 210 plate appearances.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4
.182/.310/.261 in 210 PA (11 doubles, 1 HR, 21 RBI, 25 R, 18-for-23 SB, 15.2% BB, 27.6% K). In a sea of disappointing “stuff” on his profile, the one that strikes me the most is the power. He is showing nothing in that department.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-2, HBP, BB
.212/.344/.342 in 282 PA (9 doubles, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 41 R, 5-for-6 SB, 14.2% BB, 18.4% K). He has eight HBP – ouch. 
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, R, SB (20), BB
Matheus is third (behind Brendan Jones (25) and George Lombard Jr. (24)) in the organization in stolen bases.
RF Hans Montero: 0-for-4, 3 K
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-4, SB (20)
See the note on Juan Matheus. 
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, HBP, K
2B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-4

RHP Andrew Landry: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.26 ERA (57 IP, 61 H, 34 R, 27 ER, 4 HR, 21 BB, 56 K). June: 4 starts, 2-0, 0.82 ERA, 22 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 19 K. His ERA was 6.43 entering this month.  Landry is trying to be the latest mid-to-late round pick (16th round is now considered “late”) who the Yankees turn into something valuable.
RHP Gus Hughes (L, 4-2): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Cade Austin: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.96 ERA (27.1 IP, 26 H, 16 R, 9 ER, 3 HR, 11 BB, 30 K). 
RHP Jack Sokol: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.00 ERA (24 IP, 23 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 18 K). He has six straight scoreless appearances.

FCL (17-19)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (5-9)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (6-8)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 6/11: George Lombard Jr.’s Big Night

Notes:

The Yankees released OF Christopher Familia.

I talk about “cult followings” because it is fun to watch an unheralded prospect get some love. In 2023, that player was Familia. He hit 22 home runs in 68 games between Tampa and Hudson Valley, putting up a strong .307/.378/.617 line. Injuries and ineffectiveness have plagued him since then. In 2024, his triple slash fell to .248/.320/.433 in 45 games.

RHP Marcus Stroman began his rehab stint with Somerset today. I am not sure what his role will be, but my first guess is that he will move to the #5 slot in the rotation with LHP Ryan Yarbrough becoming a multi-inning long man. They can swap those roles. I don’t care. My expectations are low, but they won’t release him.

With Giancarlo Stanton coming back soon, questions about where Ben Rice fits into the equation have been raised. It seems the Yankees may make him the backup catcher, which would be bad news for J.C. Escarra.  Aaron Boone will need to be creative to get enough at-bats for everyone. It would make sense to give Stanton and Paul Goldschmidt off days as well. Can they rotate Rice into the lineup 3-4 times a week?

Injury Log

Scranton (31-31) (Defeated Syracuse, 7-5)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, BB
3B Jorbit Vivas: 3-for-5, HR (4), RBI, 2 R
Vivas is 7-for-24 with a pair of homers since his demotion.
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, HR (8), 3 RBI, R, 2 K
Yesterday, I talked about his home run drought. Now? He has homered in back-to-back games. Baseball!
LF Brennen Davis: 2-for-4, HR (3), RBI, R, SB (1)
At this level: 11-for-26 (2 doubles, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 7 R, 1-for-1 SB). Overall, he has eight home runs in 21 games (three of those in six rehab games for the FCL squad)
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, HR (10), RBI, R, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 3-for-4, R
Shewmake has a 7-game hitting streak (12-for-26). 
2B Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 6-0)  5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, HR
Winans’ ERA jumps from 0.23 to 0.61 (44 IP, 34 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 53 K)
RHP Erick Leal: 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
It’s been a struggle for the veteran, so nice to see him put together a strong outing.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (27-32) (Split a doubleheader against Portland)

Game 1 (Lost, 4-3)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, R, 2 SB (10)
A delicious appetizer…
DH Giancarlo Stanton: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, K
3-for-7 with a double and four RBI.
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4
In 123 Double-A games (521 PA): .278/.349/.504 (28 doubles, 26 HR, 71 RBI, 73 R, 11-for-11 SB, 9% BB, 27.3% K)
2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-3, HR (5), 2 RBI, R, K
Since promotion: 11-for-30 (.367/.367/.967; 3 doubles, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 7 R, 1-for-1 SB). Riggio has five homers in his last five games and leads the organization with 12 home runs (in only 29 games).
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, SB (4), K

RHP Marcus Stroman: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Stroman tossed 46 pitches (27 strikes) and had a 4/1 GO/FO ratio.
RHP Baron Stuart: (L, 0-2)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.01 ERA (22.1 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 13 BB, 30 K). Cohen has nine straight scoreless appearances (11.2 IP, 3 H, 
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Game 2

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, K
…a perfect entree. Lombard Jr. launches his first Double-A home run. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-19, 5 runs). Before the streak, his OPS at this level was .581. Now, it’s .664. Between Hudson Valley and Somerset, he is 21-for-25 stealing bases in 56 games.
DH Spencer Jones: 3-for-4, 2B (7), HR (11), 2 RBI, 3 R
Jones has 11 home runs in 37 games. All prospects come with risk, but Jones remains one of the biggest boom-bust guys I have covered (yes, Aaron Judge was once on that list. No, I am not saying Jones is Judge)
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-2, RBI, R, HBP, BB, K
.272/.341/.480 in 223 PA (9 doubles, 3 triples, 9 HR, 33 RBI, 32 R, 6.7% BB, 21.97% K). Jasso is a pleasant 2025 surprise.
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, R, SB (1), BB
If Jones can consistently get on base, his wheels are legit. He is 24-for-28 stealing bases in 52 games this year.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (5)
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, 2 RBI, HBP, BB
LF Cam Eden: 0-for-4
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
2B Max Burt: 1-for-2, R, BB, K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 2 K
Vrieling allowed a pair of solo home runs in the first before settling down.
RHP Indigo Diaz: (W, 3-1)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.91 ERA (22 IP, 22 H, 14 R, 12 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 29 K)

Hudson Valley (35-22) (Lost to Greenville, 6-4)

CF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-5
Lewis is 8-for-38 since his promotion. 
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-5, 2 SB (10), K
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-4, R, K
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-3, 2B (11), RBI, R, BB
Harber has an 8-game hitting streak. It’s his second 8-game hitting streak this season.
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, HR (8), 2 RBI, R
He is pretty much the same hitter he was last year at this level (.247/.356/.409 this year; .238/.374/.404 last year).
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (3), BB
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Luis Durango: 1-for-4, RBI, K

RHP Josh Grosz: 6.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
Grosz reached 96 pitches tonight. Season: 3.54 ERA (53.1 IP, 38 H, 25 R, 21 ER, 3 HR, 20 BB, 62 K). He has shown the ability to go deep into games (for a modern pitcher), including a pair of 7-inning outings in addition to pitching into the 7th inning twice.
RHP Chris Kean: (L, 3-2) 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Sebastian Keane: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Keane hadn’t allowed a run since his second appearance (April 9th).
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (32-25)

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

FCL (14-14) 

Day off.

DSL Yankees (2-4) 

Day off.

DSL Bombers (2-4)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 6/5: Jesus Rodriguez Reaches Base 5 Times

Notes:

RHP Justin Lange (remember him?) started a rehab assignment today in the FCL. Acquired by the Yankees from the Padres for 1B Luke Voit (remember him?) back in 2022, Lange has dealt with wildness and injuries during his Yankees tenure. Today was his first appearance since August 29, 2023. He split time with Tampa and Hudson Valley that year, going 2-5 with a 4.75 ERA and 131/63 K/BB over 85.1 innings. While that walk rate is high (16%), don’t ignore the strikeout rate (33.2%).

Amazingly, Lange is only 23 years old. When I opened his player page, I was expecting to see that he was in his mid-20s.

Injury Log

Scranton (27-30) (Defeated St. Paul, 11-8. Call me crazy, but I think St. Paul’s ballpark leans a tad offensive)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, 2 R, HBP, 2 BB
Rodriguez reaches base five times. In 40 Triple-A games, Rodriguez has 55 hits, 26 walks, and two HBP. He has scored 31 runs and is hitting .362 with a .921 OPS.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-6, HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R, K
Vivas’s first game since his demotion. His 22-game MLB audition wasn’t great (.156/.255/.267 with a key home run). He struck out 20.8% of the time and his BABIP was a ridiculous .182, which comes with the small sample size flag.
RF Everson Pereira: 2-for-5, R, 2 K
Pereira is having a nice season, but is carrying a 33.1% K rate.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, RBI, R, 2 BB
C Alex Jackson: 0-for-4, R, BB, 3 K
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-5, RBI, 3 K
LF Brennen Davis: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, R, HBP, BB, 2 K
Davis is 6-for-11 with a homer and three RBI since being placed here.
SS Braden Shewmake: 3-for-5, 2B (3), 2 R, SB (7)
Shewmake is enjoying his time in St. Paul (5-for-12; 1 double, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 4 R, 3 SB)
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-5, 2B (7), 2 RBI, R

RHP Erick Leal: 4.1 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 3 HR
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 1-1)  1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
You don’t want to see the run he allowed, but at least he missed bats tonight.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Hartlieb maxed out at 97.1 MPH. He struck out the side in his second inning of work. Season: 2.22 ERA (24.1 IP, 23 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 9 BB, 27 K). Due to an extreme walk rate (55 in 79.1 innings with the Pirates, Mets, Marlins, and Rockies), Hartlieb hasn’t been able to hold down an MLB job. The arm has never been in question.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Another impressive performance….

Somerset (24-29) (Lost to Binghamton, 7-4)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 3B (2), RBI, R, BB, K
Position breakdown (including his time in Hudson Valley): 2B: 6; SS: 40; 3B: 4. They want him to get a feel for 2B/3B while keeping him primarily at his natural position.
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2B (14), RBI
.277/.339/.505 in 227 PA. Flores is up to 500 Double-A plate appearances (.275/.350/.512; 28 doubles, 26 HR, 71 RBI. For good measure, he is 11-for-11 in the stolen base department).
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, HR (9), RBI, R
.269/.330/.478 in 203 PA. A good season for a 22-year-old making his Double-A debut. 
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, HR (10), RBI, R, K
Hardman has six homers in his last six games.
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, 3 K
SS Max Burt: 0-for-2, R, SB (6), BB, K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (L, 0-1) 3.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, HR
Vrieling has a few good outings and a few less-than-ideal outings since coming back from his rehab stint. No concerns.
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
2.21 ERA (20.1 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 26 K). He hasn’t allowed a run in seven straight outings (9.2 IP).
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (33-20) (Mauled Aberdeen, 11-2)

CF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-5, 3B (1), HR (1), 2 RBI, 3 R, BB, K
Lewis is 4-for-16 since his promotion and has nine home runs in his last 27 games overall. He joins Rafael Flores, Spencer Jones, Tyler Hardman, and Everson Pereira in the organization’s 10+ HR club. He is an intriguing 21-year-old to keep an eye on. 
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-4, SF, RBI, 2 R, BB
If Lewis and Castillo can get hot, they will cause a lot of havoc at the top of this lineup. 
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-5, RBI, BB, K
A hot streak has his numbers up to .270/.354/.453 in 181 PA at this level. For Somerset, he was 3-for-19.
1B Parks Harber: 2-for-4, BB, K
Since promotion: .325/.389/.491 in 126 PA. Including his time in Tampa, he has 15 multi-hit efforts in 48 games. Somerset may not be far away.
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
I feel bad for Vargas, a late spring training “sensation” who is lost in the numbers game. Part of that is the lack of development, of course. There could be a better opportunity elsewhere.
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 2B (5), 2 R, SB (7), BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 R

RHP Josh Grosz: (W, 4-3)  5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Grosz had to grind out these five innings, as it required 95 pitches to record 15 outs. He owns a 3.83 ERA in 47 IP (37 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 3 HR, 16 BB, 56 K). He may get lost in the shuffle, but he has pitched very well.
RHP Tony Rossi: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
For Tampa and Hudson Valley: 19.1 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 25 K. Ridiculous.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Speaking of ridiculous, Warrecker owns a 0.75 ERA in 24 IP (8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 31 K). I don’t know what the Yankees’ plans are, but there has to be a lot of temptation to leave the 6’8″ 23-year-old in a bullpen role. He is thriving.
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Merda “merely” has an ERA below 3.00 (2.96; 24.1 IP, 17 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 34 K). The Renegades’ pitching staff is deadly.

Tampa (29-24) (Defeated Jupiter, 6-1. They keep rolling along. Tonight, they went 9-for-9 stealing bases)

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2 R, SB (13), BB, K
DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-2, 2 R, SB (4), 3 BB
.215/.369/.239 in 206 PA (4 doubles, 16 RBI, 24 R, 4-for-5 SB, 18.4% BB, 21.8% K). Do I worry about the SLG? It doesn’t make me a  baseball savant to say that a .239 SLG is far from ideal. However, I am not concerned as he is a young developing catcher. The Yankees are doing the right thing by keeping him in the lineup every day.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, RBI
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-5, 2B (12), RBI, K
.271/.340/.341 in 197 PA. 
RF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, RBI, 3 SB (14), 2 BB, K
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-5, 2 K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-3, R, 2 SB (10), CI, BB, 2 K
Cobb’s first game since May 29th. He is hitting .375/.420/.639 in 83 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 20 R, 10-for-12 SB, 7.2% BB, 20.5% K)
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-3, 3B (5), RBI, R, SB (12), BB
.318/.422/.505 in 128 PA (7 doubles, 5 triples, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 26 R, 12-for-13 SB, 14.8% BB, 22.7% K). He is 5-for-8 with a double, triple, homer, eight RBI, and five walks in three June games. I don’t know what will become of him, but he is a fun prospect to follow. 
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI

RHP Gage Ziehl: (W, 3-2)  6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, HR
3.79 ERA (38 IP, 35 H, 18 R, 16 ER, 6 BB, 31 K, 3 HR). Last three starts: 16 IP, 15 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 17 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
142 ERA (25.1 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 20 BB, 22 K). I know I have said it many times, but it is worth repeating that many of those walks were in the first month of the season (15 in 12.1 IP).
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
The changeup specialist hit 93.6 MPH with his sinker (changeup averaged 75.3 MPH). Season: 1.29 ERA (21 IP, 15 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 34 K)
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

FCL (12-12) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 14-11, in ten wild innings. They ran out of pitchers in the 9th, trying to use position players to close out a 5-run lead. That didn’t work. Another position player allowed three runs in the 10th. That’s the FCL for ya)

CF Isael Arias: 1-for-6, 2B (6), RBI, R, SB (8), 3 K
1B Manuel Palencia: 3-for-4, RBI, BB
Last six games: 13-for-25 with four doubles, a triple, and a home run.
3B-2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-3, 3 R, SB (7), 2 BB
2B-P-LF Santiago Gomez: 1-for-4, 2 R, HBP, K
You know things were crazy when a position player went from second base to the mound to left field.
LF Gabriel Lara: 3-for-3, 3 RBI, 2 R
I am not sure why Lara was pulled from the game.  He is hitting .370/.433/.667 in 30 PA and is 8-for-12 in his last four games.
  LF-RF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-2, HR (1), RBI, R
The 20-year-old launches his first home run since 2023 (he has played in only 32 career games)
SS-3B Kevin Verde: 1-for-5, R, SB (4), 2 K
RF-C Luis Puello: 2-for-5, 3 RBI, R, K
DH Gabriel Terrero: 0-for-4, RBI, K
  SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-0, SF, RBI

RHP Justin Lange: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
We don’t get pitch counts in the FCL, but it doesn’t matter. Lange is back and is still young enough to be intriguing.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
One of the reasons why they ran out of pitchers is that they began the game with two pitchers on rehab stints.
RHP Chance Nolan: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Their third pitcher, the quarterback-turned-reliever, is also on a strict limit right now.
RHP Omar Gonzalez: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 3 K
At least Gonzalez tried to give them some length.
RHP Hansel Rosario: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

DSL Yankees (0-2) (Losing to DSL Miami, 7-4, in the bottom of the 5th. The game was suspended due to rain. They will try to finish it on June 17th)

SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-1, HBP, K
DH Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-2, R, K
3B Richard Matic: 1-for-2, 2B (1), RBI, R, K
LF Isaias Castillo: 1-for-2, RBI, R, 3 SB (3)

DSL Bombers (1-1) (Lead DSL Colorado, 7-3, in the bottom of the 7th. This game was suspended due to rain. They will try to finish it on June 17th)

CF Ruben Castillo: 0-for-2, 2 R, 2 SB (2), BB, K
The DSL Castillos put on a running display today!
C Queni Pineda: 1-for-4, RBI
2B Juan Torres: 1-for-2, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB

LHP Junior Tavera: 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Last year, as a 17-year-old, Tavera put up an 8.82 ERA in 16.1 IP with a 22/21 K/BB.