Tag: Josh Grosz

Yankees MILB 8/10: Carlos Lagrange Hits 99.1 MPH

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (63-48) (Split a doubleheader against Lehigh Valley)

Game 1 (Won, 9-3)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 2B (10), SF, 2 RBI, RS, SB (13), BB
3B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-3, BB
CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, K
The double was smoked (109.7 MPH).
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-3, CS (5), BB
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
RF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
LF Jahmai Jones: 1-for-3, 2 RS, BB
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-3, HR (2), 3 RBI, 2 RS, BB
DH Josh VanMeter: 1-for-2, RBI, RS, BB
   PH-DH Cam Eden: 1-for-1, 3B (3), RBI, RS
That is how you make an impression in your first plate appearance with a new organization.

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
LHP Victor Gonzalez (W, 4-0): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R,  1 BB, 3 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Nick Burdi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
The weather had something to do it but this was Burdi’s first appearance in a week. That isn’t ideal for what is essentially a rehab stint.

Game 2 (Lost, 6-4)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, 2B (11), RS
Vivas has three doubles in his last four games.
DH Caleb Durbin: 0-for-4
LF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
3B Oswald Peraza: 1-for-3, RS, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, 2B (19), RBI, RS
RF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, HR (13), 2 RBI, RS, K
Trammell has 7 home runs in his last 11 games.
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, K
SS Kevin Smith: 1-for-3, K
CF Cam Eden: 2-for-3, 2B (11)
Why do they need to sign Juan Soto?

LHP Edgar Barclay: (L, 5-9)  6 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
Barclay didn’t have a great night but did give the bullpen a rest.

Somerset (53-53) (Swept in a doubleheader by Binghamton)

Game 1 (Lost, 4-2)

CF Greg Allen: 1-for-3, BB, K
DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-3, RS, K
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, 2 K
3B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-2, HR (7), 2 RBI, RS, BB
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-3, K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-3, CS (1)
A nice Double-A debut for the 24-year-old.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, CS (7)

RHP Cam Schlittler (L, 0-1): 5.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Schlittler’s Double-A debut. Season: 3.06 ERA (94 IP, 67 H, 43 R, 32 ER, 7 HR, 45 BB, 115 K). That stat line includes an emergency start for Scranton, where he allowed five runs in 1.2 IP.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Ayers’ Double-A debut. The 24-year-old pitched to a 3.09 ERA in 55.1 IP with a 67/20 K/BB for Hudson Valley.

Game 2 (Lost, 1-0)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-3, K
.247/.333/.423 in 417 PA (11.0% BB, 36.5% K). He is 9-for-27 (.333) to begin August with three doubles and a homer.
1B Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-3
Since his promotion, Rodriguez is 12-for-59 (.203/.266/.356) with three homers.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, 2 K
Since promotion: .255/.338/.504 in 154 PA (7 doubles, 9 home runs). 
3B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, K
Somerset: .209/.293/.356 in 185 PA with 7 homers and 22 RBI.  He has 33 home runs in 124 Double-A games.
DH Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, K
LF Grant Richardson: 2-for-3, 2B (23)
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, K
SS Max Burt: 0-for-2

RHP Chase Hampton: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Hampton’s night was shorter than it was in his first start here. We’ll see if that is meaningful in any way.
RHP Joey Gerber: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
The 27-year-old has a 1.88 ERA in 14.1 IP at this level with a 16/7 K/BB. He pitched in 17 games for the Seattle Mariners during the 2020 COVID season.
RHP Danny Watson: (L, 1-4) 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Matt Sauer: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (55-49) (Defeated Brooklyn, 3-0)

LF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, SB (1), CS (1), K
Lombard’s first hit since his promotion (he is now 1-for-15). I will repeat what I said a few days ago: The teenager may struggle here. The Yankees feel he is mature enough to handle that struggle.
DH Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, 2B (11), SB (3), BB, K
.252/.373/.374 in 306 PA (11 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 38 R, 14.7% BB, 23.9% K).
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RS, BB
Jasso is 3-for-12 with a double, four walks, and two strikeouts since being promoted.
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
Gomez has an 8-game hitting streak (12-for-24; 6 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 11 R, 3 BB, 6 K)
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, 3B (1), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
Castillo is 4-for-11 with a double and triple since his promotion. 
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, K

RHP Josh Grosz (W, 1-1): 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
Grosz’s first appearance since his promotion (he did make an emergency start here earlier this season). The strikeouts weren’t there, but he put six zeroes on the board.
LHP Joel Valdez: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Yorlin Calderon (S, 2): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (42-62) (Lost to Daytona, 3-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS
Jones’ first professional home run. He is 3-for-10 (1 double, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, 3 BB, 2 K, 2-for-2 SB). I would consider that a nice start to one’s career.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (16), 2 K
.218/.318/.358 in 447 PA (16 doubles, 7 triples, 8 HR, 55 RBI, 60 R, 28-for-39 SB, 12.1% BB, 33.1% K). I have been asked about Arias. My opinion? He’s young and has the athletic ability to go on insane runs. That said, he has holes that teams can exploit. He has a month to end on a good note and we will likely know where he stands in 2025. There’s a fine line between “He’s young! Be patient!” and “These metrics still don’t look promising…”
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-4
Montero is 11-for-29 (.379) with a pair of doubles and a homer in August.
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, BB, K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-4, K
DH Joe Delossantos: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 0-1)  2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Like Henry Lalane, Lagrange is an intriguing long-term prospect who missed much of 2024 due to injury. Since he is in Low-A now, we have data, and it is impressive. He maxed out at 99.1 MPH (averaged 97.4; 36% usage). He also featured a slider (30%), cutter (19%), and change (15%; averaged 89.1 MPH). You can look at this a few ways: He was amped, which increased his velocity. Or, you can ask: How hard will he be able to throw with maturity and being further away from his injury?  
RHP Alejandro Gomez: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Gomez is 22 and spent plenty of time in rookie ball (2021-2024). He mixes a slider, sinker, change, and 4-seamer.
RHP Aaron Nixon: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
4.42 ERA (55 IP, 37 H, 31 R, 27 ER, 2 HR, 41 BB, 58 K). 
RHP Matt Givin: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Kean: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-31) (Lost to the DSL Twins, 11-1)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Isael Arias: 1-for-2, RS, 2 SB (9), BB
RF Louis Pierre: 1-for-3, 2B (4), K

DSL Bombers (27-21) (Defeated the DSL Marlins, 8-7)

C Queni Pineda: 1-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (15), CS (9)
1B Carlos Villarroel: 2-for-3, RS, BB, K
DH Justin Capellan: 2-for-4, 2B (11), 3 RBI, RS, SB (9), K
The 18-year-old is hitting .236/.376/.340 in 133 PA.
CF David Carrera: 1-for-3, RS, SB (11), BB, 2 K
.273/.409/.409 in 110 PA (10 doubles, 1 triple, 0 HR, 20 RBI, 18 R, 11-for-13 SB). He has a 5-game hitting streak.
3B Kevin Verde: 2-for-4, RBI, RS
LF Browm Martinez: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, 2 SB (21)
The 17-year-0ld is hitting .250/.361/.280 in 122 PA with 21 stolen bases in 27 attempts.

RHP Jerson Alejandro: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
4.67 ERA (34.2 IP, 20 H, 21 R, 18 ER, 0 HR, 30 BB, 55 K). The talent is there. They need to figure out how to harness it.

Yankees MILB 7/27: Josh Grosz Dominates

News:

Nothing to report.

Just kidding.

The Yankees acquired IF/OF Jazz Chisholm Jr. from the Marlins today for three prospects – C/1B Agustin Ramirez, 2B/SS Jared Serna, and IF Abrahan Ramirez.

The most significant prospect is Agustin Ramirez, who blossomed into arguably the best Yankees minor league bat over the past two seasons. Between Somerset and Scranton this season, he hit .269/.358/.504 (136 wRC+) with 17 doubles, 20 home runs, and 69 RBI over 386 plate appearances. His numbers were suppressed by a tough start after his promotion, but he is on an 8-game hitting streak that improved his Triple-A triple slash to .224/.328/.364. His profile points to a player who could be an above-average MLB bat. His future position (Catcher? First base? DH?) remains a question. If you are a 1B/DH long-term, the offensive bar increases accordingly.

The Yankees like to target smallish infielders who require smallish bonuses on the international market. That description fits Serna, who stands only 5’7″. He packs a punch in his frame, given his .253/.341/.444 (120 wRC+) line in 393 plate appearances for High-A Hudson Valley this season. Like Ramirez, he doesn’t strike out much (15.3%). Serna’s future position is clearly defined. While he has played a lot of shortstop with the Yankees, most experts point to him as a second baseman long-term.

Most of these trades usually include a lottery ticket. That is where Abrahan Ramirez comes in. Only 19 years old, the infielder hit .348/.447/.513 (161 wRC+) in 189 plate appearances for the FCL squad this season. It was his first taste of the level after spending 60 games in the DSL between 2022 and 2023. While his stats are impressive, there is a long way to go before he is a viable prospect, never mind a viable MLB player.

By the way, Agustin Ramirez was on the 40-man roster while Serna is Rule 5 eligible for the second straight winter.

As for Chisholm, he isn’t a “perfect” player. However, any notion that he doesn’t improve a team is wrong. For Miami, he hit .249/.323/.407 (104 wRC+) with 13 home runs and 22 stolen bases. His 24.9% K rate is above the MLB average but shows improvement over previous seasons. While the Marlins have forced him into CF duty the past two seasons, his versatility should be useful. If he can handle CF, he should be able to handle the corners along with his experience at 2B. I wouldn’t be shocked if he is playable at SS and 3B. The Yankees must be creative in their usage if no other moves are made.

I don’t know how many times Yankees fans have complained about the Yankees needing versatility, athleticism, and speed. Chisholm provides that. Again, he’s not a perfect player. Not many are. Does he fit with the Yankees? I think so.

Bottom Line:

I am not giving this trade five stars out of five. It’s not an obvious, no-brainer. Not many trades are.

However, the Yankees acquired a good player with breakout potential and 2.5 years of control to reach that potential. I don’t think you can say “No” to that. Will it work? Time will tell.

As for the Marlins, I like their return. They received three legitimate prospects, one of whom has a Top 100 level bat. That’s the cost of doing business.

If I was the Yankees’ GM and this deal was offered to me, I would say “Yes.” That is how I have to judge it.

Scranton (56-44) (Defeated Worcester, 9-7, in 11 innings)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 4-for-6, RBI, 3 RS, SB (31), K
.298/.401/.386 in 254 PA (15 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 32 RBI, 37 R, 31-for-35 SB). He is 11-for-22 during his 5-game hitting streak.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-6, 2B (7), RBI, 3 RS, SB (12), K
Vivas is 5-for-14 with a double, 4 RBI, 5 runs, and 3 stolen bases in his last three games. He was slumping for a while but is back on track.
3B Oswald Peraza: 3-for-5, HR (3), 3 RBI, RS, SB (14), HBP
Peraza walked it off with a 2-run homer. He is hitting .239/.345/.318 in 236 PA. He is 21-for-76 (.276) in July with two home runs. He has three 3-hit games this month.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, 2B (17), 2 RBI
Rumfield is 16-for-61 (.262) in July with 3 doubles, 3 HR, and 10 RBI this month.
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
SS Kevin Smith: 1-for-5, RS, 2 K
RF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4, 2B (14), BB
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-4, SAC, 3 K
Palensky’s first Triple-A game this season (played 9 games here in 2023)
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3, RS, SB (3), 2 BB, K

RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Scranton went with a bullpen game tonight. That is an understatement.
RHP Art Warren: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
3.81 ERA (49.2 IP, 32 H, 25 R, 21 ER, 5 HR, 27 BB, 62 K). This ends his 10-game scoreless streak.
RHP Phil Bickford: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
For Scranton: 11.1 IP, 13 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 10 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Victor Gonzalez (W, 3-0): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (48-47) (Lost to Portland, 3-0)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, CS (5), BB, K
.234/.317/.400 in 369 PA. He is 11-for-67 (.164) in July with 8 walks and 34 strikeouts. He has at least one strikeout in ten straight games.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-2, 2 BB
Taking walks is a part of Flores’ game (12 in 109 PA since his promotion (11%) and 14.6% overall)
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3, BB, K
LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, CS (5), HBP, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, K

RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 2-8) 6 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
3.76 ERA (107.2 IP, 88 H, 62 R, 45 ER, 7 HR, 36 BB, 106 K). Messinger might be the most snakebit pitcher in professional baseball history. He carries a decent 4.12 minor league ERA over 73 games (55 starts). His record? 4-26.
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Last 7 appearances: 6.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
RHP Joey Gerber: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Colby White: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
White can strike hitters out (190 in 129.2 career IP). Walks have been an issue, including 27 in 26 IP this season.

Hudson Valley (45-48) (Lost to Wilmington, 2-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2B (17)
.226/.356/.394 in 332 PA (17 doubles, 4 triples, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 52 R, 17-for-22 SB). 
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, BB, K
.235/.370/.408 in 319 PA (17.2% BB, 22.9% K)
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RS, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, K
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-2, SF, RBI
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, K
3B Beau Brewer: 0-for-3, K

RHP Cam Schlittler (L, 5-4): 7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, HR
2.64 ERA (81.2 IP, 54 H, 33 R, 24 ER, 7 HR, 37 BB, 99 K). This is the longest outing in his brief professional career.
RHP Luis Arejula: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.97 ERA (39.1 IP, 33 H, 18 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 37 K)

Tampa (39-54) (Swept a doubleheader against Clearwater. They are playing better in the second half, as they are 15-12 and in the playoff race)

Game 1 (Won, 4-3, in 9 innings. They walked it off on a combination of events, none of which were pretty)

DH George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RS
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 K
It is a big 2-run single for Castillo, who continues his impressive campaign.
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, RS, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-3, 2B (11)
   PH Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-0, BB
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-4, RS, K

RHP Josh Grosz: 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
4.19 ERA (73 IP, 69 H, 47 R, 34 ER, 9 HR, 27 BB, 93 K). He had a tough time in an emergency start for Somerset on 6/23. Since coming back: 0.397 ERA (22.2 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 25 K). That is dominance. Grosz throws primarily 4-seamers and sliders while mixing in a change.
RHP Matt Givin: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Givin (25) has missed most of the season due to injury. He is not technically here on a rehab stint, but that is what it is.
RHP Ocean Gabonia (W, 3-2): 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
3.88 ERA (48.2 IP, 46 H, 25 R, 21 ER, 4 HR, 12 BB, 55 K)

Game 2 (Won, 2-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-2, 2B (17), RS, HBP
Lombard Jr. has a .237/.708 OPS line. He owns a pair of 2-hit efforts in his last three games (five in his last ten games).
DH Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 K
Arias is at .223 with a .687 OPS.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, BB
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, 3B (2), RS, K
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-2, RBI, BB, K
Montero brings in Montero for the winning run in the bottom of the 6th.
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-1, CS (3), 2 BB
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-3, K

RHP Cade Smith: 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
3.48 ERA (82.2 IP, 56 H, 38 R, 32 ER, 38 BB, 109 K). Smith, their 2023 6th-round pick out of Mississippi State, is one of their most consistent 2024 performers. He is more of a mix guy than an overpowering type, but that is fine. We’ll see how it translates as he moves up.
RHP Aaron Nixon: (W, 3-2)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (35-22) (Lost Game 1 to the Pirates, 4-3. The semi-finals are best-of-3)

CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
Mayea took his share of walks and hit .281 in 35 games. He didn’t homer but don’t read into that. The power can come later. For example, Oswald Peraza hit one home run in 94 rookie league games. Three years later, he hit 18 as a 21-year-old in full-season leagues.
1B Engelth Urena: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, BB
It wouldn’t surprise me if the Marlins asked about Urena as the “lottery ticket”. Urena is impressive – he might be the next Agustin Ramirez-like riser. 
RF Joel Mendez: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RS, BB
3B-SS Santiago Gomez: 2-for-3, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Making the playoffs allowed Lagrange to add to his innings total. He needs more, given the late start to his campaign.
RHP Chris Kean: 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
I expect Kean to go to Tampa once the FCL squad is done. He’s 22 years old and dominated during the regular season (1.31 ERA in 20.2 IP with a 27/3 K/BB).

DSL Yankees (13-25) (Defeated the DSL Bombers, 6-3. They are playing playoff spoiler against their own organization mates!)

SS Dexters Peralta: 2-for-3, 3B (1), RS, 2 SB (18), CS (3), K
.226/.299/.304 with 18 stolen bases in 21 attempts. The triple slash may not jump out at you, but he just turned 17 years old.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-0, 2 RS, SB (3), 2 BB
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-3, 2B (4), 4 RBI
Capellan’s first career multi-RBI game.
RF Louis Pierre: 0-for-1, RS, 2 SB (10), CS (2), 2 BB, K

RHP Jorge Luna: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
1.65 ERA (32.2 IP, 21 H, 11 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 37 K)
LHP Ronald Tejada (W, 3-0): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.42 ERA (19 IP, 12 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 16 K). It is the 17-year-old’s debut season.

DSL Bombers (22-17) (Lost to the DSL Yankees, 6-3)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Kevin Verde: 1-for-2, 2B (7), 2 RS, SB (9), BB
The 18-year-old has 16 doubles and 17 stolen bases in 55 DSL games.

LHP Jose Ledesma: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Yankees MILB 7/20: Pitching Rules!

News

RHP Cody Morris cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton.

With Josh Maciejewski demoted to Scranton, my guess is that Yoendrys Gomez will get the call. That is a guess, but he is rested and conveniently on the 40-man roster. It appears the Yankees are not ready to promote Scott Effross.

Scranton (50-42) (Defeated Buffalo, 8-3, in 11 innings)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-5, 3 RBI, RS, BB
Yesterday, Lockridge went 0-for-5 with four strikeouts. I love baseball. 
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, RS, SB (9), HBP, K
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-6, RBI
Ramirez is 15-for-81 (.183) since his promotion. He is not ready to be a “savior,” and they don’t have a position for him anyway. If he played 3B, we would be having a discussion…
SS Oswald Peraza: 3-for-4, 2 2B (6), RBI, 2 RS, CS (4), 2 BB, K
Peraza reaches base five times. A few years ago, that would have created a buzz but much of his buzz is gone, and I am not sure who to blame for that. 
DH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-5, RS
3B Jeter Downs: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, SAC
1B J.C. Escarra: 4-for-5, 2B (1), RBI, 2 RS
Escarra was promoted here from Somerset. He will serve as a backup to Agustin Ramirez in addition to his 1B/3B duties. While this is his Scranton debut, it wasn’t his Triple-A debut. He played in 58 games for Triple-A Norfolk in 2021 before heading to the independent/Mexican leagues for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-3, RS, BB, HBP
LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-4, SB (10), BB, 2 K

RHP Will Warren: 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
6.42 ERA (89.2 IP, 97 H, 70 R, 64 ER, 17 HR, 34 BB, 107 K). Two starts ago, he struck out 11 in six innings (1 R, 2 H). We’ll see if he is starting to find a groove. Left-handed batters have, to put it mildly, torched him this season (.315/.408/.566 entering today). 
RHP Art Warren: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
0.93 ERA (29 IP, 19 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 33 K). He has been masterful this season.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: (W, 3-2)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Phil Bickford: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (45-44) (Squeaked past Altoona, 2-1)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (14), 2 K
.238/.316/.403 in 342 PA (14 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 46 RBI, 48 R, 18-for-22 SB, 9.6% BB, 37.1% K).  Is he the CF version of Oneil Cruz? That isn’t a bad comparison on paper, but Cruz reached Double-A at 20 (to be fair, Jones was still in college!) and struck out 25.7% of the time. That remains the one thing I can’t get over. Striking out 37.1% of the time in Double-A is a massive red flag. So, I do think Cruz is a good comparison when you factor in size and athleticism. I don’t think Jones is progressing as well as Cruz did.
3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RS, K
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RBI, 3 K
How do you fix an 0-for-3, 3 K night? By hitting a walk-off RBI single!
DH Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3, RS, K
Dunham has hit safely in 21 of his last 22 games. He is 21-for-51 (.412) in July. 
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-3, 2B (19), K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, RBI
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-3, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, K

RHP Bailey Dees: 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, HR
4.26 ERA (95 IP, 79 H, 50 R, 45 ER, 14 HR, 36 BB, 99 K). Due to the break, Dees hadn’t started since July 12th. I think he needed the time off and it paid dividends tonight.
RHP Danny Watson: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Watson’s overall numbers aren’t spectacular, but I think much of that was due to his return from injury. He has put together six scoreless outings in his last seven, lowering his ERA from 10.13 to 7.47. 
RHP Luis Velasquez: (W, 3-2)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.75 ERA (36 IP, 31 H, 27 R, 19 ER, 5 HR, 27 BB, 51 K)

Hudson Valley (43-44) (Lost, 4-3, in 11 innings)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-5, 3B (4), RS, 2 K
Riggio has two home runs and a triple in his last three games. 
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, SF, 2 RBI
.252/.342/.435 in 374 PA (23 doubles, 12 HR, 55 RBI, 49 R, 10.4% BB, 15.8% K, 10-for-17 SB). 
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-5, 3 K
.263/.347/.427 in 323 PA (22 doubles, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 38 R, 9.6% BB, 26.3% K, 4-for-5 SB). 
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, 2B (10), BB
.242/.378/.404 in 296 PA. 
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-5, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 2B (9), RS, SB (2), BB
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, HBP
  LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-0, BB
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-5, 3 K
1B Kiko Romero: 2-for-4, RS, 2 SB (8)

RHP Blane Abeyta: 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.88 ERA (50 IP, 41 H, 20 R, 16 ER, 3 HR, 18 BB, 59 K)
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
3.56 ERA (30.1 IP, 24 H, 18 R, 12 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 43 K). 
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
4.73 ERA (51.1 IP, 39 H, 30 R, 27 ER, 7 HR, 22 BB, 62 K)
RHP Luis Arejula: (L, 3-4)  1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
3.05 ERA (38.1 IP, 33 H, 18 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 36 K)

Tampa (34-53) (Won two games against Bradenton)

Game 1 (Won, 2-1, in the conclusion of yesterday’s game. This game went 10 innings and was won on a walk-off error)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-3, RS, SB (26), 2 BB, K
This is Lombard Jr.’s third straight 2-hit effort.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, SB (25), 2 BB, K
Arias has nine walks in his last seven games. 
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, BB, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-4
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4, K
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, RS
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-4, K

RHP Chase Hampton: 3.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Hampton retired 11 of the 12 batters he faced (hit a batter) and averaged 92 MPH (94 max). He threw 45 pitches (30 strikes) and should be coming to Somerset shortly.
RHP Aaron Nixon: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Nixon was used as a “bridge” between Hampton and Serna.
RHP Luis Serna: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
That bridge will be meaningless, as Serna did not return to this game.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
4.20 ERA (45 IP, 45 H, 24 R, 21 ER, 4 HR, 11 BB, 53 K). 
RHP Osiel Rodriguez (W, 1-2): 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
2.42 ERA (44.2 IP, 22 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 6 HR, 22 BB, 53 K). 

Game 2 (Won, 7-0)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (16), RBI, RS, K
Lombard’s OPS is up to .717. He owns a .360 slugging percentage. On June 9th, his SLG was .268. His progress is one of the highlights this season.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, K
He leads the FSL in triples (7), is 4th in RBI (45), and third in stolen bases (25).
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, RBI
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, 2B (16), RBI, K
Castillo has a .811 OPS in 70 games. It is fair to say that he has been one of the system’s biggest surprises this year.
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, RS, SB (9), 2 K
RF Coby Morales: 3-for-3, 2 HR (4), 3 RBI, 3 RS
Morales’ first career multi-HR game. 
C Diomedes Hernandez: 2-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, RS
The 19-year-old’s first Low-A extra-base hit.
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-3, RS

RHP Josh Grosz: (W, 3-5)  5.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
Last three starts: 15.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 17 K. This stretch comes after a tough emergency outing for Somerset. He could have easily been discouraged by that, but he has instead turned it up a notch. Season (for Tampa): 4.64 ERA (66 IP, 65 H, 47 R, 34 ER, 26 BB, 85 K). This is his debut season.
RHP Jordy Luciano: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Luciano (22) can dial it up into the mid-90s.

FCL (34-21) (Split a doubleheader with the FCL Tigers, essentially chopping two games off the schedule. They own a 1.5-game lead with three games left. Note: They don’t “make up” games in the FCL. If the Yankees win the division by 0.5 games over the Tigers, the Tigers don’t get to make up a game)

Game 1 (Lost, 8-3)

CF Brando Mayea: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 K
DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-1, 2 RS, 3 BB
C Engelth Urena: 3-for-4, HR (8), 2 RBI, RS, CS (2)
His 8th HR in 37 games.
LF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, BB
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, RBI

RHP Sean Boyle: 1.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
The 27-year-old Boyle is down here on a rehab stint. He made only 9 starts for Scranton last year.
LHP Will Brian: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Their 10th-round pick in 2022 (Eastern Kentucky) makes his first rehab appearance.

Game 2 (Won, 17-5)

CF Brando Mayea: 2-for-6, 3B (2), 3 RBI, 2 RS
Mayea, who has five 2-hit games in July (8 games played), is hitting .297/.384/.344 in 146 PA with a 25.3% K. He has a pair of doubles and triples and is 16-for-19 stealing bases. In my opinion, the 18-year-old is doing enough to get to Low-A Tampa, whether that is to finish this year or to start 2025.
C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, RS, BB, K
.289/.452/.384 in 208 PA. Perez has more walks (44) than strikeouts (33).
1B Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB
Urena is hitting .315/.429/.591 in 154 PA (11 doubles, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 32 R, 14.9% BB, 11.7% K). He is second in the league in OPS and third in home runs (he has played 15 fewer games than leader Jhonny Severino, who has 10 HR). He is a legitimate prospect with the bat. We’ll see what he is long-term with the glove.
LF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
.291/.384/.485 in 190 PA with 15 stolen bases in 18 attempts.
SS Juan Matheus: 3-for-5, 2 2B (9), 4 RBI, RS
.312/.418/.478 in 189 PA.  He is third in the league with 38 RBI.
DH Gabriel Terrero: 2-for-3, 3B (1), 2 RBI, 3 RS, SB (14), BB
2B Abrahan Ramirez: 3-for-4, 2B (14), RBI, 2 RS, BB
.351/.454/.519 in 184 PA. He has slowed down (.255/.321/.392 in July) but we didn’t expect him to hit .400 this season, right? He still ranks second in batting average.
RF Joel Mendez: 2-for-4, 3B (4), 2 RS, BB, 2 K
.301/.417/.569 after hitting .293/.363/.424 here last year. Likely not a top prospect, but he has done enough to get to Low-A.
3B Santiago Gomez: 2-for-4, HR (2), 5 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
The 20-year-old ties his best for RBI in a game. He is hitting .333/.438/.440 in 89 PA. If you haven’t figured it out, the FCL Yankees are good offensively.

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
He only has 6.2 innings during his rehab and the FCL season ends next week. If they don’t move him to Tampa, he will need to get some innings this fall/winter.
RHP Hansel Rosario (W, 2-0): 3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR

DSL Yankees (11-22)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (20-14)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 7/11: Roderick Arias Has Multi-Hit Night

News:

Catching up on the news:

RHP Justin Lange was transferred to the full-season injury list. Acquired for Luke Voit, Lange was a $2,000,000 signing by the Padres from the 2020 draft. Like many of his ilk, Lange flashes moments of brilliance mixed with plenty of frustration due to his lack of command/control of his potentially elite stuff. He is Rule 5 eligible this winter, but that is irrelevant. The Yankees won’t protect him and he is an unlikely selection.

RHP Chase Hampton and OF Anthony Hall are heading to Tampa (from the FCL) to continue their rehab stints. Hall will eventually land with Hudson Valley while I assume Hampton is destined for Somerset before his eventual Scranton debut.

RHP Yorlin Calderon, pitching to a 2.28 ERA in 16 games (27.2 IP) for Somerset, was demoted to Hudson Valley.

Scranton (48-40) (Swept in a doubleheader against Syracuse)

Game 1 (Lost, 6-5)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-4, 2 RS, K
DH Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, HR (5), RBI, RS, BB
Vivas’ HR in the top of the 7th gave the Railriders a 5-4 lead, but they blew it in the bottom of the inning.
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-4, RS, 2 K
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-2, 2B (1), 2 RBI, BB, K
Ramirez crushed that 2-run double to tie the game at 4-4 in the 5th. 
1B Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, RBI
LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, RBI, K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-3
3B Kevin Smith: 1-for-3, RS, K
2B Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Tanner Tully: 4 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
A nice, clean inning for Effross.
LHP Victor Gonzalez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Phil Bickford (L, 2-4): 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Lost, 2-1)

SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, K
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3
For Scranton: .258/.404/.424 in 169 PA. The sample size is getting larger and the numbers are solid.
1B Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-3
Since promotion: 11-for-63 (.175) with a double, four home runs and 11 RBI. He started very slow but has picked it up. He is going to hit here – I have no concerns about that.
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-2, SB (8), BB
.269/.388/.446 in 304 PA (17 doubles, 9 HR, 47 RBI, 45 R)
CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-3, 3 K
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, K
LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-2, HR (5), RBI, RS, SB (7), BB, K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-2, BB
3B Jeter Downs: 0-for-2, HBP

RHP JT Brubaker:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
I am not sure why Brubaker left the game. He is rehabbing, but he tossed 2.2 innings last time and has reached four innings in an outing. Yes, I am concerned but hopefully, it is nothing major.
RHP Art Warren: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: (L, 2-2) 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (42-42) (Lost to Erie, 6-0)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 3 K
Not that it ultimately matters, but I thought they would keep him in the second spot after his solid night last night. 
SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-3, HBP
This is nothing against Cowles. This is more of a “That’s baseball, Suzyn” thing: Cowles goes 7-for-8 in a doubleheader and is 2-for-15 since. Go ahead – try to figure this game out. He is hitting an impressive .297/.376/.478 in 340 PA with 23 doubles, 3 triples, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 49 R, and 13 stolen bases in 15 attempts. He is positioning himself for an MLB role sometime in 2025, whether here or elsewhere.
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-3, 2B (18), K
Richardson is 7-for-23 with two doubles and a home run in July.
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-3, K
Last 10 games: 12-for-33 (.364; 6 doubles, 6 RBI, 7 BB, 6 K)
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-1, CS (4), 2 BB, K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (L, 7-7)  5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
5.56 ERA (90.2 IP, 99 H, 59 R, 56 ER, 9 HR, 30 BB, 88 K). His biggest bugaboo has been lefties. Entering tonight, they hit .303/.378/.416 with 22 walks and 35 strikeouts in 204 PA. Against right-handed hitters? .242/.265/.418 with five walks and 48 strikeouts in 171 PA. Both sides have displayed power, but there is still a stark difference when looking at other metrics/numbers.
RHP McKinley Moore: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
For Somerset: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K. This was the second HR he has allowed in his career (30.1 IP)
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (41-41) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 3-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, RBI
.220/.362/.377 in 290 PA. He is in a little slump after a prolonged hot streak, but nothing to be worried about.
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, 2B (23)
Serna was pinch hit for in the 9th yesterday, but it was nothing as he was back in action today. 
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, HBP, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, RS, BB
.239/.382/.407 in 280 PA. 
3B Josh Moylan:  0-for-1, 3 BB, K
Moylan’s first career 3 BB game. He has shown off solid plate discipline.
DH Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-4, 2B (11), RBI, RS, 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, 2 BB
LF Nelson Medina: 0-for-4, K

RHP Blane Abeyta: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
RHP Matt Keating: (L, 3-2)  2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
4.13 ERA (48 IP, 36 H, 24 R, 22 ER, 7 HR, 18 BB, 59 K)

Tampa (30-52) (Lost to Dunedin, 4-3)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-5, 3 K
Tough nights are becoming rarer for Lombard Jr. We will toss this one.
2B Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (13), RS, SB (23), BB, K
Back-to-back multi-hit efforts for Arias. He is 4-for-5 stealing bases in his last five games. Yes, I know about his warts and have commented on them several times. He has these flashes where he shows off his pure raw talent that keeps you interested. I do not disagree with those who have lowered him in their rankings.
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RS, K
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-2, RBI, RS, CS (3), 2 BB, K
Montero has a 6-game hitting streak (9-for-18). It has increased his triple slash from .202/.286/.337 to .232/.322/.398.
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-4, K
C Diomedes Hernandez: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
Hernandez singled in Castillo in his first Low-A plate appearance. For the FCL squad, the 19-year-old played only 14 games, going 10-for-41 (.244/.295/.244) with five runs batted in. He was called up to this level on July 5th, but this was his first game.
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-4, K

RHP Josh Grosz: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
Grosz dialed it up to 95.8 tonight (averaged 94.3) and mixed his three pitches well (35% 4-seamers, 33% changeups, 32% sliders). The 21-year-old owns a 5.04 ERA at this level with an 80/25 K/BB over 60.2 IP. He has allowed too many homers (9) and the walk rate isn’t ideal, but he has shown signs of dominance. Like many youngsters, he needs to find consistency.
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Nivar touched 95.2 with his sinker and struck out Joey Votto. I can only imagine what kind of thrill that is for a kid.  Standing 5’10”, control has been an issue (25/21 K/BB over 24 IP between here and the FCL)
RHP Aaron Nixon (L, 2-2): 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
4.34 ERA (45.2 IP, 28 H, 26 R, 22 ER, 1 HR, 36 BB, 47 K). He is keeping the ball in the park and striking out a decent number of hitters, but walks are an issue. Nixon pitched in big settings in college, as he pitched for Texas and Mississippi State. The Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent, hoping to unlock some production.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (29-17)

Their game against the FCL Tigers was postponed due to rain. They play tomorrow but switch home fields. Hence, they have not scheduled this game for tomorrow. I do not see a makeup date.

DSL Yankees (9-17) (Lost to the DSL Tigers 2, 15-4)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-5, RS, K
Peralta turned 17 today.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-3, 2 RS, HBP
C Justin Capellan: 2-for-3, RBI, SB (4), BB
.268/.364/.357 for the 17-year-old in his debut campaign.
LF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RS, SB (9), BB
DH Luis Puello: 1-for-4, RBI, K
.388/.492/.571 in 59 PA (3 doubles, 2 home runs, 12 RBI, 8 BB, 9 K)

RHP Luis Burgos: 2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
The 18-year-old’s first professional start.
RHP Keninson Diaz: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
The 20-year-old is in his third season at this level. He pitched pretty well last season (2.76 ERA in 32.2 IP with a 50/14 K/BB) but they didn’t move him up.

DSL Bombers (16-11) (Lost to the DSL Giants Orange, 3-0, in a 6-inning game)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, K
Vilorio has struggled in his first 16 professional games (.190/.254/.293 with 24 strikeouts). He does have a double, triple, and homer.
C Queni Pineda: 2-for-2, BB
.262/.458/.443 in 83 PA. He has a 22/13 BB/K

LHP Junior Tavera (L, 0-3): 3 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
RHP Carlos Almonte: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
10.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K
RHP Jose Rosario: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Yankees MILB 6/28: Agustin Ramirez Hits First Scranton Homer

News:

None.

Scranton (45-33) (Defeated Worcester, 7-5)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, RS, 2 SB (6), BB
Vivas is hitting .255/.403/.388 in 126 PA for Scranton and is on a 6-game hitting streak. We talk about his good pop for a middle infielder, but he also can run a little. Last year, he stole 25 bases in 30 attempts.
2B Oswald Peraza: 3-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 RS
Peraza is surging towards .200 (have to start somewhere). He is hitting .198/.324/.240 for Scranton. The lack of power stands out.
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 K
Ramirez gets that first Triple-A homer. It’s his 17th HR overall (54 RBI)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, HR (8), 2 RBI, RS, K
For Scranton: .294/.347/.466 in 242 PA. The power has shown up in June (.296/.337/.556 with 6 doubles and 5 homers). Rumfield with power is an interesting prospect. Yes, the “Triple-A is juiced up!” disclaimer applies.
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4, K
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, 2 K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-3, HR (5), RBI, RS, K
SS Jeter Downs: 1-for-2, 2B (13), 2 CS (6), BB, K, Ejection!
Busy night for Downs!
   SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-0

LHP Edgar Barclay: 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Matt Sauer: (W, 1-2) 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Sauer has struggled since coming back. When you think about it, they are playing with house money since he couldn’t stick in Kansas City. Let’s see if he can get into a second-half groove.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz (S, 5): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (36-36) (Defeated Richmond, 7-5)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, 2B (10), RBI, 3 K
Jones has doubled in back-to-back games. He has 11 strikeouts in his last four games. When you are ranked #1 or #2 on 99.9% of Yankees’ prospect lists, there will be a large microscope. 
SS Ben Cowles: 2-for-5, RBI, 2 K
Cowles has a 9-game hitting streak and is hitting .303/.382/.480 in 296 PA. This is the 24-year-old’s debut season at this level, so this performance is impressive. When will he get to Scranton? It doesn’t matter much – he needs at-bats, and they are more available here.
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-5, 2B (2), 3 K
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, HBP
DH Elijah Dunham: 1-for-5, RS, SB (9), 2 K
LF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, RS, SB (9), BB, K
3 multi-hit games in his last five games played.
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 SB (13), 2 BB
.199/.300/.370 in 207 PA (10 doubles, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 25 R, 13-for-14 SB, 12.6% BB, 20.3% K). Taking walks is one thing he has always done well offensively.
RF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, SB (12), BB
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI, RS

RHP Blane Abeyta: 5 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Carlos Gomez (W, 3-1): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
5.02 ERA (28.2 IP, 25 H, 24 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 24 BB, 37 K).
RHP Jesus Liranzo (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (37-34) (Defeated Wilmington, 6-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-3, 2B (13), BB
Riggio has doubled in four straight games and is up to .225/.368/.395 in 247 PA. He was taking walks but not hitting much. Now, the bat is starting to get going.
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-4
Avina has a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-26, .423)
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-3, HR (8), RBI, 2 RS, BB
.241/.377/.407. Martinez is a part of the impressive/improving catching pipeline.
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, RS, K
Moylan has a 7-game hitting streak. I remember reading a lot from Yankees’ Twitter draft experts about how he was a nice undrafted signing. Perhaps the bat is heating up.
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-2, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
.221/.315/.450 in 154 PA. He has four homers in his last six games.
DH Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
It’s been a slow start for Familia coming off his injury.
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, K
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K

LHP Ben Shields: (W, 3-2)  5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K
For Hudson Valley: 2.75 ERA (52.1 IP, 35 H, 19 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 10 BB, 71 K). This is an impressive debut season for the undrafted free agent. At 25, he is old for the level but his lack of experience tells me this is the appropriate spot for him. I assume he will be on the list of promotions to Somerset.
RHP Luis Arejula: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (27-45) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 9-2)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 3-for-5, RBI, 3 SB (22)
.320/.364/.387 at this level. Tejeda is impressing me in 2024. 
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, RBI, RS, 2 K
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2B (12), RS
.249/.378/.418 in 233 PA.
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, 2B (8), 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (20), K
Montero is 32-for-83 in June. Yes, collecting 30+ hits in a calendar month is not an easy feat.
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, 2B (10), RBI, RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
LF Daury Arias: 1-for-4, RBI, RS

RHP Josh Grosz: (W, 2-5) 6.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Suggestion to the Yankees: I know that there are times when you need an emergency arm at other levels. However, I would keep Grosz here regardless of those needs. This is the level where he is undoubtedly most comfortable right now.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

FCL (24-13) (Their games against the FCL Phillies were postponed. The new date for yesterday’s suspended game is July 5th. I do not see a makeup day listed for today’s regularly scheduled game)

DSL Yankees (7-12) (Lost to DSL Arizona Black, 4-3. There is a reason for it (mainly location), but I still like that the DSL squads play more than three teams, unlike the FCL teams)

DH Justin Capellan: 1-for-4, RBI, 3 K
.275/.370/.375 in 46 PA. This is the 17-year-old’s debut campaign.
CF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-3, RS, 2 SB (7), BB
.233/.340/.302 in 50 PA. Thus far, he isn’t showing off the power he displayed in 2023 (.411 SLG), but I am more locked into how he does on the basepaths.
C Luis Puello: 1-for-2, 2B (3), SB (1), BB

RHP Alexander Almonte: 3.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
2.63 ERA in 13.2 IP for the 6’4″ 17-year-old. This is his de2but season.
RHP Luis Burgos: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (11-7) (Lost to DSL Colorado, 6-4)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, K
Vilorio’s first game since 6/15. The millionaire bonus baby is hitting .269/.367/.346 in eight games.
  CF Browm Martinez: 1-for-1, RS, SB (11)
While I can’t say for certain, it is a reasonable assumption that Viliorio was pulled because he is coming back from injury.
DH Queni Pineda: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 2 K
2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-3, RS, SB (12)
A DSL classic line of .375/.563/.500 in 48 PA with 12 stolen bases in 13 attempts.
1B Carlos Rondon: 1-for-2, 2 RS, BB
So many players down here are labeled as “catchers” (true of Rondon) and “shortstops” regardless of where they ultimately play. Anyway, Rondon is 3-for-16 with 8 walks and 7 strikeouts.
3B Rafael Martinez: 2-for-3, 2B (1), RBI

RHP Mariano Salomon: 4.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
The 21-year-old has a 1.56 ERA in 17.1 IP (12 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 19 K)

 

 

Yankees MILB 6/11: Josh Grosz Ks 10

News:

OF Christopher Familia‘s rehab is over. He reported to High-A Hudson Valley today. IF Enmanuel Tejeda‘s rehab is also complete, and he is back in Tampa (though he didn’t play tonight).

Scranton (39-25) (Rocked Rochester, 10-0)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB
For Scranton: 9-for-51 with 11 walks (five walks in his last two games)
SS Oswald Peraza: 3-for-5, HR (1, grand slam), 4 RBI, RS, K
Peraza badly needed this night. I hope he can build from here.
CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-5, RBI, RS
All singles result in the runner reaching first base. However, they are special when they are hit 111.6 MPH. It isn’t just that Dominguez is hitting – it is that he is hitting the ball hard, which indicates his arm is fine when it comes to swinging the bat. The throwing? It’s likely not quite there yet, but it shouldn’t be long. It is beyond encouraging that he is playing full games in the field. 
C Ben Rice: 2-for-4, RS, BB
Since joining Scranton: 10-for-22 (3 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 8 R, 6 BB, 6 K). He has four games at C and 2 at first base. I keep saying catching = more value while 1B = present/future MLB need. If the Yankees had “near future” plans for a promotion, would he not receive more first-base reps?
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-5, 2 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 4-for-5, HR (5), 2 RBI, 3 RS
With Scranton: .299/.354/.454 in 192 PA (12 doubles, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 28 R). His last four games: 10-for-20, 3 doubles, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 7 R. Rumfield is a potential option, even without traditional first-base power.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-5, RBI, RS, K
LF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-5, 2B (7), RBI, 2 K
3B Jeter Downs: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, BB

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: (W, 2-2) 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
2.79 ERA (42 IP, 25 H, 14 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 23 BB, 48 K). I think Gomez has some trade value, but remember that this is his last option year. If a team looks to acquire him, they believe he will be on the MLB roster for 2025 and beyond. That isn’t an unrealistic expectation. Do I think the Yankees would trade Gomez? For the right piece, yes. 
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
Underwood Jr. stranded two Gomez baserunners in the 6th.
RHP Art Warren: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Phil Bickford: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (28-30) (Lost to Binghamton, 6-3)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
.226/.311/.376 in 212 PA. In June, he is 9-for-36 with a double, triple, 3 HR, and 12 RBI. 
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, RS
When do you know a prospect is having a great season? Answer: When you look at “1-for-4, RS” and feel disappointed.
SS Ben Cowles: 2-for-4
.315/.385/.505 in 231 PA (20 doubles, 3 triples, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 32 R, 9-for-9 SB, 9.6% BB, 17.3% K). Is this “real”? I like the reduction in the strikeout rate. It stands out if you reduce your K% as you move to a higher level.  Cowles is 24 years old. In 2014, at 23, Rob Refsnyder hit .318/.387/.497 (18.2% K) between Double-A/Triple-A. Refsnyder isn’t a star but has carved out a decent career. No two players are alike – I am trying to give you a reference point.
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, 2B (14), RBI, 2 K
.268/.328/.427 in 174 PA (14 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 20 R, 6.9% BB, 25.9% K). Richardson got off to a hot start but has slowed down lately. Maybe tonight jump starts him again.
1B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, K
DH Elijah Dunham: 0-for-4, 3 K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, BB
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, RS

RHP Bailey Dees: 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Dees’ 11th straight start where he has allowed 3 earned runs or less (every start since his first one). He owns a 3.59 ERA in 62.2 IP (54 H, 29 R, 25 ER, 7 HR, 22 BB, 68 K). His move to the rotation has gone as well as the Yankees could have ever imagined.
RHP Carlos Gomez: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo: (L, 1-1)  0.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
The HR was a big one – a grand slam.
RHP Luis Velasquez: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (30-27) (Mauled Brooklyn, 13-4)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, RS, SB (8), BB, K
Serna has a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-21, 5 doubles)
C Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, 3B (4), 3 RBI, 3 RS
Rodriguez is hitting .335/.417/.517 in 235 PA. He owns five 3+ hit games and 21-multi-hit efforts. In 79 High-A games overall going back to 2023, he is at .341/.432/.522 (347 plate appearances). Rodriguez is a hitting machine and I can’t wait to see how he fares in the upper levels.
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-2, 2 RS, 3 BB, K
.318/.429/.503 in 182 PA. He has 616 High-A plate appearances over the last two years, so I think he will make his Somerset debut in the not-so-distant future. I will note that Flores played in four FCL games and skipped Low-A Tampa.
3B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-3, RS
   3B Beau Brewer: 2-for-2, 4 RBI, RS
Not bad for someone who didn’t start the game…
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-5, 3 RBI, RS
Avina was in a slump.  Hopefully, this ends that slump.
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-5, RBI, K
.236/.386/.401 in 197 PA. 
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, K
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, 2 RS, BB
I hope Familia makes his Somerset debut this season.

RHP Jackson Fristoe: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 3 K
Fristoe was coming off of a strong outing last time out. His inconsistency isn’t unexpected – hopefully, with time, the consistency will come. He owns a respectable 3.58 ERA in 32.2 IP, but has walked 26 batters.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
2.31 ERA (35 IP, 27 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 41 K). 
RHP McKinley Moore: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
3.06 ERA (35.1 IP, 22 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 3 HR, 15 BB, 41 K)
LHP Joel Valdez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.83 ERA (28.2 IP, 18 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 31 K). 2023: 10 HR allowed in 78.2 IP. Every other year, combined: 3 HR allowed in 158 IP.

Tampa (22-36) (Defeated Clearwater, 9-7, in 10 innings. Tampa had a 7-0 lead heading to the bottom of the 9th. Clearwater scored 7 to tie it)

2B George Lombard Jr: 2-for-6, 2B (8), 3 RBI, 2 K
Lombard Jr. needed a big hit and got it. He only has 8 extra-base hits in 40 games – I am hoping things start clicking as we approach the second half of 2024.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-6, RBI, 2 SB (16), 3 K
Hopefully, this is one bad night after a string of good ones. 
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, 2 BB, 2 K
DH Hans Montero: 0-for-5, 3 K
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, 2B (11), HR (4), RBI, 2 RS
Montero is on a 7-game hitting streak (14-for-29 (.483; 4 doubles, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 8 R)). While he hasn’t walked this month, he also has only four strikeouts.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-5, RS, SB (13), 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-1, 3 RS, 3 BB, HBP
About as productive as an 0-for-1 night can be.
LF Daury Arias: 1-for-2, 2B (6), 2 RS, 3 BB
Last 6 games: 7-for-14 (3 doubles, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 8 R, 8 BB)

RHP Josh Grosz: 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K
Pure dominance. Grosz had a 12-strikeout performance earlier this season, but he allowed 4 runs (2 earned) in that one. He threw 48% four-seamers (95.5 MPH max/93.9 MPH average), 32% sliders, 18% change-ups, and 2% sinkers. Like many youngsters, consistency is needed. 
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
1.98 ERA (27.1 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 4 HR, 14 BB, 33 K). I have to assume his Hudson Valley debut is coming in 2024.
RHP Montana Semmel: (W, 4-3) 1 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Not the way one wishes to “win” a game.
RHP Steven Fulgencio: (S, 1)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (16-11) (Leading the Phillies, 4-1, in the 4th inning. This game was suspended and will be finished on 6/18. I won’t report on it today)

DSL Yankees (2-5) and DSL Bombers (3-3)

The DSL Bombers defeated the DSL Yankees, 7-1

Yankees:

3B Richard Matic: 1-for-2, 2 BB, K
7-for-16 with seven walks.
2B Geyber Blanco: 2-for-3, 2B (2), RS
SS Jelson Coca: 0-for-2, 2 SB (2), BB, 2 K
Coca is an 18-year-old right-handed bat.

LHP Marco Manzano: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
The 6’3″ Manzano is 20, but this is his debut season.

Bombers:

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
5-for-17 with a triple and 3 runs batted in.
DH Queni Pineda: 3-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 RS, SB (1)
5-for-15 with a pair of doubles and a homer.
2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-2, 3B (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (6), BB
The 18-year-old has a stat line we see often in the DSL. He is a modest 2-for-7 but has walked 10 times (58.9% rate!) and stolen six bases.
1B Remy Veldhuisen: 2-for-2, RS, CS (1)
His first two career hits – congrats!  He is a 19-year-old left-handed bat.

LHP Franyer Herrera: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K