Tag: Josh Moylan

Yankees MILB 9/4: George Lombard Jr. Homers

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.

Injury Log

Scranton (80-52; 42-18 in second half) (Defeated Worcester, 6-2)

Syracuse’s game against Buffalo was postponed (they will try to play two tomorrow), so Scranton increases its lead to 4.5 games. Teams trying to hang in there include Toledo, Indianapolis, and Lehigh Valley. Scranton owns a solid lead over Lehigh Valley, but they do play a 6-game series next week. The season ends on September 21.

DH Austin Slater: 0-for-2, R, BB
   PH-DH Duke Ellis: 0-for-1, SF, RBI
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, CS (9), BB
Vivas is on a 5-game hitting streak and has hit safely in ten of his last 11 games. He’s hitting .274/.400/.361 at this level.
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, K
  LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-1, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (11), R, 3 K
Some may think I focus too much on the strikeouts. I do it for a reason: You aren’t surviving in MLB with these strikeout rates. If this insane surge is due to his back injury, that can explain it. But that happened over a month ago. If his back is still hurting, why is he playing at all?  Hence, I assume he is healthy and pitchers have adjusted to him. 
LF-RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 R, BB
1B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, RBI, R, SB (12)
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-4, 2B (18), 2 RBI, K

RHP Allan Winans: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
RHP Bailey Dees: (W, 2-0)  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Headrick begins his rehab stint. Since he has options, they could leave him here once the stint is over.
RHP Yerry De los Santos: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel (S, 6): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (67-62; 32-28 in second half) (Defeated New Hampshire, 4-1, in a rain-shortened contest)

Hartford (1.5 games back) and Portland (2.5 games back) both won.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

DH Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, R, SB (18), BB, K
Yankees’ minor league stolen base leaders: Marshall Toole: 43; Brendan Jones: 41; Juan Matheus: 40.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, HR (8), RBI, R, K
Lombard Jr. hit one home run for Hudson Valley, so he is within one of a double-digit campaign. He has also drawn 80 walks between the two levels (20.7% BB in Hudson Valley; 13.4% here). Don’t worry that the rate is lower – it is still solid, and that is expected.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-1, BB
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, RBI, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-2, R
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-2, 3B (2), RBI
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2
2B Jake Gatewood: 2-for-2, 2 2B (12), R
C Diomedes Hernandez: 1-for-2, RBI, K
The rarely-used Hernandez is 3-for-16 in six games. The 20-year-old has spent most of the season on the Development list.

RHP Ben Hess: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Since promotion: 2.93 ERA (30.2 IP, 19 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 39 K). He is up to 97.1 innings in his debut campaign (133/44 K/BB). Yeah, if he stays healthy, a 2026 debut is within range. 

Hudson Valley (77-49; 39-23 second half) (Defeated Greensboro, 10-0, in a rain-shortened game.)

As a reminder, Hudson Valley has to win the final three games in this series to win the second-half title.

3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-4, SF, 2 RBI
Matheus has a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-19).  He has nine 3+ hit efforts this season (three with Hudson Valley). I don’t have illusions of greatness, but he could be a legitimate utility prospect. Let’s see how he handles the upper minors.
CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, RBI
SS Core Jackson: 1-for-5, 2B (7), R, 2 K
DH Kaeden Kent: 2-for-5, RBI, R
1B Josh Moylan: 3-for-5, 2 2B (21), 2 R, K
Moylan’s experienced bat is helping a roster that is young/inexperienced. He has five multi-hit efforts in his last eight games.
RF Camden Troyer: 0-for-2, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
2B Connor McGinnis: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R
McGinnis owns a 6-game hitting streak.
C John Cristino: 0-for-1, 2 R, 2 HBP, BB
LF Luis Durango: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K

LHP Xavier Rivas: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 10 K
Since promotion: 1.23 ERA (29.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 14 BB, 44 K). Rivas has four 10+ strikeout efforts this season, including three at this level (8/15, 8/22, 9/4). Between here, Tampa, and the FCL, he owns a 113/50 K/BB over 85.1 innings. The walks are high, but one should be intrigued by his ability to miss bats.
RHP Jack Cebert: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
5.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K

Tampa (62-63; 26-34 in the second half) (Lost to Clearwater, 7-3. The Tarpons need to finish 2-1 to finish at .500)

Their season ends on Sunday.

SS Dax Kilby: 3-for-5, R, SB (14), K
Kilby’s insane run continues. He is now 23-for-65 (.354/.447/.446; 2 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 18 R, 14-for-15 SB, 11 BB, 10 K) and has eight multi-hit efforts in his last 12 games. I wonder if questions about his ability to play shortstop caused him to slip in the draft. The answer is likely “Yes,” to some extent.
3B Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (19), RBI, BB, 2 K
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (12), BB
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-4, BB
With three games to play, Toole is at .304/.403/.481 in 367 PA. The Florida State League batting title is sewn up, as nobody else is above .281. It’s all about trying to be the only qualified FSL player to hit .300 this season.
2B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-5, 2 K
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, K
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-1, SB (6), CS (1), 3 BB
Rivera hadn’t drawn a walk in seven straight games heading into tonight (he had two walks in August!)
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-3, SB (25), BB, 2 K
After stealing zero bases in July, he is 10-for-12 in August/September. This was his 15th start in LF (33 at first base; 19 at second base; 11 at third base; 3 in right field).
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 R, K

RHP Mariano Salomon: (L, 1-5) 3.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
LHP Franyer Herrera: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
It’s a bit deceiving after this performance, but he still owns a 0.00 ERA since his promotion (10 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 12 K)
RHP Cade Austin: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
3.08 ERA (52.2 IP, 46 H, 25 R, 18 ER, 5 HR, 24 BB, 57 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.60 ERA (45 IP, 46 H, 27 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 22 BB, 40 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 8/31: Cade Smith: 5 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.

No other news to report.

Injury Log

Scranton (77-52; 39-18 in second half) (Lost to Syracuse, 3-0. That’s back-to-back shutout losses. Yesterday, they faced a good prospect (Brandon Sproat). Today, Syracuse used a “bullpen game” to shut them down.)

Syracuse pulls within three games in the second-half title race, with Toledo and Indianapolis also in the picture. The season ends on September 21st.  Scranton’s last three series are against Worcester (road), Lehigh Valley (home), and Buffalo (road). Lehigh Valley is on the fringe of the playoff race.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 2B (14), BB
I talked about his lack of pop in August – on the bright side, he doubled in three of his last five August games. 
RF Austin Slater: 0-for-2, BB
It is possible that Slater will not be ready for Tuesday (this is only his second rehab game, and he has yet to play a full game in the field). The Yankees could bring up someone else in the meantime. Slater has no options, so they can’t simply leave him here.
   RF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-1
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2 K
Perhaps it is related to the back spasms from a month ago, but the surge in strikeouts is concerning. He played in 29 August games, striking out at least once in 25 of them (15 games with multiple strikeouts). Overall, his strikeout rate is 32.9% (36.8% in 2024).
LF Brennen Davis: 0-for-3, BB, K
For Scranton: .313/.378/.800 (that’s his SLG – not his OPS!) in 90 PA (3 doubles, 12 HR).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, 2 K
A rough August (23-for-109 (.211); 26 strikeouts) comes to an end.  Here’s hoping he finds his stroke for the September title race.
DH Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 3 K
Martinez is hitting .208/.304/.333 in 15 games since his promotion (1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR).
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, K

RHP Erick Leal (L, 8-10): 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 3 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Since signing: 3.60 ERA (25 IP, 24 H, 16 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 21 K). Maybe they will re-sign him to a minor league deal and invite him to spring training.
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
He has a nice 1.59 ERA at this level, but has walked eight over 11.1 innings.  Dees is a big kid who doesn’t flash a big fastball (averaged 91 MPH today). 
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (64-62; 29-28 in second half) (Lost to Binghamton, 4-1, in a Sunday evening game.)

Hartford defeated Portland to move within 0.5 games of the Patriots. Portland remains 1.5 games behind.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th. Their final two series are against New Hampshire and Reading, two of the worst teams in the Eastern League.  Can they take advantage?

LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, K
It’s still interesting that despite his low batting average and not-so-great Double-A stats overall, he still had a 107 wRC+ at this level entering today. A lot of that is tied to his walk rate, which ranks sixth in the Eastern League.
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, R, K
Avina is hitting .216 with a .641 OPS since his promotion.
DH Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2B (17), RBI, BB, 2 K
The right-handed bat entered today with a reverse split (.252/.313/.359 vs. LHP; .280/.347/.450 vs. RHP)
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, 3 K
2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-4, K
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, 2 K
C Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-3, K
The 20-year-old has spent most of 2025 on the “Development List,” participating in only five games.

LHP Brock Selvidge: (L, 2-6) 3.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
5.23 ERA (62 IP, 57 H, 38 R, 36 ER, 4 HR, 35 BB, 49 K). While an injury hurt his progress this season, it’s been a bit of a slog for him.
RHP Zach Messinger: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.90 ERA (40.1 IP, 33 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 24 BB, 36 K). 

Hudson Valley (75-48; 37-22 second half) (Defeated Brooklyn, 8-3)

If Greensboro wins tonight, they will enter the season-ending 6-game series with a 3-game lead.  Hudson Valley will need to go 5-1 to make the playoffs. If Greensboro loses, the lead is cut to two. Hudson Valley will need to go 4-2. The first tiebreaker is head-to-head record in the second half, and the upcoming series is their only series in the second half.

CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, 2 R, 2 BB, K
Lewis has done enough in Hudson Valley to make it to Somerset as a 22-year-old in 2026. His OPS is slightly below what he did in Tampa (from .800 to .783), but the reduction in his strikeout rate is impressive (from 28.2% to 20.5%).  As for his future position, the Yankees are giving him a lot of time in center field. Can he stick there? 
SS Core Jackson: 1-for-2, SF, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
Jackson has hit safely in six of his last seven games.
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-3, RBI, R, 2 BB
Matheus finishes a solid August at .270/.360/.440 (9 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 13 R, 5-for-6 SB). Overall, he is second in the organization in doubles (30) and stolen bases (40), and third in hits (111).
DH Kaeden Kent: 1-for-5, RBI, K
Kent has 14 hits in his professional career, five of which came on August 27th. 
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
7-for-61 (.115) since his promotion.
1B Josh Moylan: 3-for-5, 2 2B (19), 2 RBI, R, K
.219/.343/.348 in 429 PA. A .155/.308/.260 triple slash in his first half (56 games) crushed any chance of him having a strong overall campaign. That said, a young/inexperienced team that needed an offensive boost is benefiting from his strong second half (.286; 8 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, 27 RBI).
RF Camden Troyer: 2-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 R
The 23-year-old launches his first professional home run. He is hitting .263/.354/.351 in 65 plate appearances.
LF Joe Delossantos: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-3, R, BB, K

RHP Cade Smith (W, 1-1):  5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Smith’s first High-A win. In seven starts at this level: 3.38 ERA (26.2 IP, 16 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 27 K). He threw 67 pitches today, which is in range of his recent appearances (74 is his maximum this season).  He has one more start before the Yankees decide what to do with him during the offseason. 
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
2.21 ERA (53 IP, 33 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 59 K). His second half has been solid (3.55 ERA in 25.1 innings with a 25/6 K/BB), but hasn’t been as dominant as his first half (0.98 ERA in 27.2 innings with a 34/6 K/BB). 
RHP Jack Cebert: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
First three professional appearances: 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K

Tampa (60-61; 24-32 in the second half)

Their game against Bradenton was cancelled due to rain. Obviously, with one series left in the season, this one will not be made up.

Tampa’s season ends on September 7th.  Assuming there is no rain this week (wild assumption in Florida), the final series is seven games (including a doubleheader).

Their chances to win the second-half title are somewhere in the 0.0000001% range. However, they do play the current leader (Clearwater), and a 7-game sweep would push them ahead of the Threshers.

“So you’re saying there’s a chance?”

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 8/19: Brandon Decker Ks 10

Notes:

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

The DSL seasons ended today. Both teams missed the DSL Cup Tournament, with the Bombers finishing 1.5 games behind the DSL Astros Blue. Yes, you can have an uneven number of games in the minors.

RHP Jonathan Loaisiga‘s rehab is stalled due to another injury. If you are as shocked as I am, you aren’t shocked at all. $5 million isn’t much in today’s game, but the Yankees wasted money here.

RHP Fernando Cruz will continue his rehab assignment in Somerset. This is likely because Scranton is in Buffalo this week (and was rained out today), and not due to performance. Teams don’t “demote” rehabbing MLB players.

Injury Log

Scranton (70-47; 32-13 in second half) 

Their game against Buffalo was postponed due to rain. They will try to play a doubleheader on Thursday.

The Railriders enter the week with a 1-game lead over Syracuse for the second-half title.

Somerset (61-54; 26-20 in second half) (Lost to Hartford, 5-0. This is a big 6-game series as Hartford is Somerset’s closest competition (3.5 games back) for the second-half title. “Title” isn’t the appropriate word, as Binghamton will likely have the best second-half record. However, they already clinched the playoffs in the first half, so it doesn’t matter.)

Old friend Roc Riggio is on the Hartford roster. He went 2-for-4 with a double, RBI, run scored, and a stolen base. He is 12-for-53 (.226/.283/.358) thus far.)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, K
Jones has a bare minimum hitting streak going (five straight 1-hit efforts).
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
I have been asked if I have any concerns over his Somerset numbers (.206/.322/.339).  What if he never breaks through at Double-A?  Anything is possible in the world of baseball prospects. Nothing should surprise you. But there is no reason to be concerned. He’s young and has shown enough here to tell you he isn’t “overwhelmed.”  What happens in 2026 is up to him.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, HBP, K
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, BB, K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-3, K
DH Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, 2B (9), 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange (L, 5-4): 3.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
At this level: 3.84 ERA (58.2 IP, 38 H, 28 R, 25 ER, 3 HR, 40 BB, 78 K). He’s had his share of ups and downs, especially in the control development, since his promotion. 
RHP Mason Vinyard: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Fernando Cruz: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Tonight’s rehab appearance goes much better than the previous two.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
5.67 ERA (46 IP, 55 H, 30 R, 29 ER, 6 HR, 8 BB, 48 K).  Given his ERA was still over 10.00 on May 18th (and wasn’t below 9.00 until June 13th), he’s done a nice job of turning his season around. 

Hudson Valley (69-42; 31-16 second half) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 5-2. Jose Colmenares, who the Yankees released recently, is now playing for Jersey Shore (Phillies’ affiliate). I always like to see prospects I follow finding jobs when the Yankees no longer have room.)

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, BB, K
2B Core Jackson: 1-for-4, RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Jackson is 7-for-36 with three doubles and a triple.
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-5, R
SS Kaeden Kent: 1-for-4, RBI
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, 2B (1), R, K
Urena’s first extra-base hit since his promotion (4-for-34).
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, HR (7), RBI, R, HBP
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, K
DH Camden Troyer: 2-for-3, RBI, R, BB
Troyer’s first professional multi-hit effort.
RF Luis Durango: 0-for-3, K
  RF Robbie Burnett: 0-for-1, K

RHP Brandon Decker: (W, 1-1)  5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K (personal best)
Last two starts: 11 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 17 K. 
RHP Chris Kean: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Tony Rossi: (S, 8) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
At this level: 2.25 ERA (32 IP, 13 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 22 BB, 42 K)

Tampa (53-59; 17-30 in the second half)

Their game against Fort Myers was postponed due to rain. They will try to play a doubleheader tomorrow.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32) (Defeated the DSL Giants Orange, 3-2)

SS Mani Cedeno, their 16-year-old bonus baby ($2.5M), didn’t play the last few games. He finishes his debut season at .183/.371/.305 (88 wRC+) over 213 PA (5 doubles, 3 triples, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 41 R, 21-for-23 SB, 20.2% BB, 35.7% K).

CF Isaias Castillo: 1-for-3, 2B (5), RBI
Signed for $750,000, Castillo’s first season ends with a .247/.362/.382 triple slash over 105 plate appearances. He missed the entire month of July.
SS Carlos Bello: 0-for-2, BB, K
.217/.359/.354 in 198 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 34 R, 14-for-17 SB, 14.1% BB, 24.7% K). The 17-year-old started hot, and was hitting .305/.468/.508 after a 4-hit effort on July 1st. It was tough going from there.
DH Justin Capellan: 0-for-1, HBP, BB
The 19-year-old ends his campaign at .255/.382/.442 in 186 PA. He started 31 games at catcher at 14 at designated hitter.
LF Wilberson De Pena: 0-for-2, CS (4), BB, K
De Pena went 4-for-28 after being acquired for Oswald Peraza.
3B Adrian Feliz: 0-for-1, R, BB
2B Eliezer Adames: 2-for-2, 3B (1), RBI, 2 R
The $250,000 signee didn’t play much in his debut campaign, going 5-for-43 with a triple.  There aren’t any significant gaps in his playing time to suggest an injury, so it was seemingly a strategic move.

RHP Enixon Sanchez: 3 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
The 18-year-old had some buzz last season, but struggled more in 2025 (ERA spiked from 2.79 in 29 innings to 5.04 in 44.2 innings).
LHP Luis Rodriguez (W, 3-2): 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
4.99 ERA (39.2 IP, 38 H, 24 R, 22 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 41 K). He is 20 years old, but this was his debut season.
RHP Rafael Arias (S, 3): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
The 21-year-old pitched to a 4.05 ERA in 40 innings (42 H, 24 R, 18 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 53 K)

DSL Bombers (31-25) (Defeated the DSL Mets Blue, 7-2)

Like Cedeno, bonus baby SS Stiven Marinez ($1.65M) didn’t play the last few games. He finishes his debut campaign at .275/.424/.375 (115 wRC+) over 205 PA (7 doubles, 3 triples, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 37 R, 22-for-28 SB, 20.0% BB, 22.4% K).

CF Ruben Castillo: 0-for-3, HBP, K
Castillo, a $750,000 signee, finishes his debut campaign at .220/.338/.368 in 225 PA (9 doubles, 5 triples, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 33 R, 20-for-32 SB, 11.1% BB, 24.4% K)
LF Jose Castro: 0-for-2, R, 2 SB (20), 2 BB, K
SS Christofer Reyes: 2-for-3, 3B (1), 2 RBI, BB
After hitting .250/.346/.314 as a 16-year-old last season, he hit .245/.339/.329 this season. He signed for $100,000.
3B-2B Juan Torres: 0-for-4
This 0-for-4 doesn’t dampen an awesome debut campaign (.359/.406/.516; 4 HR, 43 RBI). He signed for only $50,000.
RF David Carrera: 0-for-2, 2 R, SB (14), BB, 2 K
C Carlos Rondon: 2-for-2, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
The 19-year-old played in only 27 games, hitting .281/.453/.484 with three homers and 20 RBI.

LHP Junior Tavera: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Tavara, 18, didn’t last long today. We’ll never know why.
RHP Andre Avila (W, 1-1): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
In his debut campaign, the 20-year-old pitched to a 4.50 ERA in 20 innings with a 22/15 K/BB.
RHP Lenin Caceres: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
The 23-year-old’s professional debut, at least in affiliated ball. Not even Baseball Reference has statistics for the Venezuelan and the only transaction I can find is that he “elected” free agency earlier this season.
RHP Diego Carrillo: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
The 18-year-old appeared in 18 games during his debut season, putting up a 4.08 ERA in 35.1 IP with a 33/18 K/BB.
LHP Ronald Tejada: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Tejada had a solid season as a 17-year-old, but his 18-year-old campaign wasn’t nearly as solid. Nice to see him end on a good note.

Yankees MILB 8/7: George Lombard Jr. Goes Yard

Notes:

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

More promotion news:

OF Jackson Castillo was promoted from Hudson Valley to Somerset. Castillo, a 22-year-old outfielder, was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. For Hudson Valley this year, he hit .242/.337/.336 with five home runs, 47 RBI, and 21 stolen bases in 22 attempts. He will be joined by SS Alexander Vargas and 1B/OF Coby Morales (both played for Somerset earlier this season)

Hudson Valley will welcome OF Joe Delossantos (who has played in only one game this season – a rehab game before the FCL season ended) and several 2025 draftees/signings: Outfielders Camden Troyer (12th round) and Robbie Burnett (undrafted free agent), along with SS Core Jackson (5th).

Once again, movement comes with releases. The Yankees released OF Anthony Hall and 1B Kiko Romero. Hall, their 4th-round pick in 2022, hit .234/.333/.358 in 182 minor league games. A standout for the University of Oregon, Hall injured himself during his first professional at-bat in 2022. Whether that impacted his career, we won’t know. However, the bat never caught on. Romero, drafted in the 7th round in 2023 out of Arizona, hit .213/.351/.371 in 125 minor league games.

The Yankees released JT Brubaker. Since they couldn’t trade him, the two options (if no team claimed him) were either an outright assignment to Scranton (something he could have rejected) or release. The Yankees would have saved a little money if he had been claimed, but it wasn’t worth it to them. The Yankees were buying low on Brubaker (they sent Keiner Delgado to Pittsburgh), hoping they could work with him. Injuries ruined his progression. The Yankees also received international bonus pool money in that deal.

Injury Log

Scranton (66-42; 28-8 in second half) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 4-1)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, R, K
I can see Vivas being valuable as a shuttle infielder over the next few seasons. He likely doesn’t have enough to be an everyday contributor for the Yankees, but he has enough where you aren’t afraid to plug him in if someone goes on the injured list for a few weeks.  I don’t envision them cutting him from the 40-man roster, but trade possibilities also exist.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R, SB (14), 2 K
He hasn’t homered recently, but he has six stolen bases in his last six games. His race to 30/30 now shows 29 home runs and 24 stolen bases. He still leads minor league hitters in home runs, but Ryan Ward has closed in (28). 
DH T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, HR (14), 2 RBI, R
Rumfield is up to .314 with a .910 OPS (29 doubles, 14 HR, 77 RBI).  He ranks in the top ten in all of minor league baseball in runs batted in. 
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
1B Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, 2B (11), BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-2, SB (7), 2 BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, CS (6), K

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 10-0) 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
His MLB performances haven’t stood out, but we can still marvel over this minor league campaign. He owns a 1.16 ERA over 70 innings with a 77/22 K/BB.
RHP Zach Messinger: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Somerset (56-49; 21-15 in second half) (Lost to Binghamton, 5-4)

LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, HBP, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, R, K
Lombard Jr. follows up yesterday’s triple with a home run. He is now at .208/.321/.347 with 22 extra-base hits (12 doubles, 4 triples, 6 HR) at this level. Given he had only two extra-base hits (double, triple) in his first 25 games after his promotion (.224 SLG), that’s not so bad.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-3, HBP, CS (1)
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, HR (16), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Hardman has 16 homers in 86 games this season (10 in 96 games last year). I think his overall power profile (which includes 26 HR in 77 games before getting injured in 2023) could earn him an MLB shot down the road. I doubt that would be with the Yankees.
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2B (1), R, K
Morales was 3-for-19 in an earlier stint at this level.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4
Always nice to get that first hit out of the way quickly.
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
2B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 7 K
At this level: 3.49 ERA (49 IP, 29 H, 21 R, 19 ER, 3 HR, 36 BB, 70 K). The raw talent is obvious. 70 strikeouts in his first 49 Double-A innings will raise an eyebrow or two. Like many tall kids, it’s about the control. For the first time in his minor league career, he showed off decent control in his stint with Hudson Valley this year (7.1%), but it has spiked here. The hitters are more advanced and are making him work.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (L, 3-3) 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.60 ERA (27.2 IP, 23 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 31 K)
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (63-39; 25-13 second half) (Defeated Brooklyn, 7-1)

LF Dillon Lewis: 3-for-5, 3B (3), 3 RBI, K
Could Lewis move to Somerset?  Even though he hasn’t gotten off to a good start in August (5-for-25, but with a triple and two home runs), I think he is somewhere in the queue. I also don’t have an issue with him finishing his campaign here and starting fresh in Somerset in 2026. A lot goes into this that we aren’t privy to.
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-5, 2B (1), RBI, K
Matheus earns a hit in his High-A debut. It’s appropriate that it was a double, given he hit 23 in 94 games for Tampa.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
SS Core Jackson: 0-for-4, R, K
Jackson is a 21-year-old left-handed bat out of Utah. It’s probably just a coincidence that many of their drafted middle infielders are left-handed hitters (Jackson, Kaeden Kent, Dax Kilby, Connor McGinnis).
1B Josh Moylan: 3-for-4, 2B (15), 2 R, BB, K
If you are going to get hot, you may as well do it when they are making cuts. I don’t know if Moylan was on the potential list, so I am just kidding. Anyway, he is 8-for-23 with a double and two home runs in August after hitting .281/.387/.422 in July.
RF Camden Troyer: 1-for-5, 2B (1)
I believe he earned the first extra-base hit among 2025 draftees. Troyer is a 23-year-old left-handed bat out of Liberty.
LF Robbie Burnett: 0-for-2, 2 R, BB, K
The undrafted free agent out of Georgia hit an amazing .307/.477/.693 in 256 plate appearances against some of the best college talent in the land. He spent only one year at Georgia after transferring from UNC Asheville.
2B Connor McGinnis: 1-for-4
McGinnis earns his first professional hit.
C John Cristino: 0-for-3, R, BB, K

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 5-6)  7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Carr required only 78 pitches to accumulate 21 outs. That’s incredible efficiency. Why didn’t they keep him out of there for the 8th? Honestly, I am not sure. Anyway, after tossing 104 innings of 4.76 ERA ball at this level in his 2024 debut campaign, he has a 2.23 ERA in 101 innings with an 86/40 K/BB this year. His strikeout rate is down a bit from last season, but he has compensated for that with a reduction in his walk rate.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
0.43 ERA (42.1 IP, 15 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 15 BB, 34 K). 15 hits in 42.1 innings is both ridiculous and lucky. 

Tampa (48-52; 12-23 in the second half) 

Their game against St. Lucie was postponed. They will try to play two tomorrow.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

In case you are wondering, the DSL ends on August 19th. The Yankees have no shot at the playoffs. The Bombers still have a chance to make it into the 16-team field.

DSL Yankees (20-27) (Lost to the DSL Angels, 8-7. A DSL special, as the Yankees walked 13 times but compiled only four hits. I expected to see that they left 5,000 runners on base, but they left eight and went 1-for-6 with RISP. Strange game.)

DH Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, 2 BB, K
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-2, R, 3 BB, K
.179/.370/.255 in 189 PA. He has walked eight times and stolen five bases in his last four games.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-3, 2 R, SB (9), 2 BB, K
.356/.500/.583 in 176 PA. This is the first step of many, but he will reach the FCL as an 18-year-old next year.
RF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
CF Isaias Castillo: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (12), BB, 2 K
.298/.429/.491 in 70 PA. He missed July for some reason, but this is still a nice season for a kid who didn’t turn 17 until June 15th.
C-1B Edgar Jimenez: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
1B-C Jose Lavagnino: 0-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB

RHP Varis Villarreal: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (25-22) (Lost to the DSL Cardinals, 18-7)

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-5, SB (21)
.257/.407/.338 in 189 PA (21-for-27 SB). He is trying to finish strongly (9-for-22 with a double and a homer in August). Because I don’t report on Mondays, I missed his first professional home run on August 4th. Oops.
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-5, 3B (4), R, 2 K
LF Jose Castro: 2-for-3, 2B (3), SF, RBI, SB (13), HBP, K
2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
3B Juan Torres: 2-for-5, 2B (8), 3 RBI
His magic carpet ride continues, as he is hitting .349/.392/.504 in 143 plate appearances during his debut campaign. He has hit safely in 15 of his last 16 games.
1B Leni Done: 2-for-5, HR (4), RBI, R, 2 K
Done has hit well in his debut season (.268/.392/.447 in 148 PA). He turned 18 on June 5th.
RF Angel Ventura: 0-for-2, SB (18), 2 BB

LHP Kevin Centeno: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
The 19-year-old owns a 4.80 ERA and 51/22 K/BB over 30 innings. This is his debut campaign.
RHP Jesus Guerrero: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
The seldom-used 18-year-old catcher (47 plate appearances) has a 0.00 ERA in three games (3.1 innings) this season.

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 6/28: Rafael Flores: Another Multi-Hit Effort

Notes:

No news for you.

Injury Log

Scranton (42-35) (Lost to Worcester, 5-3, in ten innings)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RBI, R, HBP
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
Position breakdown: Catcher: 36 starts; 3B: 20 starts; DH: 9 starts. Rodriguez has experience at 1B and LF (+ a few games at second base), but the Yankees have asked him to concentrate on catching and third base in 2025.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, R, BB, 3 K
2-for-9 with a homer, walk, and five strikeouts in his first two Triple-A contests.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, SF, RBI
Rumfield has a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-16).
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, BB, K
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, BB
3B CJ Alexander: 1-for-5, RBI, K
   PR Duke Ellis: 0-for-0
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-5, 2B (8), R
LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3, SB (19), BB

RHP Brendan Beck: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
Since promotion: 10.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 1 BB, 10 K. Overall, between here and Somerset, he owns a 1.81 ERA in 64.2 IP (45 H, 14 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 62 K).
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 5 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.34 ERA (35 IP, 35 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 38 K)
RHP Scott Effross (L, 1-2): 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
What could have been…

Somerset (37-37) (Defeated Erie, 7-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, R, SB (4), BB
Riggio is 4-for-5 stealing bases since his promotion (2-for-6 for Hudson Valley). He is at .263/.314/.575 in 86 PA for Somerset.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, 2B (7), R, 3 K
Lombard Jr.’s 10th extra-base hit in June (only had two in 22 games for Somerset in May)
DH Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R
Flores has seven multi-hit efforts in his last nine games (15-for-37; .405) and nine 3-hit efforts this season.  During this streak, his triple slash has climbed from .270/.331/.464 to .288/.348/.484 (20 doubles, 12 HR, 47 RBI, 41 R, 5-for-5 SB). 
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2 BB
.271/.345/.467 in 284 PA. He has 12 walks in June (11 walks combined in April and May).
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RBI, R
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, RBI, R, HBP, BB
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (6), 3 RBI
Burt hit a key 3-run double. He has been with the system for so long that he played games for Pulaski, Charleston, and Trenton.

LHP Ben Shields: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Shields was activated from the 60-day injured list. He made four rehab starts.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 2-2)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.74 ERA (38 IP, 24 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 25 BB, 37 K). As a reliever: 17.1 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 18 K.
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (42-30) (Lost to Wilmington, 7-4)

LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-5, R, K
Castillo’s fourth 3-hit game this season (second this month). He has struggled since a strong April. All one can do is hope he snaps out of it.
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-4
DH Jace Avina: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
.283/.408/.455 in 184 PA. Over the last two seasons at this level, he is hitting .256/.346/.415 in 581 PA with 37 doubles, 14 homers, 71 RBI, and 74 runs. If not for injury, he may be in Double-A right now. 
SS Alexander Vargas:  3-for-4, R
Vargas has an 8-game hitting streak (15-for-32)
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, HR (3; grand slam), 4 RBI, R, 2 K
Moylan hits his first career grand slam. 
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 4-6)  7.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Grosz was cruising through seven innings but ran into trouble when he tried to stretch into the 8th.  Season: 3.69 ERA (70.2 IP, 51 H, 34 R, 29 ER, 3 HR, 28 BB, 76 K). He has thrown 7+ innings in four of his 12 starts (pitched into the 7th in two other starts).
RHP Tony Rossi: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
It was inevitable that Rossi would hit some turbulence. He also allowed two of Grosz’s runners to score. At this level: 1.47 ERA (18.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 21 K). Overall: 1.04 ERA (26 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 11 BB, 33 K)

Tampa (40-33) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 7-4)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, 2B (7), R, 2 BB, K
.217/.375/.248 in 291 PA. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-19; 5 BB). 
RF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (22), CI
.281/.356/.433 in 235 PA (14 doubles, 4 triples, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 31 R, 22-for-26 SB, 10.2% BB, 24.7% K). He is 9-for-24 (.375) in his last six games. So far, the 20-year-old has moved up one level per year (DSL in 2023, FCL in 2024, Low-A in 2025).
SS Roderick Arias: 3-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
Arias’ first 3-hit effort this season. Through June 28th, 2024: .210/.306/.362. This year: .184/.312/.270. 
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, 2B (11), 2 RBI
.206/.337/.333 in 306 PA. Perez and Urena are piling up the plate appearances while alternating between C/DH (Urena has 38 games behind the dish; Perez has 34)
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, 2 SB (28), BB
Matheus has a 6-game stolen base streak (9-for-9) and is second to Kyle Henley (CIN; 36) in the FSL. He is hitting .269/.359/.345. 
1B Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (8)
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-4, SB (14), K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (24), BB, K
2B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R, SB (7), 2 K

RHP Andrew Landry: 4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Landry had efficiency issues today (84 pitches).  Season: 4.11 ERA (61.1 IP, 66 H, 37 R, 28 ER, 4 HR, 23 BB, 58 K).  June: 26.1 IP, 17 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 21 K.
RHP Chris Veach: (W, 1-1)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
1.48 ERA (30.1 IP, 20 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 3 HR, 18 BB, 44 K). Veach allowed two of Landry’s runners to score.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: (S, 1) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Fristoe reached 96.5 MPH.

FCL (19-22) (Lost a tough one to the Blue Jays, 2-1. They held a 1-0 lead entering the bottom of the 8th but couldn’t hold on)

RF JoJo Jackson: 0-for-3
Jackson is looking for his first hit as his rehab continues.
C John Cristino: 1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, R, K
Cristino’s 8th inning homer not only gave them a short-lived lead – it was their only hit this morning/afternoon. There is zero doubt in my mind that Cristino (25) will be in Tampa once the FCL season concludes, if not before. By the way, this was the second time he was behind the plate. He has 13 starts at first base.

RHP Michael Arias: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
His second rehab appearance is clean.
RHP Mariano Salomon: 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
The 22-year-old is pitching well (2.73 ERA in 26.1 IP with a 32/6 K/BB). He has thrown well his entire career, with a 2.91 ERA in 117.1 innings (148/25 K/BB). I would not be surprised to see him in Tampa later this year.
LHP Jose Ledesma: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Chance Nolan (L, 1-1): 0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Nolan allows his first career earned run (12.1 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 6 BB, 9 K)

DSL Yankees (9-10) (Defeated the DSL Rangers Blue, 13-6)

DH Francisco Vilorio:  2-for-5, SF, 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
C Justin Capellan: 0-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
SS Carlos Bello: 2-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
LF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K
The 18-year-old is showing some pop in his second campaign (.310/.408/.524 in 49 PA with three homers and 13 RBI)
3B Alfred Ciriaco: 2-for-6, RBI, R, 2 SB (6)
At 18, he isn’t a young guy for the DSL – but this is his debut campaign. Ciriaco is 13-for-37 (.351) with a double and seven RBI. Impressive, he has struck out twice (0.05%).
CF Angel Ventura: 2-for-5, 2B (3), R, CS (2), BB, 2 K
1B Jesus Guerrero: 0-for-1, RBI, 2 R, SB (1), 3 BB, K
The 18-year-old is 3-for-13 in his debut campaign. He has six walks and a pair of strikeouts.
RF Eliezer Adames: 0-for-5, 5 K
2B Emmanuel Orozco: 1-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, 2 R, SB (4), BB, K
Only 16, Orozco entered the day 1-for-19 in his brief career. His two professional hits are a double and a triple.

RHP Anthony Mena (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
3.94 ERA (16 IP, 18 H, 18 R, 7 ER, 3 HR, 7 BB, 17 K)

DSL Bombers (7-11) (Defeated the DSL Cardinals, 4-3. It wasn’t as wild as the previous two days (0-2 despite scoring 29 runs), but they did win this on a walk-off. It was a 7-inning game)

CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-4, K
.236/.323/.400 in 62 PA. Castillo started the season 2-for-22. He is 11-for-33 since, including nine hits in his last five games.
SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, BB, K
I always say to not worry about it if a teenager initially struggles out of the game. However, my eyes open quickly when a 16-year-old jumps out to a big start. That’s Marinez, who is hitting .310/.500/.381 in 60 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 12 R, 9-for-10 SB, 15 BB, 13 K). You have my attention, kid.
C Queni Pineda: 0-for-3, R, BB
DH Browm Martinez: 0-for-4, R
RF Jose Castro: 2-for-4, 2B (1), HR (1), 3 RBI, R, K
Castro homered in the 6th for the appetizer. The main course was a 2-out, 2-run double in the bottom of the 7th to walk it off. The 19-year-old has appeared in only three games this season, and these were his first two hits. How can you not love this game?
3B Juan Torres: 1-for-3
1B Remy Veldhuisen: 2-for-3, K

RHP Randy Angomas: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
RHP Carlos Hampshire (W, 1-1) 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K
The 20-year-old earns his first professional win.

Yankees MILB 5/13: Omar Martinez: 4 Hits, HR

Notes:

The Yankees signed RHP Anthony DeSclafani to a minor league contract and assigned him to Scranton.

The 35-year-old has 180 games (169 starts) of MLB experience from 2014 to 2023. He is 54-56 in those appearances with a 4.20 ERA (4.16 FIP). He has pitched for the Marlins, Reds, and Giants. In 2023, he posted a 4.88 ERA (4.35 FIP) over 99.2 innings with an 18.9% K/4.8% BB/41.5% GB. The Twins signed him in 2024, but he missed the season due to an elbow injury.

The Yankees need depth, and he provides that. He isn’t exciting, but he can provide some innings, if needed.

As a fun sidenote, he was a part of the 12-player trade between the Marlins and Blue Jays in 2012. The notable names in that deal were Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, and Josh Johnson.

George Lombard Jr. was the highest riser in the MLB Pipeline update, which is (very) good news. The bad news is that none of their other prospects are on the list. I think the system is in a down period. I am never afraid to say that. Whether or not the next wave of pitchers in Hudson Valley/Tampa can improve that standing is to be determined. Whether some bats beyond Lombard Jr. can emerge to ease the pain is to be determined. We may not get those answers until later this year and into 2026.

Injury Log

Scranton (19-19) (Lost to Toledo, 7-0. The game was shortened due to rain after eight innings)

DH Cooper Hummel: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, K
Rodriguez is on a 5-game hitting streak and is 11-for-34 in May with six walks and three strikeouts.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3
.304/.401/.513 in 137 PA (9 doubles, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 25 R). He is 14-for-28 in May.
C Alex Jackson: 0-for-3
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-2, BB
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3

RHP Carlos Carrasco: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Carrasco’s first Scranton appearance.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Loaisiga needed only 12 pitches in another efficient outing. His sinker reached 95.8 MPH.
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Beeter needed 17 pitches (12 strikes). He reached 96.2 MPH and generated four whiffs with his fastball/slider combo.
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
A struggle for Rodriguez, though he reached 98.8 MPH with his 4-seamer (averaged 97.8)
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The skies opened up before Reyzelman threw a pitch.

Somerset (14-19)

Their game against Portland was postponed. They will attempt to make it up on Thursday.

Hudson Valley (23-10) (Lost to Aberdeen, 7-6, in 10 innings)

RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, R, SB (15), BB
Jones seems to do something in every game. 
DH Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, RBI, R, BB, 3 K
1B Parks Harber: 1-for-2, RBI, R, K
I am not sure why Harber left the game.
  1B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-2, BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-5, RBI, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 4-for-5, HR (6), 2 RBI, R
Martinez is 17-for-39 (.436) in May (3 doubles, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 12 R, 7 BB, 9 K). This was his second 4-hit effort this month.
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-5, 3 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-1, 2B (6), R, 4 BB
Reaching base five times will always impress.
CF Luis Durango: 2-for-4, R, HBP, 2 K
Durango’s rehab stint is over. This is the 22-year-old’s High-A debut. If you don’t remember, the Yankees chose him in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft last winter (Cleveland).

LHP Kyle Carr: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
3.20 ERA (25.1 IP, 20 H, 11 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 19 K). A mixed bag of stuff in his 2025 profile.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
0.56 ERA (16 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 22 K). Warrecker is dominating out of the pen.
RHP Hayden Merda: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.68 ERA (14.2 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 19 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia (L, 0-2): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (15-19) (Defeated Palm Beach, 9-1)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, R, CS (1), 2 BB, 2 K
.196/.378/.227 in 127 PA. His patient approach is apparent. 
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, 3B (2), RBI, R, BB, K
.204/.280/.398 in 125 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 18 R, 7-for-8 SB). We know Lewis has speed. It’s good to see some pop showing up as well. Yes, the bat tool needs more work. That’s why he is here.
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, CS (5), 2 K
RF Austin Green: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, R
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, R, BB, 2 K
2B Hans Montero: 2-for-4, 2 HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 R, K
Montero’s first career multi-HR game (also tied his best for RBI)
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2B (3), R, BB, K
.294/.392/.426 in 79 PA (3 doubles, 3 triples, 5 RBI, 13 R, 7-for-7 SB). 
3B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, K
8 of Cobb’s 12 hits have gone for extra bases (5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR)

RHP Andrew Landry (W, 1-3): 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
A much-needed performance for Landry (easily the best in his young career)
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Sandridge is on a rehab stint from Scranton. The 26-year-old was signed to a minor league contract last winter. Throughout his minor league career, Sandridge has struck out 303 hitters in 205.2 innings. The issue? He has allowed 168 walks. To give you an example of his insanity, he struck out 95 and walked 49 in 61 innings last year.
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
1.98 ERA (13.2 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 22 K)
RHP Brandon Decker: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.88 ERA (14.1 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 17 K). Veach and Decker are shining in their debut campaigns and should be promotion candidates sometime this year.

FCL (5-3) (Split a doubleheader against the Tigers)

Game 1 (Lost, 7-3)

LF Brando Mayea: 1-for-3, R, K
RF Brennen Davis: 2-for-3, 2B (1), HR (2), RBI, R, SB (1)
As I like to say, Davis hitting in the FCL is like a high schooler in a Little League game. He shouldn’t be here much longer.
CF Cam Eden: 0-for-2, K
The speedy depth piece is on a rehab stint.
  CF Isael Arias: 1-for-1, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
The 19-year-old hit one HR in 38 games in the DSL last year (his professional debut).
SS Santiago Gomez: 2-for-3, CS (1)

RHP J.T. Etheridge: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
Etheridge has 17 strikeouts in 8.1 innings. Yes, he is too old for this level and shouldn’t be here long.

Game 2 (Won, 6-0)

CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB, K
.321/.424/.536 in 33 PA. He is on a 7-game hitting streak.
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R
3B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-3, RBI
9-for-24. He has hit safely in all six of his games.
LF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R
Lara hitting his first HR before stealing a base is a story in its own right.

LHP Xavier Rivas: 4.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
Rivas’s first two professional appearances:  8.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 13 K. He was their 16th-round pick in the 2024 draft (Ole Miss).
RHP Mariano Salomon (W, 2-0): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/25: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz Strikes Out 12

Notes:

Some pitching promotions to announce.

LHP Will Brian and RHP Cole Ayers are coming to Somerset from Hudson Valley.
RHP Tony Rossi was promoted from Tampa to Hudson Valley.

In his debut season, the 25-year-old Rossi (undrafted free agent, 2024) was predictably overwhelming Low-A hitters (7.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 12 K).
The 26-year-old Brian (10th round, 2022) was equally effective for Hudson Valley (7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 12 K).
Ayers (16th round, 2021) has the most experience of the trio (106 games from 2022 to 2025). Like the others, he owns a 0.00 ERA this season (6.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K). This isn’t his first taste of Somerset, as he appeared in eight games for the Patriots in 2024.

Unfortunately, promotions sometimes come with cuts. The Yankees released right-handed relievers Cole Percival and Colby White from their minor league contracts.

RHP Yoendrys Gomez nearly cleared waivers but the Dodgers nabbed him. Oh well.

Injury Log

Scranton (12-12) (Lost to Charlotte, 4-1. This game started late due to rain so they decided to only play 7 innings)

CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-2, SB (5), BB
3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-2, CS (3), BB
After an insane, unsustainable stretch, Vivas is now 1-for-12 in his last four games. He has drawn three walks, however.
DH Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-2, R, BB
Rodriguez is hitting .290 with a .775 OPS in 42 PA since his promotion.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3
Rumfield’s first game since Sunday. No idea why, but it was obviously minor.  
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI
C Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-3
SS Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-2, K
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-2

RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 0-2)  4 IP,3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 2 HR
4.79 ERA (20.2 IP, 22 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 22 K). It’s only the 4th time in Messinger’s career where he has allowed 2+ HR in a game (tonight was his 85th game/67th start).
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
4.82 ERA (9.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 8 BB, 13 K)
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
He did allow an inherited runner to score. Season: 0.00 ERA (8.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 6 BB, 12 K)

Somerset (8-11) (Mauled by Hartford, 19-4)

2B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, 3 BB
Jasso had three walks in 14 games entering tonight. Baseball!  By the way, walks aren’t a foreign concept to Jasso (he had a solid 9.8% rate last season). Tonight’s three walks jumped his 2025 rate to 9.2.
LF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K
.242/.383/.591 in 81 PA (2 doubles, 7 HR, 12 RBI, 14 R, 4-for-5 SB, 17.3% BB, 33.3% K). It’s the theme for Jones – encouraging profile with an obvious red flag.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, SF, RBI, 2 R
DH Garrett Martin: 2-for-4, 2B (3), HR (3), 3 RBI, R, K
Martin has two doubles and two homers in his last four games (one of each in his first 12 games)
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-2, 2 BB
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, 2B (5), R
3B Max Burt: 0-for-4, K

RHP Baron Stuart: (L, 0-1) 2.2 IP, 4 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 6 BB, 3 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Ayers ate a few innings and slowed down the Hartford machine.
RHP Diomedes Hernandez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
The 20-year-old catcher/first baseman makes his 4th career pitching appearance. Perhaps he should have started?

Hudson Valley (13-6) (Shut down Asheville, 3-0)

LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, CS (2), K
.273/.461/.400 in 76 PA (2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 14 R, 9-for-11 SB, 22.4% BB, 21.1% K). A lot to like in his profile so far. 
DH Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, 2 K
.240/.377/.340 in 61 PA (5 doubles, 9 RBI, 4 R, 3-for-3 SB, 18.0% BB, 29.5% K)
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB
.250/.403/.286 in 72 PA (2 doubles, 6 RBI, 9 R, 1-for-2 SB, 16.7% BB, 25.0% K)
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2, R, SB (4), BB, K
3B Josh Moylan: 2-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, R, SB (2)
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, CS (2), K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-3, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (W, 2-1)  6.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 12 K (new personal best; struck out seven in a row at one point)
Since he was acquired for Carlos Narvaez, here is a Narvaez update: The catcher has played in 18 of Boston’s 27 games, slashing .210/.269/.371 with 4 doubles and 2 home runs. He is grading out well defensively, however. As for Rodriguez-Cruz, the 21-year-old owns a 2.42 ERA (22.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 30 K). That works.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.18 ERA (5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 7 K)
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
His first Hudson Valley appearance results in a save. Can he be fast-tracked to Somerset this season? Certainly. I am not a fan of holding relief pitchers back. However, let’s be patient.

Tampa (8-11) (Lost to Dunedin, 4-2. Edgleen Perez remains out of the lineup but is not on the injured list.)

3B Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
After a 5-game hitting streak (5-for-21), Arias is 0-for-10 in his last three games. He is hitting .147/.293/.250 in 82 PA (15.9% BB, 26.8% K). Arias owns a paltry .200 BABIP, which should normalize. There is a “positive” for you.
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-4
.172/.329/.362 in 73 PA (16.4% BB, 23.3% K). Like Arias, there is a small sample size BABIP issue (.179).
1B Parks Harber: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, R, SB (5)
Wilson is 5-for-7 stealing bases. He is searching for his first extra-base hit of 2025 (17 games)
2B Austin Green: 1-for-3, R, SB (2), BB, K
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, BB, K
.250/.365/.375 in 52 PA (5 doubles, 10 RBI, 5 R, 4-for-5 SB, 9 BB, 7 K). Matheus owns a BB/K rate above 1.00 in his career (98/89).
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, K
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-2, RBI, BB, 2 K

LHP Tanner Bauman: 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
Bauman needed a decent outing after a pair of rough ones. This qualifies. The biggest issue is walks (17 in 14.1 IP).
RHP Cade Austin: 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Sean Hermann (L, 1-1): 2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/16: Ben Hess Ks 9 (Again)

Notes:

A few days after activating Edinson Duran, Scranton placed the catcher on the Development List. This leaves them with Jesus Rodriguez and Ronaldo Hernandez as active catchers.

OF Grant Richardson was promoted to Scranton, while Somerset activated OF Christopher Familia off the Development List. Familia was a sensation in 2023, hitting .307/.378/.617 with 22 home runs in 68 games. In 2024, however, he hit .248/.320/.433 with six home runs in 45 games.

Scranton (10-6) (Lost to Durham, 4-3)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B-2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4
.328/.414/.500 in 71 PA. Impressively, Vivas has a 5.6% K.
1B Dominic Smith: 0-for-3, BB, K
RF Everson Pereira: 2-for-3, HR (3), RBI, 2 R, HBP, K
Pereira crushed that one: 422 feet at 109.5 MPH. He has homered in back-to-back games (3 HR in last six games).
LF-3B Jose Rojas: 0-for-4
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, R, CS (1), HBP
Munguia is hitting .293 with a .727 OPS in 70 PA (3 doubles, 3 RBI, 11 R, 3-for-4 SB, 5 BB, 5 K)
DH Ronaldo Hernandez: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (1), 2 K
2B-SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 SB (6), BB
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-1, BB
  LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-1, K
  PH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-1, K

LHP Brandon Leibrandt: 4 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
2.00 ERA (18 IP, 13 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 HR, 9 BB, 18 K). He is a veteran, not a prospect – but he is pitching well thus far.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (L, 1-1)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
6 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 8 K
RHP Colten Brewer: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
5.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 6 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (5-6) (Lost to Altoona, 10-1)

2B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, R, HBP
Jasso’s second game at second base. I looked through his game log for New Mexico Junior College, and he played some second base while he was there. He is hitting .250/.314/.438 in 35 PA.
DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, SB (4), BB, 2 K
.231/.362/487 in 47 PA (1 double, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 8 R, 4-for-4 SB, 14.9% BB, 36.2% K). Understanding that the K% is still too high doesn’t take a statistical genius. 
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, 2 K
In 76 Double-A games: .267/.354/.502 in 319 PA (15 doubles, 17 HR, 41 RBI, 43 R, 8-for-8 SB, 10.7% BB, 27.9% K)
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 2 K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-4, 3 K
Gomez’s Double-A debut won’t go on his career highlight film, but we all have to start somewhere…
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3

RHP Bailey Dees (L, 0-1): 2.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
Walks are an issue for the 6’8″ Dees (he lowered his BB% to 9.3 last year, which is still high). 
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Vinyard saved some earned runs for Dees by getting out of a 2-out, bases-loaded jam. 
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Colby White: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (7-4) (Held off Wilmington, 10-7. Hudson Valley walked 13 times.)

LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, 2 R, HBP, K
Jones hits a lead-off blast. He hit three HR in his debut 2024 season, including two at this level in 15 games.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, 2 R, SB (5), 2 BB, K
Lombard Jr. is hitting .333 with a 1.004 OPS (11-for-33; 1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 11 R, 5-for-6 SB, 22.2% BB, 22.2% K)
RF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, R, SB (3), 3 BB, 2 K
Castillo has 11 walks in ten games. Last year, he had 66 BB in 415 PA (15.9%), so patience is part of his game.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-5, RBI, R
A needed night for Martinez, as he ends a 1-for-16 slide.
SS Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, RBI, R, 2 BB, K
Colmenares has a 4-game hitting streak (6-for-14; 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K)
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-5, 2B (2), 4 RBI, K
Moylan sets a new personal record for RBI in a game.
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, SB (4), CS (1), HBP, BB, K
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-1, R, 3 BB

RHP Ben Hess: (W, 1-0) 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
According to the radio announcers, Hess was throwing some nasty curveballs tonight. That is his bread-and-butter pitch (he also throws a 4-seamer at varying speeds).  Hess has struck out 9 hitters in both professional starts and has yet to allow an earned run (9.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 18 K). Can he rise quickly this year?  A trip to Somerset is on the table, but the Yankees will take their time.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (5-6) (Lost to St. Lucie, 5-1)

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (3), R, SB (4), 2 K
On one hand, he is only 20 years old, and prospects can develop at different paces. On the other hand, he was highly touted and struggling at a level he is repeating. Do with that information what you will.
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
When you have an 18-year-old catcher hitting .114/.244/.114 in his first 41 plate appearances, you worry about confidence. The Yankees (obviously) think he can handle the early struggles, but every player is impacted differently. To me, you stay the course – you didn’t put him here to pull the plug after 41 plate appearances. 
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, 2B (5), K
.275/.341/.500 in 44 PA (5 doubles, 2 triples, 4 RBI, 9.1% BB, 22.7% K). I don’t know if future HR power will come (he has four career HR in 92 games), but he is showing off some extra-base hit pop (28 doubles, 10 triples).
LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, RBI, K
RF Austin Green: 0-for-4, 2 K
The switch-hitting 14th-round pick in 2024 (Texas Tech) is off to a slow start in his professional journey (7-for-47 without an extra-base hit). He has played 2B and RF.
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, SB (1), K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, K
DH Duncan Pastore: 0-for-3, K

RHP Danny Flatt (L, 0-2): 2.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
The Yankees have yet to push Flatt in his brief career (has yet to throw five innings in his 16 appearances (12 starts)).
RHP Sean Hermann: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
He missed 2024 due to injury, so slack will be given. In 2023, he registered a 52.7% GB rate.  Today, Hermann threw 55% sinkers.
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Cade Austin: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 9/12: Ben Shields Ks 10

News:

Nothing

Scranton (80-59) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 3-1. Worcester refuses to lose (5 straight wins; 9-1 in their last 10 games) so their lead over Scranton remains 2 games. Rochester has fallen out of it)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 2B (17), BB, K
In his last 12 games, Vivas has 5 doubles, a triple, and a pair of home runs. In his previous 15 games, Vivas had one extra-base hit (double). I mentioned before this streak that I was disappointed in his power output. You’re welcome.
3B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-4, K
Durbin is 5-for-23 with a pair of home runs since coming off the injured list.
1B Ben Rice: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-2, RS, HBP, BB, K
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, HR (13), 3 RBI, RS, K
At this level: .295/.361/.455 in 451 PA. As I stated last week, he is Rule 5 eligible. Do the Yankees value him as a prospect? I honestly do not know.
CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-2, SB (18), BB
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3
LF Jahmai Jones: 0-for-2, HBP, K
RF Greg Allen: 1-for-3, SB (12)

RHP Will Warren: (W, 6-5)  5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
6.11 ERA (104.2 IP, 109 H, 78 R, 71 ER, 19 HR, 37 BB, 130 K). Call me an optimist but Warren can still help this franchise next year. His trade value doesn’t figure to be high.
LHP Victor Gonzalez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Nick Burdi: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Burdi cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton. He had the right to decline the outright and become a free agent but decided not to (he has declined outright assignments in the past)
RHP Phil Bickford: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio (S, 7): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (72-61) (Lost to New Hampshire, 5-3. Portland lost, so Somerset maintains a half-game lead with 3 games to play)

DH Spencer Jones: 1-for-4
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, 2B (13), RS, BB, K
At this level: .274/.360/.526 in 261 PA. He has 30 doubles and 21 home runs in 119 games between here and Hudson Valley. Impressive.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, RBI, K
3B Max Burt: 1-for-2, RS, BB

LHP Ben Shields: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
Shields sets a personal best for strikeouts in his final appearance of the regular season. Since his promotion: 3.12 ERA in 52 IP (41 H, 21 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 21 BB, 65 K). Overall: 3.48 ERA in 106 IP (84 H, 49 R, 41 ER, 9 HR, 33 BB, 137 K). 
RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 3-1)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Colby White: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
At this level: 2.01 ERA (22.1 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 37 K). He could be an option as early as next Opening Day.

Hudson Valley (1-1) (Lost to Greensboro, 3-1. The series is tied at 1 and will go to a deciding third game tomorrow night)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, K
Moylan homers in the 9th to avoid the shutout.
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-1, 2 BB
LF Coby Morales: 2-for-3, K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Brian Hendry: 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Including the regular season, Hendry has allowed 4 runs (1 earned) over 20.2 IP with a 27/11 K/BB. He missed most of the campaign due to injury.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Cohen is too good for this level (to put it mildly)
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Sebastian Keane: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.