Tag: Juan Matheus

My Take: Yankees Acquire Ryan Weathers

The specifics (MLB Pipeline rankings in parentheses)

The Yankees acquire LHP Ryan Weathers from the Marlins for OF Dillon Lewis (16), OF Brendan Jones (15), UTIL Juan Matheus (Unranked), and UTIL Dylan Jasso (23)

From the Yankees’ perspective:

They’ve explored acquiring a starting pitcher, with Freddy Peralta, MacKenzie Gore, and Edward Cabrera (who has since been traded) among the rumored targets.

Instead, they end up with Weathers, who is the son of former Yankees’ postseason hero David Weathers. It is amazing when I look at his career, because hardly anybody would guess that he had a 964-game career, which ranks 19th all-time.

If Ryan had that level of durability, maybe I could understand this trade more.

Alas, he does not. Weathers has 70 games (55 starts) of MLB experience over his five-year career. Those 281 innings haven’t produced great results, as he owns a 4.93 ERA (5.03 FIP), 19.4% K, 8.2% BB, and 43.1% GB. Oof. For comparison, Ryan Yarbrough has a 4.22 ERA (4.30 FIP) over 832 innings with a 18.8% K, 5.6% BB, and 38.7% GB.

I use Yarbrough because that is the lowest bar I want to clear when making an acquisition. Ideally, you want someone higher on the chain than that: A pitcher you feel comfortable with every five days while Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon rehab.

I am trying to find a reason why Weathers clears that bar. He’s always hurt, and success has eluded him.

Are there positives?  Sure. Weathers has a pedigree, as he was the 7th overall pick in the 2018 draft by the San Diego Padres. However, the return the Padres received for him wasn’t great (Garrett Cooper, Sean Reynolds), so his value dipped considerably when that trade was completed in 2023.  If I squint hard enough, his last two seasons have shown improvement. In 24 starts between 2024 and 2025, he owns a 3.74 ERA (4.26 FIP) over 125 innings. That’s a decent pitcher, though not a durable one, and certainly not one I am throwing out there in the postseason. Additionally, he saw his velocity spike in 2025, as his four-seam fastball averaged 96.9 MPH. However, the Pitch Value metric on Fangraphs still shows it as a negative pitch.

One other positive is team control. Weathers isn’t a free agent until 2029. Hence, whatever innings he gives the organization will be cheap innings.

From the Marlins’ perspective:

The Marlins once again target the Yankees’ position player prospect pool, adding this quartet to Agustin Ramirez, Abrahan Ramirez, Jared Serna, and John Cruz. Typically, other franchises target our arms. The Marlins do not.

These four prospects are an intriguing bunch.

I will start with the unranked Matheus, a 21-year-old utility player who has been with the Yankees since 2022. In 2025, he received an extended look in full-season leagues, hitting .275/.365/.376 in 520 plate appearances between Tampa and Hudson Valley. Additionally, he stole 40 bases in 51 attempts. He flashed patience, doubles power (32), and speed to go along with his versatile profile. His ceiling is likely that of a backup, which isn’t so bad for the prospect regarded as fourth best in a prospect package.

Lewis has surged in prospect circles, though the numbers need to catch up to the increased hype.  Drafted in the 13th round in the 2024 draft out of Queens University of Charlotte, Lewis made it to High-A Hudson Valley in his first full season of professional ball. While his numbers don’t jump at you (.228/.320/.426; 13 HR, 13 stolen bases), he cut down his strikeout rate considerably from his time in Low-A Tampa. Overall, including his time with Tampa, he reached 20/20 status (22 homers, 26 stolen bases) while maintaining his ability to play center field.

Interestingly, Pipeline still ranked Jones higher than Lewis, but one place means nothing. Drafted in the 12th round in that same 2024 draft out of Kansas State, Jones did one better than Lewis, reaching Double-A Somerset. He held his own at that level, hitting .250/.365/.415 in 340 plate appearances. Between Hudson Valley and Somerset, he compiled 20 doubles, 8 triples, and 11 home runs while stealing 51 bases in 60 attempts. Although I’m not usually one to draw MLB comparisons, Jones’ profile bears a striking resemblance to Brett Gardner.  He has some pop to the pull side, plays strong defense, and gets on base.  It wouldn’t surprise me if he reaches the MLB club in 2026, even though Pipeline projects his ETA as 2027. The odds he overachieves like Gardner aren’t great. I realize that.

Jasso was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. In his first full season in 2024, he didn’t jump out, hitting .243/.329/.399 in 508 plate appearances between Tampa and Hudson Valley.

That was enough for the Yankees to bump him up to Somerset for 2025.  He didn’t disappoint, hitting .257/.326/.400 in 537 plate appearances with 17 doubles, 13 home runs, and 76 RBI. Like Matheus, he projects as a utility player, though he isn’t the same type of player. He doesn’t possess any speed, but he has some pop and run production. Also, unlike Matheus, he won’t be playing shortstop. He may have enough range to cover second base, but is likely more of a “corners” type, including the potential to play some outfield.

Bottom Line:

You get what you pay for.

Peralta and Gore are likely going to cost prospects higher on the chain than the Yankees gave up. That assumes that either pitcher is traded. If they are, it appears it won’t be to the Yankees.

It’s funny that Talkin’ Yanks was throwing Lewis out there in Cabrera packages, only for him to end up in Florida for Weathers. I am not going to claim that the Yankees gave up future All-Stars here. However, I don’t quite understand this trade. Someone can try to enlighten me on the reason, because I’m having trouble figuring it out.

The Yankees’ Opening Day rotation is probably Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Ryan Weathers, Luis Gil, and one of Will Warren, Ryan Yarbrough, or Paul Blackburn. Arrange those pitchers however you like under Fried.

The Yankees are hoping that Weathers, once a Top-100 prospect by Baseball America (2021) and Pipeline (2019), can stay healthy and live up to the talent he once was.

I am skeptical it will happen. Maybe settling into a bottom-of-the-rotation/swingman type of pitcher is good enough for the Yankees.

It isn’t good enough for me.

Yankees MILB 9/6: Cade Smith Pitches a Gem

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.

Injury Log

Scranton (80-53; 42-19 in second half) 

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

Syracuse won and is 3.5 games behind. Lehigh Valley, Toledo, and Indianapolis are way back. The only team of the three with more than a faint pulse is Lehigh Valley, only because they play Scranton next week.

Scranton’s 80-53 overall mark is the best in the International League, but that is just a fun footnote as it has no playoff meaning.

Somerset (69-62; 34-28 in the second half) (Scored two in the bottom of the 9th to stun New Hampshire, 3-2)

Hartford lost and is now 2.5 games back. Portland lost and is 4.5 games out.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Jones has a 6-game walk streak (he has four stolen bases during the streak). The ability to take walks and create havoc on the basepaths is a major plus. After all, Jones is only 1-for-15 during this 6-game stretch.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Jace Avina: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
.266/.333/.417 in 502 PA (17 doubles, 6 triples, 13 HR, 71 RBI, 62 R, 7.4% BB, 23.5% K)
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, R, 3 K
RF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
CF Garrett Martin: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (20)
The ability to steal bases is there. The bat has not developed much, though.
2B Jake Gatewood: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 K
C Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-3, K

LHP Brock Selvidge: 6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
5.03 ERA (68 IP, 63 H, 40 R, 38 ER, 4 HR, 37 BB, 56 K). Selvidge should get a final regular-season start next week.
RHP Baron Stuart: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
1.20 ERA (15 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 1 BB, 14 K).  
RHP Michael Arias (W, 2-0): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (79-49; 41-23 second half) (Squeaked past Greensboro, 1-0. Hudson Valley’s pitching has shown up this week.)

Hudson Valley entered this week needing to go 5-1 against Greensboro to win the second-half crown. That was a tall task, given how dominant Greensboro has been all season. They are almost there, going 4-1 to set up a “winner goes to the playoffs” matchup for Sunday. Greensboro (87-43) will easily win the “overall” title, but a loss tomorrow keeps them out of the playoffs.

3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, RBI
Matheus drove home the only run in the bottom of the 6th.  The switch-hitting utility type has a 6-game hitting streak.
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Core Jackson: 0-for-3, K
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-3, CS (2)
Moylan has six multi-hit efforts in his last ten games (14-for-35).
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-3, K
RF Camden Troyer: 0-for-3, K
C John Cristino: 1-for-3, R, K
A big hit for Cristino, as it set up Matheus’ RBI single. After predictably hitting well in the FCL, Hudson Valley is proving to be a challenge (11-for-62, 3 doubles, 1 home run).
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-2, CS (7), K

RHP Cade Smith (W, 2-1): 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
There is a reason why Smith is highly regarded. For Hudson Valley: 2.76 ERA in eight starts (32.2 IP, 20 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 35 K). Overall, he finishes the season (assuming he doesn’t go to Somerset) with a 2.50 ERA over 11 starts (39.2 IP, 24 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 18 BB, 42 K).
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Gabonia has been an unsung contributor this season, compiling a 3.27 ERA in 41.1 IP (34 H, 20 R, 15 ER, 0 HR, 15 BB, 42 K). 
RHP Brady Kirtner (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K. Including his time with Tampa, he compiled a 2.70 ERA in 46.2 IP (32 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 52 K)

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half) (Defeated Clearwater, 6-2)

Tampa’s season ends on Sunday.

SS Dax Kilby: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (16), 2 BB, K
Kilby has turned Low-A into his personal playground, hitting .353/.457/.441 in 81 PA (2 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 19 R, 16-for-17 SB, 13 BB, 11 K). Those are “lead-off hitter” numbers, though we are far away from knowing if he will maintain it.
3B Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, R, SB (34), BB, 2 K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-5, 2B (3), RBI, 3 K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, R, SB (44), 2 BB, K
Toole would have to go 0-for-6 on Sunday to finish his FSL season under .300. As stated the other day, the FSL batting title is sewn up.
DH Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 2-for-5, 2 R, 2 SB (6), 2 K
Martin-Grudzielanek is 19-for-77 (.247/.294/.416; 2 doubles, 4 triples, 1 HR) in 24 games.
LF Richie Bonomolo: 0-for-5, 2 K
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, RBI, K
1B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, BB, K
.269/.357/.431 in 334 plate appearances.
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4, R, SB (14), K

LHP Henry Lalane: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
2025 was nothing more than a “get healthy, and do something” season for Lalane, who tossed only 19.1 innings between here and the FCL.
RHP Jose M. Rodriguez (W, 4-1): 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 8 K
Since promotion: 5.14 ERA (28 IP, 24 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 3 HR, 19 BB, 28 K). He falls one shy of his personal best for strikeouts in a game.
LHP Tanner Bauman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.30 ERA (58.2 IP, 46 H, 32 R, 28 ER, 9 HR, 32 BB, 46 K). Fristoe followed up a 2.19 ERA in August with 3.2 hitless, scoreless innings in September.
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.53 ERA (57 IP, 46 H, 26 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 29 BB, 75 K). A solid debut campaign for Veach.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/4: 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 8/15: Kaeden Kent 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)

Alexander Vargas, one of the most expensive international players in the system, has been released.

The shortstop, who signed for $2.5 million in 2018, struggled to find a groove. In his debut 2019 campaign, he hit a decent .233/.313/.373 (97 wRC+) with a homer and 15 stolen bases. Like with every prospect, 2020 was a lost season as it was canceled due to COVID. Further complicating his development, he played in only 42 games in 2021.

In summary, after signing in 2018, he played in 90 games from 2019 to 2021. Using Pipeline, he ascended to the 13th position in the organization (2021) and appeared on their list in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

His prospect status eroded in 2022 (.203/.271/.311; 68 wRC+) and 2023 (.206/.248/.342; 59 wRC+). He hit better in 2024 (94 wRC+) and 2025 (92 wRC+), but that wasn’t enough to keep his job. At 23 years old, he could catch on elsewhere, especially since he has a solid defensive reputation.

By the way, one name I forgot about for a possible demotion once Fernando Cruz and Ryan Yarbrough are ready is Brent Headrick.  Pick two of three from Headrick, Yerry De los Santos, and Cam Schlittler. Some of that depends on what Yarbrough’s role will be.

Injury Log

Scranton (68-47; 30-13 in second half) (Lost to Indianapolis, 6-5, in ten innings.)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5, R, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, 2B (30), R, BB, K
.308/.391/.495 in 463 PA (30 doubles, 1 triple, 14 HR, 79 RBI, 70 R). 
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-5, RBI, 4 K
Jones falls under .300 since his promotion (.294/.369/.629). When he had his 3-HR game (the last game he played before his back injury), he was hitting .400/.457/.950 at this level. That was unsustainable, but there is no doubt that his slump is a deep one. Also, the strikeouts are appearing in bulk.
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, HR (23), RBI, R, BB, K
Rojas, who has homered in three straight games, is eight home runs away from tying his personal best (2019 for Salt Lake).
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, R
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, R, SB (12), BB
Shewmake has survived on the 40-man roster all season.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 3 K
  PR Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-0, CS (4)
  C Rob Brantly: 0-for-0
LF Duke Ellis: 1-for-4, SB (25)

RHP Kenta Maeda: 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Maeda’s second start isn’t as impressive as the first one was.
RHP Baron Stuart: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Jake Bird: (L, 1-1)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Bird needed a night like this. No, I don’t care that the ghost runner scored – he wasn’t even on the mound when it happened.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (59-53; 24-20 in second half) (Lost to Portland, 3-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, 2B (6), R, BB
Avina is hitting .244/.340/.384 in 100 PA (12% BB, 23% K) since his promotion. Not bad for a 22-year-old getting his first taste of Double-A.
DH Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (13), BB
Jones is 36-for-43 in the stolen base department this season and continues to have a higher OPS here (.774) than he had in Hudson Valley (.711).
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, SB (1)
Jasso isn’t a big walker (7.6%). Stealing bases? 3-for-5 in his career. Whether he can hit consistently will determine his future.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, 2B (19), R, 2 K
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, 2 SB (16), BB, 2 K
Martin’s first stolen bases since June 27th. He missed some time due to injury.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-4, K
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, K

RHP Trent Sellers (L, 2-5): 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
3.65 ERA (91.1 IP, 73 H, 40 R, 37 ER, 8 HR, 47 BB, 103 K). He’s rarely asked to go deep into games. How rare? This is the first time in his career that he has completed six innings.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (68-41; 30-15 second half) (Defeated Aberdeen, 5-2. As I stated last night, this team has been gutted as the season has gone along – but it isn’t stopping the wins. At least not yet)

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
They even win a game where their “veteran” player doesn’t contribute much.
3B Kaeden Kent: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
Kent is the first 2025 Yankees’ draftee to put one over the fence.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-2, R, HBP, BB
DH Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, 2B (5), 2 R, 2 K
Matheus continues to chug along. He is 11-for-34 (.324) with five doubles since his promotion and is on a 5-game hitting streak (10-for-21). 
SS Core Jackson: 0-for-2, 2 HBP
1B Tyler Wilson: 2-for-4, RBI
Wilson is 8-for-22 since his promotion.
RF Cam Troyer: 0-for-4, RBI
2B Connor McGinnis: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Joe Delossantos: 0-for-3

LHP Xavier Rivas: (W, 1-0) 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 12 K
Rivas also had a 13-strikeout effort for Tampa earlier this season. In two starts here: 12.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 17 K. The 23-year-old was drafted in the 16th round in the 2024 draft out of Ole Miss (he pitched only one season for the Rebels after transferring from Indianapolis)
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 7): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Tampa (52-58; 16-29 in the second half) (Lost to Dunedin, 7-6, in ten innings)

DH Dax Kilby: 1-for-5, SB (2), K
Kilby is 2-for-17 with a pair of stolen bases. This is about getting his feet wet heading into the off-season.  That would be true even if he were 12-for-17.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
1B Kyle West: 0-for-1, K
I am not sure why West left the game.
   C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-2, R, HBP, BB, K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-5, R
RF Marshall Toole: 2-for-5, HR (5), 3 RBI, R, SB (37)
Toole’s 3-run home run tied the game in the 9th. He is hitting .301/.403/.493 in 325 PA. Five home runs in 325 plate appearances doesn’t qualify as a power surge, but Toole has impressed this season with his combination of speed and extra-base hits. We’ll see if he can maintain it at higher levels, but many prospects don’t progress beyond this point.
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-4, CS (1)
CF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-3, 2B (4), BB, K
.242/.345/.396 since his promotion.
LF Eric Genther: 1-for-3, R, SB (2), BB
C-1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, R, SB (10), BB, K

RHP Mariano Salomon: 3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
Since promotion: 5.47 ERA (24.2 IP, 24 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 5 HR, 9 BB, 20 K). 
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.66 ERA (47.1 IP, 39 H, 22 R, 14 ER, 5 HR, 26 BB, 62 K)
RHP Hans Montero: (L, 0-1) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
The Yankees rarely ask their relief prospects to pitch on back-to-back days. Their position players? Fair game.

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 (22-31) (Lost to the DSL Rockies (39-14 – wow), 12-5)

DH Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, R, BB
SS Mani Cedeno: 1-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
The strikeouts are high, but he is starting to show pop (all three HR are in August; .588 SLG)
2B Carlos Bello: 0-for-3, SB (14), BB, 2 K
LF Wilberson De Pena: 1-for-4, R, K
1B Diego Flores: 2-for-4, 2 2B (5), RBI, 2 R
The 18-year-old is hitting .271/.357/.375 in 56 plate appearances.

RHP Jhosneyker Colina (L, 1-3): 3 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 2 HR
The 17-year-old has tossed 42.2 innings this year, which is valuable. He has a 4.85 ERA and 30/20 K/BB.
RHP Jose Vargas: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Ilarraza: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (29-24) (Defeated the DSL Rangers Blue, 11-4.  They cannot catch the Marlins for the division and automatic berth, so it’s all about those wild cards. They have won three in a row and will probably need to win on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday. Their final three games are against DSL Colorado (21-31), DSL Miami (36-17), and DSL Mets Blue (18-35).

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-4, BB
He is now the owner of a 10-game hitting streak (16-for-39; 2 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR)
1B Leni Done: 1-for-2, 4 R, SB (15), CI, BB
3B Juan Torres: 4-for-5, 2B (10), 3B (1), 4 RBI, 2 R, K
.361/.401/.524 in 162 PA (10 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 43 RBI, 31 R, 12-for-20 SB, 3.7% BB, 12.3% K). He has three straight multi-hit efforts, and this was his first 4-hit game. Looks like he is going with the old “You can’t walk your way off the island” mantra.
DH David Carrera: 2-for-5, RBI, K
LF Angel Ventura: 1-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (21), BB
C Carlos Rondon: 1-for-3, HR (2), 3 RBI, R, BB, K
After going 8-for-61 in 28 games last year, he is hitting .258/.434/.419 in 26 games this year.

RHP Randy Angomas: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
The 17-year-old comes within an out of notching his first professional win.
RHP Christopher Vasquez (W, 1-1): 2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Diego Carrillo: 2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
The 18-year-old is 4-0 with a 4.36 ERA in 15 games (33 IP, 29 H, 18 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 29 K)

 

Yankees MILB 8/10: Spencer Jones Hits #30

Notes:

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

My concern about J.C. Escarra being pulled last night? I should have been more concerned about Amed Rosario not being in the lineup against a left-handed pitcher yesterday. It’s too bad that the Yankees finally cared about adding some bench pieces to counteract teams going heavy with left-handed pitchers, only for Rosario and Austin Slater to end up on the injured list. Jose Caballero is also better against LHP, but it is a stretch to say he is a lefty masher.

Injury Log

Scranton (67-44; 29-10 in second half) (Outlasted Lehigh Valley, 9-7)

Right now, the second-half title is a two-horse race between Scranton and Syracuse, who are 29-10. They have one series left (August 26-31 in Scranton). Indianapolis has fallen off the pace (24-15) but can get back into it this week, as they play Scranton.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
Vivas is 9-for-23 with 11 walks in August.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, K
LF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (14), RBI, 2 R, SB (15), HBP, 2 K
Jones becomes the first Yankees’ farmhand to reach 30 home runs since Dermis Garcia in 2021 and is up to 25 stolen bases in his quest for a 30/30 campaign. This one went 436 feet at 110.9 MPH. If you haven’t noticed yet, Jones doesn’t hit many cheapies.
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-5, 3B (4), R, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 3 RBI, R, K
For as long as Escarra is in New York, Martinez (4-for-13 since his promotion) figures to get the overwhelming majority of the catching reps in Scranton. They activated Edinson Duran off the Development List to back him up.
SS Jake Gatewood: 2-for-3, 2 HR (5), 3 RBI, 3 R, BB
Gatewood hasn’t shown off much of the trademark power that continues to get him jobs (though this season is his first taste of affiliated ball since 2022). 
CF Duke Ellis: 2-for-4, 2 2B (10), RBI, R, K
Ellis is hitting .366/.408/.482 in 123 PA at this level. After going 16-for-41 (.390) in July, he is 15-for-32 (.469) in August. That’s what I call ridiculous, regardless if you are a top prospect or just an organizational depth piece.
RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, SB (22)

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 5-1) 5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
Since promotion: 4.67 ERA (44.1 IP, 39 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 10 HR, 12 BB, 36 K). Overall, this was his 10th win of the season (10-3, 3.10 ERA; 98.2 IP, 77 H, 35 R, 34 ER, 12 HR, 24 BB, 88 K)
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
The Yankees likely feel that Bird needs a reset. They can afford to give him time.
RHP Baron Stuart: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Zach Messinger (S, 3): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (58-50; 23-16 in second half) (Outdueled Binghamton, 2-0. This was another battle between rising Somerset pitcher Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and minor league strikeout leader Jonah Tong. They also faced each other on Tuesday. Rodriguez-Cruz won that duel as well.)

Somerset is 1.5 games up on Hartford in the race for the second-half title. Binghamton is ahead of both, but that is irrelevant since they won the first-half title.

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, 3B (4), RBI, R, BB, K
Jones hit his RBI triple off of Tong. 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B (13), RBI, 2 K
Lombard Jr. has a double, a triple, and a home run in his last five games. He had two extra-base hits (double, triple; .224 SLG) in his first 24 Double-A games and 21 extra-base hits in his last 54 games (12 doubles, 3 triples, 6 HR). 
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, K
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-3, R, SB (1), 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3
2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-3, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (W, 3-1) 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
At this level: 1.41 ERA (32 IP, 20 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 30 K). Overall, he owns a 129/45 K/BB over 115.2 innings with only two home runs allowed. Oh, did I mention he has tossed 19 scoreless innings over his last three starts?
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.26 ERA (38 IP, 28 H, 18 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 19 BB, 40 K)
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kelly Austin (S, 7): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (65-40; 27-14 second half) (Lost to Brooklyn, 8-4)

At 65-40, the Renegades are having a fantastic season – one that can easily end without a playoff berth. Unfortunately for them, Brooklyn won the first-half tiebreaker over Greensboro. That’s important, as Greensboro is 31-11 in the second half. That would be irrelevant if they won the first half, but that’s how it goes.

DH Dillon Lewis: 3-for-5, 2 R, SB (9), K
Lewis has two 3-hit efforts in his last four games. He is up to .246/.314/.463 in 227 PA since his promotion (8 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 26 R, 9-for-10 SB, 8.4% BB, 18.9% K). His K% with Tampa was 28.2%. At first, I thought the reduction was small sample size noise, but it doesn’t appear to be the case. 
3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-4, 2B (2), HR (1), 3 RBI, R, SB (1), BB, K
Matheus may be your next small-ish infielder obsession. He leads the organization with 36 stolen bases (44 attempts) and has 25 doubles, 2 triples, and 3 home runs in 98 games.  His combined triple slash is .271/.359/.379 in 410 PA.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-5
Urena is 2-for-20 since his promotion. On a good note, he has struck out only four times in 23 plate appearances (17.4%).
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, SF, RBI, K
SS Core Jackson: 2-for-4, 2 2B (2), BB
This year’s 5th-round pick is 3-for-15.
LF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-4, BB
Wilson is 4-for-10 since his promotion and is hitting .287/.378/.376 in 325 plate appearances overall.
RF Cam Troyer: 0-for-4, K
CF Robbie Burnett: 1-for-4, K
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, R, SB (1), K
Cobb’s High-A debut after hitting .313/.366/.492 in 39 games for Tampa (missed time due to injury)

RHP Cade Smith: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 4 K
Smith is continuing to ramp up after missing a lot of time to injury. He tossed 59 pitches today.
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker (L, 2-1): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
A rare 2025 misstep for Warrecker. This spikes his ERA to 2.12 (46.2 IP, 27 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 50 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
0.41 ERA (44.1 IP, 15 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 36 K). Simply a ridiculous season.

Tampa (48-56; 12-27 in the second half) (Lost to St. Lucie, 8-5)

SS Dax Kilby: 0-for-4
  3B Hans Montero: 1-for-1, RBI, R
DH Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, 2B (15), RBI, R, K
1B Kyle West: 2-for-5, 2B (1), K
West is 3-for-18 with a double to begin his professional journey.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-2, CS (2), 3 BB
Tejeda has 14 walks and seven strikeouts in 14 games.
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-5
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, R, K
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB
3B-SS Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 2-for-4, RBI, R
Martin-Grudzielanek is 4-for-13 with a pair of walks and three strikeouts to begin his professional career. He’ll want to make it to MLB as a Yankee, as I am not sure how that name will fit on the back of most uniforms.
C Ediel Rivera: 1-for-3, RBI, K
Rivera earns his first Low-A hit (1-for-12).
  DH Eric Genther: 0-for-1

LHP Allen Facundo: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Facundo has touched the upper-90s this season, but settled in at 94-95 today. At this level: 1.71 ERA (21 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 19 K). 
RHP Chris Veach (L, 2-3): 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Antonio Gomez: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Gomez continues to hum, hitting 100.3 MPH. The results do not matter at this point.
RHP Sean Hermann: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Mariano Salomon: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

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 (22-27) 

Day off.

DSL Bombers (26-23) 

Day off.

Yankees MILB 8/5: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz Dominates

Notes:

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

The Yankees promoted 2024 first-round pick Ben Hess to Somerset. The 22-year-old pitched to a 3.51 ERA and 94/33 K/BB over 66.2 innings for Hudson Valley. The Renegades have three active starters (Kyle Carr, Andrew Landry, and Cade Smith) on their roster. They will figure that out. You don’t stall a prospect’s development because of the void he will leave behind.

2025 draftees Kaeden Kent and Connor McGinnis were assigned to Hudson Valley today. In their debuts tonight, Kent played shortstop while McGinnis played second base.

The Yankees promoted C Engelth Urena to Hudson Valley. To replace him in Tampa, 19-year-old Ediel Rivera was promoted from the FCL. Urena wasn’t having a special year in Tampa (.208/.329/.331). This is likely a situation where they think Urena will start 2026 in Hudson Valley, so they want to give him a taste now.

With all this activity usually comes releases, which is the unfortunate part of the business.  Somerset outfielders Jared Wegner and Cam Eden were both released today.  Wegner, their 9th-round pick in 2023 (Arkansas), was hitting only .168/.262/.242 with two home runs in 47 games this season. Eden, who played in five games for the 2023 Blue Jays, was in his second year with the organization. In 26 games for Somerset, he hit .176/.247/.270. He was 6-for-9 stealing bases.

The Yankees signed RHP Kenta Maeda to a minor league deal. Signing Maeda to a 2-year, $24 million contract didn’t work out well for the Tigers, as he went 3-7 with a 6.21 ERA (5.04 FIP) over 120.1 innings. The Yankees are only on the hook for the prorated league minimum. After trading Carlos Carrasco and choosing to go with Cam Schlittler over Marcus Stroman, their pitching depth took a hit. Maeda will fill that void.

As for the demotion of Jake Bird, that’s how it goes sometimes. A few rough outings + having options + needing to find room for a returning pitcher makes that decision easier than you may think. While disappointing since he was recently acquired, the Yankees also see him as a long-term asset with enough relief depth to make this move now. We’ll see if the Yankees make any changes while he is away. Judging by his 3-game sample with the big club, it already appears as if the pitching gurus are going to ask him to emphasize his slider more. He used that pitch more than 50% of the time after he was acquired. I can’t tell you that Bird will become a worthwhile asset down the line. I can tell you that it’s impossible to know based on only three games.

Somerset, Hudson Valley, and Tampa played the Mets’ affiliates today and went 3-0.

Injury Log

Scranton (64-41; 26-7 in second half) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 7-1)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5, 2B (10), RBI, R, K
Vivas had zero extra-base hits in his last 25 games entering tonight.
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-2, 2 R, SB (11), HBP, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: 11.4% BB, 25.2% K, 11-for-12 SB.  For Somerset this season, he had a 15.4% BB and 33.7% K.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, R, BB
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 3 RBI, R, BB
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, 2B (10), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, 2B (10), RBI, K
De La Cruz was designated for assignment on July 31st. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton.
   RF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-1
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4
LF Duke Ellis: 2-for-4, R, K
Ellis’ crazy run continues. He has a 9-game hitting streak (19-for-32; .594). 

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 4-1)  6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, HR
At this level: 4.35 ERA (39.1 IP, 33 H, 19 R, 19 ER, 9 HR, 10 BB, 34 K). Overall, Beck has tossed 93.2 innings between here and Somerset (Due to injuries, he pitched only 34 career innings before 2025, all in 2023.)
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (56-47; 21-13 in second half) (Defeated Binghamton, 3-2. This was a battle between two pitchers who have shown off strikeout stuff this year. Binghamton starter Jonah Tong is the minor league leader in strikeouts. Somerset starter Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz entered the day 10th. Neither starter allowed a run.)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
Since promotion: .247/.352/.457 in 193 PA (7 doubles, 3 triples, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 30 R, 10-for-13 SB, 14.5% BB, 19.2% K). Overall, he has 33 stolen bases in 40 attempts.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, SB (16), 2 K
Since promotion: .203/.320/.327 in 316 PA (12 doubles, 3 triples, 5 HR, 22 RBI, 46 R, 16-for-19 SB, 12.7% BB, 25% K). Remember when some on social media were clamoring for him to make the roster out of spring training? Pepperidge Farm remembers.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, K
.283/.348/.467 in 399 PA (15 doubles, 6 triples, 13 HR, 54 RBI, 55 R, 0-for-2 SB, 7.5% BB, 21.3% K). 
DH Jace Avina: 1-for-4, 2B (4), 2 K
Since promotion: .228/.353/.404 in 68 PA. He has four doubles and a pair of home runs. 
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, CS (3), BB, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-3
Since promotion: 7-for-22 (.318) with a double and a home run.
2B Max Burt: 0-for-1, R, SAC, BB, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (W, 2-1): 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
Since promotion: 1.73 ERA (26 IP, 17 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 23 K). Overall: 2.13 ERA (109.2 IP, 69 H, 35 R, 26 ER, 2 HR, 43 BB, 122 K). Strikeouts, ground balls, keeping the ball in the ballpark. Three things you love to see.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Danny Watson (S, 5): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
6.23 ERA (39 IP, 49 H, 28 R, 27 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 41 K). Watson’s BABIP is high (.384). He has not allowed a walk in his last 26.2 innings (25 strikeouts)

Hudson Valley (62-38; 24-12 second half) (Defeated Brooklyn, 4-2)

CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, HR (10), 2 RBI, R
Lewis has homered in back-to-back games and has five homers in his last 15 games. He is one home run away from a 20/20 campaign.
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-4, K
Kent’s professional debut. As a 21-year-old college bat (chosen in the third round), it isn’t a shock that they moved him straight to this level.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4
Urena’s High-A debut.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, HBP
2B Connor McGinnis: 0-for-3, BB, K
McGinnis’s professional debut. The Yankees drafted the 22-year-old left-handed bat in the 10th round out of Houston.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, R
DH Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, R, K
Moylan has homered in back-to-back games.
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-3, 2B (7), R

RHP Cade Smith: 3 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Smith tossed 61 pitches tonight as he continues to build himself back up.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
2.59 ERA (31.1 IP, 23 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 45 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia: (W, 5-2)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Gabonia got off to a rough start (4 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 4 ER in April) but has been solid since, allowing only six earned runs in 24.2 IP (2.19 ERA).
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 6): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
At this level: 2.00 ERA (27 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 18 BB, 34 K)

Tampa (48-51; 12-22 in the second half)  (Held off St. Lucie, 5-4)

3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-5, 2B (23), 2 RBI, 2 R
Matheus, who is on an 8-game hitting streak (13-for-35), has 24 multi-hit efforts in 2025, including six 3+-hit games.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-5, 2 K
SS Roderick Arias: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, K
Arias is once again knocking on the .200 door (.197/.312/.302). It’s a number he hasn’t reached once this season.
LF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, 2 K
Montero is hitting .291/.317/.354 in 82 plate appearances.
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2 K
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-4, 2 K
Rivera’s Low-A debut. The 19-year-old hit .229/.346/.346 in 185 FCL plate appearances. He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Puerto Rico in 2024.
1B Tyler Wilson: 2-for-3, 2B (9), R, BB
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, R, 3 K
DH Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-4, 2B (8), R, K

LHP Henry Lalane: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Lalane tossed 45 pitches tonight, showing off incredible efficiency.  He maxed out at 95 MPH, which is an encouraging sign (I don’t have full StatCast data, as Tampa doesn’t have that technology in their temporary home.)
RHP Jack Sokol: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.44 ERA (36.2 IP, 36 H, 21 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 30 K)
RHP Cade Austin: (W, 5-1) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.79 ERA (42 IP, 35 H, 20 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 18 BB, 44 K). He is up to 88.1 innings at this level after being drafted in the 19th round in the 2023 draft out of South Carolina.
RHP Chris Veach: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Jackson Fristoe (S, 2): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (20-26) (Lost to the DSL Cardinals, 10-2)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-4, BB
Vilorio is off to a slow August start (3-for-17) after a strong July (.309/.378/.420).
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-4, R, SB (20), BB, K
2B Carlos Bello: 3-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, R, K
Bello, a 17-year-old in his debut season, has three 3+-hit efforts.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-2, HBP, BB, K
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-4, K
DH Isaias Castillo: 0-for-2, SB (11), 2 BB, K

RHP Jose Vargas: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.86 ERA (11.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 8 K). Vargas is 17 years old.

DSL Bombers (25-21) (Defeated DSL Colorado, 7-3)

SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-5, R, K
.259/.413/.343 in 184 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 34 R, 20-for-26 SB, 20.1% BB, 23.4% K). To me, he’s done enough to get to the FCL in 2026.
2B Christofer Reyes: 2-for-3, 2B (6), R, 2 SB (24), CS (4), 2 BB, K
.252/.336/.330 in 131 PA
LF David Carrera: 2-for-3, SF, RBI, R, CS (6)
DH Richard Meran: 0-for-2, CS (5), 2 BB, K
3B Leni Done: 1-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, SB (11), CS (3), BB
.263/.392/.424 in 143 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 28 R, 11-for-14 SB)
RF Angel Ventura: 1-for-4, 3B (2), R, 3 K
C Carlos Rondon: 2-for-4, RBI, R, K

RHP Diego Carrillo (W, 4-0): 3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.60 ERA (30 IP, 24 H, 14 R, 12 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 23 K)
RHP Christopher Vasquez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

Yankees MILB 8/3: Dillon Lewis Hits a Slam

Notes:

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

For the second time over the past week, the Yankees lost a depth infielder. This time, it was 2021 fan favorite Andrew Velazquez who was cut.

He was a mainstay in the Railriders’ lineup this season, hitting .244/.315/.342 with four home runs in 311 plate appearances. He also stole 23 bases in 26 attempts. Velazquez played second base, shortstop, and third base (in addition to two innings in center field).

Injury Log

Scranton (63-41; 25-7 in second half) (Squeaked past Nashville, 8-7)

It’s crazy that a team can be this hot in the second half, yet still trail Syracuse by a half-game.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, K
Vivas doesn’t have an extra-base hit in his last 25 games (that includes seven MLB games). His Triple-A SLG has dipped from .444 to .369 during this stretch.
LF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 2 K
Jones is 1-for-13 with a pair of walks in August.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, R
.313/.396/.501 in 412 PA (28 doubles, 1 triple, 12 HR, 72 RBI, 64 R, 11.2% BB, 16.7% K). He ranks third in the International League in doubles and RBI.
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, 2 R, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 2-for-2, 2 2B (9), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
Dueces wild!
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2B (27), HR (19), 4 RBI, R, K
SS Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, 3 K
CF Duke Ellis: 2-for-4, R, SB (19)
Ellis has a 7-game hitting streak (16-for-25 (.640); 5 doubles, 9 R, 6-for-7 SB).
RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, 2B (10), R, K

RHP Leonardo Pestana: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The Railriders didn’t have a starter for today, so they went with Pestana (who has experience as a starter). 
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
I was hoping that Reyzelman was starting to get on a roll to finish the season strongly. Today was a step backwards.
RHP Ian Hamilton: (W, 1-0)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Aces wild!
RHP Zach Messinger (S, 2): 3.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, HR
5.37 ERA (60.1 IP, 63 H, 38 R, 36 ER, 6 HR, 36 BB, 61 K). As a reliever: 3.10 ERA (29 IP, 25 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 30 K). The 6’6″ 25-year-old is already Rule 5 eligible, and I wonder if a team would take a shot at him as a relief pitcher. I don’t think the Yankees will move him to the 40-man roster.

Somerset (55-47; 20-13 in second half) (Defeated Richmond, 9-2. WIthout a starter available, the Patriots used eight relievers to get through this game.)

The Patriots are in second place in the second-half standings. However, the leader (Binghamton) won the first-half title. Hence, for now, Somerset is in a playoff spot.

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-5, 3 K
Not the evening that Lombard Jr. envisioned.
LF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
DH Garrett Martin: 2-for-5, R, CS (2), K
3B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-4, 2B (15), HR (13), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
Jasso is piling up the multi-hit games (eight in his last 11 games; 21-for-45). He is more of a free swinger than he is a walk merchant, as this is his first walk since July 20th (11 straight games without one).
CF Brendan Jones: 3-for-5, RBI, 2 R, K
After a .278/.395/.583 July, Jones is off to a 5-for-12 start to August. This follows a June where he went 15-for-75 (.200) following his promotion. 
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 2B (18), RBI, R, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-3, RBI, R, BB
At this level: 5-for-19 with a homer and three RBI.
RF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-4, HR (6), 4 RBI, R, 2 K
2B Max Burt: 2-for-4, SB (11)

LHP Will Brian: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Brian, a reliever, came off the injured list today (first appearance since 7/2). For Somerset: 2.70 ERA (26.2 IP, 22 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 30 K)
RHP Hayden Merda: (W, 2-0) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
At this level: 4.33 ERA (35.1 IP, 26 H, 17 R, 17 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 37 K)
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.03 ERA (32.2 IP, 28 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 31 K)
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (61-38; 23-12 second half) (Walloped Wilmington, 10-1)

LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-5, RBI, R, K
.243/.340/.339 in 397 PA (16 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 46 RBI, 48 R, 20-for-21 SB)
CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, HR (9; grand slam), 4 RBI, R, BB, K
Lewis is trying to join Spencer Jones in the organizational 20/20 club, as he is up to 18 homers to go with his 21 stolen bases. This is his second grand slam since his promotion, and he is hitting .233/.302/.444 in 46 High-A games.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, R, SB (15), BB, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
3B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, 2 R
A solid stretch of games has him over .200 for the first time this season (.201/.331/.325).
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, 3B (2), RBI, R
DH Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, RBI, R, HBP, K
C John Cristino: 1-for-3, R, HBP
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB

RHP Andrew Landry: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
At this level: 3.77 ERA (14.1 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 9 K)
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
5.64 ERA (30.1 IP, 25 H, 20 R, 19 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 38 K)
RHP Bryce Warrecker: (W, 2-0) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.62 ERA (44.1 IP, 24 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 48 K). Warrecker didn’t make the “pre-deadline” Top 30 update, while other relievers did. I will be interested to see how things are sorted out when they post their August update, because I think he’s been their most impressive reliever from start to finish this year.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Speaking of impressive, Morrill owns a 0.44 ERA in 41.1 IP (15 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 14 BB, 33 K). A combination of factors puts Warrecker ahead of him (2 years younger, more strikeouts, fewer walks).

Tampa (47-51; 11-22 in the second half)  (Lost to Lakeland, 6-5, in ten innings)

3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-5, 2B (22), 3B (2), RBI
.267/.359/.365 in 387 PA (22 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 42 RBI, 49 R, 35-for-43 SB, 12.4% BB, 19.1% K).  He is on a 7-game hitting streak (10-for-30). Interestingly, Matheus hasn’t attempted a stolen base in ten straight games. In the game before this stretch, he stole four bases.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, 3 K
I wouldn’t be placing Arias in the top ten on any Yankees prospect list. I may struggle to find a spot for him in the Top 20. Without the signing bonus and hype, where would he be?
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, SF, RBI, R, K
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-4, R, HBP
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-5
.284/.312/.351 in 77 PA. 
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, CI, 3 K
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-5
.299/.405/.481 in 274 PA. He was the only player in the Florida State League with a batting average above .300 entering today. He still leads the league with his .299 average.
2B Owen Cobb: 2-for-4, R, SB (12), K
.313/.366/.492 in 147 PA. He has nowhere near enough plate appearances to qualify for rate statistics (thanks to injury), but he’s had a nice campaign.
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 R, BB

LHP Xavier Rivas: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.61 ERA (48.1 IP, 33 H, 21 R, 14 ER, 0 HR, 31 BB, 36 K)
RHP Antonio Gomez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Gomez was humming in his second career pitching appearance. He reached 100.9 MPH (averaged 99.7) while mixing in a cutter that maxed at 89.3 (I wonder if it is more of a slider than a cutter). An interesting twist is that Gomez is Rule 5 eligible – if the Yankees don’t add him, would a team like the White Sox jump all over him? Very possible.
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
5.15 ERA (43.2 IP, 41 H, 29 R, 25 ER, 9 HR, 27 BB, 37 K). I won’t be telling you anything revolutionary when I say walks and homers aren’t a good combination for any pitcher, but especially relievers.
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Gus Hughes (L, 4-3): 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (20-24) 

Day off.

DSL Bombers (23-21)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 8/2: Engelth Urena Homers

Notes:

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

Injury Log

Scranton (62-41; 24-7 in second half) (Lost to Nashville, 7-5)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, BB
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 SB (10), CS (1), 2 BB, K
Jones accomplishes his first career 20/20 season (29 HR, 20 SB). 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, R, BB
Rumfield has hit safely in 17 of his last 19 games. 
  PR Ismael Munguia: 0-for-0
DH J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, R, BB
This is Escarra’s first appearance since his demotion. You feel bad for him, but numbers crunches are real.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, RBI, K
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, BB
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, R, K
RF Duke Ellis: 1-for-4, R, SB (18), 2 K
Ellis has a 6-game hitting streak. This is the first non-multi-hit game during the streak.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K

RHP Sean Boyle: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Until Ryan Yarbrough comes back, there can be a battle down here for who the #6 starter is. Boyle owns a 4.32 ERA in 98 innings (88 H, 54 R, 47 ER, 11 HR, 33 BB, 97 K). 
RHP Kervin Castro: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.44 ERA (31.1 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 41 K). Almost feels meaningless to report on relief pitchers right now!
LHP Jayvien Sandridge (L, 2-1): 1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (54-47; 19-13 in second half) (Defeated Richmond, 3-1)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, R, SB (15), HBP
Lombard Jr.’s first stolen base since June 27th. Just one of those things.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-2, 2 BB
Avina has ten walks in 14 games since his promotion. He is hitting .245/.373/.429.
1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 K
.280/.344/.456 in 390 PA (14 doubles, 6 triples, 12 HR, 52 RBI, 53 R, 7.2% BB, 21.5% K). Jasso has seven multi-hit efforts in his last ten games.
LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, R
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, K
  RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-1
DH Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, R, K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-4, RBI
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-3, HBP
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, RBI

RHP Trent Sellers: (W, 2-4) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
3.90 ERA (80.2 IP, 67 H, 38 R, 35 ER, 8 HR, 39 BB, 94 K)
RHP Mark Leiter Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Leiter Jr. could join the team in Texas. My guess is that Brent Headrick is the next reliever to go down to Scranton.
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
6.16 ERA (38 IP, 47 H, 27 R, 26 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 40 K).  His streak of walkless appearances is up to 18.
RHP Indigo Diaz (S, 4): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (60-38; 22-12 second half) (Lost to Wilmington, 3-0)

LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, SB (20), BB, K
Castillo is 20-for-21 stealing bases this year and 43-for-50 in his career. 
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, SB (8), BB
Meanwhile, Lewis is 21-for-23 stealing bases this year and 24-for-26 in his career.
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4
His long hitting streak feels like it happened 20 years ago. He is in a 2-for-45 slump. Oof.
C John Cristino: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, K
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-3, 2B (6)

LHP Kyle Carr (L, 4-6): 6.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
2.30 ERA (94 IP, 66 H, 33 R, 24 ER, 6 HR, 40 BB, 80 K). Carr was cruising into the 7th inning, where all three Wilmington runs scored. This was the first time Carr allowed more than one earned run in a game since May 27th. 
RHP Chris Kean: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
3.58 ERA (32.2 IP, 30 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 33 K)

Tampa (47-50; 11-21 in the second half)  (Defeated Lakeland, 8-3)

3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-5, HR (2), RBI, 2 R
Matheus led the game off with a homer. He is on a 6-game hitting streak and is hitting .262/.356/.352 in 382 PA (21 doubles, 1 triples,2 HR, 41 RBI, 49 R, 35-for-43 SB).
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
Tejeda is 7-for-26 (.269) with two doubles and a homer since returning from his rehab. He is on a 6-game hitting streak.
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (13), RBI, 2 R, SB (23), K
.193/.313/.302 in 337 PA with 23 stolen bases in 29 attempts. He has still not finished a day this season with a batting average of .200 or better.
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-4, HR (9), 3 RBI, R, K
Urena sets a personal best for home runs in a season. He is hitting .207/.331/.332 in 393 PA
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-3, BB
DH Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4
RF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, HR (3), RBI, 2 R, K
.305/.413/.491 in 269 PA (13 doubles, 10 triples, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 52 R, 29-for-32 SB). While I thought the 22-year-old could be an interesting sleeper, if you predicted he would have an OPS > .900 on August 2, I would have called you delusional.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K

LHP Allen Facundo: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Facundo, who has been dazzling with his velocity, wasn’t throwing quite as hard tonight (maxed at 96.6 MPH; averaged 94.2). For Tampa: 1.15 ERA (15.2 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 17 K).
RHP Cade Austin: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Tanner Bauman: (W, 3-7)  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (20-24) (Defeated the DSL Bombers, 3-0)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, K
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-0, R, 3 SB (18), CS (2), 3 BB
Walk Cedeno at your own risk!
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-2, HBP, 2 K
C Justin Capellan: 2-for-2, RBI, R, SB (15), BB
RF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-2, 2B (7), RBI, R, BB, K
DH Isaias Castillo: 2-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, CS (1)
Castillo’s first game since June 30th. The 17-year-old is hitting .340/.456/.574 in 57 PA with a 9-for-10 stolen base rate.
LF Wilberson De Pena: 0-for-3
De Pena’s debut as a member of the Yankees’ organization. He was acquired from the Angels for Oswald Peraza.

RHP Hector Moreno: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
To say the 17-year-old needed this is a massive understatement. Montero owns a 29.16 ERA and 10/27 K/BB (that’s not a typo) over 8.1 innings in his professional debut.
RHP Anthony Mena (W, 2-1): 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K

DSL Bombers (23-21) (Lost to the DSL Yankees, 3-0)

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-3, 2B (6)
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-3, CS (8), 2 K
DH Jose Castro: 1-for-3, CS (3), K
2B Juan Torres: 1-for-3
Torres has a 14-game hitting streak.
C Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-1, SB (6), 2 BB

RHP Luis Burgos (L, 2-4): 4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
2.66 ERA (40.2 IP, 30 H, 18 R, 12 ER, 2 HR, 18 BB, 41 K)
LHP Ronald Tejada: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K

Yankees MILB 7/20: Spencer Jones Has Gone Bananas

Notes:

According to the Baseball America signing tracker, 8th-round pick Mac Heuer has signed his name on the dotted line.  The Yankees have signed all of their picks from the first ten rounds.

The 21-year-old right-handed pitcher made 14 starts for Texas Tech in 2025, going 2-4 with a 6.28 ERA in 53 innings with a 48/23 K/BB. He was originally drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in 2023 but opted to go to college for two years. He also has Cape Cod League roots, throwing 6.2 innings as a 19-year-old in 2023.

I assume that his talent exceeds his performance, which makes sense. He is a big kid (6’5″) who supposedly hums in the mid-to-upper 90s.

In case you are wondering, first-round pick Dax Kilby received an overslot bonus of $2.8 million. The slot was $2,509,500. The Yankees saved slot money with 5th-round pick Core Jackson, who had low leverage as a college senior. When you look at the savings from his bonus, it covers what Kilby signed for.  Jackson is a shortstop out of the University of Utah.

We are still waiting on confirmation on RHP Brennan Stuprich (14th round; Southeastern Louisiana), SS Jackson Lovich (16th; Missouri), and RHP Hayden Morris (19th; Blinn College (JC)).  It appears that Stuprich and Lovich are signed but haven’t been added to the tracker. Morris has leverage as a Junior College kid. He could opt to go to a 4-year school.

So far, their picks between the 11th and 20th rounds have signed for the standard $150,000, which is more than Jackson received.  You are allowed to sign players in these rounds for more than $150,000, but any money over that counts against your bonus pool.

Injury Log

Scranton (55-37; 17-3 in second half) (Knocked out Worcester, 8-2, for their 11th straight win)

LF Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, HR (18), RBI, R, 2 K
Pereira, who is being overshadowed by a certain someone, has homered in three straight games.
CF Spencer Jones: 4-for-5, 2B (5), 2 HR (10), 2 RBI, 4 R, K (second straight 4-hit effort)
This is getting ridiculous. Today’s first home run was hit 445 feet at 109.6 MPH to center. He ties Ryan Ward (who hits minor league home runs for a living) for the overall minor league lead with 26. Last night, I commented that he was tied for first amongst all minor leaguers in OPS. After the dust cleared, he ended up being 0.01 points behind Mike Sirota. He should be in first place now in both OPS and wRC+ after today!
One of the criticisms (beyond the strikeouts) was his ground ball rate. This year, he has lowered that considerably, from 42.3% in 2024 to 30.7% (entering today). His percentages portray a player who hits the ball to all fields (not dead pull). That showed itself today, as his home runs were to center field and left field.
He is hitting .426/.481/.941 (1.422 OPS) since his promotion (16 games; 79 PA). That’s right: Jones has five doubles and ten home runs in 16 Triple-A games and 13 doubles/26 HR in 65 games overall.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-5, R, K
Fans in Scranton get to witness the multi-hit machine Flores is for the first time today. This is his 29th multi-hit effort this season.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, 2B (24), RBI, R, HBP
Rumfield is 16-for-31 (.516) during his 8-game hitting streak. He has eight multi-hit efforts in his last 11 games and is up to .311/.394/.505. 
3B Jeimer Candelario: 2-for-5, 2B (6), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Candelario is 7-for-40 (.175) with a pair of doubles since being signed.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, HBP, K
  RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-1
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, HBP, K
2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-4, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Carlos Carrasco: (W, 3-2)  7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, HR
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Bees’ Triple-A debut. He is a big kid who doesn’t wow you with velocity (maxed at 93.3 MPH). He also mixed in a slider and a changeup. It was nice to get some Savant data.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (48-42; 13-8 in second half) (Lost to Hartford, 3-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, R, K
Since the break: 4-for-14 with two doubles and two home runs (he has homered in back-to-back games). This follows a solid effort in the Futures Game over All-Star Weekend. 
2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, BB
Avina is 4-for-20 with a double and a homer since his promotion.
CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, K
Nice to see him get a hit, but the description of it in the 9th wasn’t flattering. Down 3-2 with one out in the 9th, he seemingly singled and was instantly caught in a rundown for the second out.  I would have to see this play because it’s very odd in its description.
DH Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, K
  PR Cam Eden: 0-for-0
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-1, R, 2 HBP

LHP Ben Shields: (L, 1-1) 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
At this level: 2.89 ERA (18.2 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 23 K). 
RHP Luis Pacheco: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
His rehab stint is over, as he was officially assigned here (instead of going to Scranton).

Hudson Valley (52-35; 14-9 second half) (Their game against Jersey Shore was postponed due to wet grounds. They will try to make it up on August 20th. Drenching rain crushed the Jersey Shore area overnight.)

Tampa (45-43; 9-14 in second half) (Lost to Dunedin, 7-1)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
.206/.369/.230 in 358 PA. Since I declared he was figuring on this level: 0-for-23 with only three of his trademark walks. 
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-5, 2 K
Arias is again pushing to reach .200 for the first time this season. He is at .198/.318/.304 and has three multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, R, 4 SB (35), BB
Stolen base rates: Before 2025: 38-for-55 (69.1%) in 109 games. 2025: 35-for-43 (81.4%) in 83 games.
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
The 11-game hitting streak is snapped. Toole is hitting .312/.418/.498 in 244 PA (12 doubles, 10 triples, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 46 R, 27-for-30 SB). He leads the Florida State League in batting average and (shockingly) slugging percentage despite hitting only two home runs. Additionally, he is second in OBP.
LF Hans Montero: 2-for-4, RBI, K
Montero, who is hitting .254/.335/.408, is adapting to his utility role. He has added 1B/LF/RF to 2B/3B this season. He no longer plays shortstop.
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Cade Smith: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
The 23-year-old’s rehab was moved from the FCL to here today. He touched 94.9 MPH with his four-seamer and used his entire arsenal. I am not sure I trust Savant’s data, which suggests he mixed six pitches. His best three pitches are his slider, curve, and 4-seamer. According to Pipeline, Smith is their 14th-ranked prospect
LHP Tanner Bauman: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Mariano Salomon: (L, 0-3) 2.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
1.86 ERA (38.2 IP, 28 H, 13 R, 8 ER, 4 HR, 20 BB, 52 K). Veach can dial it up to the mid-90s, which is important for his bread-and-butter changeup.

FCL (26-29)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (14-20)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (17-17)

Day off.