Tag: Juan Torres

Yankees MILB 8/18: Juan Torres’ Big DSL Season Continues

Notes:

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

Nothing new to report.

Injury Log

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

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

Somerset (61-53; 26-20 in second half)

Hartford has fallen off considerably, giving Somerset a comfortable lead in the second-half race (4.5 games). This is a big week for the race, as Somerset and Hartford begin a 6-game series on Tuesday. Portland is 5.5 games behind.

Hudson Valley (69-42; 31-16 second half)

The Renegades are playing .622 ball this season, but the playoffs remain out of reach. Greensboro has a 3-game lead for the second-half title.

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

I have nothing to offer about their playoff chances, which is painfully obvious.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (23-32) (Lost to the DSL Rockies, 8-6, in a 7-inning game)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 2-for-4, CS (5), K
.279/.387/.366 in 217 PA. Vilorio hasn’t homered this season (hit four in his 2024 debut campaign). 
SS Carlos Bello: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
RF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-3, CS (5), BB, K
.285/.384/.506 in 185 PA. This is his second campaign, but he is only 18 years old.
LF Isaias Castillo: 0-for-3, R, SB (14), BB, 2 K
DH Wilberson De Pena: 0-for-2, R, CS (3), 2 BB, 2 K
C Jose Lavagnino: 1-for-3, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, K
The 18-year-old left-handed bat is 13-for-52 with a pair of doubles and homers in his debut season.
2B Edgar Jimenez: 1-for-3, 2B (6), RBI, K
1B Diego Flores: 1-for-3, R, SB (3)
3B Adrian Feliz: 0-for-0, 2 R, SB (5), 2 HBP, BB

RHP Manuel Cruz: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Emanuel Vargas: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
LHP Fredy Penuelas (L, 1-3): 1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR

DSL Bombers (30-25) (Defeated the DSL Marlins, 9-4, in seven innings. Their playoff chances don’t look great, but win tomorrow and see what happens.)

CF Ruben Castillo: 2-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, 2 CS (12), 2 BB
.223/.339/.372 in 221 PA. He is 20-for-32 stealing bases. Players at these levels should be running as often as possible – it’s how you learn.
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (26), CS (6), 2 BB, 2 K
2B Alfred Ciriaco: 1-for-4, 2 R
3B Leni Done: 0-for-0, R, HBP
   3B Juan Torres: 2-for-2, R, HBP
.369/.416/.530 in 166 PA. If there were an award for Yankees’ DSL MVP, Torres would be high on the list. He has multiple hits in four of his last five games and 14 overall (46 games)
RF Richard Meran: 0-for-1, RBI, R, HBP, 2 BB, K
.300/.481/.538 in 108 PA. This is his third season at this level.
LF Angel Ventura: 1-for-3, 3B (3), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Ventura’s third straight multi-hit effort.
DH Eddinson Charles: 1-for-3, 2B (3), 2 RBI, HBP, 2 K
1B Jesus Guerrero: 1-for-3, RBI, HBP, K
C Alessandro Rodriguez: 1-for-4, K

RHP Ranciel Abreu: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Alexander Almonte (W, 4-2): 5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
3.29 ERA (52 IP, 46 H, 27 R, 19 ER, 3 HR, 21 BB, 48 K). A solid campaign for the 18-year-old.

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 8/11: Mani Cedeno Homers

Notes:

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

MLB Pipeline posted their August update, which includes the 2025 draftees.

The Yankees placed four prospects on their Top 100, headlined by SS George Lombard Jr. (25th). Also making the list: RHP Carlos Lagrange (82), RHP Cam Schlittler (91), and OF Spencer Jones (92). Jones is an addition after their “trade deadline” update.

As for their Top 30, up next is RHP Bryce Cunningham. Their second-round pick in 2024 is ranked higher than their first-round pick (Ben Hess is 7th). Sandwiched between the two is another right-handed pitcher:  Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz. 2025 first-rounder Dax Kilby is 8th. Other 2025 draftees on the list are 2B/SS Kaeden Kent (13th), LHP Pico Kohn (15th), and SS Core Jackson (18th). All have appeared in my report except for Kohn, who was their 4th-round pick out of Alabama. You haven’t seen him yet because drafted pitchers don’t make same-season debuts at nearly the same rate as position players. SS Roderick Arias took an expected tumble, as he is down to 21st. Debuting teenage shortstops Mani Cedeno (22nd) and Stiven Marinez (30th) are likely where they should be at this stage in their careers. Marinez has outperformed Cedeno, but Cedeno is younger and entered the season with more prospect “shine.”

In recent times, their prospect list has included a decent number of catchers. With the trades of Rafael Flores, Jesus Rodriguez, and Edgleen Perez, they no longer have a catcher in the Top 30. You can make a case for Engelth Urena, but it’s not a massive snub. It’s hard to find any prospect whom I would label as an obvious snub.

I have no issues with the list. We can nitpick with rankings and whether their 35th-ranked prospect should be included over their 29th-ranked prospect. When you get down to that level, there is a list of several prospects to choose from, and it becomes a matter of personal preference. Would I place Rodriguez-Cruz over Cunningham? Probably, but we are talking about one spot in the rankings.

Injury Log

Scranton (67-44; 29-10 in second half) 

Day off.

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.

Somerset (58-50; 23-16 in second half) 

Day off.

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.

Hudson Valley (65-40; 27-14 second half)

Day off.

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.

Tampa (48-56; 12-27 in the second half)

Day off.

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 (22-28) (Lost to the DSL Rockies, 9-8)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-4, 2B (9), 2 R, BB
SS Mani Cedeno: 3-for-5, 2B (5), 3B (3), HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 R, K
Cedeno falls a single short of the cycle. He is hitting .188/.379/.299 in 201 plate appearances but has started to show some pop in August (6-for-24 with two doubles, a triple, and two home runs).
2B Carlos Bello: 0-for-5, R, SB (13)
3B Richard Matic: 1-for-3, HR (5), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (11), 2 BB
.343/.495/.579 in 188 PA. In his debut campaign, he hit .196/.333/.248 in 186 PA. He spent most of last season as a 16-year-old.
C Justin Capellan: 3-for-5, 2 RBI
41 games last year: .242/.365/.359 with a homer and 25 RBI. 41 games this year: .266/.380/.468 with six home runs and 36 RBI. He turned 19 on July 18th.
RF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-5, RBI, K
.284/.378/.520 in 172 PA with eight home runs and 29 RBI. 
DH Isaias Castillo: 0-for-5, 3 K
LF Wilberson De Pena: 1-for-4, 2 K
1B Diego Flores: 2-for-4, R, SB

RHP Manuel Cruz: 3 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Emanuel Vargas: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
RHP Varis Villarreal (L, 4-3): 2.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR

DSL Bombers (26-24) (Lost to the DSL Nationals, 5-4. I say they still have a shot at the 16-team DSL Cup tournament, but hope is fading. They have fallen to 25th. That said, the team ranked 16th is 28-22. It will take a hot week and jumping over a bunch of teams, but it isn’t impossible.)

I am not sure why Stiven Marinez didn’t play, especially since they were off yesterday. Hopefully, it’s still just a routine day off.

CF Ruben Castillo: 0-for-4, BB, K
2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-5, CS (5)
LF Jose Castro: 0-for-1, R, SB (14), 3 BB
2B Juan Torres: 2-for-4, SB (12)
Marinez has outperformed Cedeno, but Torres is outperforming both. The 17-year-old is hitting .338/.383/.482 in 154 PA in his debut campaign. Should he be somewhere in the Top 30? I wouldn’t argue against it.
C Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-4, CS (4)
DH David Carrera: 0-for-2, R, 2 BBRic
SS Leni Done: 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (14), BB, K
With the presence of Marinez, Done doesn’t get much time at shortstop. The 18-year-old has played well in his debut campaign: .275/.403/.443 in 159 PA with four homers and 26 RBI. 
1B Remy Veldhuisen: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
RF Angel Ventura: 0-for-3, RBI, BB

RHP Alexander Almonte: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
Almonte (18) has been consistent since making his professional debut last year: 3.48 ERA in 19 starts (72.1 IP, 62 H, 40 R, 28 ER, 5 HR, 32 BB, 69 K).
RHP Cesar Acosta (L, 1-5): 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

Yankees MILB 7/29: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz Tosses 6 Scoreless Innings

Notes:

In case you missed them, here is my article on the Ryan McMahon transaction and my analysis of the Amed Rosario transaction.

Antonio Gomez was assigned to Tampa today. The catcher-turned-pitcher was on the Development List. He made his first appearance on the hill tonight, maxing out at 99.9 MPH.

LHP Henry Lalane‘s rehab assignment is over, which makes sense since the FCL season is over. The system’s #13 prospect (Pipeline) is officially with Tampa. Essentially, he is resuming his rehab, but it won’t be called that.

Spencer Jones was back in the lineup after missing three games due to back spasms.

The Yankees traded RHP Carlos Carrasco to the Braves for cash or a player to be named (I would place strong odds on it being money). Carrasco pitched to a 5.91 ERA (5.31 FIP; 69 ERA+) in 32 innings for the Yankees. For Scranton, he was a valuable innings-eating veteran.

Injury Log

Scranton (59-40; 21-6 in second half) (Lost to Nashville, 7-3)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-5, K
Rodriguez increases his hitting streak to 16 in his last at-bat of the evening.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, BB
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, 2B (9)
RF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (6), R, K
Jones hits as if his back never spasmed.  He is hitting .405/.459/.940 (again, that’s his SLG, not his OPS!) in 98 PA since his promotion and .317/.412/.707 (LOL) overall.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RBI
Since promotion: 8-for-36 (.222) with a homer and four RBI.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, 2B (28), R, HBP, K
.312/.395/.502 in 392 PA for the doubles machine (he has 11 in 21 July games)
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, R, K
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, SF, RBI

RHP Luis Gil: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
Gil threw 75 pitches (50 strikes) and reached 98.4 MPH (averaged 95.8). He threw 40% 4-seamers, 37% sliders, and 23% changeups, generating 15 whiffs. I don’t like “rushing” players coming off injury, but everything looks good with Gil – he is using his entire mix, throwing as hard as you would expect, and generating whiffs.  I have no problem with him pitching for the MLB club this weekend.
RHP Zach Messinger: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.52 ERA (29.2 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 40 K)
RHP Scott Effross (L, 1-3): 0.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
At this point, Effross is a shuttle arm for the Yankees. Is he in danger of being cut from the 40-man roster? Perhaps not yet, but the likelihood that he will return to form seems low.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (52-45; 17-11 in second half) (Outpitched Richmond, 1-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, HR (5), RBI, R
Lombard Jr.’s home run in the 6th was all that was needed tonight.  Since promotion: .212/.326/.347 in 291 PA. He has a .411 SLG in July and has eight doubles and three home runs in his last 24 games. 
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3
Riggio is 19-for-66 (.288/.382/.561) in July.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2 K
Jasso has a 7-game hitting streak and is hitting .308/.349/.449 in July. Like every hitter at every level in baseball history, he’s had his share of struggles, but he has been pretty consistent all year. 
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, CS (2), BB
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-2, BB, K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, K
DH Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, HBP

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (W, 1-1)  6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Rodriguez-Cruz is likely going to be asked about a lot over the next few days. Since promotion: 2.37 ERA (19 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 15 K). Overall: 2.28 ERA (102.2 IP, 67 H, 35 R, 26 ER, 2 HR, 41 BB, 114 K).  Is he untouchable? Of course not. However, the 21-year-old has impressed with his ability to miss bats and keep the ball in the ballpark. He owned a 53.1% GB entering tonight.
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Merda’s 5th straight scoreless outing (5.2 IP). It’s lowered his ERA (since his promotion) from 14.54 to 6.30.
RHP Danny Watson (S, 4): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
6.25 ERA (36 IP, 45 H, 26 R, 25 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 38 K). He owns a 2.08 ERA in 8.2 July innings and hasn’t walked a batter in 17 straight appearances (23.2 innings).

Hudson Valley (58-36; 21-10 second half) (Defeated Wilmington, 13-6)

LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-6, RBI, R, 2 K
CF Dillon Lewis: 3-for-5, 2B (7), SF, 3 RBI, 2 R
He is on an impressive 10-game hitting streak that has increased his triple slash from .183/.243/.357 to .244/.306/.439 since his promotion. 
RF Coby Morales: 3-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB
2B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-6, 3B (3), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Colmenares has a 6-game hitting streak (9-for-24; 4 doubles, 2 HR, 10 RBI)
DH Josh Moylan: 1-for-6, RBI, 2 K
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, 2 BB
C Manuel Palencia: 4-for-5, 2 2B (3), 2 RBI, 2 R, K
Palencia’s 4th career 4-hit effort (including one in the FCL this year). 
1B Kiko Romero: 2-for-4, 2 R, BB
Romero is 8-for-32 (.250/.390/.438) since coming back from injury.
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, 2 R, CS (7), BB

RHP Andrew Landry: (W, 1-1)  5.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, HR
Landry was promoted from Tampa for the second time in three weeks. With trades and injuries, Hudson Valley needs arms.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
Rare misstep for Warrecker, but at least it happened during a blowout. He owns a 1.70 ERA in 42.1 IP (24 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 45 K)

Tampa (45-48; 9-19 in the second half)  (Lost to Clearwater, 11-8, in ten innings)

3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-5, K
C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 R, 3 K
Nice to see Arias go yard during an otherwise disappointing campaign.
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, R
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-2, 3B (1), RBI, R, 3 BB, K
Since promotion: 12-for-48 (.250; 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 9 R, 9 BB, 9 K)
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, RBI, R, K
Montero is hitting .304 (17-for-56) at this level.
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Tejeda is versatile and speedy enough with excellent bat-to-ball skills. Power? Not likely to be a part of his profile. His ceiling is likely in the Ronald Torreyes area. And there is nothing wrong with that ceiling.
LF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, SB (28), 3 K
Toole has 28 stolen bases in 31 attempts. His K% was 20.0% entering tonight, and this was the first time he struck out three times this season (once last season).

LHP Henry Lalane: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
As stated above, don’t expect extended outings for a while.  The big lefty wasn’t throwing hard tonight (low-90s), but that can be attributed to his time off.  
RHP Sunayro Martina: 3 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
The 21-year-old Martina makes his Tampa debut. His rookie league resume isn’t great (5.45 ERA; 79.1 IP, 67 H, 63 R, 48 ER, 5 HR, 59 BB, 84 K). We don’t have full StatCast data tonight, but I do see that he reached 96.8 MPH.
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Antonio Gomez: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Gomez threw 19 pitches (11 strikes) in his pitching debut. One of the runs allowed scored after he left the game. This is a fun story to follow.
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Tanner Bauman: (L, 2-7)  2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-24) (Outlasted the DSL Twins, 11-10, in ten innings. This game was a DSL Special, as the Yankees scored 11 runs on 15 hits and nine walks. They scored seven runs between the 8th and 10th innings. They tied the game in the 10th on a walk and “walked it off” with a hit-by-pitch.)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-5, R, BB, K
SS Mani Cedeno: 2-for-6, 2 R, 2 SB (14), 3 K
.183/.360/.238 in 161 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 30 R, 14-for-15 SB, 18.0% BB, 37.3% K)
2B Carlos Bello: 0-for-4, 2 R, CS (3), HBP, BB, K
The 17-year-old got off to a strong start but is 3-for-35 in his last ten games. He has drawn six walks.
3B Richard Matic: 3-for-4, 3B (3), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (7), 2 BB, K
Matic has certainly adjusted in 2025, hitting .368/.500/.614 in 150 PA (10 doubles, 3 triples, 4 HR, 28 RBI, 32 R, 7-for-12 SB, 20% BB, 22.7% K). The crazy thing is that a .500 OBP ranks him only 6th in this league (he is 4th in SLG and OPS). He turned 18 on July 26th.
DH Justin Capellan: 2-for-6, 2 K
LF Estivenzon Montero: 2-for-4, 3B (1), HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (8), 2 BB, K
.302/.393/.569 in 135 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 18 R, 8-for-11 SB, 12.6% BB, 27.4% K). The 18-year-old has 14 extra-base hits in 33 games (8 in 31 games in 2024).
C Edgar Jimenez: 2-for-3, R, SB (5), CS (1), 2 BB, K
   PR Alfiery Matos: 0-for-0, SB (9)
RF Angel Ventura: 2-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
1B-C Diego Flores: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (1)

RHP Enixon Sanchez: 4 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, HR
4.11 ERA (35 IP, 38 H, 21 R, 16 ER, 2 HR, 23 BB, 39 K)
RHP Emanuel Vargas: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
LHP Fredy Penuelas: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Rafael Arias (W, 5-0): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

DSL Bombers (21-19) (Lost to the DSL Phillies White, 4-3)

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-5, SB (20), K
.230/.404/.286 in 166 PA. Marinez is in a 2-for-23 slump.
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-3, 2B (8), R, SB (19), CS (7), HBP, BB
Castillo is on a 5-game hitting streak and has hit safely in eight of his last nine games.
DH Juan Torres: 2-for-4, RBI
Of all the Yankees’ debuting talents in the DSL, I think Torres has impressed the most. The 17-year-old is at .339/.393/.495 in 122 PA and is on an 11-game hitting streak. The funniest part is that, in a sea of huge signing bonuses, he received $50,000.  Yes, I realize that one DSL season doesn’t make or break a prospect.
2B Christofer Reyes: 2-for-4, 2 R, SB (21)
3B Leni Done: 1-for-4, K
LF David Carrera: 1-for-2, SF, 2 RBI, BB

LHP Junior Tavera: 4.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
LHP Ronald Tejada (L, 1-3): 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
The 18-year-old is missing more bats in 2025, but the overall numbers have tumbled (1.75 ERA in 25.2 IP in 2024; 7.08 ERA in 20.1 IP in 2025).
RHP Alexis Gonzalez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Yankees MILB 7/25: Jesus Rodriguez Extends Hitting Streak

Notes:

In case you missed it, here is my article on the Ryan McMahon transaction.

A day after hitting 1,200+ feet of home runs, OF Spencer Jones was out of tonight’s lineup due to back spasms. The Yankees are unlikely to mess with this, but as someone who has back spasms, I know how they can come and go. I am not a prized professional athlete though (I am not a prized anything), so I wouldn’t be shocked if he at least missed this weekend.

Injury Log

Scranton (57-39; 19-5 in second half) (Defeated Rochester, 7-5. July has been a good month for Scranton hitters.)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, 3B (3), RBI, 2 R, SB (14), K
Rodriguez increases his hitting streak to 13 (18-for-54 (.333); 2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 14 R, 9 BB, 7 K)
LF Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, R, SB (9), K
Pereira is hitting .299/.405/.687 in July (3 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 18 RBI, 20 R, 4-for-4 SB). 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, 2B (26), SF, RBI, R, BB, K
.308/.392/.498 in 378 PA. Rumfield has gone crazy in July: 28-for-71 (.394/.471/.606; 9 doubles, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 15 R, 12 BB). He leads the organization in doubles (26) and RBI (67).  He is second in the International League in both categories. 
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 5-for-24 (1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 7 BB, 10 K).
3B Jeimer Candelario: 2-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, K
If Candelario hoped to get back to MLB this year, it likely won’t be with the Yankees now. He has four multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-5, K
2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-4
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, BB, K
   SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-0
CF Duke Ellis: 4-for-4, 3 2B (7), 2 R, 2 SB (16), CS (4)
Fun night from the #9 spot in the lineup. 

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 6-7) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
5.50 ERA (86.2 IP, 79 H, 60 R, 53 ER, 21 HR, 35 BB, 96 K). The veteran has provided solid innings over his last five starts but is no threat to make it to MLB. He’s doing what he was signed to do in an organization that has a reputation for helping middling veteran pitchers.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Since signing: 7.1 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 1 BB, 8 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (50-44; 15-10 in second half) (Lost to Erie, 5-4)

LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
The end of his 7-game hitting streak. He is hitting .207/.327/.332 in 278 PA since his promotion.
2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-3, HR (10), RBI, R, SB (7), BB
Since promotion: .261/.338/.551 in 154 PA (10 doubles, 10 HR, 26 RBI, 24 R, 7-for-10 SB, 7.8% BB, 23.4% K). The extra-base hits stand out (he has 17 HR and 32 extra-base hits overall in 58 games this season)
DH Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, R
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, HR (3), RBI, R, K
Martinez has never hit for much average, but has flashed some pop and ability to take walks (though his walk rate has fallen since his promotion)
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 3B (1), HR (15), 2 RBI, R, K
It’s nice to see Hardman launch home runs again. Maybe it gets him noticed by another organization. You think I am knocking the Yankees with that comment, but I’m not. Players like Hardman tend to get their chances with teams looking for cheap talent.
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Cam Eden: 1-for-4, K
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (9), K

LHP Brock Selvidge: 4 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
At this level: 3.78 ERA (33.1 IP, 26 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 29 K). He started the season on the injured list, so he is likely still bouncing back. However, I think it is fair to point out that Selvidge has allowed 61 walks in 118 Double-A innings.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson (L, 1-4): 0.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (55-36; 18-10 second half) (Defeated Rome, 3-0. They went with a bullpen game, and it worked perfectly)

CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-4, R, K
.243/.341/.332 in 364 PA (14 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 42 R, 18-for-19 SB, 12.1% BB, 20.1% K). 
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
Morales has a 5-game hitting streak.
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, HR (6), 3 RBI, R, K
His 3-run blast in the 6th inning accounted for the game’s only runs.  Colmenares has homered in back-to-back games.
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, 2 K
Moylan is hitting .277/.404/.468 in July.
DH Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3
LF Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, 2 K
C John Cristino: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, K

RHP Chris Kean: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
It feels like yesterday when I talked about the surplus of pitching at Hudson Valley. Now? Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and Carlos Lagrange are in Somerset, Bryce Cunningham is on the injured list, and Griffin Herring/Josh Grosz are off to pitch in the Rockies’ organization. That leaves Hudson Valley with three healthy starters: Ben Hess (who has been closely monitored since missing a month), Cade Smith (who has pitched in only two games due to injury), and Kyle Carr. They don’t make trades without a plan, though.
RHP Huey Morrill: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
0.26 ERA (34.2 IP, 13 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 27 K). He also made one appearance for Somerset earlier this season, a level I think he deserves an extended look at.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: (W, 3-2)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3.16 ERA (25.2 IP, 24 H, 14 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 25 K). Over his last 15.1 innings: 8 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 15 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: (S, 2)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
2.28 ERA (27.2 IP, 21 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 42 K). Gilbert (24) has a 2.46 career ERA over 84 IP with a 110/42 K/BB. 

Tampa (45-45; 9-16 in the second half) (Lost to Clearwater, 5-0. They only played seven innings after a long rain delay to start the evening. Tampa recorded only one hit)

2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-3
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, BB
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-2, K
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-2, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-2
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-2, K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-1, CS (5), BB

RHP Cade Austin: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Tampa also had to go with a bullpen game tonight. Season: 3.11 ERA (37.2 IP, 33 H, 20 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 41 K)
LHP Tanner Bauman: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jack Sokol: (L, 4-2) 0.2 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Veach: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.71 ERA (42 IP, 38 H, 26 R, 22 ER, 8 HR, 26 BB, 34 K).

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (15-23) (Squeaked past to the DSL Cardinals, 4-3)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, R, K
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-2, BB, K
.186/.370/.248 in 146 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 28 R, 11-for-12 SB, 18.5% BB, 35.6% K). 
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
DH Justin Capellan: 0-for-2, RBI, R, BB
LF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-3, HR (7), 3 RBI, R
Montero is within two of the DSL home run lead. He is hitting .288/.380/.538 in 121 plate appearances.
1B Diego Flores: 1-for-2, K

LHP Carlos De La Rosa: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
The 17-year-old owns a 5.32 ERA in 22 innings (27 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 36 K). You have to love the strikeout and walk rates.
RHP Rafael Arias (W, 4-0): 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
4.34 ERA (29 IP, 31 H, 17 R, 14 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 38 K)
LHP Luis Rodriguez (S, 3): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

DSL Bombers (21-17) (Mauled the DSL Rangers Blue, 16-6)

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Marinez is hitting .250/.430/.313 in 151 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 0 HR, 12 RBI, 29 R, 19-for-24 SB, 23.2% BB, 25.2% K). His encouraging debut season continues.
CF Ruben Castillo: 2-for-5, 2 R, BB, K
.219/.329/.383 in 149 PA (6 doubles, 3 triples, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 26 R, 15-for-19 SB, 10.7% BB, 26.8% K)
DH Jose Castro: 1-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
3B Juan Torres: 3-for-6, 2B (5), HR (4), 4 RBI, 2 R, K
.344/.404/.521 in 109 PA (5 doubles, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 23 R, 10-for-16 SB, 4.6% BB, 12.8% K). The 17-year-old, who is in his debut campaign, has impressed all year. Do I worry about that crazy low BB%? No. He is making a lot of loud contact.
RF David Carrera: 1-for-4, R, SB (11), 2 BB, K
2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-6, 2B (4), R, SB (20), 2 K
LF Richard Meran: 0-for-1, RBI, R, CS (4), 4 BB
C Carlos Rondon: 2-for-3, HR (1), 4 RBI, 2 R, 3 BB, K
The 19-year-old launches his first professional home run.
1B Jesus Guerrero: 1-for-4, 2 R, 2 BB, K

RHP Carlos Hampshire (W, 3-2): 4.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K