Tag: Luis Serna

Yankees MILB 7/25: Roderick Arias: Grand Slam

News:

IF Caleb Durbin‘s rehab is already over (one plate appearance!) but it’s semantics. The Yankees moved him to Somerset today to continue rehabbing, though it won’t be labeled that way.

Scranton (54-44) (Defeated Worcester, 7-2)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 HBP
Hopefully, this gets him back on track.
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-5, RBI, RS, K
Ramirez has a 7-game hitting streak. At this level: .214/.317/.359 in 120 PA (3 doubles, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 13 R, 11.7% BB, 17.5% K). While in Somerset, he owned a 10.7% BB and 16.5% K. There is a lot to like.
2B Oswald Peraza: 0-for-4, RBI
DH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, K
1B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB
Escarra is 8-for-17 with two walks and a strikeout since his promotion.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-4, 2B (14), RS
Gonzalez is 7-for-14 with three doubles in his last four games.
CF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
LF Josh VanMeter: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 BB, K

RHP Will Warren: 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
6.11 ERA (95.2 IP, 99 H, 71 R, 65 ER, 18 HR, 35 BB, 115 K). July: 21.2 IP, 14 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 30 K. His miserable May is nearly impossible to overcome, but he has thrown pretty well for much of the season.
RHP Nick Burdi: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Burdi was throwing hard in his first rehab appearance. Can he still be useful for the big club? Yes. Should they continue to look for upgrades in the bullpen? Yes. Even if Burdi is healthy, you worry about future injuries and lack of control/command.
LHP Victor Gonzalez (W, 2-0): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

Somerset (48-45) (Lost a tough one to Portland, 7-6. Portland scored 3 in the top of the 9th)

DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-5, 4 K
Jones’ strikeout woes continue. Who would I trade him for? A deal for someone in the Jonathan India class isn’t bad. You don’t want to “give up” on a kid with his talent level, but the outcomes remain wide. When will Jones be a productive MLB player? It could be mid-2026 before he starts to figure it out. This is not an easy one because the Yankees need young, cheap talent if they end up signing Juan Soto. I see some people on social media who think he isn’t worth packaging for India, and I get it. India won Rookie of the Year in 2021 but followed that up with a .246/.323/.394 (97 OPS+) in 222 games between 2022 and 2023. In 2024, he is playing back to his rookie level after nearly losing his full-time job. He has never played third base, which could be more of a need than 2B. I like him but I get the trepidation.
2B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, SB (1)
Between here and Scranton, Durbin has 18 doubles and 21 stolen bases in 23 attempts over 48 games.
  2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-0
3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-0, BB, HBP
No, he wasn’t pulled due to an impending trade. He left the game shortly after being HBP.
  3B Max Burt: 0-for-1, SF, RBI, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, HR (5), RBI, RS, K
Flores has homered in back-to-back games (5 HR in 23 games since his promotion). He has 20 doubles and 11 home runs this year (15 doubles and 8 home runs in 105 games last year). Interesting.
CF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, RS, SB (11), BB, K
LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 3 K
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, HR (2), 4 RBI, RS, CS (4)
A grand slam for Vargas. Known for his defense, Vargas is 25-for-95 (.263/.290/.411) since joining Somerset.

RHP Trystan Vrieling:  5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
5.31 ERA (101.2 IP, 107 H, 63 R, 60 ER, 9 HR, 34 BB, 93 K). He was cruising until a 4-run 5th inning. He is pitching well overall in July and we must remember that he is spending his entire debut season in Double-A.
LHP Josh Maciejewski: 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP McKinley Moore (L, 2-1): 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR

Hudson Valley (45-46) (Defeated Wilmington, 5-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, RS, SB (11)
Serna’s first stolen base since 7/1. 
LF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 2 K
Avina is in a 0-for-23 slump. Slumps happen. Now, he has to get himself out of it.
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-3, HR (11), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
.240/.373/.417 in 311 PA. Martinez has homered twice in his last four games. Between 2023 and 2024, he has 29 HR in 179 games. From 2019 to 2022, he hit 10 HR in 103 games.
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, HBP, 2 K
RF Christopher Familia: 2-for-4, RS, K
1B Kiko Romero: 2-for-3, 2B (10), RBI, RS, BB
.234/.363/.392 in 190 PA. He is 6-for-13 with a pair of doubles in his last four games.
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, SAC, RBI, K
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-4, K

LHP Kyle Carr: 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
5.75 ERA (72 IP, 73 H, 55 R, 46 ER, 5 HR, 44 BB, 64 K). He is pitching better lately (5 hitless innings last time out). Carr entered the season with a buzz around him but initially struggled. Is he turning it around down the stretch?
RHP Sean Boyle: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Mason Vinyard (W, 3-2): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Yorlin Calderon: (S, 1) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
At three levels (Hudson Valley, Somerset, Scranton): 1.89 ERA (47.2 IP, 32 H, 17 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 43 K)

Tampa (36-54) (Split a doubleheader against Clearwater)

Game 1 (Lost, 8-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, 2 K
DH Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, 2B (14)
Arias has struggled mightily as a right-handed hitter, so it is worth noting that he hit this double batting right-handed.
1B-3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3
2B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-1
  LF Daury Arias: 0-for-2
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-2
3B-2B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, K
LF-1B Coby Morales: 1-for-2, SB (23), K
Morales is 23-for-25 stealing bases.
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2

RHP Bryce Warrecker: (L, 0-3)  3 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 2 K, HR
The 6’8″ Warrecker will need time. He has 35 professional innings, all this season.
RHP Aaron Nixon: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
RHP Montana Semmel: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Semmell dialed it up to 95.7 MPH. 

Game 2 (Won, 7-1)

DH George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, RS, 2 K
Lombard Jr. is hitting .231 with a .697 OPS (16 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 41 R, 26-for-30 SB, 13.9% BB, 24.2% K)
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (15), HR (7, grand slam), 4 RBI, 2 RS
Arias is hitting .228 with a .703 OPS (15 doubles, 7 triples, 7 HR, 51 RBI, 55 R, 26-for-37 SB, 11.99% BB, 32.4% K). In July, his BB/K is 12/12. In June, he walked 7 times and struck out an incredible 41 times. Is something clicking? We’ll have to wait and see.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, RBI, BB, HBP
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-2, RS, BB, K
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-3
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, BB, K
Gonzalez is 10-for-36 (.278) since his promotion. He won’t turn 21 until October.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, K
RF Daury Arias: 2-for-2, 2 RS, HBP

RHP Luis Serna: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K
Serna’s first career 10+ strikeout game. He tossed 82 pitches (52 strikes). Season: 5.64 ERA (68.2 IP, 62 H, 44 R, 43 ER, 6 HR, 24 BB, 81 K). This is his first full start since July 10th (threw only one inning, due to rain, on 7/19). Serna doesn’t throw hard (though he did throw a 94 MPH sinker tonight), relying more on his 5-pitch mix to generate outs. His 17 whiffs tonight were distributed among his change (8), slider (5), and sinker (4).
RHP Ocean Gabonia: (W, 2-2) 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Gabonia was able to strand one of his two inherited runners. Season: 3.97 ERA (47.2 IP, 46 H, 24 R, 21 ER, 12 BB, 55 K). The K/BB stands out. Last season, it was 49/29 over 53.2 IP.

FCL (35-22)

Their game against the Tigers was cancelled due to rain (they started it, but couldn’t get in enough innings). While the stats won’t count, LHP Henry Lalane tossed 2.2 scoreless innings, striking out three.

Due to the cancellation, the Yankees win the division and go to the playoffs.

The other teams in the playoffs are the dominant Marlins (39-15), the Pirates (36-23), and the Wild Card Tigers (34-23). Today’s cancelation benefited the Tigers, who ended up percentage points ahead of the Rays and Red Sox.

The playoffs begin on Saturday. The Yankees will play the Pirates.

By the way, the FCL schedule is structured in a way where you only play division teams. So, the Yankees haven’t faced the Marlins or Pirates this season.

DSL Yankees (11-24) (Lost to the DSL Bombers, 5-1)

LF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-2, RS, BB

RHP Michell Chirinos (L, 0-4): 4 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
RHP Luis Burgos: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
The 18-year-old owns a 5.85 ERA in 20 IP (21 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 0 HR, 14 BB, 15 K)

DSL Bombers (23-15) (Defeated the DSL Yankees, 5-1)

DH Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-2, BB, K
C Queni Pineda: 1-for-3, 2B (6), RS, 2 K
.256/.458/.410 in 107 PA (26.2% BB, 20.6% K)
2B Luis Escudero: 0-for-2, RS, BB
1B Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-3, 2B (2), 3 RBI
.265/.346/.382 in 78 PA. 
3B Kevin Verde: 0-for-1, RS, SB (8), CS (2), 2 BB
LF Angel Ventura: 1-for-2, RS, SB (15), K

RHP Enixon Sanchez (W, 3-0): 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
1.59 ERA (22.2 IP, 8 H, 8 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 21 K). Not bad for a 17-year-old in his first season (he was 16 when the season started).
RHP Alexis Paulino: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Yankees MILB 6/8: Jasson Dominguez Goes Yard

News:

I want Anthony Rizzo to start scorching and hit 20 home runs the rest of the way. Why wouldn’t I? That helps my favorite team win the World Series.

However, 2024 is not going his way. Is it because of his 2023 concussion? His age? A combination? I don’t know. In April Rizzo hit .258/.321/.417 with five homers and 15 RBI. While this isn’t elite first base production, he still helped the offense as Aaron Judge went through a brutal slump.

His production has cratered in May/June, leading to a legitimate concern at first base.

The solution is not easy, and I won’t claim otherwise. Ben Rice is scorching the ball in Somerset/Scranton, leading to fans calling for him to take some at-bats in MLB. It’s a lot like the backup QB in the NFL – when the starter isn’t playing well, the unknown backup becomes the most popular player on the team. While this is a smaller scale, it’s similar: When an MLB player isn’t performing, fans instantly look towards the prospects as a solution. Just like how teams value their backup QB, we don’t know what the Yankees feel about Rice. Don’t take “reports” seriously – the front office isn’t going to talk down a prospect.

When does an organization “pull the plug”? When do they decide if Rice is worth trying out vs. looking at trade options? That’s not as easy of a question to answer as you think. You are replacing a well-regarded veteran with a track record, not Willie Calhoun or Franchy Cordero. It’s a delicate situation but a team should always do what helps the team win, even if it requires a tough conversation/decision.

I am writing this as tonight’s Yankees-Dodgers game is on. If Anthony Rizzo hits a game-winning home run, you can thank me later.

Scranton (36-25) (Defeated Norfolk, 10-7, walk-off style)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-5, 2 K
The Yankees are giving him a little playing time at third base (4th game). 
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, CS (1), 2 BB, 2 K
Maybe this is the game that gets him going. It’s been a slog.
CF Jasson Dominguez: 2-for-4, 2B (3), HR (1), RBI, RS, K
Since joining Scranton: 6-for-15, 3 doubles, 1 HR, 3 K. The bat looks good – he’s hitting the ball hard and getting results. However, he has yet to play a full game in the field. One assumes that hurdle will be cleared, but the Yankees won’t rush him. They may even ask for a second 10-day rehab extension (you can ask for up to three).
  RF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-1, 2B (6), RBI, RS
Tonight’s replacement for Dominguez hit a game-tying double in the bottom of the 9th.
C Ben Rice: 0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
Between here and Somerset: .278/.400/.567 in 236 PA (11 doubles, 15 HR, 33 RBI, 42 R, 15.3% BB, 20.8% K, 9-for-9 SB)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, 2B (10), RS, K
For Scranton: .280/.341/.415 in 182 PA (10 doubles, 4 HR, 29 RBI, 23 R)
DH Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, SB (2), 2 BB, K
RF-CF Greg Allen: 2-for-4, HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 RS, SAC, K
Allen hit the game-winning 3-run home run with two outs in the 9th off of old friend Matt Krook.
2B Josh VanMeter: 1-for-3, RS, BB
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K

LHP Edgar Barclay: 5.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 3 HR
6.51 ERA (56.2 IP, 61 H, 44 R, 41 ER, 13 HR, 32 BB, 55 K). The Triple-A environment hasn’t been kind to him over the last two years. 
RHP Art Warren: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Cody Morris: (W, 4-0)  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (27-29) (Defeated Hartford, 4-1)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, K
.228/.309/.367 in 204 PA. I can’t wait until the SLG gets over .400!
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4
If he can’t hit three home runs every night, what good is he?
SS-3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-4, K
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-3, RS
1B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, RS
3B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-2, RBI, RS
   SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-1, CS (3)
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-3, HR (5), 3 RBI, RS
Seigler has five home runs in his last 7 games. Please don’t ask me to explain it. By the way, since I have been asked: He is seemingly done as a catcher. He hasn’t played the position this season.
DH Aaron Palensky: 1-for-3, CS (3), K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (W, 5-4) 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
3.07 ERA (58.2 IP, 44 H, 27 R, 20 ER, 3 HR, 30 BB, 57 K). It is all about bringing those walks down.
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jack Neely (S, 6): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.15 ERA (29.1 IP, 21 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 48 K). He is putting up ridiculous numbers.

Hudson Valley (28-27) (Split a doubleheader against Wilmington)

Game 1 (Won, 4-0)

CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, 2B (14), RS, K
DH Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 3B (3), RBI, RS
Rodriguez’s 19th multi-hit effort this season (51 games).
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, K
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB
RF Nelson Medina: 2-for-2, RS, BB
2B Beau Brewer: 1-for-2, 2B (3), 2 RBI, BB

LHP Ben Shields: (W, 2-2) 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K
At this level: 3.11 ERA (37.2 IP, 28 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 3 HR, 7 BB, 47 K). Toss out his appearance in Scranton – they needed an arm and he was available. He was not ready for that level/offensive environment.
RHP McKinley Moore: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
His stint in the FCL is over, and now he is placed in Hudson Valley. The Yankees are trying to unlock a big-time arm with big-time control issues. It’s a worthwhile project.

Game 2 (Lost, 4-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, RS, K
SS Jared Serna: 3-for-4, 2 2B (16), RS
A nice 3-double evening for Serna, who is hitting .262/.367/.495 in 251 PA. He has seven 3-hit efforts this season.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, 2B (14), RBI, BB, K
.325/.409/.505 in 225 PA (14 doubles, 3 triples, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 35 R). He is 9-for-28 (.321) in June. Yes, his solid start to June has brought his batting average down.
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RBI
.313/.419/.500 in 172 PA. He is 11-for-26 in June.
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, BB
LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Blane Abeyta: (L, 0-1) 5 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.87 ERA (33.2 IP, 23 H, 10 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 40 K). He will be in Somerset when they start promoting players.

Tampa (20-36) (Lost to Ft. Myers, 8-5)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-5, HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
Arias is 11-for-32 in June (three straight multi-hit games) with five extra-base hits (1 double, 2 triples, 2 HR) and 12 runs batted in. He had five extra-base hits in the entire month of May. He is still struggling as a right-handed hitter and the strikeouts haven’t gone away, but this is encouraging. Hopefully, he keeps it going.
LF Christopher Familia: 2-for-5, 3B (1), HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
This is no surprise. Wake me up when the rehab is over and he gets to Hudson Valley and (eventually) Somerset.
DH Max Burt: 1-for-4, SB (2), K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, 2 BB
.273/.407/.453 in 162 PA (9 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 24 R, 31 BB, 31 K, 9-for-12 SB)
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, K
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, 2B (10), HR (3), RBI, RS, K
Both hits were scorched, with the home run traveling 402 feet. Montero is on a 5-game hitting streak (11-for-20, 3 doubles, 2 HR) and is up to .221 with a .600 OPS (Before the hitting streak, he was hitting .182 with a .491 OPS). As I said last night, Montero is a prospect -probably leans more “lottery ticket” like most teenagers.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, RS, SB (12), BB
C Edinson Duran: 1-for-4, 2B (4)

RHP Luis Serna: 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
4.50 ERA (46 IP, 35 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 54 K). He pitched to a 2.19 ERA in May. His first June start wasn’t great (4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R), but he followed that up nicely this evening. He used a 6-pitch mix tonight (42% changeups; 23% sinkers; 22% sliders; 7% cutters; 4% curveballs; 2% 4-seamers). He is only 19 (20 in July).
RHP Montana Semmel: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Cade Austin: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Oscar Silverio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Silverio is typically a catcher, but this is his 4th career pitching appearance.

FCL (16-10) (Defeated the Tigers, 5-3)

CF Brando Mayea: 0-for-3, K
I usually highlight only the best stuff from the FCL, but Mayea deserves a daily update!
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-3, 2B (1), RS
His rehab seems to be going well. It shouldn’t be much longer until he is back in Tampa.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, 2B (5), RBI, RS, BB
3B Abrahan Ramirez: 2-for-3, 2B (4), RS
.358/.494/.537 in 86 PA. He has 7 multi-hit games (22 games played)
LF Joel Mendez: 1-for-1, HR (2), 3 RBI, RS, BB
Mendez has homered in back-to-back games.

RHP Danny Flatt: 2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
2.33 ERA (19.1 IP, 15 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 27 K). The 20-year-old should make his Low-A debut this season.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
5.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K. He is still on his rehab assignment – once done, he should report to Tampa.
RHP Sunayro Martina (W, 1-1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Kean (S, 1): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Kean’s first career save – congrats! He owns a 3.12 ERA in 8.2 IP (3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 15 K). He should be among the first players moved up to Tampa once the “mass promotions” begin (or the FCL season ends!)

DSL Yankees (1-4) and DSL Bombers (2-2)

The DSL Yankees lost a doubleheader to DSL Miami.

DH Edgar Jimenez hit a 2-run homer in a 3-2 loss in Game 1. Listed as a catcher, this was the 17-year-old’s second career game… SS Dexters Peralta singled and stole his third base.
RHP Jorge Luna: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K.

CF Isael Arias hit a double, drove in a run, and scored twice in a 4-3 Game 2 loss…C Luis Puello went 2-for-3…
RHP Michell Chirinos: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K

The DSL Bombers split a doubleheader with the DSL Marlins.

In a 9-2 Game 1 win, C Queni Pineda launched his first career home run (3rd game)…3B Kevin Verde doubled twice, stole two bases, and brought home four. Verde (18) hit .258/.316/.433 in 31 games during his 2023 debut season…2B Luis Escudero singled, walked three times, and scored a pair of runs. He added two stolen bases…
16-year-old RHP Enixon Sanchez, in his professional debut: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K…17-year-old RHP Chaury Gomez recorded two outs in his professional debut.

In a 3-1 Game 2 loss, RF David Carrera (triple), C Carlos Villarroel (single), and 3B Rafael Martinez (single) recorded the only 3 hits…CF Browm Martinez went 0-for-4 with a run scored and two stolen bases…
6’6″ RHP Jerson Alejandro, in his 2024 debut: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 K… 18-year-old RHP Jose Rosario, in his professional debut: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

 

Yankees MILB 5/22: Caleb Durbin Walks it Off

News:

There is no news that is fit for print.

Scranton (30-16) (Walked it off against Syracuse, 12-10. They came back from 6-1 and 10-6 deficits. Triple-A is insane. No lead should ever be considered safe)

2B Caleb Durbin: 4-for-5, 2B (16), HR (3), 4 RBI, 3 RS, SAC
Durbin walked it off with a 2-run HR with two outs in the 9th. It’s his second 4-hit game and third 4-RBI game this season. He is hitting .301/.413/.457 in 210 PA (16 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 36 RBI, 33 R, 14.3% BB, 10% K, 20-for-22 SB). As of this writing, he is tied for first in doubles and stolen bases in the International League. 
DH Oswald Peraza: 1-for-5, RBI
Peraza is 2-for-13 since joining Scranton.
1B Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, BB, 3 K
.230/.377/.397 in 162 PA (17.3% BB, 27.8% K)
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-5, 2B (5), RBI, 2 K
SS Jeter Downs: 2-for-4, 2B (7), HR (6), RBI, RS, SB (5), CS (3), BB, K
A little bit of everything. Downs got the 9th-inning rally started with a solo home run.
C Luis Torrens: 2-for-5, 2B (6), HR (3), RBI, 2 RS
.272/.340/.435 in 103 PA. When the Yankees need someone in the short term, it will be Narvaez, as he doesn’t require a 40-man move. If a long-term need occurred (let’s hope not), I don’t know who they would choose between Narvaez and Torrens. 
CF Greg Allen: 2-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (7), 2 BB
.241/.413/.397 in 76 PA. He is 11-for-34 (.324) in May. If the Yankees moved on from Trent Grisham, Allen could at least be a temporary fill-in. The organization (obviously) likes him, as he keeps coming back.
3B Kevin Smith: 1-for-4, RS, SB (7), BB, 2 K
LF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-3, 2B (7), RBI, RS, SB (16)
I am not sure why Lockridge left the game.
  LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-1, 2 RS, BB
Trammell reached on an error with two outs in the 9th. It scored Allen to tie the game, followed by Durbin’s heroics.

LHP Edgar Barclay: 4 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
6.59 ERA (41 IP, 44 H, 33 R, 30 ER, 9 HR, 27 BB, 40 K).  Simply put, it will be hard for Barclay to succeed with that many walks. He doesn’t have the overpowering stuff to compensate.
RHP Cody Morris: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Morris’ ERA spikes to 2.95.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda (W, 4-0): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Durbin is the headline hero, but Misiewicz and Mosqueda deserve credit too. 

Somerset (20-20) (Revenged yesterday’s 10-2 loss with a 11-2 win over New Hampshire)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, RS, SB (10), BB, 2 K
It is hardly a “breakout” but he has hit safely in his last three games. We have to look for the small things right now.
DH Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-5, K
Patience will be required as he gets his stroke back.
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-3, 3 RS, SB (9), BB, HBP, K
That’s a lot of activity for an 0-for-3 afternoon. Season: .265/.391/.576 in 161 PA (5 doubles, 12 HR, 29 RBI, 32 R, 16.1% BB, 18.6% K, 9-for-9 SB). In his last 6 games, he is 3-for-19 with four walks and six runs. A good hitter can contribute even when the hits aren’t falling in.
1B Ben Rice: 2-for-2, 2 HR (10), 4 RBI, 4 RS, 2 SB (7), HBP, 2 BB
Wow. This insane day increases his triple slash to .245/.373/.496 in 170 PA (14.7% BB, 22.4% K). He isn’t a big base stealer in volume, but he is efficient: 7-for-7 this season and 23-for-27 (85.2%) in his career.  This is his third multi-HR game in the last two years, all with Somerset (86 games played). Most importantly, it appears Rice is breaking out of his malaise.
SS Ben Cowles: 2-for-5, 2B (15), 2 RBI, 2 RS
Cowles hasn’t stopped hitting, as his triple slash is now .326/.410/.533 in 161 PA.  He has 12 multi-hit games and is 2nd in the Eastern League in doubles, 4th in runs (Ramirez and Rice are 1st and 3rd) and RBI (Ramirez is 2nd). 
LF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, 2B (12), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
.296/.364/.509 in 121 Double-A plate appearances this year and .311/.385/.553 in 182 Double-A plate appearances over the last two years.
3B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-4, 2B (2), 3 RBI, BB
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-5
RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-3, BB

LHP Brock Selvidge: (W, 4-2) 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 6 K
3.07 ERA (44 IP, 32 H, 20 R, 15 ER, 3 HR, 21 BB, 47 K). His control has betrayed him in his last two starts (9 BB in 14 IP), but he limited the damage today (both runs allowed were scored after he left the game). With injuries and ineffectiveness at the upper levels, Selvidge could find himself somewhere on the MLB depth chart – I wouldn’t get your hopes up on a 2024 debut, but the Yankees have a depth issue right now.
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jack Neely: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Both walks came at the end of his outing – may have been tiring. Season: 1.29 ERA (21 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 32 K). 
LHP Ryan Anderson: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Neely seemingly ran out of gas late. Anderson did a nice job saving the inherited runners.

Hudson Valley (19-19) (Lost to Brooklyn, 3-1. The offense has only two runs in the first two games of the series)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, SB (7), HBP, K
.211/.346/.358 in 133 PA (15.8% BB, 17.3% K; 7-for-9 SB).
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Serna extended his on-base streak to 20 in his last plate appearance of the day.
3B-C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, RS
.312/.384/.496 in 159 PA (9 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 25 R, 10.06% BB, 14.5% K). 
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, BB, K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, RBI, K
12 doubles, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 17 runs, and 4 stolen bases in 28 games.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-1
Flores left the game due to an apparent injury.
  3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, 2B (3), K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-2, K
His first game since April 25th.
   RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, K
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-2, SB (7), BB, 2 K

RHP Jackson Fristoe: (L, 0-2)  3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
5.40 ERA (20 IP, 18 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 24 K). The Yankees haven’t yet asked him to stretch out much. While you can’t prove it caused any issues, Fristoe walked three straight batters after Flores left the game.
RHP Cole Ayers: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
2.52 ERA (25 IP, 20 H, 10 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 33 K). Ayers pitched in 11 games at this level in 2023, with similar dominant results. We should see him in Somerset soon enough. He turns 25 in August.
RHP Luis Arejula: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

Tampa (14-27) (Lost to Jupiter, 5-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, K
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (7), RS, K
In his last four games, Arias has three extra-base hits (2 doubles, 1 triple). He is hitting .215 with a .697 OPS (7 doubles, 4 triples, 2 home runs, 17 RBI, 22 R, 15.1% BB, 35.2% K)
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 2B (14), RBI
Jasso has four doubles in his last four games and has 17 RBI in May. He has 25 starts at 1B and 13 at 3B. 
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, BB
Castillo increases his on-base streak to 14. 
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-4, K
Montero is hitting .309 with a .914 OPS in 62 plate appearances. One has to love how he has taken advantage of his opportunity.
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2 K
DH Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-3

RHP Luis Serna: (L, 2-3) 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Pitch distribution: 41% changeups (9 whiffs), 31% sinkers (91.4 MPH average); 23% sliders, 5% curve. Season: 4.78 ERA (32 IP, 25 H, 17 R, 17 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 38 K). The 19-year-old had a 10.32 ERA in 11.1 April innings. It is 1.74 in May.
RHP Aaron Nixon: 1.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
3.57 ERA (22.2 IP, 17 H, 13 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 19 BB, 23 K). Walks were also an issue in college.  The Yankees are hoping to clean that up.
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
1.86 ERA (19.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 HR, 10 BB, 20 K). He has pitched well, though he isn’t dominating. 

FCL (7-6)

Scheduled day off.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 5/15: It’s Serna Day!

News:

I have nothing to offer you.

Scranton (28-12) (Squeaked past Worcester, 1-0)

3B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-4, SB (18), BB, K
Durbin is second in the International League in SB (Steward Berroa (Buffalo) has 20)
LF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, BB, K
.259/.339/.524 (8.5% BB; 33.9% K) in 165 PA. It’s an interesting profile that shows off his power (7 doubles, 10 HR) and swing-and-miss. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, SB (2)
Rumfield has hit safely in 8 of his last 9 games (13-for-34; .382). 
DH Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, 2B (1), BB, K
Trammell is 4-for-16 with a double since joining the Railriders. 
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-3, HBP, 2 K
C Luis Torrens: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3, SB (2), BB, K
SS Kevin Smith: 2-for-4, 2 2B (4), RS, K
CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-2, RBI, CS (2), 2 BB
.229/.373/.325 in 102 PA (6 doubles, 1 triple, 0 HR, 12 RBI, 15-for-17 SB). Lockridge hit 39 HR between 2019-2022 (there wasn’t a season in 2020) but has only three in 2023-2024. I still think he can carve out an MLB career.

RHP Clayton Beeter: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 3 K
2.53 ERA (32 IP, 17 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 21 BB, 44 K). Is the wildness what makes him tough to hit? Or would he still be tough to hit if he curtailed the wildness?  
RHP Cody Morris: (W, 2-0) 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
1.40 ERA (19.1 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 11 BB, 26 K)
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Phil Bickford (S, 4): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.40 ERA (15 IP, 13 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 18 K). In MLB, Bickford has been a “meh” reliever with a high K rate (26.6%). This is mostly due to walks and fly balls. Whether the Yankees can find a way to work with this remains to be seen – but if you are a pitcher looking to find new ways to be effective, signing with the Yankees should be near the top of your list.

Somerset (17-17) (Win a pitching duel over Portland, 1-0. This follows a 11-10 loss last night. Baseball!)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 4 K
.237/.306/.361 in 108 PA. There was a point early last year where people were wondering about Jasson Dominguez. We all know how that story ended up. So, we’ll see if Jones can build a similar story in 2024 (not that I expect him to march up to MLB regardless)
DH Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, RS, K
His home run in the 4th held up.
C Ben Rice: 0-for-3, 3 K
.246/.374/.467 in 148 PA (14.9% BB; 24.3% K). He is 9-for-41 (.220) in May (1 HR, 8 BB, 8 K).
1B Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-3, 2B (5), SB (8), K
.284/.403/.638 (15.8% BB; 18.7% K) in 139 PA. His BABIP, which I referenced last night, has normalized (.269). You can disparage “advanced” (not that BABIP is all that advanced) metrics all day – the data showed that a correction was coming for Ramirez and here it is. The Yankees need to decide whether his projected bat is too good to worry about catcher development, even if that development increases trade value.
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-2, SB (5)
Cowles left the game after the stolen base.
   PR-3B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-1, K
3B-SS Jordan Groshans: 0-for-3
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, SB (4), BB, K
RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, SB (5), BB, 2 K

RHP Blane Abeyta: (W,2-3) 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
4.86 ERA (37 IP, 45 H, 29 R, 20 ER, 4 HR, 8 BB, 28 K)
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Between Scranton/Somerset/Hudson Valley: 2.18 ERA (20.2 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 19 K)
RHP Kevin Stevens (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (17-15) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 9-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, 2B (5), SB (6), K
.213/.343/.382 in 108 PA. Riggio is hitting .204 in his first 45 professional games, which is something to monitor. He makes a lot of contact and it is nice to see some extra-base hits in 2024.
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-1, 3 RS, 4 BB
Serna’s first career 4 BB game (not that it should be common). He is hitting .250/.375/.448 (15.97% BB; 13.9% K) in 144 PA. Going back to 4/28, he is 20-for-55 (.364) with 9 walks and 10 strikeouts. Interestingly, the only three homers he has during this streak were hit on the same day (5/1). Baseball!
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, 2B (9), RS, 2 BB, K
Avina now owns a 10-game hitting streak and is hitting .293/.404/.476 in 99 PA. This is the 20-year-old’s first taste of High-A, and he is holding his own. Last year, in A ball for the Brewers’ organization, he hit .233/.373/.442.  Avina’s .440 BABIP will come down, so we’ll have to see where he settles in. 
C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-3, 3 RS, 2 BB
.322/.386/.517 (9.1% BB; 14.4% K) in 132 PA. He is second in the Sally League in average and 6th in slugging percentage. It is easy to see him in Somerset this season. Last year, the Yankees played him in 84 Low-A games before promoting him here. He is at 55 games at this level (his triple slash is a ridiculous .337/.422/.524).
DH Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, 2B (8), 3 RBI, RS, BB, K
Flores has three multi-hit games in his last four games played. 
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-5, 3 RBI, RS, K
There’s a hot streak in Moylan somewhere…it hasn’t come out yet.
LF Nelson Medina: 1-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
3B Beau Brewer: 0-for-4, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, BB, K

RHP Baron Stuart: (W, 1-1)  6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
4.13 ERA (24 IP, 23 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 16 K)
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
3.60 ERA (20 IP, 12 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 24 K). Keating (23) struck out 93 in 65.1 IP for Low-A Tampa last year.
RHP Luis Arejula: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (11-24) (Defeated Bradenton, 5-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, K
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, K
Hardman started his rehab here, went to the FCL for one game, and is now back. It makes sense to somebody, and that is all that matters.
3B Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, 2B (5), 2 RS, 2 SB (9), BB, K
I am asked what my honest assessment of Arias is. The answer? I don’t have one. We have to see how he progresses as the season goes along. Earlier in 2024, he was generating some power without the walks. Now, he is walking more but the power has drifted away (only two extra-base hits in May after compiling eight in April). It’s all a part of a process that will take a while to play out.
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, 2 K
Jasso has 16 RBI in 13 May games.
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
Castillo is 10-for-36 with 14 walks in May. As is the case with Jasso, he was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
Montero has hit safely in eight of his last nine games.
2B Hans Montero: 2-for-3, 2B (2), 2 RBI, BB, K
13-for-37 (.351). Last 6 games: 9-for-19. He has four multi-hit games in his last five starts.
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, K
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-3

RHP Luis Serna: (W, 2-2)  6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
Brilliance. Season: 5.40 ERA (26.2 IP, 23 H, 16 R, 16 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 31 K). Three May starts: 15.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 15 K.  Don’t forget that Serna is only 19 years old.
RHP Jordy Luciano: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Aaron Nixon: (S, 2) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.33 ERA (19.1 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 21 K)

FCL (4-4) 

Scheduled day off.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 5/7: A Big Day for Agustin Ramirez

News:

The following players are on the FCL 7-day injured list (according to the roster page):
OF Brando Mayea
RHP Carlos Lagrange
LHP Henry Lalane

Essentially, three of their top Rookie League prospects are hurt. That’s not what you want to see.

If you are wondering about his whereabouts, infielder Rougned Odor is also on the 7-day injured list. For now, he will have to strike out in his sleep.

Scranton (23-10) (Lost to Rochester, 8-5)

2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, SB (15), HBP
.293/.417/.455 in 152 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 23 R, 15.1% BB, 9.9% K, 15-for-16 SB). He has been a nightmare for opposing pitchers and defenses.
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, BB, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, HBP, K
Rumfield has 8 doubles in 18 games since his promotion. 
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 3 K
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, BB, K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-4, RS, K
Gonzalez is 6-for-20 since returning from his rehab stint (also went 6-for-20 on the rehab stint)
3B Josh VanMeter: 0-for-4, K
SS Jeter Downs: 1-for-3, 2B (4), SF, RBI, RS
.259/.340/.481 in 95 PA.
LF Luis Gonzalez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (5), RS, K

RHP Will Warren: (L, 3-1) 6 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
Warren’s first rough outing since Opening Day. He allowed four runs without recording an out in the first and had trouble settling in. Season: 4.86 ERA (33.1 IP, 28 H, 20 R, 18 ER, 8 HR, 10 BB, 36 K)
RHP Nick Burdi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
You can’t ask for much more in his first rehab appearance. He averaged 98 MPH (peaked at 98.8) with his fastball and threw his full slider/fastball/sinker combination. I assume he will be back in New York soon enough.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
LHP Clayton Andrews: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Somerset (13-14) (Knocked down Altoona, 8-1)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RS, SB (5), BB
.250/.316/.417 in 79 PA. Jones has 60 stolen bases in 159 career games (15 caught stealing; 80%)
DH Agustin Ramirez: 3-for-3, 2B (2), HR (10), 3 RBI, 3 RS, SB (6), 2 BB
Ramirez gets the OPS over 1.000 (.258/.405/.618). This is the second time he reached base five times in a game this season and his BB% (18.9%) is better than his K% (18.0%). Flaws in his offensive game are difficult to find.
C Ben Rice: 0-for-5, 2 K
.263/.387/.505 in 120 PA. He is 5-for-18 with three walks in five May games but is looking for his first extra-base hit.
SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-5, 2 K
Not a good day for those named “Ben,” but their bright days outshine their darker ones in 2024.
1B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 RS, HBP
3B Jordan Groshans: 2-for-5, 2B (1), RBI, K
LF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, 2 2B (10), RS, K
.308/.375/.513 in 88 PA. He is tied with Cowles for the Eastern League lead in doubles and is 9th in average. The fun thing is that this is a continuation of what he did in 15 games at this level in 2023. When I combine the numbers, he is hitting .321/.396/.565 with 11 doubles, 7 homers, 25 RBI, and 10 stolen bases in 36 Double-A games.
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, RS, 3 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, 2 BB

RHP Bailey Dees (W, 2-2): 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
4.55 ERA (29.2 IP, 26 H, 15 R, 15 ER, 5 HR, 15 BB, 31 K). Since allowing 8 runs in 3.1 innings in his 2024 debut: 2.39 ERA (26.1 IP, 21 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 10 BB, 28 K)
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (14-11) (Lost to Aberdeen, 4-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, SB (4), K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RS, SB (2), K
Serna now owns a 6-game hitting streak (13-for-29; 4 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 6 R, 2 BB, 3 K)
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, 2B (5), 3 K
Avina has five doubles and two home runs in 15 games. 
C Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-4, 2 HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 RS
Rodriguez’s second career 2-HR game and third 3+ hit game this season (10th multi-hit game). He is at .330 with a .956 OPS and has five HR in 23 games (13 HR in 185 games entering 2024).
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, BB
LF Nelson Medina: 2-for-4, K
Medina has three multi-hit games in his last four games played.
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3

RHP Cam Schlittler: 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
1.04 ERA (26 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 3 HR, 11 BB, 33 K). An impressive start to his 2024 campaign…
LHP Ben Shields: (L, 1-1)  2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
The typically reliable Shields has his first tough outing in his short career. It happens. Season: 2.41 ERA (18.2 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 22 K)
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (9-20) (Split a doubleheader with Clearwater)

Game 1 (Won, 8-2)

CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 3 RS, 2 SB (6), BB
DH Oswald Peraza: 2-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, SB (1), BB
This is one way to show the organization that you are healthy…
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-2, 2 CS (5), 2 BB, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
LF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, K
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, CS (1)
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-2, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, BB
Frick, who has reached base in all 13 of his games, launches his first professional home run.
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-3

RHP Luis Serna: (W, 1-2)  5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
6.97 ERA (20.2 IP, 20 H, 16 R, 16 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 24 K).  Serna had a 2.2 IP/7 H/8 R start in April which he is trying to overcome.
RHP Montana Semmel: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
1.80 ERA (15 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 12 K)
RHP Kris Bow: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Bow threw one sinker at 97.2 MPH.

Game 2 (Lost, 4-3)

CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-1, RBI, SB (7), 3 BB, K
Castillo’s solid doubleheader brings his triple slash up to .184/.344/.347 in 61 PA. He owns a 19.7% BB and 27.9% K. The 21-year-old was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
Before his injury last year, Hardman hit an incredible 26 homers in 77 games for Somerset. He is here on a rehab stint.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, RS, K
Jasso is 11-for-30 (.367) in May with 3 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, and 7 runs scored.
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-3, 2B (5), RS, BB
.184/.243/.235 in 107 PA. His start was so slow (.095/.208/.143 in his first seven games) that recovery has been a long process. In May, he is 6-for-24 with a pair of doubles, three walks, and four strikeouts.
SS Hans Montero: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3, 2B (4), 2 RBI, RS
.278/.322/.352 in 59 PA. Contact is his forte (11.9% K rate) and he has a .301 career average. He is looking for that elusive first career homer (he has played in 120 games).
LF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-2, BB, K
2B Dayro Perez: 0-for-2, BB, K

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (L, 0-4) 6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
4.94 ERA (27.1 IP, 28 H, 15 R, 15 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 28 K). Overall, his pitching is better than his record would indicate. He generates a lot of ground balls (54.4% entering tonight) and hasn’t allowed a homer.
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (1-2) (Lost to the FCL Phillies, 4-3, in a 7-inning game. Yeah, even on days where they don’t play doubleheaders, games might be limited to seven innings)

C Josue Gonzalez hit the squad’s first home run of 2024. The 20-year-old is off to a 4-for-9 start with a double and homer…
DH Josh Tiedemann compiled a pair of hits, giving him his first multi-hit game…
CF Fidel Montero went 1-for-2 with a walk, run scored, and two stolen bases. After stealing 40 bases in 59 games in 2023 (my goodness), he is 3-for-3 in three games in 2024…

RHP Danny Flatt, in his professional debut: 4 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K. The 19-year-old was their 14th-round pick in 2023 (South Carolina High School)

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/17: Agustin Ramirez Hits 7th HR

News:

Nothing

Scranton (11-5) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 5-4. Five double plays helped the pitchers)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-4, K
SS Caleb Durbin: 0-for-2, 2 RS, SB (10), 2 BB, K
Durbin has an 18.7% BB/8% K in 75 PA. He is 89-for-103 (86.4%) stealing bases in his career.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI
Rumfield extends his hitting streak to seven (between here and Somerset). He has reached base safely in all ten games he has played.
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RS, K
3B Jordan Groshans: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS
Groshan’s 2-run HR in the bottom of the 8th gave Scranton the lead.
2B Josh VanMeter: 1-for-2, SF, RBI, BB
DH Josh Breaux: 0-for-4, K
RF Luis Gonzalez: 0-for-3

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
9 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 9 K.  He is averaging three innings per start and not throwing many pitches (49 in his first start, 49 in his second start, and 57 tonight)
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 1 K
9 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 13 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Cousins: (W, 1-0) 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr. (S, 2): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
9.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 11 K

Somerset (4-7) (Lost to Hartford, 6-5)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, RBI
Jones was thrown out trying to stretch the single into a double – and was immediately ejected by the umpire.
  RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, 2B (1), RS
DH Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, HR (7), RBI, RS, BB
Ramirez has seven homers in ten games. He also has seven walks (14.9%) and eight strikeouts (17.0%). 
C Ben Rice: 3-for-5, 2B (1), HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, K
Rice was struggling to enter tonight. He certainly didn’t struggle tonight. You may think of him as a first base option, but he has yet to play the position in 2024 (6 games behind the plate, 5 games as the designated hitter).  This doesn’t mean he won’t play first base, but they aren’t forcing it on him this season. 
2B Ben Cowles: 1-for-5, 2B (6), RS, SB (3), K
Cowles has six doubles in 11 games. Nobody knows how the Yankees will approach second base in 2025 and beyond. 
3B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, RBI, SB (2), CS (1), 2 BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, 2 K
Double-A debut for the 22-year-old switch-hitter. The bat has yet to develop.
RF-CF Grant Richardson: 1-for-3, 2B (5), RS, BB
1B Spencer Henson: 1-for-4, K

RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 0-1) 5 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
17 IP, 16 H, 15 R, 10 ER, 3 HR, 6 BB, 18 K
RHP Matt Givin: 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
RHP Carlos Gomez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (7-3) (Defeated Aberdeen, 5-4, in 11 innings)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, BB
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
Serna is off to a slow start (5-for-32) though he does have six walks and only five strikeouts. 
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, K
The 20-year-old Avina was acquired (along with OF Brian Sanchez) from the Brewers for Jake Bauers in November. He is ranked 29th on the MLB Pipeline list, which notes his right-handed raw power. Last year, in Low-A, he hit .233/.373/.442 in 99 games with 14 homers and 50 RBI. As for Sanchez, the 19-year-old is currently assigned to the DSL.
  1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-1, RS, K
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-5, RBI, RS, CS (1), K
Rodriguez has five multi-hit games (9 games played)
DH Josh Moylan: 1-for-2, HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, HBP, K
6-for-23 (.261) . The homer was his first extra-base hit this season.
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, K
  PR-CF Nelson Medina: 1-for-1, RBI
Game-winning RBI single in the 11th.
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-2, 2 BB
3B Beau Brewer: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
His RBI walk in the 9th tied the game.
LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Jackson Fristoe: (L, 0-1) 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 0 K
Move on to the next one. This will soon be forgotten.
RHP Trent Sellers: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
8.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 15 K. Sellers is 24, so they won’t likely hold him down here for long if he continues to perform. 
RHP Matt Keating: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 8 K
RHP Luis Arejula: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
The 13th-round pick in 2022 (Clemson) has pitched well since being drafted (2.67 ERA; 54 IP, 35 H, 1 HR, 29 BB, 64 K)
RHP Cole Ayers: (W, 1-1)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Tampa (3-8) (Defeated St. Lucie, 5-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5
Lombard Jr. has reached base safely in all 11 of his games. He is at .205/.436/.205 (he only has two career extra-base hits (doubles) in 24 games. He is only 18, so no need to be worried).
Position distribution:  SS: 6 games; 2B: 2; 3B: 2; DH: 1
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-5, K
.300/.341/.300 in 44 PA.
Position distribution: 3B: 5 games; 2B: 3; DH: 2
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, 3 K
.182/.280/.364 in 50 PA. His early-season K% sits at 50%. Development takes time.
Position distribution: SS: 5 games; 2B: 5; DH: 1
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, RS, BB
.276/.463/.379 in 41 PA. 10/8 BB/K.
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
RF Daury Arias: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS
DH Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 3B (2), RBI, RS, CS (1), K
Escanio was acquired from the Brewers for J.P. Feyereisen in 2019. 

RHP Luis Serna: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
Serna ties his personal best for strikeouts in a game. He has been talked about for a while (he made his debut in 2021) but won’t be 20 until July. He doesn’t rely on power (he only threw one 4-seamer today, and who knows if that is accurate) and is more of a sinker/slider/curve/change guy.
RHP Montana Semmel (W, 1-0): 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
7 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 1 BB, 8 K
RHP Huey Morrill (S, 1): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
7 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 7 K

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/10: George Lombard Jr.: 2 Hits, 2 BB

News:

Nada.

Scranton (6-4) (Defeated Norfolk, 7-3. Even without Jackson Holliday, this lineup is dangerous. Scranton has held them to five runs in two games)

3B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-4, BB
Position update: 2B: 4 games; 3B: 2; SS/LF/CF/DH: 1 each
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
8-for-38 (1 double, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 5 BB, 16 K)
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-2, RS, 3 BB, K
C Luis Torrens: 2-for-5, RS, 2 K
5-for-24 with a double.
SS Kevin Smith: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, SB (3), 2 K
LF Luis Gonzalez: 1-for-3, 2 RS, BB, K
1B Jordan Groshans: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, RS
8-for-26 with two doubles and four RBI. 
RF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
2B Josh VanMeter: 1-for-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, K
VanMeter, known more for versatility than offense, hit the tie-breaking HR in the 8th.

LHP Tanner Tully: 2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Phil Bickford: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Solid efforts by the three middle relievers. As I keep saying, there will be MLB time to distribute amongst some of their arms down here.
RHP Ron Marinaccio: (S, 1)  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
He will likely be a “shuttle” guy in 2024. I wish he could refind that 2022 magic when fans complained about him being sent down during a hot stretch.

Somerset (2-2)

Their game in New Hampshire was postponed.

They will attempt to play a doubleheader on Friday.

Hudson Valley (2-1)

Their game at Rome was postponed for the second day in a row.

They will try to play a pair of doubleheaders – one on Thursday and one on Sunday. They are trying to get these games in at all costs because it is Hudson Valley’s only trip to Rome this season. Rome visits Hudson Valley in July.

Tampa (1-4) (Lost to Dunedin, 8-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, K
3-for-15 (2 RBI, 4 R, 9 BB, 6 K, 2-for-3 SB)
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, BB, 2 K
Even with the strikeouts, his raw ability comes out. He hit the double at 105.5 MPH. He has four hits this season: Single, double, triple, home run. It’s a 5-game cycle.
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, K
Tejeda has started his campaign with a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-20)
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-2, SF, RBI, BB
5-for-15 (1 triple, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 3 K)
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, K
DH Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, K
RF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-4, RS, SB (2), K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, K
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-4

RHP Luis Serna: (L, 0-1) 4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 5 K
Serna was pitching well until a difficult 5th inning. He featured six pitches and used his curve (31%) the most often. He is more of a “pitchability” prospect than one who overwhelms with velocity.
RHP Aaron Nixon: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Montana Semmel: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 8/8: Jasson Dominguez: 3 More Hits

News:

The Yankees have released three prospects. Outfielders Anthony Garcia and Aldenis Sanchez are no longer members of the Hudson Valley Renegades, while RHP Blas Castano is gone from the Somerset Patriots. Additionally, the Yankees have designated RHP Deivi Garcia for assignment. Because we are beyond the trade deadline, Garcia is not eligible to be traded. If he clears waivers, he can be outrighted to the minors or released.

Anthony Garcia showed off his three outcome chops in 2022, as he hit .195/.372/.369 (121 wRC+) over 384 PA with 15 home runs. This season, in his first taste of High-A, his walk rate dropped from 21.6% to 15.1%. His wRC+ dropped to 85.

Sanchez, acquired for Mike Ford, is a speedy outfielder who hasn’t been able to develop the hit tool. He is hitting only .225/.300/.352 (79 wRC+) with 14 stolen bases.

Castano was ranked as the Yankees’ #26 prospect by Fangraphs prior to 2023. For Somerset this season, he pitched to a 4.76 ERA (4.66 FIP) over 45.1 innings with a 12.5% BB and 21% K. The walk rate is the big thing in this profile, as he was known for his ability to throw strikes in the lower minors.

The Yankees tried to convert Deivi Garcia to a full-time reliever in 2023, and it hasn’t gone well. Once regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in the system, he fell off a few years ago with plenty of rumors as to why.

There are so many promotions today that I could write an entire entry on them alone. I won’t dig into that deeply up here – you will see blurbs below as they make their debuts at new levels.

Scranton (50-56; 16-16 in the second half) (Lost to Syracuse, 3-0. They were no-hit through 8 innings before Brandon Lockridge broke it up)

SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-4, K
DH Austin Wells: 0-for-4
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-3, K
.330/.375/.553 in 112 PA at this level. He has 30 strikeouts (26.8%). To me, it comes down to this: Are you willing to accept the warts in his game in exchange for him getting some MLB playing time? Eventually, MLB pitchers will find the areas to exploit. That happens to the best of the best, after all. Player development is a balancing act. My opinion is clear: Get him some playing time in 2023, whether that is a week from now or a few weeks from now. 
1B Andres Chaparro: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Franchy Cordero: 0-for-3, K
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-3, K
3B Jamie Westbrook: 0-for-2, BB, K
LF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-2, BB, SB (13)
At this level: .295/.363/.384 in 124 PA. Overall: .303/.378/.442 in 238 PA with 30 stolen bases. He has elite speed and can cover all three outfield positions. If he can show any kind of stick in MLB, he will earn himself some playing time. I don’t know if that will happen here, as he is Rule 5 eligible (again) and having success in the upper minors. He is the type who can be selected and stick.
2B Wilmer Difo: 0-for-3, K, CS (5)

LHP Edgar Barclay: (L, 0-1)  5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
He improved from his first start at this level last time out.
RHP Zac Houston: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Spencer Howard: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Bowman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Somerset (60-41; 18-15 in the second half) (Lost to Binghamton, 9-7)

CF Jasson Dominguez: 3-for-5, 2B (13), 2 RBI, 2 RS
Dominguez has hit safely in all seven August games (13-for-30), including a pair of 3-hit efforts. He has his triple slash up to .243/.364/.392 in 451 PA (13 doubles, 2 triples, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 71 R, 72 BB, 118 K, 33-for-40 SB). After the games of July 6, Dominguez was hitting .198/.341/.343. 
C Ben Rice: 3-for-5, 2B (2), 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (3)
Since promotion: .295/.377/.607 in 61 plate appearances. His injury earlier this season was unfortunate, but he hasn’t stopped hitting all season when healthy.
DH Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-5, 2 K
Ramirez, a 21-year-old catcher, reaches his third level in 2023. After hitting .245/.387/.397 (117 wRC+) in 232 plate appearances for Tampa, he turned it up several notches for High-A Hudson Valley, hitting .384/.430/.714 (203 wRC+) in 121 plate appearances. Given that he is in Somerset now, it is a near certainty that he will be protected in this winter’s Rule 5.
RF Elijah Dunham: 2-for-4, 2 2B (9), 3 RBI, BB
At this level: .277/.364/.532 in 110 plate appearances. Here is hoping he can find his way back to Scranton, where he struggled earlier this season.
1B Mickey Gasper: 2-for-5, K, SB (5)
SS Jesus Bastidas: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
2B Max Burt: 0-for-4, 4 K
LF Jeisson Rosario: 0-for-4, K
3B Eduardo Torrealba: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RS

RHP Chase Hampton: 4 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Since promotion: 4.99 ERA (48.2 IP, 44 H, 30 R, 27 ER, 7 HR, 20 BB, 56 K). He isn’t the first prospect to run into a little wall in Double-A and won’t be the last. Now, it is all about the adjustments. I will continue to note that this is Hampton’s debut season.
RHP Jack Neely: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
Promoted today from Hudson Valley, the tall (6’8″) right-hander pitched to a 2.03 ERA in High-A with a 39.2% K and 9.0% BB. Along with Ryan Anderson (6’6″ LHP), Bailey Dees (6’8″), and Danny Watson (6’7″), they form a rather tall (and I would guess intimidating) Double-A bullpen.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 14.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 17 K. 
RHP Danny Watson: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Since promotion: 1.38 ERA (26 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 HR, 10 BB, 29 K)

Hudson Valley (57-44; 18-16 in the second half) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 5-3)

CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-4, 2B (25), RBI, SB (27)
Jones is hitting .265 with a .792 OPS. He has 11 3+ hit games this season.
2B Jared Serna: 1-for-4, RS, K
Serna’s High-A debut after hitting .283/.350/.483 (124 wRC+) in 443 plate appearances down in Tampa (19 HR, 71 RBI, 72 R, 19 SB). He is on the smaller side (5’6″) but is a legitimate prospect. 
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-3, RS, BB
Familia has hit safely in all five of his August games. He is having a crazy offensive season and has done more than enough to earn a shot at the upper levels, whether that is later in 2023 or 2024. Not every prospect reaches that point.
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RBI, K
3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
Cowles extends his hitting streak to six and has hit safely in 14 of his last 15 games.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, BB, K
Rodriguez’s High-A debut after hitting .297/.378/.426 (122 wRC+; 10.9% BB, 14.9% K) in 348 plate appearances down in Tampa. He was used at C/1B/3B/LF at that level.
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, K
Hall’s High-A debut after hitting .269/.382/.449 (128 wRC+) in 272 plate appearances down in Tampa. He was the Yankees’ 4th round pick in the 2022 draft and likely gets here earlier if not for injury.
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K

RHP Brendan Beck: 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
At this level: 1.17 ERA (23 IP, 18 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 25 K)
RHP Shane Gray: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Cole Ayers: (L, 0-1) 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
High-A debut. Ayers pitched to a 4.08 ERA in 46.1 IP for Tampa with a 64/17 K/BB
RHP Carlos Gomez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (49-53; 18-18 in the second half) (Lost to Clearwater, 10-4)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
This year’s 4th round pick was promoted here after five games in the FCL. All indicators point to Riggio being a fast-rise prospect. 
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-5, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
Martinez didn’t get promoted today, which is a little surprising but there are a lot of catchers up and down the system right now. He just turned 22 in July. Does the fact he wasn’t promoted mean the organization is down on him? Not necessarily. If they feel a kid needs more time at a level, that’s perfectly fine. There is still some time left for him to get to High-A as well – today was a big promotion day but not necessarily a final promotion day.
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
4-for-13 with a home run and three runs batted in. He has four walks and four strikeouts.
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, K
The 23-year-old earns his first professional RBI. Congrats!
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, 2 K
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
5-for-20 with a pair of doubles and a home run.
CF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-4, 2B (12)
DH Daury Arias: 0-for-4, K

RHP Justin Lange: (L, 1-4)  3.2 IP, 5 H, 7 R, 2 R, 4 BB, 5 K, HR
4.58 ERA (72.2 IP, 50 H, 48 R, 37 ER, 8 HR, 55 BB, 115 K). He was coming off of a few strong outings lately. There is definitely some Dellin Betances/Luis Medina here. You just hope something clicks to keep him in the rotation or that he can become a dominant reliever down the line.
RHP Alex Bustamante: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 7 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 11 K. Whether he struggles or not, this is where he belongs. Too good for the FCL.

FCL Yankees (25-19) (Lost to the FCL Phillies, 6-4)

DH Keiner Delgado: 2-for-5, RBI, K, SB (25)
.282/.384/.460 in 190 PA with a league-leading 25 stolen bases.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K, CS (6)
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, HBP
SS Hans Montero: 0-for-5, 3 K
Montero is off to a slow 2-for-14 start to August.
LF John Cruz: 2-for-3, RS, BB, SB (7)
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-3, 2B (3), 2 RS, BB
Jasso is 6-for-14 with eight walks to start his professional career.
C Edinson Duran: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB

RHP Luis Serna: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, HR
4.32 ERA (16.2 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 20 K). He allowed 6 ER in his first 2.1 innings this season and two in his last 14.1 IP.

DSL Yankees (27-14) (The game against the DSL Royals B was suspended. It is 1-1 in the 7th inning)

CF Brando Mayea: 0-for-3, K

RHP Christian Zazueta: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, HR
Zazueta sets a new personal best for strikeouts in a game.
RHP Orvis Fernandez: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL Bombers (20-23) (Lost to Rangers Red, 6-0, in a 7-inning game)

2B Gabriel Terrero:  0-for-3, 2 K
LF-CF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-3, K

RHP Sunayro Martina: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

Yankees MILB 6/27: Keiner Delgado Collects 3 Hits

News:

Both RHP Clayton Beeter and OF Spencer Jones are on their way to the Futures Game. The rules state that each organization must be represented and there is a maximum of only two players per organization. Jones’ first-round pedigree and Beeter’s numbers make them both solid choices.

Jones is hitting .268/.327/.496 (121 wRC+) with 19 doubles, ten home runs, and 36 runs batted in. His strikeout rate (33.1%) and ground ball rate (45.6%) are both on the high side, so he has things to work on if he wants to reach his full potential. That is true of all prospects.

Between Somerset and Scranton, Beeter is 6-3 with a 2.32 ERA in 66 innings. He owns a strong K% (29.3%), though he walks a few too many hitters. While he features an array of pitches, there are still those who believe he is a reliever long-term. For now, keep him starting until he proves he can’t.

 Scranton (34-40)

Day off.

Somerset (42-26; they have already clinched a playoff berth courtesy of a first-half title)

Day off

Hudson Valley (39-30; they have already clinched a playoff berth courtesy of a first-half title)

Day off

Tampa (33-36)

Day off

FCL Yankees (10-7) (Rocked Alek Manoah and the Blue Jays, 13-5)

2B Keiner Delgado: 3-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, 3 RS, BB
.328/.451/.607 in 82 plate appearances with a 13-for-15 stolen base rate. He has walked 14 times while striking out only nine times.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, RS, BB, K
.224/.357/.379 in 70 plate appearances with a 7-for-8 stolen base rate. Arias has 11 walks and 16 strikeouts (22.9%). Last season, his K% was 32.9%.
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-5, RBI, K
.311/.371/.410 in 70 PA. 
DH Hans Montero: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, K
.351/.538/.684 in 80 PA. His 1.222 OPS ranks second in the league behind Luis Baez (1.279). Baez has played in six fewer games.
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-5, RS, K
.304/.494/.500 in 79 PA. He is tied with Hans Montero for most walks in the FCL (20)
RF John Cruz: 1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, RS, BB, K
Cruz is hitting .217/.324/.467 in 71 PA with 23 RBI, which leads the league.
LF Joel Mendez: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, RS, K
.346/.387/.538 in only 31 PA.
C Edinson Duran: 2-for-4, 3 RS, BB, K
.455/.514/.667 in 37 PA with only two strikeouts. He is in the midst of a 9-game hitting streak.
1B Enger Castellano: 3-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
A much-needed effort for the 20-year-old, who is only 8-for-37.

RHP Luis Serna: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
2023 debut for the cousin of infield prospect Jared Serna. Like his cousin, you aren’t looking at a pitcher with great size (listed at 5’11”, 162). He is highly likely to add some weight to his frame (if he hasn’t already)
RHP Zach Greene: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
The rehab stint continues.
LHP Henry Lalane (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
The tall (6’7″) lefty makes his 2023 debut. Last year, in the DSL, he compiled a 2.98 ERA in 11 starts (48.1 IP) with a 52/14 K/BB.
RHP Carlos Lagrange: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 4 K
As soon as Lalane is taken out, they replace him with a 6’7″ righty! The 20-year-old strikes out his share of hitters and walks his share of hitters – that is the life of bigger pitchers at times.

DSL Bombers (8-9) (Lost to the Tigers, 10-1)

RF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-3, RBI
.289/.439/.556 in 57 PA with a 6-for-9 stolen base rate.
CF Ramiro Altagracia: 1-for-3, K
.288/.339/.500 in 56 PA with a pair of home runs.
3B Ovandy Frias: 1-for-2, BB, SB (5)
Frias is hitting .235/.350/.412 in 40 PA. This is his debut season.

RHP Sunayro Martina: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K

DSL Yankees (13-3) (Destroyed Colorado, 12-5)

DH Brando Mayea: 0-for-5, RBI, BB, K
.294/.351/.412 in 37 PA.
SS Luis Suarez: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, RS, HBP, SB (7), CS (1)
.255/.357/.468 in 56 PA. He is 23-for-27 stealing bases in 46 career games.
CF Jose Castro: 2-for-5, 2B (2), RS, 2 K
.300/.417/.400 in 24 PA. This is the 17-year-old’s debut season.
2B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, K
.341/.508/.568 in 63 PA. The 19-year-old didn’t have a great season here last year (.230/.394/.377) but is hopefully getting on track in 2023.
1B Luis Ogando: 1-for-2, 2B (5), RBI, RS, 2 BB, 2 CS (3)
.378/.464/.556 in 56 PA. In this league, hitting .378 is enough to rank in 19th place.
LF Jhon Imbert: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 3 RS, BB, 2 K, SB (4)
10-for-36 with a pair of doubles and 11 runs scored.
RF Andres Lacruz: 3-for-4, 4 RBI, 3 RS, BB, K, SB (8)
Lacruz (18) is 9-for-41 with ten RBI and 13 runs scored. He is 8-for-9 stealing bases.
3B Anthony Pena: 3-for-5, 2 2B (2), 4 RBI, RS, K
The 17-year-old is 5-for-19 in his debut season. The 4 RBI are the first RBI in his career.

LHP Pedro Rodriguez (W, 3-0): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Rodriguez is already 20 and has spent three years down here. Can he still blossom? He’s a pitcher, so of course he can.
RHP Kevin Aparicio: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Aparicio is another 20-year-old hurler. This is his second season.