Tag: Marshall Toole

Yankees MILB 5/4: Rafael Flores Has a Big Day

Notes:

I receive this question often and typically answer it once per year: The Baseball Reference linker has a mind of its own when it comes to linking players with the same name. Is it weird that the linker matches Spencer Jones to a 25-year-old graduated Washington State left-handed pitcher who posted a 6.52 career ERA? Yes.  If he were named Dennis Putter, his page would never be seen, so good for him.  I could manually “fix” it, but I don’t think it is worth it.

Speaking of Jones, he was scratched from today’s lineup for Somerset. I don’t have a reason why. Jones missed time last April due to neck stiffness. That didn’t cost him much time. Hopefully, whatever is ailing him today won’t cost him much time either.

Outfielder Christopher Familia was sent back to the Development List for Somerset. That is not a good sign. His moment in the sun is likely fading.

RHP Gage Ziehl was promoted from Tampa to Somerset to make the start this afternoon. This is undoubtedly a “we need an arm” situation.

Injury Log

Scranton (16-16) (Defeated Syracuse, 4-2)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, BB
After spending all of his time at C/DH since his promotion, Scranton finally takes advantage of his versatility. His insane hitting streak ends, but he does add to his on-base streak (he has reached base in all 17 of his Scranton games and 20 straight games overall)
DH Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, BB, K
.284/.357/.541 in 84 PA (1 double, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 15 R, 2-for-2 SB, 9.5% BB, 33.3% K)
1B Dominic Smith: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-4
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, R, BB
2-for-10 since the Yankees claimed him.
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-3, 2B (1), 3B (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
Baseball is so interesting – Jackson has been a decent minor league hitter throughout his career, especially in the power department (he once hit 28 home runs in 85 Triple-A games). MLB? It never translates.
  C Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-0
2B Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, BB
  2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-0
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, CS (1)
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-4, K
.228/.341/.342 in 140 PA. After a hot start (was still hitting .300/.393/.400 on April 20th), Munguia has slumped.

RHP Jake Woodford: (W, 1-1) 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
3.63 ERA (22.1 IP, 26 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 5 HR, 10 BB, 19 K)
RHP McKinley Moore: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.04 ERA (17.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 20 K). The 26-year-old with MLB experience is not a prospect, but pitching like this earns him a spot on the depth chart map. As a side note, during his 2021 debut season with the Giants, he compiled a 0.00 ERA in 13.1 innings. Remember that for a future Immaculate Grid (SF Giants, <3.00 season ERA).
RHP Colten Brewer (S, 2): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR

Somerset (12-15) (Defeated Richmond, 5-4)

1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-6
After a hot end to April, Jasso started May 0-for-12. Good to see him put an end to that little slide.
2B DJ LeMahieu: 1-for-3, R, BB
LeMahieu has played only second base during his rehab stint. With Jazz Chisholm Jr. on the shelf, I doubt that changes much.
  PH-2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-0, R, HBP
C Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, 2B (9), HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 R
As of this writing, Flores is tied for the league lead in doubles and leads with 23 RBI. It’s tight, so those rankings may change.  He is hitting .292 with a .892 OPS and has hit safely in nine of his last ten games (including four multi-hit efforts)
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-5, 2B (5), RBI, R, 2 K
9 of his 15 hits have gone for extra bases (5 doubles, 4 HR). He also has 13 walks in 88 PA (14.8%).
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-5
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-5, 3 K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez: 3-for-4, 2B (1), BB
Gomez has struggled here. It’s nice to see him have a good game.
SS Max Burt: 2-for-5, RBI

RHP Gage Ziehl: 4 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
Ziehl was thrown into a tough situation today. Judging him based on this start is foolish. He did put up a pair of zeroes after allowing four runs in the first two innings.
LHP Will Brian: (W, 2-0)  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 7.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 8 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Activated off the IL today, Austin immediately strikes out the side. Season: 8.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Cole Ayers (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Ayers escapes a bases-loaded, 2-out jam in the 9th.

Hudson Valley (18-8)

Their game against Jersey Shore was postponed. That is one way to stop George Lombard Jr.

Tampa (11-16) (Destroyed Ft. Myers, 12-4. 12 runs, 15 hits, 10 stolen bases. They have scored 12 runs on back-to-back days after struggling to score runs for much of the season (entered today tied for last in the Florida State League in runs))

C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, RBI, R, SB (3), HBP, K
.183/.366/.197 in 93 PA. The Yankees are doing the right thing with Perez by keeping him at this level and giving up as many plate appearances as possible. 
LF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-4, SF, RBI, K
DH Engelth Urena: 3-for-5, 2 2B (4), R, K
It hasn’t been consistent, but he has shown glimpses of the power people talk about. He is hitting .207/.349/.356 in 109 PA.
CF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-5, RBI, R, SB (7), 2 K
.198/.270/.341 in 100 PA. 
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-5, RBI, R, 2 SB (7), K
.250/.329/.333 in 85 PA (6 doubles, 13 RBI, 8 R, 7-for-10 SB, 11.8% BB, 21.2% K)
1B Tyler Wilson: 1-for-5, R, SB (8), 3 K
2B Austin Green: 1-for-3, SF, 3 RBI, R, 2 K
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-3, 3B (1), 3 R, 2 SB (7), BB, K
.308/.400/.365 in 60 PA. If last year’s 15th-round pick can develop a hit tool, he can be disruptive with his speed as he is 15-for-17 stealing bases in his 32-game career. You can see him as a Brett Gardner-type, while recognizing that most Brett Gardner types don’t overachieve like Brett Gardner!
SS Owen Cobb: 3-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, 3 R, 3 SB (4)
Cobb is 13-for-13 stealing bases during his 22-game career.

RHP Jonathan Loaisiga: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
We don’t get pitch breakdowns when Tampa plays at home (because they aren’t playing in Steinbrenner Field this year), but we do see velocity readings. Loaisiga reached 96 MPH today. He generated a whopping nine whiffs on 19 pitches.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Cade Austin: (W, 1-0) 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.09 ERA (11 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 9 K)
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.57 ERA (15.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 17 BB, 16 K). Hermann is doing his usual ground ball thing, but oof – those walks. In his defense, he missed all of 2024 and is still likely on the comeback trail.
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.31 ERA (11.2 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 18 K). The first time he didn’t record a strikeout in his brief professional career.

FCL (0-1)

Day off. The FCL typically (always?) takes Sunday off.

Note: The FCL plays on Monday, unlike other affiliates. I don’t always post a report for FCL action alone. We’ll see.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/2: Spencer Jones Goes Yard

Notes:

With Jazz Chisholm Jr. out until early-to-mid June or longer, the opportunity is there for Jorbit Vivas to make an impression. I won’t ignore the fact that it will eventually open a spot for DJ LeMahieu. Beyond that, your depth is Braden Shewmake (activated off the IL today and on the 40-man), Jake Gatewood, and Andrew Velazquez. If anyone dares to ask about George Lombard Jr., it’s grounds for me to block you from reading my website.

Given his absurdly low K% in Triple-A, it was funny that Vivas struck out in his first plate appearance. Baseball!

Clayton Beeter is in Scranton to continue his rehab. He isn’t far away.

Many players were activated on the FCL roster for tomorrow’s opener. I won’t get into that. Of note, 2B Roc Riggio and RHP Trystan Vrieling will begin rehab assignments. OF Luis Durango, chosen in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 out of Cleveland, will also start a rehab assignment. The 22-year-old hit .250/.344/.311 in 153 plate appearances for Low-A Lynchburg last season. He was an impressive 21-for-22 stealing bases. 21 stolen bases in 41 games? Nice.

Injury Log

Scranton (15-15) (Lost to Syracuse, 6-3)

SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, 2 K
  PH-SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-1, K
No worries about Shewmake. It is his first game back, so they didn’t allow him to play a full game.
DH Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, 2B (3), K
Rodriguez is 14-for-28 (.500) during his 7-game hitting streak. He continues to play C/DH for Scranton. They haven’t deployed him at his other positions (mainly 3B and 1B, though he has a little LF (24 games) and 2B (3) experience).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, 2B (2), R, K
Jackson, not known for his offense (especially in MLB), has a 6-game hitting streak.
   C Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-0
RF Dominic Smith: 2-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, R
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, BB, K
De La Cruz makes his Yankees’ organizational debut.
3B Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3, K

LHP Brandon Leibrandt: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Leibrandt was activated off the injured list today.
RHP McKinley Moore: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Beeter topped out at 97.4 MPH (averaged 95.7).  He threw ten sliders and nine 4-seam fastballs.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: (L, 2-2)  0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (11-14) (Lost to Richmond, 8-7, in 10 innings)

1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-6, 2 K
Jasso has been on fire recently. Throw this game out and start over tomorrow.
2B DJ LeMahieu: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
I am not an idiot. If LeMahieu is healthy (BIG IF), Vivas’s stay in the Bronx could be short. That isn’t what I want. It is what I expect.
  PH-2B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-2, 2B (1)
Colmenares earns his first Double-A hits (0-for-15 entering tonight)
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (9), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB, 2 K
Jones leads the Eastern League with 9 home runs and 20 runs scored.  The next highest home run total (as of this writing) is 6.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-6, 2B (8), K
Flores is tied for the Eastern League lead with 21 RBI.
DH Tyler Hardman: 1-for-5, R, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-2, 2 R, HBP, 2 BB, K
Get on base any way you can…
3B Alexander Vargas: 3-for-4, 3B (1), 2 RBI, BB, K
Vargas hit six triples in 2023 and 2024. This triple came in the 9th, narrowing a 7-4 deficit to 7-6.
LF Jared Wegner: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, K
His RBI single in the top of the 9th tied the game at 7.
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, R, SB (3), BB, K

RHP Baron Stuart: 4 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Anderson, typically a consistent bullpen arm, has struggled this year. This was a needed appearance.
RHP Harrison Cohen: (L, 0-2)  0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (17-8) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 9-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, R, BB
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-5, 2B (6), 3 RBI, R, 2 K
His 3-run double in the 7th turned a tight 4-1 game into a 7-1 game. All six of his doubles have come in his last 14 games. He is hitting .312/.491/.455 in 106 PA. I don’t mind throwing “cold water” on a prospect to give people a reality check. With Lombard Jr., the faucet is shut off. I have nothing to offer you as a “weakness.”  We’ll see what happens in the upper minors.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, R, SB (2), BB, K
.316/.450/.405 in 100 PA. Avina isn’t much of a basestealer (20-for-28 in 279 career games)
3B Parks Harber: 0-for-4, K
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, BB
.244/.337/.317 in 95 PA. Let’s hope he is starting to turn the corner.
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, R
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (5), BB, K
A nice night for Escanio, who does his job as an organizational utility guy. He offers speed and infield defense, but the bat lags.

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (W, 3-1) 5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
What, he couldn’t repeat his 6.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 12 K performance? Bust!  Season: 2.25 ERA (28 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 35 K). Impressive.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
0.93 ERA (9.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 HR, 2 BB, 15 K). Warrecker, who stands an impressive 6’8″, allowed 30 walks in 65.1 innings during his debut 2024 season. If something clicks with his control/command, his prospect status goes up either as a starter or a reliever.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.38 ERA (10.2 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 14 K). Not a bad start to his first full season as a reliever.

Tampa (9-16) (Lost to Bradenton, 9-2. They are quickly falling out of the first-half title race)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, K
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, 2B (8), R, BB
Sanchez leads the Florida State League with his 8 doubles (as of this writing).
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, SB (4), K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, K
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, 2B (6), R, 3 K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (4)
On April 17th, he was hitting .067/.216/.100. Now, he is hitting .153/.268/.220 (7-for-29 with three doubles and four walks since his low point). He isn’t “hot” – he is playing better.
LF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (5), 2 K
.286/.375/.306 in 56 PA (1 double, 4 RBI, 7 R, 5-for-5 SB, 12.5% BB, 26.8% K). Poole has four multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, K

LHP Tanner Bauman (L, 0-2): 5 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
7.91 ERA (19.1 IP, 20 H, 18 R, 17 ER, 0 HR, 21 BB, 16 K). Some first-year prospects jump out of the gate like Griffin Herring, some have initial struggles like Bauman, and some are between those extremes.  N
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
His name is Alexander David Hughes. I would love to know the story behind “Gus.”
RHP Brandon Decker: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
2.31 ERA (11.2 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 14 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
9 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 8 K

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/24: Cam Schlittler Dominates

Notes:

Nothing newsworthy.

Injury Log

Scranton (12-11) (Lost to Charlotte, 10-3)

CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, K
Munguia hits a lead-off blast. The rest of the night didn’t go their way.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
Vivas was called up to MLB in 2024 and 2025. He has yet to appear in a game.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4
Since promotion: 8-for-29 (.276/.436/.310). Rodriguez started showing some pop in 2023 and 2024. This year, between Somerset and Scranton, his “pop” consists of one double in 16 games. It’s early. By the way, while Rodriguez is known for his versatility, the only positions he has played for Scranton are catcher and DH.
LF Dominic Smith: 0-for-3, R, BB
1B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4
DH Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, CS (1), BB, K

RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 2-3)  5.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 3 HR
4.91 ERA (25.2 IP, 20 H, 14 R, 14 ER, 5 HR, 8 BB, 27 K)
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 2 HR
Vinyard’s Triple-A debut wasn’t impressive, but it’s only Game 1.
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP McKinley Moore: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (8-10) (Shut down Hartford, 2-0)

3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, R, K
Jasso has swatted a double and two home runs in his last three games. He is hitting .286/.333/.536 in 60 PA.
2B DJ LeMahieu: 0-for-2, K
He hasn’t played back-to-back days yet. We’ll see if he is the designated hitter tomorrow.
   2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-1, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, HR (7), RBI, R, K
7th HR in his last 15 games. Now hitting .254/.382/.619.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, 2B (4), 2 K
Flores has 18 doubles and 18 home runs in 83 Double-A games (.502 SLG)
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2, BB
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 2-1)  7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K (ties personal best)
1.23 ERA (22 IP, 13 H, 8 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 24 K). I don’t know if he makes his MLB debut this year, but it is possible. He may also be in the “trade zone” for the Yankees. History tells us that the Yankees like to trade pitchers who throw well in Double-A.
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Both Watson and Anderson needed uneventful outings.

Hudson Valley (12-6) (Defeated Asheville, 9-4)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, R, BB
Jones continues to show off pop early in his career (8 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR in 39 games). He is also 28-for-29 stealing bases and has more walks (39) than strikeouts (38). All that in a center field package? Color me intrigued.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, 2 R, HBP, 2 BB, K
Lombard continues to reach base.  He has 14 hits, 17 walks, and 3 HBP in 72 PA. He has the speed (9-for-10 SB) to make opponents pay for allowing him to get on base. The power? It will come.
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2B (5), RBI, 2 R, K
Castillo has five doubles in 13 games. 
RF Jace Avina: 2-for-5, 2B (2), 2 RBI, K
Avina can use a surge. He has back-to-back multi-hit games. This is only his second extra-base hit this season (34 in 92 games in 2024)
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
Finally, Martinez fills the home run column. He launched 13 in 104 games at this level in 2024.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-5, R, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, 3 K
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, R, 2 BB, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, BB, K

RHP Josh Grosz: 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
His pitch count was elevated (73). He owns a 3.09 ERA (11.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 19 K).
RHP Huey Morrill (W, 1-0): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
9 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
His first run allowed in 2025 comes via a balk. Blah. Season: 6.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 11 K. I assume they will let him start again, but you never know what they think about any prospect. As a reminder, he was a starter in 2023 but missed all of 2024.

Tampa (8-10) (Defeated Dunedin, 7-2. After leaving the game early last night, Edgleen Perez wasn’t in the lineup tonight)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, BB
.154/.295/.262 in 78 PA. Yikes.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, K
1B Parks Harber: 1-for-3, 2B (4), 2 R, BB
Harber continues to rake (he has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games). I am not there yet, but soon you may see me typing “Get him off this level.”
LF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, 2 2B (3), R
RF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, R, BB
2B Austin Green: 1-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, R
CF Marshall Toole: 3-for-4, 2B (1), 2 R
Early season baseball: Two games back, he was hitting .200/.360/.300. Now, he is hitting .313/.405/.344.
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-3, 2B (5), SF, 3 RBI, SB (4)
.243/.354/.378 in 48 PA (5 doubles, 10 RBI, 5 R, 4-for-5 SB, 16.7% BB, 12.5% K). Matheus intrigues me.
DH Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4

LHP Griffin Herring: (W, 3-0)  7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K
0.39 ERA (23.1 IP, 12 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 28 K).  We call these video game numbers, though he has walked 10 hitters in 17.2 IP in his last three starts. 
RHP Jack Sokol: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.45 ERA (7.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 3 BB, 14 K)

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 8/18: Kyle Carr Continues to Roll

News:

Nothing

Scranton (68-50) (Lost to Buffalo, 7-5)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RS
.226/.362/.346 in 290 PA. If you want honesty, I am concerned by the power output.
SS Caleb Durbin: 2-for-2, RS, 2 HBP
Durbin has 9 HBP in 58 games for Scranton this year and 41 in 257 career games. It’s a feature, not a bug. We hope that he doesn’t suffer any more fluky injuries. He is hitting .305/.425/.474 in 263 PA at this level (14.1% BB; 9.9% K).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2B (22), RS
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4, HR (15), 3 RBI, RS, K
Trammell’s HR splurge settled down (nobody could keep up that pace), but he has 7 HR in 15 August games and 12 HR in 38 July/August games.
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 K
What do the Yankees think about the 29-year-old’s catching? That could be important in determining whether or not Narvaez can be the #2 MLB catcher in 2025. All teams want a solid #3 waiting in the wings (yes, if Ben Rice is still around, he could be that as well)
3B Jahmai Jones: 0-for-4, K
RF Greg Allen: 1-for-4
CF Cam Eden: 0-for-3, K

LHP Tanner Tully: 5 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Alex Mauricio:  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.89 ERA (38 IP, 26 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 42 K)
RHP Phil Bickford: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda (L, 6-1): 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR

Somerset (57-55) 

Their game against Hartford was canceled due to inclement weather. It will not be made up.

The Patriots, a consistent playoff team, are in trouble in 2024. While their second half is solid (25-18), it is dwarfed by Portland’s (31-12). The good news? The schedule offers them one opportunity to keep it interesting: A 6-game series in Portland starting on Tuesday.

Hudson Valley (58-54) (Lost to Hickory, 2-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, BB, K
Lombard Jr. has reached base four times in his last two games. It’s a start!
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, 2B (13), BB
   PR Brenny Escanio: 0-for-0
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RS, K
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (10), RBI. K
Gomez is up to .239 with a .766 OPS. After games of July 28th, his OPS was .492. His sample size isn’t as large as most at this time of the year, but increasing your OPS by 274 points in three weeks shouldn’t be glossed over.
LF Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, 2 K

LHP Kyle Carr: (L, 1-7)  5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
4.85 ERA (91 IP, 84 H, 59 R, 49 ER, 5 HR, 50 BB, 84 K). Did I mention his ERA was 6.53 after his start on July 10th? Since then: 29 IP, 14 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 10 BB, 29 K.
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
As reliever: 9 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 14 K. I don’t know if this is seen as a permanent move or one to control his innings. My guess is the latter.

Tampa (46-65) (Lost to Clearwater, 12-9. A clinic in good bullpen work, this was not)

CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 2 BB
Jones is 9-for-28 (.321; 3 doubles, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 5-for-5 SB, 13 BB, 8 K). What do I look for in recently drafted college bats in Low-A? They should be able to conquer this level easily. That isn’t meant to diminish what Jones is doing because guess what? Not all of them can conquer this level. I do give leeway to the recently drafted guys. Everyone deserves an adjustment period.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, SF, 2 RBI, RS, HBP, K
.222/.322/.367 in 481 PA (16 doubles, 7 triples, 10 HR, 62 RBI, 64 R, 28-for-41 SB, 12.1% BB, 32.4% K). It is still too early to talk about his future. Many things need to come together for him to realize his potential. So far, I would say that his raw power has started to convert into some game power. His speed is evident, even if efficiency on the basepaths is not. The hit tool? That is likely the #1 thing that needs monitoring. His swinging strike percentage is too high, as is his K%. Crushing Low-A mistakes gets you to High-A. Beyond that? It’s up to him and the development team.
DH Willy Montero: 1-for-5, 2B (20), RBI, K
.255/.310/.374 in 413 PA (2o doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 52 RBI, 55 R, 10-for-11 SB, 7.0% BB, 21.5% K). Montero has doubled in three straight games and has hit safely in 13 of his last 14.
   C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1
RF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
LF Marshall Toole: 0-for-1, RS, 4 BB, K
Toole is 8-for-25 (.320; 2 doubles, 7 RBI, 2 R, 6-for-8 SB, 11 BB, 6 K). This is further proof that “runs scored” is a team-dependent stat. Toole has reached base 19 times in eight games and has crossed the plate twice.
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, SAC, 2 K
1B Parks Harber: 3-for-5, 2B (2), 2 RBI, 3 RS
Harber is 8-for-28 (.286; 2 doubles, 1 triple, 6 RBI, 7 R, 2-for-2 SB, 6 BB, 9 K)
C-P Diomedes Hernandez: 2-for-4, 3 RS, BB, K
3B Duncan Pastore: 3-for-3, RBI, BB, HBP
Pastore (24) gets on base five times in his professional debut. The Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Louisiana-Lafavette, where he hit .328/.406/.444 in 230 plate appearances in 2024. It was his first year at a Division I school. He spent his first four years playing for Division II Nova Southeastern. 

RHP Bryce Warrecker: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
Warrecker is going to take some time to develop. The 6’8″ RHP owns a 6.94 ERA at this level (36.1 IP, 40 H, 29 R, 28 ER, 4 HR, 19 BB, 27 K). He featured 6 pitches today, but two of them only registered once. His main 4-pitch mix was a 4-seamer/slider/change/cutter.
RHP Kristofer Bow: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
There is no denying that Bow has intriguing stuff, including a mid-90s sinker. Like Warrecker, the stuff needs to be harnessed.
RHP Luis Arejula: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Alejandro Gomez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jordy Luciano: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Aaron Nixon: (L, 3-3)  0 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
As I like to say, shred the boxscore and don’t look back. It happens to everyone.
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Diomedes Hernandez: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-36)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (29-24)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 8/15: Jasson Dominguez’s 3-Hit Night

News:

Last night, I said that you typically wait for a player to play a full game in the field before you put them on a “reinstate from rehab” watch.

I was wrong about C Jose Trevino, who is back with the Yankees after catching for seven innings last night. I don’t think that matters.

What does matter? How Trevino is used. He should be a true backup, not a platoon player.  Austin Wells has earned the job. Even the world’s biggest dolt can see that.

Scranton (67-48) (Defeated Buffalo, 8-2)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
2B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-4, RBI, BB
CF Jasson Dominguez: 3-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 SB (7), BB
As I said last night, if an organization says they don’t have room for you, force them to make room. I don’t expect them to call up Dominguez yet, but if he continues to show progress, what choice do they have?
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-2, SF, 2 RBI, HBP, BB
He was pulled from the game after being hit in the head with a pitch in the 8th inning.
   PR Taylor Trammell: 0-for-0
   P Oddanier Mosqueda: 0-for-0
DH-1B Jahmai Jones: 1-for-4, RS, K
RF Greg Allen: 0-for-3, RBI, 3 K
LF Cam Eden: 1-for-2, 2 RS, SB (28), 2 BB
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, RS
With Carlos Narvaez on his way back, Escarra will get a needed break. He has caught almost every day, including both ends of a doubleheader, since Narvaez was promoted.
SS Kevin Smith: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
With Peraza in MLB and Josh VanMeter released, Smith will get some extra reps.

LHP Edgar Barclay: 4 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: (W, 3-0)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Phil Bickford: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: (S, 4)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (56-54) (Defeated Hartford, 9-3)

DH Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, 2 RBI, 3 K
.245/.327/.419 in 437 PA (19 doubles, 3 triples, 14 HR, 63 RBI, 58 R, 10.5% BB, 37.1% K, 21-for-29 SB)
LF Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-5, 2 K
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 3B (1), 2 RS, SB (8), BB, 2 K
CF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, 2B (24), HR (7), 3 RBI, 2 RS, SB (13), BB, K
A loud night for Richardson, who is hitting .264/326/.417 in 342 PA.
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-4, HR (11), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Seigler continues to add to his home run collection. He has homered in back-to-back games.
3B Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, HR (3), RBI, RS, K
Vargas, who has a good defensive reputation, continues to hit in Double-A (.732 OPS). Last season, he owned a .590 OPS in 103 games for Hudson Valley.
SS Max Burt: 0-for-4, RS, SB (7), K

RHP Zach Messinger: (W, 5-8) 5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
Messinger allowed a 3-run HR in the second inning but settled in nicely. He owns a 3.46 ERA (127.1 IP, 104 H, 66 R, 49 ER, 8 HR, 40 BB, 120 K). Watch him this offseason, as he is Rule 5 eligible. The Yankees are unlikely to leave him exposed and he might draw interest on the trade market. However, maybe they think he is a legitimate pitching option for some point in 2025.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
The Yankees had a choice of several relievers to promote. It does say something that Ayers was placed here. Like Messinger, he is Rule 5 eligible this winter.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 3.29 ERA (13.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 21 K)
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
At this level: 1.84 ERA (14.2 IP, 12 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 16 K)

Hudson Valley (57-52) (Tossed a 1-hitter against Hickory in a 2-0 victory)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, BB, 3 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-5, RBI, K
Lombard Jr. needed a game like this to build confidence if nothing else.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-5, 2 K
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-1, RS, HBP, 3 BB, K
Martinez has a .376 OBP, which aligns with his .378 career mark (1,236 PA).
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 3 K
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, RBI, CI, K
.231/.308/.423 in 119 PA. After the games of July 25th (not long ago), his triple slash was .143/.222/.286.
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, 3 K
LF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Josh Grosz: (W, 2-1)  5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K
Since his promotion: 11.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 7 BB, 4 K. It is an Interesting line, but at least he is putting zeroes on the board. He owned a 95/29 K/BB over 78.2 innings for Tampa, so the strikeout ability is there.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since being placed here: 5.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K. The 25-year-old was acquired along with Caleb Durbin for Lucas Luetge.
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa (45-63) (Defeated Clearwater, 7-3)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, 2 RS, 2 SB (4), 2 BB, 2 K
Jones owns a 1.056 OPS in 26 PA (yes, a small sample) to begin his career. He is doing what you want the leadoff hitter to do: Take walks (8) and steal bases (4-for-4). 
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, HR (9), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
.221/.322/.383 in 466 PA (16 doubles, 7 triples, 9 HR, 59 RBI, 62 R, 12.2% BB, 32.8% K). At the very least, he is getting a lot of reps in 2024.
RF Tyler Wilson: 3-for-5, RBI, RS, CS (1)
Back-to-back multi-hit efforts for the 22-year-old.
LF Marshall Toole: 3-for-3, 3 RBI, RS, 3 SB (6), 2 BB
Impressive night for Toole, who is 7-for-20 (2 doubles, 5 RBI, 7 BB, 5 K, 6-for-7 SB). He was the Yankees’ 15th-round pick out of Wofford.
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-5, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-5, 2 K
DH Parks Harber: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (2), BB, K
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, RS

LHP Henry Lalane: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Lalane’s second Low-A start goes better than the first. I hope he can build from here. He is sitting comfortably in the 91-92 range and we haven’t seen the 97 he can dial it up to. Concerned? No. He has barely pitched this year.
RHP Kristofer Bow: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Alejandro Gomez: (W, 1-0) 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Arejula: 2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-34) (Lost to DSL Rangers Red, 4-2)

3B Richard Matic: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
C Luis Puello: 3-for-4, RS, K
.357/.439/.522 in 132 PA. Puello doesn’t have enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting title. The DSL leader (Luis Pena (MIL) is hitting .393.
LF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-3, RS, SB (14), BB, K
RF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, 3 K

RHP Miguelangel Rodriguez: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (29-22) (Lost to DSL Mets Blue, 13-1. The season ends on August 20th, meaning they have only four more games. They are three games behind the Marlins (two in the loss column). Their chances at a wild card are non-existent, so they must win the division to go to the playoffs)

C Queni Pineda: 1-for-2, HR (4), RBI, RS, CS (3), BB
.256/.431/.421 in 160 PA with as many walks as strikeouts (37). I am not going to overrate 17-year-old players in the DSL, but the catching pipeline seems to be on solid ground.

Yankees MILB 8/9: Oswald Peraza Homers

News:

The Yankees acquired OF Cam Eden from the Blue Jays for cash considerations.

“I thought the trade deadline was a hard deadline!”

It is. However, any player who has not appeared on a 40-man roster this season can be traded. Eden was on a 40-man roster in 2023, but not in 2024.

The 26-year-old, who has one career MLB hit, played in 91 games for Toronto’s Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo, hitting .198/.299/.322 in 332 plate appearances with 26 stolen bases in 33 attempts. He plays all three outfield positions.

I see him as a replacement for Brandon Lockridge, who was traded at the deadline. He would be a good candidate for a September call-up under the old rules (pinch running, late defensive replacement, etc.) but I don’t know where he fits in under the new rules.

Scranton (62-47) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 4-1)

DH Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
LF Caleb Durbin: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
Durbin has 38 walks and 26 strikeouts this season (32/23 rate for Scranton)
CF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-4, 3 K
Patience. Patience. Did I mention patience?
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, HR (8), 3 RBI, RS
Peraza has four homers in his last four games (7 HR in last 14 games)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, K
RF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4, HR (12), RBI, RS
Taylor has homered 6 times in his last 9 games. 
2B Jahmai Jones: 1-for-4, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, K
3B Kevin Smith: 0-for-4, 2 K

LHP Thomas Pannone: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
LHP Tim Mayza: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 2-1)  2 IP, 0 H,0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
For Scranton: 4.86 ERA (16.2 IP, 16 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 15 K)
RHP Yerry De Los Santos (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (53-51)

Their game against Binghamton was postponed. They already have a doubleheader scheduled for tomorrow. This game has not yet been rescheduled. The two squads play one more series (in early September), so they will likely try to squeeze it in there or cancel the game.

Hudson Valley (54-49)

Their game against Brooklyn was postponed. They will play a doubleheader on Sunday.

Tampa (42-61) (Lost to Daytona, 6-2)

LF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 2 SB (3), CS (1)
Toole’s first career multi-hit effort (third game).
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
After a hot stretch, Arias is 3-for-25 in August, though he has 6 walks (11 strikeouts).
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (17), RS, SB (10), BB, 2 K
DH Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Parks Harber: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3
  C-P Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-0
  C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1
RF Joe Delossantos: 0-for-4, K
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, K

LHP Henry Lalane: (L, 0-1)  0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
His Low-A debut didn’t go as planned, but Lalane missed most of 2024 and needs the work. Since he is in Low-A, we can see some data: Lalane featured four pitches (threw his slider only once), maxing out at 94.0 MPH with his 4-seamer (averaged 91.9; 39% usage). He also featured a change (34%) and sinker (24%).  Lalane is an intriguing long-term prospect. That’s the best I can offer as I am timid with pitching prospects.
RHP Jordy Luciano: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
For Tampa: 5.10 ERA (42.1 IP, 38 H, 32 R, 24 ER, 2 HR, 40 BB, 49 K). Control hasn’t been a strength for the 23-year-old.
RHP Kristofer Bow: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
The stats aren’t great but Pacheco was humming tonight, hitting 97.6 with his 4-seamer and 97.3 with his sinker. Pacheco is a 25-year-old project who pitched in the Phillies organization from 2017 to 2019. He didn’t pitch in an affiliated league from 2020 to 2023.
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
2.33 ERA (54 IP, 29 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 7 HR, 28 BB, 64 K). Interestingly, they allow Rodriguez to throw his full assortment of pitches while never using him as a starter.
RHP Diomedes Hernandez: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The catcher’s second career pitching appearance.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-30) (Lost to the DSL Marlins, 7-6)

CF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
I remember commenting last season that his power surprised me (.411 SLG/4 HR). He hasn’t been able to replicate that (.264 SLG/1 HR). 
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-3, RS, BB
C Luis Puello: 2-for-4, 3B (1), 2 RS
.327/.426/.510 in 115 PA for the 18-year-old. This is his second year at this level (.222/.372/.300 in 113 PA last year). As an 18-year-old, it doesn’t bother me that he is repeating the DSL. He should not be here for a third year, though.
LF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-3, 3B (2), SF, 2 RBI, 2 K
The 17-year-old is hitting .256/.367/.402 in 98 plate appearances during his debut season.
RF Yael Zapata: 1-for-2, RBI, BB, K
Not every prospect can get off to a hot start. Zapata was 0-for-25 entering today. He finally earned that elusive first professional hit.

RHP Emanuel Vargas: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
15.1 IP, 11 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 3 HR, 9 BB, 18 K

DSL Bombers (26-21) 

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 8/6: Spencer Jones Continues Surge

News:

Today was a mass promotion day. With that, more cuts were required. That is the harsh reality of minor-league baseball.

The biggest name on the promotion list is George Lombard Jr., who is off to Hudson Valley. Last year’s first-round pick didn’t have overwhelming numbers (.232/.344/.348 (105 wRC+); 12.8% BB, 24% K, 30-for-34 SB) but organizations don’t only look at statistical profiles. They feel the 19-year-old is ready for a challenge at the level he will likely start at in 2025. OF Jackson Castillo and 1B Dylan Jasso will join him. Castillo (21) hit .256/.386/.404 (132 wRC+) with 16 stolen bases in 21 attempts while Jasso (21) hit .238/.331/.392 (109 wRC+) with 54 RBI.

Also promoted are big (6’7″) pitching prospects Carlos Lagrange (RHP) and Henry Lalane (LHP). Both pitchers missed most of the season due to injury, so they need innings.

Three of their successful pitchers this season are also on the move: RHP Cam Schlittler (Somerset), RHP Cade Smith (Hudson Valley), and RHP Josh Grosz (Hudson Valley). Grosz had an emergency start for Hudson Valley earlier this season, so this isn’t his first taste.

IF Caleb Durbin was promoted to Scranton. He was in Somerset for what was essentially a rehab stint. It just wasn’t labeled that way.

As for the releases: OF Aaron Palensky, RHP Duane Underwood Jr., RHP Art Warren, and RHP Carlos Gomez were let go today.
Palensky is probably the most recognizable to long-time readers, as he started the 2023 season unconscious for Hudson Valley (.352/.434/.744 in 32 games). He wasn’t able to replicate that success at the higher minors.

Underwood Jr. was a minor-league free agent signing this past winter while Warren was a rehab project. The Yankees hoped to tap into Warren’s 29.5% MLB K rate between 2019 and 2022, but he wasn’t throwing well for Scranton.

Gomez (25) started his Yankees journey in 2018 and pitched fairly well in his minor league career (3.86 ERA in 265.2 IP with 304 strikeouts) but had trouble getting with his control.

Scranton (60-47)

Their game against Lehigh Valley was postponed. It’s going to be a crazy week, weather-wise.

Somerset (52-51) (Lost to Binghamton, 6-4)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, RS, CS (7), K
Last 10 games: 13-for-37 (.351; 5 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 7 BB, 13 K). Overall: .248/.333/.428 in 406 PA (19 doubles, 3 triples, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 56 R, 21-for-28 SB (75%), 10.8% BB, 36.5% K). K%, by month: April: 27.3%; May: 38.5%; June: 36.4%; July: 40.7%; August: 31.8% (only 22 PA). The season ends in mid-September. My wish is for his strikeout percentage to dip down the stretch.
1B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, K
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-3, HR (8), RBI, RS, BB
Flores has 14 HR in 90 games between here and Hudson Valley. Before 2024, he hit 10 homers in 109 games. His 8 Double-A homers have come in 33 games. He is trying to place himself squarely on the prospect map. It is important to note that Flores is not Rule 5 eligible until after the 2025 season.
DH Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (7), K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2B (18), SB (12), K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, RS, SB (19), BB, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (4), CS (1)

RHP Bailey Dees (L, 4-7):  6 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Dees was throwing well but he ran into trouble in the 7th inning. Season: 4.70 ERA (111 IP, 99 H, 63 R, 58 ER, 18 HR, 42 BB, 113 K). How you judge his season is based on your expectations for a reliever-turned-starter.
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Matt Sauer: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (52-48)

Their game against Brooklyn was postponed due to rain. It’s going to be a crazy week, weather-wise.

The debuts of George Lombard Jr., Dylan Jasso, and Jackson Castillo will need to wait.

Tampa (42-58) (Lost to Daytona, 17-10)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, RS, SB (28), 3 BB, K
Yes, Lombard Jr. is ready for Hudson Valley while Arias is not. That’s OK.
LF JoJo Jackson: 1-for-2, RS, BB
Jackson was their 17th-round pick out of Georgia State, where he hit .310/.394/.655 in 199 PA (15 home runs, 45 RBI). He is a switch-hitter attempting to become the third Georgia State graduate to make it to MLB (Hunter Gaddis, David Buchanan). Jackson would be the first positional player to pull it off.
  PH-LF Marshall Toole: 1-for-2, 2B (1), 2 RBI, BB
Toole hit a 2-run double in his first professional AB. He was drafted in the 15th round out of Wofford
DH Tyler Wilson: 0-for-5, 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
Wilson was their 8th-round pick out of Grand Canyon, a school that pulled off an NCAA Tournament upset in 2024. The switch-hitter hit .378/.441/.691 with 17 HR and 65 RBI in 58 games.
RF Willy Montero: 3-for-6, HR (7), RBI, 2 RS, K
Montero’s HR was hit 431 feet at 109.6 MPH.
CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, RS, SB (1), CS (1), 2 BB
The left-handed bat was their 12th-round pick out of Kansas State. He hit .302/.442/.500 with 69 runs scored and 40 stolen bases in 42 attempts over 61 games for the Wildcats. At the very least, he’ll add speed to the organization.
2B Austin Green: 0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, HBP, 2 K
Green was their 14th-round pick out of Texas Tech. He hit .322/.435/.546 in 51 games this season. He is 22 years old and bats right-handed.
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
C Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 SB (28), CS (5), 2 BB, HBP, K

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (L, 4-8)  1.2 IP, 7 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
5.65 ERA (94 IP, 99 H, 63 R, 59 ER, 11 HR, 31 BB, 97 K)
RHP Jordy Luciano: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Kristofer Bow: 1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 2 HR
RHP Luis Pacheco: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Aaron Nixon: 2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (16-28) (Lost to the DSL Tigers, 5-3)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, RS, BB
.230/.310/.324 in 155 PA (22-for-25 SB).
DH Richard Matic: 1-for-4, 2B (7), 2 RBI, K

RHP Alexander Almonte: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
2.66 ERA (23.2 IP, 19 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 3 HR, 10 BB, 25 K). Not bad for a 17-year-old in his debut season.
RHP Miguelangel Rodriguez: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL Bombers (25-21) (Defeated the DSL Twins, 4-3)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB, K
.214/.301/.393 in 133 PA. He is 5-for-12 with 3 HR in August.
DH Queni Pineda: 1-for-3, RS, K
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, K

LHP Franyer Herrera: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
The 19-year-old owns a 50/15 K/BB over 39.1 innings.
RHP Carlos Almonte (W, 2-0): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K