Mitch Spence Archives - Tom's Sports Blog

Yankees MILB 9/15: Richard Fitts Ks 11

News:

I have nothing interesting to report.

Scranton (69-71; 35-31 in the second half) (Defeated Buffalo, 4-2)

RF Franchy Cordero: 1-for-3, 2B (13), 3 RBI, BB, K
3B Jamie Westbrook: 0-for-4, 3 K
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
DH Andres Chaparro: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Jake Lamb: 2-for-4, HR (5), RBI, RS
SS Jesus Bastidas: 0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-3, RS, HBP, 3 K
Palensky’s Triple-A debut.
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Wilmer Difo: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB, K, 2 SB (22)

RHP Mitch Spence: 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
4.50 ERA (156 IP, 155 H, 86 R, 78 ER, 28 HR, 50 BB, 150 K)
RHP Zac Houston: (W, 3-1) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Aaron McGarity (S, 4): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (82-53; 40-27 in the second half) (Defeated New Hampshire, 3-1)

SS Trey Sweeney: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
1B Ben Rice: 0-for-3, 2 HBP, K, CS (3)
Rice has 11 HBP in 71 games. He is hitting .324/.396/.638 in 212 PA at this level.
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
At this level: .211/.276/.309 in 30 games. I stand by what I said when he was first promoted: I am not concerned about him struggling here.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, K, SB (7)
Jones has 47 extra-base hits (28 doubles, 4 triples, 15 HR) and 42 stolen bases (53 attempts). Tonight’s HR was hit off of LHP Ricky Tiedemann, the top prospect in the Blue Jays system (Pipeline). No, he won’t be in the mix for the CF job in 2024 with Jasson Dominguez out – but a hot first half will get people talking.
DH Mickey Gasper: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K, SB (8)
LF Jeisson Rosario: 0-for-3, BB
3B Eduardo Torrealba: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Max Burt: 1-for-2, BB, 3 SB (21)
Burt sets personal bests for both stolen bases in a game and in a season.

RHP Richard Fitts: (W, 11-5) 6.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 11 K
Fitts sets a new personal best for strikeouts in a game (he struck out exactly ten batters three times this season). This is probably his last regular season start of 2023 unless they give him one up in Scranton. If it is, he posted a 3.48 ERA in 152.2 IP with a 163/43 K/BB. I would say that is something to build on and Fitts should be in the 2024 mix at some point.
RHP Tanner Myatt: (S, 7) 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR

Hudson Valley (70-62; 31-35 in the second half) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 3-2, to win the best-of-3 series. They will play Greenville (BOS) in the championship series. It starts on Sunday)

3B Ben Cowles: 2-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, RS, BB
A nice night for Cowles, who hit .254/.356/.393 in 444 regular-season plate appearances. He stole 23 bases in 27 attempts.
2B Jared Serna: 0-for-3, BB, CS (1)
LF Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-3, BB
Rodriguez went 4-for-10 with two walks and only one strikeout in the series.
DH Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, K
1B Spencer Henson: 0-for-4, 3 K
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-3, 2 2B (2), 2 RS, K
Flores went 4-for-8 with two doubles and three walks in the series.
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2, SF, RBI
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-1, 2 BB

LHP Brock Selvidge: (W, 1-0) 6.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Selvidge pitched to a 3.45 ERA in 127.2 IP during the regular season between Tampa and Hudson Valley (116 H, 56 R, 49 ER, 5 HR, 35 BB, 137 K). He compiled a 25.5% K and 6.5% BB. In 2022, his BB% was 9.4. He is developing the way you would want him to develop and there isn’t a long line of left-handed starting pitching prospects in the system.
RHP Cole Ayers: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: (S, 1) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
In a key moment in the 8th, Gilbert came out of the bullpen with the bases loaded and one out. He promptly struck out back-to-back hitters.

Tampa (61-69; 30-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL Yankees (35-22; 1-2 in the playoffs)

They lost to the Braves in the championship series. Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (33-19)

Their season is over, as they missed the playoffs by a half-game.

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/9: Jesus Rodriguez Hits a Slam

News:

The Yankees sent RHP Ron Marinaccio and LHP Matt Krook back down to Scranton after today’s game, meaning that two new pitchers are on their way to the Bronx. People are hoping for RHP Clayton Beeter, but he pitched on Friday. It is possible they will bring up a temporary filler before giving Beeter a roster spot once rested. RHP Will Warren is another popular pick – he last pitched on September 7th, so he wouldn’t be available tomorrow. RHP Matt Bowman is a veteran on the 40-man – they could certainly bring him up as a warm body until someone else is ready. The same is true for LHP Anthony Misiewicz. The “Big 3” (literally) relievers down in Somerset (Bailey Dees, Danny Watson, Jack Neely) would be intriguing but I am not sure if they are going down that path. RHP Chase Hampton is shut down for the season and RHP Richard Fitts and Drew Thorpe appear to be winding down (Thorpe more than Fitts).

I guess what I am saying is that I have no idea who the two mystery pitchers will be. If it is any of the veterans listed above, it will likely (hopefully) be temporary until others are rested.

Scranton (66-68; 32-28 in the second half) (Lost to Columbus, 5-3)

LF Estevan Florial: 1-for-4, HR (26), RBI, RS, K
Florial’s HR was a lead-off blast. He ties Tyler Hardman (who has been out for a while) for the organization’s home run lead. Scranton’s season continues for a few more weeks (while everyone else ends tomorrow), so he has a good chance to win the HR title.
2B Jamie Westbrook: 2-for-4, RS, SB (6)
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Andres Chaparro: 2-for-4, RS, 2 K
.252/.336/.457 in 544 PA (21 doubles, 2 triples, 24 HR, 82 RBI, 76 R, 60 BB, 113 K).
1B Mike Lamb: 1-for-2, BB, HBP
DH Rodolfo Duran: 0-for-3, RBI, HBP
RF Michael Hermosillo: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-4, K, CS (3)
SS Jesus Bastidas: 1-for-4, 3 K

RHP Mitch Spence: 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 9 K
4.56 ERA (150 IP, 151 H, 84 R, 76 ER, 28 HR, 47 BB, 144 K). Imagine having to throw 150 innings in this league – poor kid. But he certainly has held his own.
RHP Zach Greene (L, 2-1): 1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR

Somerset (78-52; 36-26 in the second half) (Lost to Erie, 5-3)

CF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K, SB (22)
Dunham is up to 34 stolen bases in 41 attempts between here and Scranton.
DH Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K, SB (5), CS (2)
Jones joins Brandon Lockridge and Jasson Dominguez in the organization’s 40 SB club (all three have exactly 40 stolen bases in the minors. Dominguez added an MLB stolen base today). Anyway, Jones has three multi-hit games in his last four games as he tries to finish his season strongly.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, BB, SB (8)
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RS, BB, K, SB (3)
Ramirez is at .216/.278/.310 in 126 PA since his promotion.
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-2, BB, HBP, SB (2)
LF Jeisson Rosario: 2-for-4, 2B (17), RBI, RS, SB (11)
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (11), RBI, K
3B Eduardo Torrealba: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
3.69 ERA (61 IP, 46 H, 27 R, 25 ER, 6 HR, 33 BB, 71 K). Gomez’s issue has always been injuries – he has been with the organization since 2017, yet this year’s 61 innings are a new personal best. A crucial spring training is upcoming in 2024.
RHP Tanner Myatt: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Carlos Gomez: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
RHP Mickey Gasper: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Gasper (a C/1B who has played some 2B this year) with his third professional pitching appearance (he had two in 2019)

Hudson Valley (70-61; 31-34 in the second half) (Split a doubleheader with Jersey Shore)

Game 1 (Won, 2-0)

SS Jared Serna: 0-for-3, K
2B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2, BB, K
DH Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, 2 K
Between Tampa and Hudson Valley: .307/.378/.617 in 294 PA (11 doubles, 2 triples, 22 HR, 63 RBI, 57 R, 25 BB, 61 K). He was insane for Tampa but has hit well enough here to keep your attention.
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-2, RS, BB, K
.230/.286/.322 in 349 PA (18 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 32 R, 21 BB, 111 K). It wasn’t long ago when Gomez was their most tantalizing catching prospect. Some catchers are late bloomers, so maybe he can find some discover some offense in his game.
1B Spencer Henson: 1-for-3, RS
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, BB, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-3, RBI, K
3B Marcos Cabrera: 1-for-3, RBI
LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-1, BB

RHP Cam Schlittler (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
Schlittler’s first professional win. Congrats! This season (professional debut), he pitched to a 4.11 ERA in 46 innings between the FCL/Tampa/Hudson Valley with a 51/20 K/BB. He is a 6’6″ 22-year-old out of Northeastern.
RHP Anderson Munoz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
At this level: 12.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 18 K.
RHP Cole Ayers (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 18 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 22 K. Ayers (a 2021 draftee) is 24 years old.

Game 2 (Lost, 8-5)

SS Jared Serna: 1-for-2, 2B (7), 2 RS, 2 BB, SB (10), CS (2)
Serna has 28 doubles and 29 stolen bases between here and Tampa. Tomorrow is his last chance to reach 20 home runs. By the way, though it is widely assumed that Serna is a 2B long-term (60 starts there in 2023), he has 51 starts at shortstop.
DH Alexander Vargas: 2-for-3, 2B (18), RBI, RS, BB
.206/.249/.345 in 441 PA. Vargas looked like he might be breaking out earlier this season but his final stat line is going to look quite similar to his 2022 line in Tampa.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, HR (3), 4 RBI, RS, BB, K
A grand slam for Rodriguez, who continues to hit. He is up to .365 (1.025 OPS) in 103 PA since his promotion and .312/.400/.454 in 454 plate appearances overall. Quite a season.
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-3, K
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Luis Santos: 1-for-2, RS, BB, SB (10)
LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-3, K

RHP Baron Stuart: (L, 2-4) 4 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Clay Aguilar: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K

Tampa (61-68; 30-33 in the second half) (Lost to Lakeland, 4-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2 BB, CS (2)
At this level: 7-for-29 (.241) with a double and eight walks (.405 OBP). Very small sample size in 2023, but Lombard doesn’t seem to be overwhelmed.
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, 2B (10), RS, BB, 2 K, SB (21)
.221/.333/.289 in 472 PA with 21 stolen bases in 27 attempts.
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-4, BB
DH Garrett Martin: 2-for-3, 2B (6), RBI, HBP
13-for-65 (.200) with six doubles and seven runs batted in. The Yankees placed the 23-year-old at this level immediately after signing him (undrafted signee)
CF Nelson Medina: 1-for-3, BB, K
LF Daury Arias: 1-for-4
RF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-4, K
3B Beau Brewer: 2-for-4
.280/.410/.293 in a weird 195 PA sample. Brewer (obviously) hasn’t hit for power (two doubles) but he has 35 walks (17.9%) while striking out 12 times.
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4

RHP Sebastian Keane: (L, 0-2) 3 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
He threw 47 pitches tonight. He came out of the bullpen down in the FCL before two late starts here. This is essentially a get-your-feet-wet type of season.
RHP Matt Keating: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
3.64 ERA in 64.1 IP (60 H, 32 R, 26 ER, 6 HR, 36 BB, 92 K). Keating doesn’t throw hard (his out pitch appears to be a slider, and he features it as much as he does the fastball)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
2.92 ERA in 49.1 IP (35 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 1 HR, 28 BB, 58 K). On pitch profile alone, he might just be the left-handed version of Keating. I will note that arsenals can change as players work their way through a system.
RHP Alex Bustamante: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Nolberto Henriquez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
As I mentioned last time, Henriquez throws a lot of sinkers. Tonight, he averaged 95.4 MPH with that pitch – he is a bit of a project with uneven results, but I can imagine that the organization would like to work with someone who can throw a sinker in the mid-90s. We’ll see.

FCL Yankees (35-22; 1-2 in the playoffs)

They lost to the Braves in the championship series. Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (33-19)

Their season is over, as they missed the playoffs by a half-game.

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/23: Ben Rice Homers Again

News:

Nothing new.

Scranton (59-61; 25-21 in the second half) (Split a doubleheader against Lehigh Valley)

This is a big series against Lehigh Valley, the team they are chasing for the second-half title. It is a logjam, however, as four teams are between Lehigh Valley and Scranton in the standings.

Game 1 (Won, 4-3, in eight innings)

CF Estevan Florial: 1-for-3, 2B (18), RBI, RS, BB, K
DH Austin Wells: 2-for-4, 2 RS, CS (1)
Wells’ first career caught stealing (he is now 39-for-40 stealing bases)
1B Andres Chaparro: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, K
RF Franchy Cordero: 1-for-2, RBI, BB, HBP
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-4, RBI
Narvaez walks it off with an RBI single in the 8th.
3B Mike Lamb: 2-for-3, RS
2B Jamie Westbrook: 0-for-1, 2 HBP
LF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-1, BB, SAC
SS Wilmer Difo: 0-for-2
PH Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-0, BB (intentional)
SS Jesus Bastidas: 0-for-0

RHP Mitch Spence: 7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
4.59 ERA (133.1 IP, 131 H, 75 R, 68 ER, 24 HR, 44 BB, 125 K). August: 25.2 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 33 K. This is Spence’s first career 10+ strikeout effort.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz (W, 2-0): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Lost, 6-0)

LF Estevan Florial: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-2, BB
Dominguez has 79 walks in 517 plate appearances (15.3%).
DH Austin Wells: 1-for-3
There is talk that Wells could be promoted to the big club. He has multiple hits in three of his last five games and is 20-for-77 (.260) in August with seven doubles, four homers, and 17 runs batted in.
1B Andres Chaparro: 0-for-3, K
.246/.340/.467 in 483 PA (19 doubles, 2 triples, 23 HR, 76 RBI, 70 R, 59 BB, 104 K, 3-for-3 SB). Chaparro’s first season in the organization was back in 2016, so I believe he could be staring at minor league free agency this winter. Just like with the Rule 5, the Yankees can “block” that free agency by adding him to the 40-man roster. For example, they did that a few years ago with Donny Sands before they traded him to the Phillies.
C Rodolfo Duran: 0-for-3
3B Jake Lamb: 0-for-3, K
2B Jamie Westbrook: 0-for-3
RF Michael Hermosillo: 2-for-2, SB (7)
SS Jesus Bastidas: 0-for-1, HBP, SB (7)
Bastidas was called back up here for today’s doubleheader.

RHP Zach McAllister: (L, 1-1) 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
McAllister’s first start as a member of the Yankees’ organization since August 17th, 2010.
RHP Matt Bowman: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Matt Krook: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Krook, who has a 1.04 ERA in 26 innings at this level, makes his first appearance since July 18th.
LHP Nick Ramirez: 1.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Wilmer Difo: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Difo, a utility infielder, with his 4th pitching appearance this season (3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K)

Somerset (68-47; 26-21 in the second half) (Lost to Hartford, 3-2)

3B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-4, 2 SB (17)
Durbin has 32 stolen bases (37 attempts) in 57 games between here and Hudson Valley. He is hitting .298/.395/.400 in 238 PA with 24 walks (10.1%) and 16 strikeouts (6.7%).
1B Ben Rice: 1-for-4, HR (11), RBI, RS
Rice has 11 home runs in 28 games at this level. Overall, he is hitting .319/.441/.623 in 236 PA (11 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 44 R, 34 BB (14.4%), 42 K (17.8%), 8-for-9 SB). Rice is 24 and you wonder just how much more development he needs.
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, RS
Since promotion: 12-for-59 (1 double, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 9 R, 5 BB, 11 K)
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K, SB (15)
Dunham has 28 stolen bases in 35 attempts between here and Scranton.
DH Josh Breaux: 1-for-4, RBI, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, K
CF Jeisson Rosario: 0-for-2, BB, K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, 2 K
Richardson’s Double-A debut. I am not sure if this is permanent or a “we need a body” situation. Anyway, he hit .204/.306/.389 in 304 PA for Hudson Valley (13 HR, 37 RBI). He was 10-for-33 in August with three homers and seven runs batted in.
SS Max Burt: 0-for-2, BB, K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
The oft-injured Gomez with his longest outing since August 22, 2019. He owns a 3.14 ERA in 48.2 IP (34 H, 19 R, 17 ER, 5 HR, 25 BB, 56 K). We have seen extra option years handed out in the past. If Gomez doesn’t qualify, this is his final option year, so a very interesting winter/spring is shaping up for him.
RHP Carlos Gomez: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: (L, 1-1) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Watson allowed Anderson’s run to score in the 9th. Given his season, I think we can let this one go!

Hudson Valley (64-52; 25-25 in the second half) (Defeated Aberdeen, 3-2)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, RS, K
August: 19-for-74 (.257) with four doubles, a home run, and 12 runs scored.
DH Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, 4 K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-2, 3B (1), SF, RBI, RS, BB, CS (1)
At this level: 14-for-51 (.275/.356/.373; 3 doubles, 1 triple). Serna has hit safely in four straight games.
1B Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-4, 2B (3), 2 RBI
Rodriguez with the walk-off single in the bottom of the 9th. At this level: 17-for-44 (.386/.491/.523; 3 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 6 R, 8 BB, 9 K). He has three 3-hit games since his promotion.
2B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, 2 K
3B Ben Cowles: 2-for-3, CS (4)
August: 19-for-54 (.352) with 15 walks and 15 strikeouts.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, K
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, RS, BB, 2 K

RHP Justin Lange: 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Lange’s second start since his promotion (5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K in his first start). Lange has a 128/59 K/BB over 82.1 innings between here and Tampa.
LHP Clay Aguilar: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.80 ERA (35.1 IP, 27 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 52 K). Aguilar is 24 and was signed as an undrafted free agent after the shortened 2020 COVID draft.
RHP Anderson Munoz: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
The 25-year-old puts together an impressive night. I guess his rehab is over as he is now listed as active. While he didn’t pitch well during his stint in Tampa, he has tossed 3.1 hitless innings here with a 7/0 K/BB.
RHP Harrison Cohen (W, 3-2): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
At this level: 3.79 ERA (38 IP, 29 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 48 K)

Tampa (56-60; 25-25 in the second half) (Defeated Palm Beach, 4-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, K, SB (2)
.220/.692 OPS (12-for-57; 12 runs scored)
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, RBI
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-1, SF, RBI, BB
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, RBI, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-3, K
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB
DH Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 2 K
3B Beau Brewer: 0-for-3, RS

RHP Hayden Merda: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
6.32 ERA (94 IP, 100 H, 74 R, 66 ER, 10 HR, 53 BB, 94 K)
RHP Nolberto Henriquez: (W, 1-0) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Arejula (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL Yankees (35-22)

The playoffs begin on Thursday. As I suspected, they will play the Pirates in the semifinals, which is only one game.

DSL Yankees (33-19)

Their season is over, as they missed the playoffs by a half-game.

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/17: Solid Night for Richard Fitts

News:

Estevan Florial‘s stay on the injured list was short-lived as he returned to action tonight.

Both OF Everson Pereira and C Austin Wells didn’t play tonight for Scranton, fueling speculation that one or both could be on their way to New York. There is nothing (yet) that indicates this will happen (players do get random days off in the minors, though the timing would be interesting. On Friday, the Yankees can bring them up without losing a year of control).

Scranton (56-58; 22-18 in the second half) (Defeated Worcester, 2-1)

CF Estevan Florial: 0-for-5
His stay on the IL wasn’t a long one.
2B Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4
1B Andres Chaparro: 1-for-4, HR (21), RBI, RS, K
Chaparro sets a new personal best for home runs in a season. He has 41 HR in 749 plate appearances over the last two seasons.
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-2, BB, HBP, K
3B Jamie Westbrook: 1-for-4, RS
DH Rodolfo Duran: 2-for-2, 2 BB
.249/.323/.447 in 220 plate appearances.
RF Michael Hermosillo: 1-for-4, RBI, K
LF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-3, SAC
And we were told that the Yankees don’t “teach baseball”…
SS Wilmer Difo: 1-for-3, 2B (7), BB, K

RHP Mitch Spence: 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
4.63 ERA (126.1 IP, 125 H, 72 R, 65 ER, 24 HR, 43 BB, 115 K). Spence is doing a solid job eating innings down here and perhaps can earn himself a big-league shot. I don’t think that will happen with the Yankees, though.
RHP Michael Gomez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz (W, 1-1): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Zach Greene (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (65-45; 23-19 in the second half) (Lost to Reading, 5-4)

CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-4, 2B (16), 2 RBI, BB, 3 K
Yes, he struck out three times. You still can’t ignore how much better Dominguez has played in recent weeks. I would end his season in Scranton, personally.
C Ben Rice: 1-for-4, RS, BB
You know you are having a good season when a single and a walk are a “ho-hum” night for you.
DH Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-5, 2 K
Ramirez is 7-for-39 with a double since his promotion. I will continue to tell anyone who reads his stat line during this adjustment period to have some patience.
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-2, 2 BB, K
2B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-3, K
2B Eduardo Torrealba: 1-for-1, RBI
1B Mickey Gasper: 0-for-4, K
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-4, RS, SB (9)
Between Hudson Valley and Somerset, Palensky has 19 doubles, 19 homers, and 20 stolen bases.
SS Jesus Bastidas: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Bastidas has 11 home runs between Scranton and Somerset.
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, K

RHP Richard Fitts: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, HR
It was a battle for Fitts tonight, who needed 102 pitches to earn the 16 outs. The impressive thing is that he was able to keep runs off the board, allowing only a solo HR in the first inning. He owns a 3.31 ERA in 125 IP (105 H, 47 R, 46 ER, 18 HR, 32 BB, 135 K). August: 18.1 IP, 9 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 6 BB, 17 K. It is all a matter of preference when it comes to their Double-A arms. I think Chase Hampton has the most upside as a potential top-of-the-rotation guy, but Fitts and Drew Thorpe both appear to be legitimate.
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Since promotion: 1.55 ERA (29 IP, 13 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 HR, 14 BB, 33 K)
RHP Jack Neely: (L, 0-1) 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
We expect Dees-Watson-Neely to shut it down every night – sometimes, the baseball gods just tell us no.

Hudson Valley (62-49; 23-22 in the second half) (Pulled off a nice comeback against Brooklyn, 6-5. They were down 5-0 entering the top of the 5th)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K, SB (33)
DH Anthony Hall: 2-for-3, 2B (5), RBI, 2 BB
Hall is up to .258/.361/.419 in 37 PA since his promotion and .267/.380/.446 in 309 PA overall.
2B Jared Serna: 0-for-5, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, RBI, RS
Rodriguez’s big season continues. He has two 3-hit games in eight games played since his promotion (11-for-28).
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-5, K
1B Spencer Henson: 0-for-4
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2B (15), RBI, RS, K
RF Grant Richardson: 3-for-4, 2B (6), HR (13), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
Richardson has been hovering around .200 for most of the season (currently at .199). There is power and speed in his game – can they develop his hit tool?
LF Jared Wegner: 2-for-3, RS, BB, K
At this level: 4-for-11 with a pair of doubles.

LHP Brock Selvidge: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
The strikeouts are nice, but it was a tough night for Selvidge. Given how well he is pitching in 2023, we can toss this one aside. Since his promotion: 3.95 ERA (27.1 IP, 23 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 28 K). Overall, Selvidge is up to 104.2 innings (he tossed 42.2 innings in 2022)
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 2.22 ERA (28.1 IP, 16 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 31 K)
LHP Clay Aguilar: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
3.13 ERA (31.2 IP, 27 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 47 K). Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020 (shortened COVID draft), Aguilar has pitched well. He did miss all of 2022 due to injury.
RHP Shane Gray: (W, 2-1) 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
A much-needed performance for Gray, who struggled in his first seven appearances at this level.

Tampa (54-57; 23-22 in the second half) (Destroyed Daytona, 10-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 BB, 3 K
Riggio has 11 walks in seven games since his promotion.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, RS, BB, K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
.267/.377/.485 in 363 solid plate appearances (14 doubles, 1 triple, 17 HR, 62 RBI, 57 R, 52 BB, 95 K)
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, 2 K
RF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RS, BB, 3 K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-5, 3B (1), RBI, RS, 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, 3 RS, BB
Palencia is 7-for-16 with four RBI and five runs scored at this level. He hit .271/.354/.314 in 79 FCL plate appearances.
3B Beau Brewer: 2-for-2, 2 RBI, 2 RS, 3 BB
Brewer continues his hot August (15-for-37; 11 BB, 4 K). He has walked six times in his last two games.
SS Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, HR (5), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
The 21-year-old has five HR in 15 games. He hit four homers in 57 games in 2021-2022.

RHP Hayden Merda: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 5 K
RHP Montana Semmel: (W, 2-0) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
Impressive night for the 21-year-old. He owns a 13/2 K/BB ratio in 12.1 IP at this level (3.65 ERA)
RHP Luis Arejula: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Low-A debut for the 21-year-old. He pitched to a 2.84 ERA in seven games down in the FCL.

FCL Yankees (30-21) (Lost a big game to the Phillies, 9-5. A win today and tomorrow would have resulted in a division title. A win tomorrow will still reduce the magic number to 1)

2B Keiner Delgado: 0-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K
.283/.400/.473 in 220 PA with more walks (31) than strikeouts (29). He is 28-for-33 stealing bases.
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB
.343/.395/.453 in 190 PA with 42 runs batted in.
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, RBI, BB
17-for-45 (.378) with a 10/4 BB/K ratio. Jasso has reached base in 12 of his 13 games.
LF John Cruz: 0-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, K
Tejeda is on a 6-game hitting streak and is hitting .310/.465/.471 in 202 PA. He has 22 stolen bases in 28 attempts.
SS Hans Montero: 1-for-3, 3B (3), RS, BB
3B Dayro Perez: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, RS
C Edinson Duran: 1-for-4, RBI, K

RHP Jackson Fristoe (L, 1-3): 3.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
5.27 ERA (27.1 IP, 20 H, 16 R, 16 ER, 3 HR, 24 BB, 31 K)
LHP Allen Facundo: 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
2.37 ERA (30.1 IP, 20 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 40 K). Facundo hasn’t allowed a home run in 79 career innings.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
1.85 ERA (24.1 IP, 11 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 34 K). I will continue to hope that he will spend the last month of the season up in Tampa.
RHP Donys Garcia: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

DSL Yankees (31-17) (Lost to the 39-12 Pirates Gold squad, 10-0)

CF Andres Lacruz and LF Andry Javier (double) are the only two players to compile a hit this afternoon. Javier (19) is hitting .324/.495/.465 with 23 walks and 11 strikeouts. Lacruz (who added two walks to his single) is hitting .250/.432/.340 with 19 stolen bases in 21 attempts.

LHP Franyer Herrera: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
This is the first career start for Herrera (following ten relief appearances)

DSL Bombers (24-26) (Lost to DSL Colorado, 4-2)

2B Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-3, HR (7), 2 RBI, RS, BB
.300/.405/.538 in 153 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 26 RBI, 30 R, 20 BB, 33 K, 14-for-18 SB). A solid debut season for the 17-year-old.
CF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-3, BB, SB (17), CS (7)
We won’t worry about the SB% right now – I 100% agree with having Lara try to steal as often as possible while in the minors. If he makes it, stealing bases will be a part of his value.

RHP Mariano Salomon (L, 3-3): 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
An impressive debut season includes a 3.13 ERA and 60/9 K/BB ratio over 46 innings. He is 21 years old.
RHP Christopher Medina: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K

Yankees MILB 6/24: Andres Chaparro Hits a Slam

News:

I have expressed some concern about OF Jasson Dominguez‘s struggles in Double-A. While some of the numbers aren’t good, remind yourself of this: Dominguez made his Double-A debut in 2022 at the age of 19. At 19, Ezequiel Duran was struggling down in Pulaski (at the time, a Yankees’ short-season affiliate) as he hit .201/.251/.311 (48 wRC+; 3.8% BB, 28.7% K). He started to take off in 2019 and was eventually a part of the package for (ugh) Joey Gallo in 2021.

No two prospects are the same. I am not trying to convince you that Dominguez is fine because of what Duran has become. What I am trying to say is that we have to be patient sometimes. “We” includes “me.”

A report from Kiley McDaniel indicates that the Yankees may treat the 2023 MLB draft like they did the 2014 international signing period. Essentially, ignore the rules (well, more like not caring about the rules), load up on premium high school talent, and accept the penalties.

Instead of laying all this out, here is a good thread (courtesy of Bobby Milone):

Yankees to blow up the draft?

Scranton (34-39) (Defeated Buffalo, 7-3)

DH Estevan Florial: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
C Ben Rortvedt: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
3B Andres Chaparro: 2-for-4, 3B (2), HR (15), 5 RBI, 2 RS, K
Chaparro’s grand slam is his 4th HR in his last five games. The five RBI represent a new personal best. Overall, he is hitting .240 with 12 doubles, 2 triples, 15 HR, 48 RBI, and 46 runs scored.
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Rodolfo Duran: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Jamie Westbrook: 0-for-4
LF Michael Hermosillo: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
SS Jesus Bastidas: 1-for-4, 3 K
CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-3, 2 RS, K, SB (3)
Lockridge is 20-for-23 in the SB department between here and Somerset. At the very least, he offers speed and defense. He is hitting well this season, especially during his Somerset stint.

RHP Mitch Spence: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
4.93 ERA (76.2 IP, 79 H, 48 R, 42 ER, 15 HR, 31 BB, 64 K)
RHP Matt Bowman: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
At this level: 6 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
RHP Greg Weissert: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (42-25; they have already clinched a playoff berth courtesy of a first-half title) (Defeated New Hampshire, 3-1)

SS Trey Sweeney: 0-for-3, BB
CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
C Austin Wells: 1-for-4, 2B (10), RBI, 2 K
Wells has ten doubles and ten home runs in 40 games for Somerset this year.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, 2B (6), HBP, K
3B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, 2 K
DH Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP, SB (5)
Palensky is 15-for-16 in the stolen base department between here and Hudson Valley. He is hitting .231/.447/.442 in 21 games since his promotion.
RF Jeisson Rosario: 1-for-3, 2 K
2B Delvin Perez: 1-for-3, 2 K

RHP Chase Hampton: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
It only took him 67 pitches to get these 17 outs. My hope is that they wanted Ian Hamilton to pitch in a middle of an inning before they call him up from his rehab.
RHP Ian Hamilton (W, 2-1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
One has to assume he is close to returning. No need to do that on Sunday, since he won’t be used anyway.
RHP Blas Castano: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
As expected, his appearance with Scranton was a one-off.
RHP Alex Mauricio (S, 3): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Mauricio continues his recent stretch of strong pitching.

Hudson Valley (39-29; they have already clinched a playoff berth courtesy of a first-half title) (Lost to Brooklyn, 2-0)

DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB, K, SB (18)
Jones has 30 stolen bases in 84 professional games.
SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-3, BB, K
.257/.343/.399 in 210 PA. After a strong May, he is struggling in June (14-for-64 (.219)).
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-2, 2 BB, K
.292/.354/.366 in 223 PA.
LF Anthony Garcia: 1-for-4, 2 K
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4
.247/.317/.360 in 211 PA (12 doubles, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 23 R, 16 BB, 63 K). His strong June has returned him to some respectability.
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Aldenis Sanchez: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Marcos Cabrera: 0-for-3, K
2B Eduardo Torrealba: 1-for-2, BB, K

RHP Juan Carela: (L, 2-3) 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
The 21-year-old now sports a 3.03 ERA in 62.1 IP (43 H, 26 R, 21 ER, 2 HR, 22 BB, 78 K). Yes, you are looking at a legitimate prospect. As I have said before, I like to look at patterns: Carela threw 99.1 innings for Tampa before being moved to Hudson Valley last season. He is at 90.1 innings for Hudson Valley. Let’s see if they give him a taste of Somerset sometime in the second half.
RHP Jack Neely: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
2.35 ERA (30.2 IP, 16 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 46 K). It comes as no surprise that the 6’8″ 23-year-old is blazing through this level.

Tampa (33-35) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 9-7)

2B Jared Serna: 0-for-4, RS, BB
That rare sight of Serna dropping below .300 (.298). The last time he was under .300 at the end of a game was on May 2. He went 3-for-4 with a double and a home run on May 3.
DH Anthony Hall: 2-for-5, HR (7), 4 RBI, RS, K
Hall has homered in three straight games. This home run turned a 6-5 deficit into a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the 8th. He is now hitting .287/.396/.472 in 212 PA with 32 walks and 42 strikeouts.
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-5, RS, K
LF Christopher Familia: 3-for-4, 2B (7), HR (11), RBI, 3 RS, HBP, K
In 20 games, Familia is hitting .400 (32-for-80) with 7 doubles, 11 HR, 30 RBI, and 24 runs scored. Video game numbers.
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, RS, BB, K, SB (15)
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, BB, SB (8)
.299/.385/.441 in 206 PA.
CF Daury Arias: 0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP
1B Ronny Rojas: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
RF Felix Negueis: 0-for-3, BB

RHP Justin Lange: 4.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
What, did you expect a well-polished machine for Luke Voit?
RHP Alex Bustamante: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Adam Stone (W, 1-1): 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Stone’s first professional win. Congrats!
RHP Yorlin Calderon (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Calderon, typically used in a multi-inning role, collects his first professional save. He owns a 2.41 ERA in 37.1 IP (27 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 11 BB, 46 K)

FCL Yankees (9-6) (Defeated the Phillies, 7-4)

3B Keiner Delgado: 3-for-5, 2 2B (6), 2 SB (13)
This is his second start at 3B (all of his other starts are at second base). He is hitting .317/.431/.467 in 72 PA and leads the FCL with 13 stolen bases.
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB
As of this writing, his ten stolen bases rank second in the FCL behind Delgado. He is hitting .326/.536/.543 in 69 PA. The .536 OBP leads the FCL.
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, 3B (1), 3 RBI, RS
.308/.377/.423 in 61 PA.
SS Hans Montero: 1-for-3, HR (4), 2 RBI, RS, BB
.320/.521/.660 in 71 PA. He is 5th in the FCL in SLG and 3rd in OBP.
LF John Cruz: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
Cruz’s 22 RBI (including 14 over the course of two days) lead the FCL.
2B Dayro Perez: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K, 2 SB (4)
C Edinson Duran: 1-for-3, RS
13-for-29

RHP Jackson Fristoe: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
I can’t imagine the 22-year-old will be here for long – even with the organizational logjam. This is where “advanced” short-season leagues (ie, Staten Island) used to come in handy.
RHP Zach Greene: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Greene, on a rehab stint, was intriguing enough for the Mets to choose in this past winter’s Rule 5 draft.

DSL Bombers (8-7) (Lost to the Marlins, 10-2)

2B Gabriel Terrero: 0-for-1, K
Terrero has been one of the better hitters on this squad, so it is worrisome that he left this game early.
CF Ramiro Altagracia: 2-for-4, K
.289/.347/.511 in 49 PA

RHP Alejandro Gomez: 5 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
16.1 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 15 K

DSL Yankees (11-3) (Defeated Mets Orange, 5-3)

CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-4, RS, K, SB (3)
8-for-23 (.348) with three doubles and three stolen bases.
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RS
11-for-31 (.355; 5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 10 R, 12 BB, 6 K). This is a juiced-up offensive league, so it is an accomplishment to be in the top five in runs batted in. The leader (Kleimer Lemos (Rangers)) has 24 RBI in 14 games.
3B Santiago Gomez: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, K, SB (8)
13-for-36 (.361/.528/.639; 4 doubles, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 11 BB, 9 K). He has hit safely in ten of his 11 games played (including a 7-game hitting streak)
LF Andres Lacruz: 1-for-2, RBI, BB, SB (7)
Lacruz is an 18-year-old switch-hitter. He is only hitting .147/.383/.235 but he is showing some on-base skills + the ability to steal bases.

RHP Carlos Hampshire: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Stanly Alcantara (W, 2-0): 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
The 19-year-old stands 6’6″.

Yankees MILB 6/8: Jared Serna: 3 Hits, HR

News:

Nothing to report.

Scranton (27-31) (Lost to Norfolk, 5-3)

CF Estevan Florial: 1-for-4, 2B (10), RS, BB, SB (12)
Florial now has a 14-game hitting streak and a 26-game on-base streak.
3B Oswald Peraza: 0-for-4, RS, HBP, K, SB (7)
Peraza is in a little 3-for-20 slump. You couldn’t expect him to stay scorching forever.
1B Andres Chaparro: 1-for-4, 2 K
Chaparro has exactly one hit in five straight games (5-for-21). He hasn’t homered in 15 straight games.
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB, K
DH Rodolfo Duran: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Jamie Westbrook: 1-for-4, RS, K
RF Franchy Cordero: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K, SB (3)
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-3, BB, K
SS Jesus Bastidas: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Mitch Spence: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 2 HR
Norfolk is very good with a strong offense. Spence held them down nicely. He now owns a 4.21 ERA in 62 IP (59 H, 34 R, 29 ER, 23 BB, 53 K, 12 HR). He was very strong in May (2.21 ERA in 36.1 innings) and keeps it up in his first June appearance.
RHP Michael Gomez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP D.J. Snelten: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Bowman: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Greg Weissert (L, 1-1): 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Weissert hasn’t been as sharp in 2023 as he was in 2022.

Somerset (31-22) (Defeated Hartford, 7-5)

SS Trey Sweeney: 2-for-5, 2B (10)
Sweeney is on a 6-game hitting streak (8-for-28; 2 doubles)
DH Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
His plate discipline is impressive for a kid his age at this level. He has 46 walks in 49 games.
3B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-5, 2B (4), RS, K, SB (13)
Durbin’s 28th stolen base between here and Hudson Valley.
CF Brandon Lockridge: 3-for-5, 3 2B (7), 3 RBI, RS
It’s not often you see three RBI doubles in a game.
C Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, BB
LF Jeisson Rosario: 1-for-5, RBI, 2 K
RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP
1B Eric Wagaman: 1-for-4, RS, K
2B Max Burt: 1-for-3, HR (7), 3 RBI, RS, BB, 2 K, CS (2)

RHP Blane Abeyta: (W, 4-3) 6.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 11 K, HR
Abeyta sets a new personal best for strikeouts.
LHP Lisandro Santos: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Zac Houston (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (30-24) (Swept in a doubleheader against Jersey Shore. The pitching continues to pitch extremely well – but the offense did not show up today)

Game 1 (Lost, 1-0)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3
C Josh Breaux: 0-for-3, K
Breaux is hitting .231/.268/.333 in 41 plate appearances during his rehab stint.
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, K
1B Spencer Henson: 1-for-3
2B Ben Cowles: 1-for-3
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-1, HBP
LF Aldenis Sanchez: 0-for-2, K
3B Eduardo Torrealba: 0-for-2

RHP Zach Messinger (L, 0-4): 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
Messinger has pitched better than the record. He now owns a 2.68 ERA in 50.1 IP (42 H, 22 R, 15 ER, 3 HR, 24 BB, 61 K)
RHP Jack Neely: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.64 ERA (22 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 34 K)

Game 2 (Lost, 2-1)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-2, BB, K, SB (13)
.272/.324/.497 in 213 plate appearances (17 doubles, 3 triples, 7 HR, 30 RBI, 30 R, 15 BB, 74 K, 13-for-18 SB)
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-3
.310/.368/.374 in 171 plate appearances.
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3
3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-3, 2 K
.279/.344/.450 in 157 plate appearances.
DH Grant Richardson: 0-for-3
RF Aldenis Sanchez: 0-for-3, K
2B Luis Santos: 1-for-2, 2B (2), RS, K
LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-2

RHP Tyrone Yulie: (L, 1-4) 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
5.02 ERA (43 IP, 34 H, 32 R, 24 ER, 6 HR, 29 BB, 50 K)
RHP Carlos Gomez: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (24-30) (Mauled Lakeland, 11-3)

2B Jared Serna: 3-for-6, 2B (10), HR (9), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
Whenever Serna seems to go into a little slump, he seems to bounce right out of it. He is listed at 5’6″, yet has 21 doubles and 15 HR in 97 games over the last two seasons. This season, his triple slash is up to .316/.375/.515.
DH Daury Arias: 1-for-4, RS, 2 BB
CF Anthony Hall: 2-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, K, CS (4)
Hall increases his hitting streak to 8 and is entering “Does he belong here anymore?” territory. He is 8-for-26 in June after hitting .338/.477/.471 in May.
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
LF Christopher Familia: 2-for-4, 2B (2), HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, K, CS (1)
Familia: 5 HR in 7 games.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
Rodriguez is now on a 7-game hitting streak (three straight multi-hit games)
RF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-5, 2 RBI, 4 K
3B Beau Brewer: 0-for-2, RS, 3 BB
1B Ronny Rojas: 1-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (W, 3-3) 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
Selvidge was stretched out to 100 pitches tonight. He is throwing in the mid-90s (hit 96.7 tonight) and generated 19 swing and misses. Season: 3.02 ERA (50.2 IP, 46 H, 21 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 56 K)
RHP Shane Gray: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
4.28 ERA (27.1 IP, 23 H, 14 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 9 BB, 35 K)
RHP Alex Bustamante: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL Yankees (2-1) (Defeated the Phillies, 7-1)

DH Keiner Delgado: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K, SB (1), CS (1)
Just like we said with Serna last year: If he taps into some power, his stock will go up. Without power? He still would have a chance because he can play up the middle positions.
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-5, 2B (1), RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
If Arias develops to his potential, he will have above-average power for a shortstop. I think the Yankees will be patient with him, but they won’t keep a bonus baby down here any longer than he needs to be.
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, RBI, BB, K, CS (1)
The 18-year-old did enough in the DSL last season (.262/.396/.382; 16-for-20 SB) to earn a shot here in 2023. I don’t see any info on his signing bonus (again, likely an indicator that it wasn’t much) but the fact that he is a CF hitting third in the lineup tells you that the organization is impressed with something.
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-2, HR (1), RBI, RS, 3 BB
Montero, who was signed for $1.7 million (the highest bonus the Yankees handed out in 2021), struggled badly in the DSL. Now 19, they simply couldn’t throw him back down there for a third season. Something has to start clicking.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
Tejeda (18) hit ..289/.463/.493 in 46 DSL games last season. As I keep saying: DSL stats are wacky. However, if you don’t perform down there, you will probably die on the vine (unless you are someone like Montero, who they invested significant money in)
RF Dayro Perez: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 BB, SB (1)
Perez, signed as an infielder, gets his first career start in the OF. He was given a taste of Low-A earlier this season, where he went 13-for-85 (.153) with a 2-for-3 stolen base rate.

RHP Ryan Harvey: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
A strong professional debut for Harvey. Bobby Milone (on Twitter) pointed out that he was a college reliever so it appears this is another case of the Yankees drafting a relief pitcher and converting him to a starter. It really is not a bad strategy. It isn’t hard to convert them back to the bullpen.
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza (W, 1-0): 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Mendoza received some praise from Josh Norris of Baseball America. In 2022, down in the DSL, he pitched to a 2.95 ERA in 55 IP with a 77/19 K/BB ratio. Given that he tossed three innings today, he likely is still seen as a starting pitcher.

DSL Yankees (3-0) and the DSL Bombers (3-0) both won. The Yankees knocked off the Pirates Black, 8-5, while the Bombers knocked off the Mets Orange, 7-6. The Bombers overcame a 6-0 deficit entering the bottom of the 7th.

As I keep saying, DSL stats are insane. The Yankees’ eight runs came on 6 hits and *16* walks. C Josue Gonzalez and DH Luis Escudero each drew three walks while 3B Ovandy Frias doubled home two runs and drew a pair of walks. RHP Jorge Luna went 2.2 innings in his professional debut, allowing no runs on two hits with a pair of walks and three strikeouts.

As for the Bombers, CF Ramiro Altagracia hit his first home run of the season. This is his third season at this level and he has done little of note offensively in his first two years…SS Kevin Verde (17) had one of the biggest knocks in the game: A 2-run double. He made his first professional hit memorable…DH Gabriel Lara (17) went 1-for-3 with an RBI, 2 runs scored, a walk, and a stolen base…

Yankees MILB 5/31: Oswald Peraza: BOOM x 2!

News:

Nothing new or exciting to report.

Scranton (27-26) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 7-5, in ten innings)

CF Estevan Florial: 2-for-6, 3B (3), RBI, K
Florial is in the midst of a 10-game hitting streak. He has five multi-hit games during the streak and has at least one extra-base hit in nine of the games. Overall, he is hitting .322/.432/.645.
SS Oswald Peraza: 3-for-6, 2 HR (9), 2 RBI, 3 RS
Peraza is now the owner of a 7-game hitting streak and has 8 HR in his last ten games. This is his 4th career multi-HR game (second this month). I have said since Spring Training that he has nothing to prove here. I don’t care about a logjam in MLB – Peraza does not belong here. Anyway, he is hitting .347/.398/.663.
LF Elijah Dunham: 2-for-5, 2 K
.219/.347/.331 in 202 plate appearances. He started the season strong (.256/.378/.390 in April) but simply couldn’t get much going in May.
3B Andres Chaparro: 0-for-5, 3 K
He finishes May 26-for-89 (.292) with 3 HR and 20 RBI.
PR-3B Wilmer Difo: 0-for-0, RS
RF Kole Calhoun: 2-for-5, 3B (2), 2 RBI, RS, K
DH Rodolfo Duran: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB
.283/.338/.542 in 130 plate appearances.
1B Billy McKinney: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-2, RS, 3 BB, K
Since his promotion: 10-for-37 with 14 (!) walks and seven strikeouts. There is a catching logjam that will only get larger when Josh Breaux gets back here.
2B Jamie Westbrook: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K, CS (2)

RHP Mitch Spence: 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
4.26 ERA (57 IP, 54 H, 32 R, 27 ER, 10 HR, 21 BB, 45 K). Spence compiled a 2.21 ERA in 36.2 May innings.
RHP Deivi Garcia: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
4.78 ERA (26.1 IP, 22 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 3 HR, 21 BB, 27 K). Simply put, you aren’t surviving in the big leagues with this kind of walk rate. Again, the Yankees have a free year of evaluation with Garcia, so may as well use it to see if anything clicks.
RHP Matt Bowman (W, 2-0): 2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (26-20) (Defeated Portland, 4-2)

SS Trey Sweeney: 0-for-3, BB, K
Sweeney walked 23 times in 24 May games (26 K). He hit .222/.383/.333 during the month.
CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-4, K
Dominguez finishes May at .237/.353/.412 after a .140/.380/.340 April.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, SF, RBI
Rumfield had a strong May, hitting .273/.383/.515 (4 doubles, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 12 R)
3B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-4, RS
Since promotion: .254/.347/.333 in 72 plate appearances with 7 walks and only 2 strikeouts. The Braves recently DFA’s Lucas Luetge, the pitcher who the Yankees sent over for Durbin (and RHP Indigo Diaz)
LF Jeisson Rosario: 1-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, RS
6 of Rosario’s 17 hits have gone over the fence. His BABIP is an insanely low .180.
C Anthony Seigler: 1-for-3
2B Max Burt: 1-for-3, K
RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-2, HBP, SB (1)
Palensky is a perfect 11-for-11 stealing bases between here and Hudson Valley.
DH Mickey Gasper: 1-for-2, HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, HBP

RHP Clayton Beeter (W, 3-2): 5.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K
2.66 ERA (44 IP, 35 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 3 HR, 25 BB, 52 K)
LHP Edgar Barclay: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Barclay’s first appearance of 2023 (and first in Double-A). He pitched to a 1.74 ERA and 33.5% K rate for Hudson Valley last season. He is someone to watch.
RHP Danny Watson: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
While he didn’t strike anyone out in his Double-A debut, he was a K machine for Hudson Valley.
RHP Zac Houston: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Alex Mauricio (S, 2): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (27-20) (Lost to Aberdeen, 7-4)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-5, 2 2B (15), RS, 2 K
Jones has 21 doubles (35 extra-base hits) in 64 career games.
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-5, 2 K
C Josh Breaux: 3-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
One has to assume he will make his way to Scranton soon enough. That will place four catchers in Triple-A: Ben Rortvedt, Rodolfo Duran, Carlos Narvaez, and Breaux. I assume Narvaez will be the one on the way back to Somerset.
DH Spencer Henson: 2-for-5, 3 K
1B Rafael Flores: 2-for-3, 2B (7), RBI, BB
.328/.381/.403 in 147 plate appearances. A surprising early entry in the “race” for the organization’s batting crown.
2B Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, 2 K
He finishes May with a 5-game hitting streak and an overall .333/.400/.439 line.
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, HR (5), RBI, RS, K
He hit .203/.284/.329 in May. However, the good news is that he started very slow before coming on strong over the past few weeks.
RF Aldenis Sanchez: 0-for-3, BB, K, CS (2)
3B Marcos Cabrera: 0-for-3, BB

RHP Tyrone Yulie (L, 1-3): 4.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 5 K, HR
This is a “fascinating” stat line.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Vinyard’s High-A debut (14 games of 3.33 ERA ball for Tampa)
RHP Carlos Gomez: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Maciejewski’s first appearance since 7/4/22. He pitched to a 2.88 ERA in 34.1 IP for Somerset last season (he had one rough start for Scranton, as well)

Tampa (20-27) (Defeated Bradenton, 2-1, in ten innings)

2B Jared Serna: 0-for-4, SF, RBI, 3 K
Serna’s 10-game hitting streak is snapped.
RF-CF Daury Arias: 1-for-5
Arias went 22-for-80 (.275) in May. He hit .167/.254/.250 in April.
C Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-3, 2B (5), RBI, 2 BB
Ramirez walks it off in the 10th. He has walked seven times in his last two games (18 times in May to go along with his 5 doubles and 4 home runs)
DH Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, BB, K, SB (2)
Hall goes 23-for-68 in May with 17 walks. Again, I can’t imagine him being here for too long.
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, BB, K
CF Nelson Medina: 1-for-1, RS, SB (7)
Medina has been solid thus far, so let’s hope that any injury he has suffered is short-term.
PH-RF Felix Negueis: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, K, SB (2)
LF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Brett Barrera: 0-for-4, RS, K

RHP Kris Bow: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Bow’s most impressive outing to date (he struggled in his first two starts of 2023). His experience is limited but he seems to have some good stuff to work with (a mid-90s sinker is always a nice start)
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
2.38 ERA (22.2 IP, 20 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 27 K). Calderon tossed a 7-inning no-hitter in his debut at this level last year. In 2023, they have kept him in the bullpen with solid results.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2.14 ERA (21 IP, 16 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 26 K). Some have asked if he can be stretched out to start, given he did a little starting for Clemson. I am sure the Yankees will consider it as they have tried that path with many of their pitching prospects.
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.11 ERA (21.1 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 11 BB, 32 K). Even after the promotion of Watson, strong arms remain down here in Tampa.
RHP Cole Ayers: (W, 1-1) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K

Yankees MILB 5/9: Andres Chaparro Goes Off

News:

IF Caleb Durbin, acquired in the deal that sent LHP Lucas Luetge to Atlanta, was promoted to Somerset. Durbin was hitting .333/.464/.397 in 97 plate appearances for Hudson Valley, stealing 15 bases in 16 attempts. He struck out only nine times. You won’t find him on many (if any) prospect lists because the upside is limited – but if he can continue to get on base while maintaining his versatility, he should have some level of value.

As for Luetge, he did a solid enough job in lower-pressure situations for the Yankees. For the Braves, he owns an 8.10 ERA in five games. He is currently on the injured list.

Scranton (15-19) (Oliberated Omaha, 14-2. Omaha is known for being hitter-friendly, but don’t despair as these games are being played in Scranton)

CF Estevan Florial: 2-for-4, SF, RBI, 2 RS, K
.280/.412/.488 in 102 plate appearances. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (three straight multi-hit games)
LF Kole Calhoun: 2-for-3, 2 HR (3), 4 RBI, 4 RS, 2 BB
11-for-22 (3 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R). He is doing what a veteran should do here (though even this is a bit extreme)
1B Andres Chaparro: 5-for-5, 2B (5), HR (10, grand slam), 4 RBI, 2 RS
.281/.351/.587 in 134 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 10 HR, 26 RBI, 27 R, 13 BB, 31 K). This is his first career 5-hit game (he had a 4-hit game on 5/5/21). He is mostly a 1B/DH but he does have plenty of experience at 3B. His calling card will forever be his bat – if it translates to MLB, a team won’t care so much about his defensive limitations.
RF Franchy Cordero: 2-for-3, 2B (3), 2 RBI, RS, BB, HBP
DH Rodolfo Duran: 1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, BB
.290/.347/.580 in 75 plate appearances. Is this a breakout or just a hot month?
C Ben Rortvedt: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
3-for-17 at this level.
3B Jamie Westbrook: 2-for-5, HR (5), RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
He is still waiting for that MLB chance. He came into this season with four straight double-digit home run seasons and can play multiple positions.
2B Jesus Bastidas: 1-for-4, HBP, CS (1)
SS Wilmer Difo: 3-for-5, 2 RS, K, SB (4)
The veteran utility player is hitting .235/.275/.282 in 92 plate appearances. His utility is his value – he will never be a bat.

RHP Mitch Spence: (W, 3-2) 7 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
5.40 ERA (33.1 IP, 34 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 8 HR, 14 BB, 29 K). Back-to-back strong efforts (6 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 6 K last time out)
RHP Matt Bowman: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (18-9) (Doubled up Portland, 8-4)

SS Trey Sweeney: 0-for-2, RS, 3 BB, 2 K
.262/.394/.369 in 104 plate appearances. He owned a 12.99% BB rate in 2022. So far this year, it sits at 17.3%.
LF Jasson Dominguez: 2-for-5, HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
Dominguez is up to .184/.382/.408 in 102 plate appearances. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-20 with a double and two home runs). We are starting to see progress.
C Austin Wells: 2-for-5, HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 K, SB (1)
Wells has homered in four straight games. He is 33-for-33 stealing bases in his career.
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, HR (2), RBI, RS, 3 K
The organization would love to see a Pereira hot streak.
2B Caleb Durbin: 3-for-5, 2B (1), RS, 3 SB (3), CS (1)
This is how you make a first impression. This lifts his total line to .349/.471/.422 with an 18-for-20 stolen base rate. He is on an 8-game hitting streak (15-for-31). Anytime you can average around two hits per game, that is a serious hitting streak!
3B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, 3B (1), RS, BB
Hardman has a modest 4-game hitting streak going. Most importantly, he has four extra-base hits in these games.
DH Anthony Seigler: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, SB (1), CS (1)
His OBP is up to .373 in 59 plate appearances.
1B Eric Wagaman: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 2 K
RF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-3, BB, K, SB (13)
Lockridge is well on his way to his personal best in the stolen base category (22 in 2019)

RHP Blas Castano: (W, 3-0) 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
1.77 ERA (20.1 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 7 BB, 23 K, 2 HR). Castano has been solid in his four starts, three of which are 5-inning affairs (5.1 innings in his other start)
RHP Steven Jennings: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Michael Giacone: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
1.38 ERA (13 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 8 BB, 16 K)
RHP Tanner Myatt: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
0.73 ERA (13.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 6 BB, 17 K). Keep it up, Tanner!

Hudson Valley (18-10) (Lost to Aberdeen, 11-0)

SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, 4 K
Vargas can’t let this snowball on him.
LF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-4
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, CI, K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
DH Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, K
1B Spencer Henson: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Aldenis Sanchez: 0-for-2, CI, K
2B Ben Cowles: 1-for-3, K
Cowles increases his hitting streak to six (10-for-22)
3B Marcos Cabrera: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Joel Valdez: (L, 0-2) 4 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
Valdez was acquired alongside T.J. Rumfield from the Phillies for Donny Sands and Nick Nelson last year. He pitched well in six starts for Tampa in 2022 but is off to a tough start in 2023.
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
3.65 ERA (12.1 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 20 K)
LHP Clay Aguilar: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.50 ERA (10 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 8 BB, 16 K)
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Nick Paciorek: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (11-17) (Lost a tough one to Fort Myers, 8-7. They battled back from a 5-0 deficit to eventually take a 7-6 lead but were unable to hang on)

3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-5, 2 K
DH Daury Arias: 1-for-5, RS
C Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-5, 2B (3), HR (3), 2 RBI, RS
6-for-20 in May with three doubles and a pair of home runs.
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-5, 3 RS
7-game hitting streak (10-for-28). He was hitting .121 prior to the streak and is now up to .230.
SS Jared Serna: 2-for-5, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
Serna’s fifth straight multi-hit game has raised his average to .378. All three of his home runs have come during this streak. Only 20 years old, I am not sure if they would consider Hudson Valley in 2023. However, if he keeps hitting like this, you start to worry about how much he is being challenged at this level. It is always a balancing act.
CF Nelson Medina: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, BB
LF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
1B Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
2B Brett Barrera: 0-for-4
Barrera’s 2023 debut. He played 23 games at this level last season, hitting .274/.287/.381 with six doubles and a home run. Barrera was drafted in the 8th round of the 2022 draft out of Stanford.

RHP Hayden Merda: 3.1 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Shane Gray: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
1.80 ERA (15 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 8 BB, 16 K)
RHP Cole Ayers (L, 0-1): 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Yankees MILB 5/4: Will Warren Dominates

News:

Nothing new to report.

Scranton (12-18) (Split a doubleheader with Rochester)

Game 1 (Won, 6-1)

CF Estevan Florial: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
RF Franchy Cordero: 2-for-4, RS, SB (1)
Hopefully, Cordero stays down in Triple-A – but I have a feeling we will see him on the shuttle until everything settles down (or is that IF everything settles down?)
3B Andres Chaparro: 1-for-2, 2B (3), RBI, 2 RS, BB
LF Kole Calhoun: 1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, K
As a veteran depth piece, I have no issues with Calhoun.
C Ben Rortvedt: 2-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, RS
Rortvedt, still considered to be on his rehab assignment, is 3-for-6 here and 7-for-18 with four doubles overall.
2B Jesus Bastidas: 0-for-2, RS, BB
1B Billy McKinney: 0-for-2, HBP, K, SB (2)
DH Jose Godoy: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, SB (1)
SS Wilmer Difo: 0-for-3, K

RHP Mitch Spence: (W, 2-2) 6 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
It has been a rough start for the 24-year-old, so this is nice to see. Season: 6.49 ERA in 26.1 IP with 31 hits allowed and a 25/14 K/BB ratio. Spence has allowed seven home runs, so that is a big part of his bloated ERA.
RHP Greg Weissert: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Game 2 (Lost, 9-6)

CF Estevan Florial: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RS, 2 K
2B Jamie Westbrook: 1-for-4, HR (4), 3 RBI, RS
Westbrook, a 27-year-old with 1,038 career minor league hits (103 home runs), would be a nice story if he can finally reach MLB – whether it is here or elsewhere.
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, RS, BB
3B Andres Chaparro: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
He is over .230 (.231). Even though his slump is long past, it is still hard to get the numbers all the way up to norms. He hasn’t homered in eight games but is at least getting his share of hits (7-for-25 in his last seven games)
DH Franchy Cordero: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, K
C Rodolfo Duran: 2-for-4, 2B (6), RBI
Duran is up to .290 with 6 doubles, 4 home runs, and 13 RBI in 66 plate appearances.
LF Michael Hermosillo: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
Hermosillo, who has MLB experience (but hasn’t hit when given a chance), is hitting only .141.
1B Mickey Gasper: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Jesus Bastidas: 3-for-4, RS
Bastidas, off to a slow start, really need this game. His future comes down to whether the 27 home runs (662 plate appearances) between 2021-2022 is sustainable. If it is, he is a utility player with some pop.

RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 1-2) 0.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Eeeek. Listen, Boyle is on the depth chart somewhere. An outing like this won’t help his MLB debut cause. That said, he has to spit it out and move on to the next.
LHP D.J. Snelten: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
13 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 14 K. This is the ultimate flyer, given that these are his first apperances since 2018.
RHP Deivi Garcia: 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
3.44 ERA (18.1 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 18 K). He is doing an OK job at preventing runs – but the walks are just too darn high.
RHP James Norwood: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Shawn Semple: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (14-9) (Bludgeoned Binghamton, 10-0)

SS Trey Sweeney: 2-for-4, RS, 2 BB, K
.267/.378/.373 in 90 plate appearances. It feels to me as if Sweeney has flown a bit under the radar so far – he isn’t crushing it in Somerset, but he isn’t dying on the vine either.
DH Jasson Dominguez: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
I commented on Twitter that I wanted to see him swing the bat more after his first walk tonight – I guess the baseball gods listened, as he ended up with a pair of hits. He is hitting .153/.393/.322 in 84 plate appearances. That is a crazy stat line.
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K, SB (3)
LF Jeisson Rosario: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-2, HR (4, GS), 4 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
Rumfield has tied his career-best in home runs in only 18 games. He probably would have hit more than four last year but only played in 57 games due to injury. Anyway, if he can spike his power numbers, he becomes a very intriguing left-handed hitting prospect. He is 22 years old.
RF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-4, 2 RS, HBP, K, SB (12)
Lockridge is up to .302/.350/.434 in 60 plate appearances. In his last five games, he is 8-for-15 with a double, two triples, five runs scored, and five stolen bases.
2B Max Burt: 1-for-2, 3B (2), SF, RBI, BB, HBP
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
3B Eduardo Torrealba: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 BB, SB (2)

RHP Will Warren: (W, 2-0) 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
Absolutely brilliant. His ERA falls to 3.09 over 23.1 IP (22 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 37 K). He was always seen as a potential fast mover. He should get to Triple-A in his second professional season soon enough. And his MLB debut may not be long after that. Yes, I am bullish on Warren.
LHP Lisandro Santos: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Justin Maese: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Michael Giacone: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
10 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 15 K. The 26-year-old has only been able to pitch in 33 career games. He has 90 strikeouts (27 walks) in 63.1 innings.

Hudson Valley (16-8) (Tripled up Wilmington, 6-2. The Renegades have been so good that scoring six runs is actually below their season average)

SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, RS, K, SB (5)
5-game hitting streak (9-for-17)
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K, SB (4)
DH Caleb Durbin: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, SB (15)
5-game hitting streak (8-for-19). If the Yankees can squeeze some value out of the Lucas Luetge deal, that would be nice (they also received Double-A reliever Indigo Diaz)
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, K
.246/.333/.348 in 18 games. His power hasn’t really shown up, but he is still only 21 years old and catching in A+ ball. The best I can say is that we need to be patient to see if his game develops.
1B Spencer Henson: 3-for-4, 2 2B (5), RS
At 25 years old, Henson will need to start moving. He didn’t hit well here last year (.211/.312/.384) but is doing his job this year.
LF Aaron Palensky: 3-for-4, HR (8), 2 RBI, RS
Palensky is up to .407 with 8 home runs and 22 RBI in 63 plate appearances. That’s what you call a hot streak.
3B Marcos Cabrera: 1-for-4, K, CS (1)
RF Aldenis Sanchez: 0-for-3
2B Luis Santos: 0-for-3, K

RHP Tyrone Yulie: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 5 K
6.11 ERA (17.2 IP, 15 H, 14 R, 12 ER, 3 HR, 14 BB, 17 K). His control has been an issue (110 walks in 167 career innings)
RHP Danny Watson: (W, 2-1) 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
In his last 6.1 innings, Watson has 19 strikeouts. Correct – every out is via the strikeout. Overall, he owns a 2.84 ERA over 12.2 IP with a 25/8 K/BB ratio. He is one of those mid-round (15th) draft picks that the Yankees seem to strike some gold with. He is 22 years old, so his age is fine for this level.
RHP Carlos Gomez: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
6.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K

Tampa (9-15) (Lost to Bradenton, 7-6)

SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB, SB (8), CS (3)
.250/.358/.300 in 96 plate appearances.
RF Daury Arias: 3-for-5, 2B (3), 2 RBI, RS
Arias has six career 3-hit games (compiled five of those games in 2021 down in the silly DSL – silly in terms that you sometimes see crazy statistics down there)
3B Jared Serna: 4-for-4, 2 RBI, BB
Serna has seven hits in his last two games and is hitting .362/.457/.464 in 81 PA with a 7-for-10 stolen base rate. He has 11 walks and only six strikeouts. Just incredible.
LF Anthony Hall: 2-for-4, 2B (2), BB
Hall was intentionally walked with two outs in the 9th. Personally, I hate that – it was the right strategic move, but don’t you want your pitching prospects to try to get the tough out? Isn’t that part of development? Hall is only at .178/.275/.289 in a mere 51 plate appearances. That offense should improve.
2B Dayro Perez: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Nelson Medina: 0-for-4, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
This breaks a string of four straight multi-hit games, but he did reach base twice.
1B Ronny Rojas: 1-for-3, 2 RS, BB, SB (3)
CF Alan Mejia: 1-for-4, RBI, K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (L, 1-2) 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, HR
4.01 ERA (24.2 IP, 24 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 25 K). Selvidge pitched very well in the GCL and is off to a good enough start here. He is 20 years old (21 on 8/28, so he will pitch most of this season at 20)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
11.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 8 BB, 15 K
RHP Manny Ramirez: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
1.93 ERA (14 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 16 K). Velasquez has allowed one home run in 73 career innings.
RHP Cole Ayers: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K