Omar Martinez Archives - Page 2 of 4

Yankees MILB 7/21: Cade Smith Ks 8 in 5 Innings

News:

We are closing in on the trade deadline. I will watch closely to see if any prospect gets pulled out of a game over the next week. Today, I noted on Twitter that George Lombard Jr. has played third base and Roderick Arias has played shortstop in all three games since the All-Star Break. Is this a “weekend showcase” for scouts, or a coincidence?

Scranton (51-42) (Defeated Buffalo, 4-0)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RBI
For Scranton: .255/.394/.414 in 183 PA (15.8% BB, 21.9% K, 9-for-13 SB).
1B Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RS, SB (5)
Since promotion: .186/.304/.349 in 102 PA with a 12.7% BB and 17.6% K. Earlier this season, his BABIP was lagging – eventually, he ended up with a normal .292 mark for Somerset. For Scranton, it is .185. There is likely another correction coming.
2B Oswald Peraza: 3-for-4, RBI, RS, 3 SB (12)
Peraza has reached base 8 times in the last two games, increasing his triple slash from .210/.325/.251 to .234/.348/.286.
DH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-3, RS, BB
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, K
Escarra is 6-for-9 in two games since his promotion. That pace should be easily maintained.
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-3, RBI
LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-3

LHP Tanner Tully: 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 1-0) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Effross’ 4th straight scoreless appearance (4 IP, 1 H, 0 BB, 3 K). He relies on command to generate outs, so the Yankees will wait until they are satisfied that his command is back. It looks like it is heading in that direction.
LHP Chasen Shreve: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.86 ERA (46.2 IP, 31 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 4 HR, 27 BB, 60 K). He has a 9-game scoreless streak (11.1 IP).
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.57 ERA (35 IP, 25 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 5 HR, 21 BB, 35 K)

Somerset (46-44) (Squeaked past Altoona, 3-2)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
Jones is hitting .238 with a .716 OPS
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, HR (9), RBI, RS, K
Cowles, who has already set a personal best in doubles, is one away from his best in home runs (10, set last year).
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-2, RS, BB, K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3
Dunham has hit safely in 22 of his last 23 games
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-2, SAC
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-2, CS (2), BB
DH Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, SF, RBI
3B Max Burt: 1-for-3, 2B (5), RS, K

RHP Zach Messinger: 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
3.90 ERA (101.2 IP, 85 H, 59 R, 44 ER, 7 HR, 34 BB, 103 K).
RHP Joey Gerber: (W, 1-0) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Sauer: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Kevin Stevens (S, 6): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.76 ERA (32.2 IP, 27 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 46 K)

Hudson Valley (44-44) (Defeated Rome, 3-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, BB
.227/.359/.400 in 316 PA. Last 4 games: 6-for-16 (1 triple, 2 HR).
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-4, K
.248/.339/.429 in 378 PA. He is 10-for-50 (.200) in July with only three extra-base hits (all doubles). That said, he has struck out only four times. Following him over the last few years, I have noticed a streaky trait in his profile.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, HR (10), RBI, RS, 2 K
In his last two seasons, Martinez has 28 HR, 103 RBI, and 119 walks in 744 PA (15.99%).
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, K
DH Christopher Familia: 2-for-3
Familia is 13-for-77 (.169/.256/.286) at this level with a pair of home runs.
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, RS
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, SB (9)
3B Beau Brewer: 1-for-3, RBI
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 5-3) 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
For Hudson Valley: 2.77 ERA (74.2 IP, 48 H, 31 R, 23 ER, 6 HR, 37 BB, 94 K). He had a tough emergency start for Scranton earlier this year, but I am not concerned about that.
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Cohen’s rehab stint is over and he was assigned here. I thought they might place him in Somerset (where he finished in 2023).
LHP Joel Valdez (S, 3): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.16 ERA (42.2 IP, 29 H, 19 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 50 K). In 2023, he allowed 10 HR in 78.2 IP. In his 172 other career innings, he has allowed 4 HR.

Tampa (35-53) (Defeated Bradenton, 9-6)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 HBP, K
July: 16-for-60 (.267/.343/.483; 4 doubles, 3 HR, 5 BB, 18 K, 4-for-5 SB). Season: .237/.358/.356 in 324 PA.
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, RBI, 3 RS, SB (26), BB
July: 16-for-52 (.308/.431/.365; 12 BB, 12 K, 12 R, 7-for-9 SB). I won’t ignore the warts but I will point out that July has been a good month for him.
1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, 2B (22), 2 RBI, K
Jasso leads the FSL in doubles (22) and is second in RBI (52).
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-4, SF, 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
July: 15-for-51 (.294/.403/.431; 4 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 9 BB, 9 K, 3-for-3 SB). The 21-year-old was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Nevada in 2023 and is overachieving. He owns a 16.8% BB and 19.2% K.
LF Willy Montero: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, SB (9), 2 BB
.245/.298/.361 in 329 PA (15 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 40 R, 9-for-10 SB, 6.7% BB, 22.5% K). Montero is a free-swinging type.
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, RS, SB (10), BB
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2 RS, BB
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, SF, RBI, HBP
Gonzalez is 9-for-34 (.265) since his promotion. He has three doubles and six RBI.
DH Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, RS
Frick’s first game since July 4th. He was never placed on the injured list.

RHP Cade Smith: (W, 6-6) 5 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
3.61 ERA (77.1 IP, 53 H, 37 R, 31 ER, 5 HR, 36 BB, 103 K). July: 14.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 22 K. Last year’s 6th-round pick out of Mississippi State (the Yankees love SEC pitchers nowadays!) doesn’t throw exceptionally hard (averaged 91.4 with the 4-seamer) but generates whiffs with his slider. He also mixes in a curveball.
RHP Gabriel Barbosa (S, 1): 4 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
It looks like they went the “tandem start” route today. In other words, I wouldn’t be concerned about Smith being pulled after five innings with a low pitch count. Barbosa has a 4.95 ERA (87.1 IP, 86 H, 52 R, 48 ER, 8 HR, 28 BB, 89 K)

FCL (34-21)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Yankees (11-22)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (20-14)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 7/4: Jorbit Vivas Doubles Twice

News:

Happy 4th of July!

LHP Henry Lalane made his 2024 debut today. Standing 6’7″, Lalane was born in the Bronx but moved to the Dominican Republic when he was four months old (which is why he was an international signing and not a draftee). What makes him interesting? A kid his size typically has control issues, which showed up in his 2022 debut season. However, last year, he compiled a 34/4 K/BB over 21.2 IP. Don’t expect instant gratification – he has to develop a third pitch to go with his fastball/change combination (for now, the third pitch is a slider) and has yet to make his full-season debut. His talent could be that of a unicorn, but we are years away from knowing what direction he will go in.

Scranton (46-37) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 7-5)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, 2 2B (5), RBI, 2 RS, HBP
Going back to 6/13: 18 games; 21-for-65 (.323; 5 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 13 R, 13 BB, 13 K). Yes, he has found his groove and it is impressive.
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-4, BB, K
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, K
Last 7 games: 6-for-22 (.273; 2 HR)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB
DH Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-4, 2 K
LF Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, RS
PR-CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-0
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K
CF-LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4, 2B (10), RS, K
3B Jeter Downs: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
.277/.382/.524 in 234 PA (14 doubles, 3 triples, 9 HR, 34 RBI, 39 R, 14-for-20 SB)

LHP Edgar Barclay: (L, 3-7) 5 IP, 11 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 3 HR
After his promotion last year, Barclay has struggled in Triple-A. Would they consider moving him back into a bullpen/swingman role?
RHP Cody Morris: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.03 ERA (26.1 IP, 19 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 30 K). It may not be with the Yankees, but I expect to see the 27-year-old get a chance somewhere. He is a 4-seamer, slider type.
LHP Chasen Shreve: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (39-39) (Their game against Reading was suspended due to unplayable playing conditions in the top of the 4th (Somerset has a 5-0 lead). They will resume it tomorrow. This happens sometimes in the minors: The field is unplayable even when the rain stops)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-1, RS, BB, K
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-2, HR (7), 3 RBI, RS
This will be Cowles’ 4th 3-RBI game this season.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-2, K
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-1, HR (2), RBI, RS, HBP
Flores has three doubles and two home runs in 9 games since his promotion.
LF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-2
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-1
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-1, RS
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-1, 2B (15), RS
This is Seigler’s third double in four July games.
3B Max Burt: 0-for-0, SF, RBI

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
At least he got three innings in before the rain started. Season: 5.67 ERA (85.2 IP, 94 H, 57 R, 54 ER, 9 HR, 27 BB, 83 K). His numbers were impacted greatly by his last two starts (8 IP, 22 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 4 BB, 9 K).

Hudson Valley (40-37) (Shut down Brooklyn, 6-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2B (16), RS, HBP
Riggio has a 20-game on-base streak and has doubled in seven of his last eight games. He is hitting .229/.374/.402 in 265 PA with a 16.2% BB and 17.7% K. The walks have been there all year – it’s nice to see the rest of his offensive game start to heat up.
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-5, 2B (21), RS
Serna is tied for second in the Sally League in doubles and RBI (52).
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, HR (9), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
.238/.381/.410 in 260 PA. For Tampa in 2023, he hit .251/.367/.445.
C Antonio Gomez: 2-for-4, HR (2), RBI, RS, K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
Moylan’s first career stolen base.
LF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Kiko Romero: 2-for-4, HR (5), RBI, RS, SB (5)
.223/.357/.392 in 157 PA.
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, SB (8), BB, K

RHP Blane Abeyta: (W, 1-1) 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
A solid start for the 25-year-old. He essentially is a minor-league innings eater for the Yankees, but there’s no shame in that.
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
4.20 ERA (45 IP, 34 H, 23 R, 21 ER, 7 HR, 18 BB, 56 K). Keating recently had rough outings (2 IP, 4 R; 1 IP, 5 R) but has been solid most of the season.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.45 ERA (44 IP, 33 H, 16 R, 12 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 54 K). Ayers (24) is up to 62 IP at this level. I assume he will make his way to Somerset sometime in the second half.

Tampa (27-49) (Lost a tough one to Lakeland, 1-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4
Lombard Jr.’s OPS briefly went over .700 tonight but ended the night at .699. Going back to June 11th: 19 games; 21-for-72 (.292; 5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 11 R, 9 BB, 16 K, 8-for-10 SB)
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, SB (24)
Between here and the FCL (rehab stint), Tejeda has 26 stolen bases in 46 games.
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (11), K
Arias’ first extra-base hit against an LHP this season.
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, HBP
PR Coby Morales: 0-for-0
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4
RF Daury Arias: 1-for-3

RHP Bryce Warrecker: (L, 0-2) 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Warrecker was pulled only because there was a long rain delay.
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
1.86 ERA (38.2 IP, 17 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 5 HR, 20 BB, 45 K).
RHP Montana Semmel: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Gabonia owns a 4.62 ERA with a 45/10 K/BB over 39 IP.

FCL (26-15) (Lost to the Tigers, 8-1)

CF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-3, SB (12), BB
1B Engelth Urena: 2-for-4, HR (3), RBI, RS, K
He has 5 doubles and 3 homers in 24 games.
3B Abrahan Ramirez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (12)
Ramirez is back to .400. Statistics at this level can be misleading, but .400/.507/.591 stands out. That is *not* normal at this level.

LHP Henry Lalane: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
Results won’t matter for a while.
RHP Omar Gonzalez: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
The 18-year-old didn’t want to be overshadowed today! Standing 6’4″, walks have been an issue (18 in 18.2 IP this year).
RHP Chris Kean: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Kean likely needs his ticket to Low-A Tampa stamped.

DSL Yankees (9-13) (Lost to the DSL Cardinals, 2-1)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-4, SB (8), K
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-4, K
.255/.333/.340 in 54 PA for the 17-year-old.

RHP Luis Burgos: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (12-9) (Lost to the DSL Mets Orange, 9-5)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, 2B (1), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
He filled in the “triples” and “home runs” columns earlier this season. He is hitting .270/.357/.432 in 42 PA with 10 runs batted in.
2B Luis Escudero: 0-for-3, RS, 2 SB (14), BB, K
14-for-16 stealing bases in 16 games.
LF Angel Ventura: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, RS, SB (8), K
The 18-year-old is hitting .182/.308/.212 with 8 stolen bases in 9 attempts.

RHP Carlos Almonte: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
8 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K

Yankees MILB 6/28: Agustin Ramirez Hits First Scranton Homer

News:

None.

Scranton (45-33) (Defeated Worcester, 7-5)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, RS, 2 SB (6), BB
Vivas is hitting .255/.403/.388 in 126 PA for Scranton and is on a 6-game hitting streak. We talk about his good pop for a middle infielder, but he also can run a little. Last year, he stole 25 bases in 30 attempts.
2B Oswald Peraza: 3-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 RS
Peraza is surging towards .200 (have to start somewhere). He is hitting .198/.324/.240 for Scranton. The lack of power stands out.
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 K
Ramirez gets that first Triple-A homer. It’s his 17th HR overall (54 RBI)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, HR (8), 2 RBI, RS, K
For Scranton: .294/.347/.466 in 242 PA. The power has shown up in June (.296/.337/.556 with 6 doubles and 5 homers). Rumfield with power is an interesting prospect. Yes, the “Triple-A is juiced up!” disclaimer applies.
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4, K
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, 2 K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-3, HR (5), RBI, RS, K
SS Jeter Downs: 1-for-2, 2B (13), 2 CS (6), BB, K, Ejection!
Busy night for Downs!
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-0

LHP Edgar Barclay: 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Matt Sauer: (W, 1-2) 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Sauer has struggled since coming back. When you think about it, they are playing with house money since he couldn’t stick in Kansas City. Let’s see if he can get into a second-half groove.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz (S, 5): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (36-36) (Defeated Richmond, 7-5)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, 2B (10), RBI, 3 K
Jones has doubled in back-to-back games. He has 11 strikeouts in his last four games. When you are ranked #1 or #2 on 99.9% of Yankees’ prospect lists, there will be a large microscope.
SS Ben Cowles: 2-for-5, RBI, 2 K
Cowles has a 9-game hitting streak and is hitting .303/.382/.480 in 296 PA. This is the 24-year-old’s debut season at this level, so this performance is impressive. When will he get to Scranton? It doesn’t matter much – he needs at-bats, and they are more available here.
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-5, 2B (2), 3 K
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, HBP
DH Elijah Dunham: 1-for-5, RS, SB (9), 2 K
LF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, RS, SB (9), BB, K
3 multi-hit games in his last five games played.
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 SB (13), 2 BB
.199/.300/.370 in 207 PA (10 doubles, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 25 R, 13-for-14 SB, 12.6% BB, 20.3% K). Taking walks is one thing he has always done well offensively.
RF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, SB (12), BB
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI, RS

RHP Blane Abeyta: 5 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Carlos Gomez (W, 3-1): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
5.02 ERA (28.2 IP, 25 H, 24 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 24 BB, 37 K).
RHP Jesus Liranzo (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (37-34) (Defeated Wilmington, 6-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-3, 2B (13), BB
Riggio has doubled in four straight games and is up to .225/.368/.395 in 247 PA. He was taking walks but not hitting much. Now, the bat is starting to get going.
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-4
Avina has a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-26, .423)
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-3, HR (8), RBI, 2 RS, BB
.241/.377/.407. Martinez is a part of the impressive/improving catching pipeline.
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, RS, K
Moylan has a 7-game hitting streak. I remember reading a lot from Yankees’ Twitter draft experts about how he was a nice undrafted signing. Perhaps the bat is heating up.
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-2, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
.221/.315/.450 in 154 PA. He has four homers in his last six games.
DH Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
It’s been a slow start for Familia coming off his injury.
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, K
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K

LHP Ben Shields: (W, 3-2) 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K
For Hudson Valley: 2.75 ERA (52.1 IP, 35 H, 19 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 10 BB, 71 K). This is an impressive debut season for the undrafted free agent. At 25, he is old for the level but his lack of experience tells me this is the appropriate spot for him. I assume he will be on the list of promotions to Somerset.
RHP Luis Arejula: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (27-45) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 9-2)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 3-for-5, RBI, 3 SB (22)
.320/.364/.387 at this level. Tejeda is impressing me in 2024.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, RBI, RS, 2 K
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2B (12), RS
.249/.378/.418 in 233 PA.
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, 2B (8), 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (20), K
Montero is 32-for-83 in June. Yes, collecting 30+ hits in a calendar month is not an easy feat.
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, 2B (10), RBI, RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
LF Daury Arias: 1-for-4, RBI, RS

RHP Josh Grosz: (W, 2-5) 6.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Suggestion to the Yankees: I know that there are times when you need an emergency arm at other levels. However, I would keep Grosz here regardless of those needs. This is the level where he is undoubtedly most comfortable right now.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

FCL (24-13) (Their games against the FCL Phillies were postponed. The new date for yesterday’s suspended game is July 5th. I do not see a makeup day listed for today’s regularly scheduled game)

DSL Yankees (7-12) (Lost to DSL Arizona Black, 4-3. There is a reason for it (mainly location), but I still like that the DSL squads play more than three teams, unlike the FCL teams)

DH Justin Capellan: 1-for-4, RBI, 3 K
.275/.370/.375 in 46 PA. This is the 17-year-old’s debut campaign.
CF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-3, RS, 2 SB (7), BB
.233/.340/.302 in 50 PA. Thus far, he isn’t showing off the power he displayed in 2023 (.411 SLG), but I am more locked into how he does on the basepaths.
C Luis Puello: 1-for-2, 2B (3), SB (1), BB

RHP Alexander Almonte: 3.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
2.63 ERA in 13.2 IP for the 6’4″ 17-year-old. This is his de2but season.
RHP Luis Burgos: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (11-7) (Lost to DSL Colorado, 6-4)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, K
Vilorio’s first game since 6/15. The millionaire bonus baby is hitting .269/.367/.346 in eight games.
CF Browm Martinez: 1-for-1, RS, SB (11)
While I can’t say for certain, it is a reasonable assumption that Viliorio was pulled because he is coming back from injury.
DH Queni Pineda: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, 2 K
2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-3, RS, SB (12)
A DSL classic line of .375/.563/.500 in 48 PA with 12 stolen bases in 13 attempts.
1B Carlos Rondon: 1-for-2, 2 RS, BB
So many players down here are labeled as “catchers” (true of Rondon) and “shortstops” regardless of where they ultimately play. Anyway, Rondon is 3-for-16 with 8 walks and 7 strikeouts.
3B Rafael Martinez: 2-for-3, 2B (1), RBI

RHP Mariano Salomon: 4.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
The 21-year-old has a 1.56 ERA in 17.1 IP (12 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 19 K)

Yankees MILB 6/21: Jace Avina Doubles, Homers

News:

RHP Yoendrys Gomez and Phil Bickford were promoted to MLB today. RHP Ron Marinaccio was demoted to Scranton while LHP Victor Gonzalez was designated for assignment. Gonzalez doesn’t have enough service time to refuse an outright assignment, nor has he been outrighted before. Hence, if he somehow clears waivers (unlikely), the Yankees could store him for depth. Gonzalez looked like a good replacement for Wandy Peralta, but it hasn’t worked out. In 27 games, he pitched to a 3.86 ERA (5.93 FIP) with an 11/13 K/BB ratio over 23.1 innings. His calling card (ground balls) was still a strength (52.9%)

I would like to see Gomez get an extended look. He is out of options in 2025, so the time is now for evaluation. That said, he threw a lot of pitches tonight. Will the Yankees replace him for tomorrow’s contest? It isn’t impossible, but I hope not.

When Bickford debuts, it will become his 4th MLB organization since 2020. Unlike other Yankees’ relievers, Bickford is not a ground ball pitcher (35.2% career GB). However, he can miss bats (26.6%). Last season, he pitched to a 4.62 ERA in 25.1 innings for the Mets.

Scranton (41-29) (Down to Buffalo, 11-0, in the third inning. This game is suspended and, unfortunately, will need to be completed)

2B Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-1, K
DH Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-1, K
3B Oswald Peraza: 0-for-1, K
1B Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-1, K
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-1
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-1
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-0
CF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-0
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-0

LHP Edgar Barclay: 2.2 IP, 12 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 3 HR
And you thought you had a bad day…
RHP Matt Sauer: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (32-35) (Lost to Erie, 8-2. I guess this game got a bit chippy, as an Erie pitcher was ejected in the 9th inning. Sounds like fun)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, BB, K
Jones has played well in June (21-for-73 (.288), 3 homers), though one still feels he hasn’t yet gone on a season-altering tear.
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, RS, HBP
Rodriguez is 3-for-11 since his promotion (0 K in 14 PA)
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, RS, K
Cowles has hit safely in three straight games after an 0-for-16 stretch. It’s a start!
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 3 K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, BB
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, K
1B Max Burt: 0-for-3

RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 2-4) 4.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
3.89 ERA (74 IP, 61 H, 43 R, 32 R, 6 HR, 25 BB, 83 K). Messinger is a 6’6″ bulldog who is pitching well overall. As of this writing, he leads the Eastern League in strikeouts.
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Colby White: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP McKinley Moore: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Moore is a project with a low-to-medium probability, but one that is likely worth investing in.
RHP Aaron Palensky: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Palensky is a position player. This was his second pitching appearance in 2024 (washes away a not-so-great first appearance!)

Hudson Valley (33-33) (Lost to Greensboro, 10-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-4, K
Riggio has a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-18, 1 double, 2 HR). It’s nice to see him compile some hits.
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-4, K
Serna is 0-for-15 since missing a game due to a HBP.
DH Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, RS
.295/.406/.486 in 219 PA. He has 17 multi-hit games (54 games played).
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, RS
.237/.376/.390 in 218 PA. He owns a 17.4% BB and 22.0% K. Last season, for Tampa, he hit .251/.367/.445 in 444 PA with a 15.1% BB and 24.8% K. He is fairly consistent, though his FB rate is down in 2024.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2B (18), HR (7), 3 RBI, RS, K
.271/.349/.457 in 241 PA. He has a pair of doubles and homers in his last five games and has shown signs of breaking out of his slump.
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, 2 K
Familia is having trouble so far, as he is 4-for-26 without an extra-base hit since joining this level. Remember: He got off to a late start due to injury.
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-4, K
3B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, 2B (3), 2 K

LHP Kyle Carr: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
I am not sure why Carr was pulled after only 40 pitches.
LHP Joel Valdez: (L, 1-2) 2.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
2.54 ERA in 39 IP (30 H, 15 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 47 K).
RHP Trent Sellers: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR

Tampa (24-42) (Lead Palm Beach, 2-0, in the bottom of the 4th. The game was suspended due to lightning/rain. They will try to finish it up tomorrow)

DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-2
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, K
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-1, SB (18), BB
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-2, RS
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-1, RS, BB
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-2
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, SB (14)
C Oscar Silverio: 0-for-0, BB

RHP Luis Serna: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
The weather cuts Serna’s start for the second consecutive time. While the stats aren’t official until the game concludes, this effort will lower his ERA below 4.00 (3.98 in 52 IP (37 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 61 K)). His ERA was 10.32 in his first three starts and 6.97 after five starts. He has been on quite a roll and is still under 20 (until July 20th).

FCL (22-13) (Defeated the Blue Jays, 8-1. I am still not sure how playing the same three teams is helpful, but I guess playing time is the most important thing)

CF Brando Mayea: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 SB (15), CS (3), 2 BB
15 SB in 23 games. The league leader (Staryln Caba (PHI)) has 28 in 32 games.
DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-2, RS, SB (3), 3 BB
2B Abrahan Ramirez: 2-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, 2 RS
Ramirez is hitting .400/.517/.589 in 119 PA. He leads the FCL in average, OBP, and OPS (third in slugging percentage). The Yankees signed him for $30,000.
LF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-5, 3B (3), 2 RBI, SB (11), 3 K
Sanchez is first in slugging percentage (.629) and second in OPS (1.071)
3B Luis Ogando: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, RS, SB (8), K
SS Sebastian Gomez: 1-for-3, 2 SB (8), HBP
RF Fidel Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (3), BB, K

RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Rehab appearance for Cohen, who pitched to a 3.61 ERA in 52.1 IP between Tampa/Hudson Valley/Somerset in 2023.
RHP Danny Flatt (W, 1-0): 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 3 K
2.67 ERA (27 IP, 22 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 30 K). The 20-year-old is a candidate for Low-A Tampa when the promotions start happening.
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Alejandro Gomez: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

DSL Yankees (4-10) (Lost to the DSL Rockies, 6-1)

C Luis Puello: 3-for-3, 2B (2)
Puello had three of the team’s five hits. The 18-year-old is 10-for-22 (2 doubles, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 4 BB, 3 K)
SS Ovandy Frias: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, RS
Frias hit one home run in 35 games last year. He has two in three games this year.

RHP Alexander Almonte: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
10 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 10 K. He is only 17.

DSL Bombers (8-5) (Defeated Mets Blue, 4-1)

SS Christofer Reyes: 2-for-4, RS, SB (6)
CF Richard Meran: 1-for-2, 2B (3), 2 RS, SB (1), HBP, BB

RHP Mariano Salomon (W, 2-0): 5.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
A strong performance by the 21-year-old. I doubt it is common that both DSL starters go 5+ innings on the same day.

Yankees MILB 5/31: Spencer Jones Breaks Out

News:

The Mets, in their neverending quest to buy a championship, acquired C Luis Torrens from the Yankees for $100,000. This move hurts the Yankees’ catching depth, but Torrens was #4 on the depth chart behind Jose Trevino, Austin Wells, and Carlos Narvaez. They aren’t hurting in this department. The Yankees weren’t stopping a veteran toiling in the minors from an MLB opportunity. As for the minor league depth, Scranton has Narvaez and Josh Breaux. The Yankees could assign Ben Rice or Agustin Ramirez to the level and maneuver others around to fill in rosters.

As a correction to my report yesterday: RHP Cody Poteet is not starting for Scranton on Saturday. He’s heading to San Francisco to pitch for the Yankees instead. His injury was a blister, often problematic for pitchers but better than most potential ailments.

Scranton (34-21) (Lost to Toledo, 1-0)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-3, BB
3B Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, SB (4), K
For Scranton: 7-for-41 with 9 walks and 12 strikeouts.
1B Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, SB (2), HBP, K
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-3, 2B (11), BB, K
With Torrens gone, Narvaez is the no-doubt #3 catcher.
DH Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-4, K
LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-4, K
SS Jeter Downs: 1-for-4, 2B (8), 2 K
.242/.350/.470 in 161 PA.
2B Kevin Smith: 0-for-3
RF Greg Allen: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Josh Maciejewski: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Maciejewski was promoted to Scranton today.
RHP Art Warren: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Clayton Andrews (L, 0-3): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (24-25) (Crushed Bowie, 13-5)

CF-RF Spencer Jones: 3-for-4, HR (3), RBI, 4 RS, SB (12), BB, K
Jones’ first HR since April 23 as he extends his on-base streak to 14 (his triple slash has gone down during this stretch!) But maybe, just maybe, tonight is the start of something bigger as we head into June. He is hitting .220/.314/.327 with 12 stolen bases in 15 attempts.
DH-CF Jasson Dominguez: 3-for-5, HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 RS, SB (1)
For Somerset: 11-for-33 (.333) with 3 HR, 7 RBI, and 6 runs scored. He is on a 6-game hitting streak (11-for-25).
1B Ben Rice: 3-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, RS, BB, K
.249/.373/.497 in 205 PA. In his last 10 games, he is 11-for-36 with 2 doubles, 4 home runs, and 9 RBI.
C Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-4, 2B (9), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Ramirez’s 11th multi-hit game. This season, he is hitting .271/.376/.554 in 197 PA. 9 of his 12 home runs came in April, but 8 of his 9 doubles came in May. His BABIP, so low to start the season, now sits at .273.
SS Ben Cowles: 2-for-5, 2B (17), 3B (3), 2 RBI, RS, K
.319/.402/.534 in 194 PA. With all the big shots here, who would have thought that Cowles would be outshining them in OPS? He is one double away from his season best (he hit 18 in 2022 and 2023).
RF-LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, SF, RBI, 3 K
3B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-4, CS (1), BB
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-4, 3 K
P Jesus Liranzo: 0-for-0
2B Anthony Seigler: 3-for-4, 2 HR (3), 2 RBI, 3 RS, SB (7)
Seigler has 3 HR in his last 2 games. This is his first multi-HR game since July 27th, 2021.

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 3-4) 5.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, HR
He left with two runners on and two outs, and both scored. Such is life. Season: 4.79 ERA (56.1 IP, 52 H, 32 R, 30 ER, 3 HR, 17 BB, 56 K).
RHP Jesus Liranzo (S, 1): 3.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (24-22) (Mauled Aberdeen, 10-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
.211/.364/.358 in 154 PA. April and May were similar: .213/.356/.383 in April; .211/.368/.342 in May.
SS Jared Serna: 3-for-4, HR (10), SF, 3 RBI, RS, BB, K
.253/.371/.489 in 213 PA (11 doubles, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 34 R). After hitting .211/.344/.352 with 2 HR and 11 RBI in April, he hit .282/.390/.583 with 8 HR and 29 RBI in May. It isn’t easy to drive home 29 runs in one month (he played in 25 May games)
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, RS, 2 BB
.310/.395/.521 in 167 PA. It wasn’t quite Serna, but Avina drove home 21 runs in May.
LF Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-2
After an awkward play in the field, Rodriguez left the game.
PH-RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, 2B (8), 2 RS
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB
.244/.391/.437 in 169 PA. He hit .242/.367/.424 in April and .246/.411/.449 in May.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, K
Flores thrived in May (.361/.474/.508; 9 doubles; current 6-game hitting streak). He hit .211/.308/.404 in April.
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, RS, BB, HBP, 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-5, 3 K
RF Kyle Battle: 1-for-3, RS, 2 BB, 2 K

LHP Kyle Carr: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Like with Vrieling, Carr left with two runners on, and both scored.
RHP Luis Arejula (W, 3-3): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
LHP Joel Valdez: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (18-31) (Lost to Palm Beach, 4-3. They loaded the bases in the top of the 9th, but couldn’t score. Oh well)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RS, BB
.220/.374/.280 in 147 PA. A .237/.438/.271 April was followed up with a .203/.299/.288 May. There was an injury mixed in between the two months.
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, RBI
.201/.316/.318 in 212 PA (.214/.327/.381 in April; .189/.307/.263 in May). I keep saying it because it is true: We must be patient. And that patience comes without knowing whether or not he will develop. That’s life when you track prospects.
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, BB, K
.263/.358/.446 in 204 PA. Jasso drove in 20 runs in May (8 in April).
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, RS
April: .200/.273/.333. May: .267/.420/.480 with 7 of his 9 doubles. Lombard Jr. and Arias are teenagers. Castillo isn’t old, but he is 21. That can make all the difference.
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, BB, K
.187/.255/.247 in 184 PA. He was better in May, but still needs to find his groove.
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-5, 3 K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, K
3B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, K
LF Daury Arias: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB

RHP Ryan Harvey: (L, 2-3) 2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Kris Bow: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Bow wasn’t throwing a high-90s sinker tonight (peaked at 95.2). That said, he did not issue any walks, either. Season: 3.00 ERA (21 IP, 16 H, 11 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 25 K).
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
1.50 ERA (24 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 HR, 13 BB, 26 K). Even in these short outings, he will use his 5-pitch mix. I don’t know if the Yankees still think he can start (he’s never started a professional game…), but they haven’t asked him to focus on 2-3 pitches.
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

FCL (12-8) (Lost to the Tigers, 4-1. Do they get tired of playing the Blue Jays, Phillies, and Tigers all the time?)

CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-3, SB (5), BB, 2 K
.333/.436/.394 in 39 PA (5-for-5 SB). Mayea has an 8-game hitting streak.
DH Christopher Familia: 2-for-4
C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, K
LF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, RS, K
19-for-55 (.345/.446/.636; 6 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 13 R, 6-for-7 SB)

RHP Chris Kean (L, 0-1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
6.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 10 K. He should get to Tampa soon enough.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 5/23: George Lombard’s 4-Hit Night

News:

OF Jasson Dominguez didn’t play in either game of today’s doubleheader for Somerset. He just played back-to-back games for the first time, so it is possible that this was planned. They are not going to rush this rehab.

Scranton (31-17) (Split a doubleheader with Syracuse)

Game 1 (Won, 3-2, on a walk-off single)

2B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-4, 2B (17)
3B Oswald Peraza: 0-for-2, 2 BB
With DJ LeMahieu healthy and Gleyber Torres likely going nowhere, the path to MLB (in 2024) is hard to find. I assume the Yankees are open to trading him, especially if they have confidence in someone like Durbin. Another option certainly would be to throw him in the 2025 second base competition.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, RBI
Rumfield had the game-winning single.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-2, HR (3), RBI, RS, BB
LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, 2 K
PR-LF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-0, RS
C Luis Torrens: 1-for-2, SB (1), BB
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, RBI, BB
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-3, K
CF Greg Allen: 0-for-2, RS, BB

RHP Baron Stuart (W, 1-0): 7 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
Called up from Hudson Valley specifically to make this start, Stuart tosses a 7-inning complete game. He probably will head back to Hudson Valley (where he compiled a 4.13 ERA in 24 IP with a 16/11 K/BB), but this was an impressive effort in a series that was dominated by offense before today.

Game 2 (Lost, 4-2)

3B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-0, RS, HBP
Durbin stayed in the game long enough to score after being HBP but left the game soon after that. Hopefully, it is precautionary.
3B Kevin Smith: 0-for-2
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, K
Rumfield is hitting .300/.353/.417 since his promotion with 24 RBI in 31 games.
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-3, K
LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-2, RBI, CS (2), K
LF Greg Allen: 0-for-1, K
DH Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-3, SB (2)
Gonzalez now owns a 7-game hitting streak.
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, 2 K
SS Jeter Downs: 0-for-3, 3 K
2B Josh VanMeter: 1-for-1, RS, BB
CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-2

LHP Tanner Tully: (L, 0-3) 4.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
1.23 ERA (22 IP, 16 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 25 K). I am not sure if the Yankees are the organization that will give him a chance, but he is doing the best he can to get everyone to notice.

Somerset (20-22) (Lost a doubleheader to New Hampshire)

Game 1 (Lost, 5-4, in 9 (extra) innings)

SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-4, RS, K
1B Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (10)
Ramirez has already reached double digits in HR and SB. He is hitting .272/.394/.574.
C Ben Rice: 1-for-3, HR (11), RBI, RS, BB, K
Rice has three home runs in his last two games.
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, K
3B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
DH J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, RS, K
CF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, K
LF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-4, K

RHP Zach Messinger: 5.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
3.75 ERA (50.1 IP, 39 H, 29 R, 21 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 56 K). After allowing 1.24 HR/9 in 2023, he has it down to 0.72/9 in 2024. He has also maintained a strong K rate while reducing his walks from 4.80/9 in 2023 to 2.86/9 in 2024. We may just be witnessing a maturing starting pitcher.
RHP Luis Velasquez: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 3 K
This is what you call a noisy line.
LHP Ryan Anderson (L, 1-3): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Game 2 (Lost, 9-0)

DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
.220/.302/.325 in 139 PA. Cue the complainers who say the Yankees should have traded him “when his value was high!” Some people should not follow minor league baseball if they are unwilling to understand player development. Jones didn’t forget how to play overnight – give him time to find his groove (for the record, I am not against trading most any prospect – but I don’t base that on random hot or cold minor league streaks)
1B Ben Rice: 1-for-4, K
Rice is at .247/.373/.507. Before his current hot streak (four games), he was hitting .233/.356/.444. It gets harder to improve your triple slash significantly with one little hot streak as you get later into the season, but Rice has done that lately.
SS Ben Cowles: 2-for-3
He is at .324 with a .926 OPS. This is his 13th multi-hit game of the season. If the Yankees don’t go outside the organization to fill the probable 2B vacancy, put Cowles on the list of potential candidates.
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, K
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, K
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-2, SB (4), BB
3B Jordan Groshans: 0-for-2, BB
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, BB
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, K

LHP Josh Maciejewski: (L, 0-2) 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 8.1 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Aaron Palensky: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Somerset ran out of pitchers, so Palensky had to eat four outs.

Hudson Valley (20-19) (Destroyed Brooklyn, 16-3)

3B DJ LeMahieu: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS
He is on track to join the team in Anaheim.
PH-3B Beau Brewer: 0-for-2, K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-5, 2 RS, BB, K
Serna extends his on-base streak to 21.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 5-for-5, 2B (1), 5 RBI, 3 RS, BB
Vivas, someone to watch in the 2025 second base competition, was 2-for-21 on his rehab assignment entering tonight. He ties his best for RBI in a game, but not hits. He had a 6-hit game on 6/8/21 when he was a member of the Dodgers organization.
DH Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB
.310/.388/.490 in 165 PA. It feels like he is on a 5,000-game hitting streak, but this effort increased it to five.
CF Jace Avina: 3-for-5, 2B (13), 3 RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
Avina is at .310 with a .933 OPS in 132 PA (13 doubles, 4 HR, 22 RBI, 19 R, 4-for-4 SB). His K% is high (28.0) but is down from his 29.6% rate in Low-A last year. The ceiling is tantalizing.
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, 2B (6), HR (5), SF, 5 RBI, 2 RS
Don’t forget about Martinez, who is a legitimate catching prospect. He is on an 8-game hitting streak (10-for-28, 4 doubles, 1 HR, 6 RBI) and is up to .250 with a .849 OPS (19.7% BB, 21.8% K)
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-5, 2B (4), RS, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 3-for-5, 2B (6), RBI, RS
Gabrielson’s second career 3-hit game.
LF Kyle Battle: 1-for-4, 3 RS, SB (5), BB
I like seeing this from prospects like Battle…

RHP Sebastian Keane: (W, 3-3) 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
5.11 ERA (37 IP, 38 H, 21 R, 21 ER, 3 HR, 18 BB, 35 K). This is the first time in his short career that he has allowed multiple HR in a game (he has allowed 4 in 68.2 innings). He is a legit prospect to place somewhere in your brain as he develops.
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
Since returning from his rehab: 9.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 15 K. Add him to the mile-long list of relief prospects.

Tampa (15-27) (Defeated Jupiter, 8-1)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 4-for-5, 3 RBI
This raises his triple slash from .193/.366/.239 to .226/.385/.269. This is his second career 4-hit effort (did it on 9/3/23, after being promoted to this level). The power hasn’t shown up yet, but remember that Anthony Volpe had 3 HR and .355 SLG in 150 PA for Pulaski in 2019. Lombard is at 117 career plate appearances.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, K
.214/.337/.351 in 184 PA.
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-5, 2 K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-5, HR (1), RBI, RS, K
Power has yet to be a part of Montero’s game (7th career HR in 153 games). He hasn’t hit for average this year (got off to a miserable start), but has played better in May.
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, SB (8), BB, 2 K
.250/.370/.299 in 173 PA. He is 21-for-67 in May (.313/.413/.403).
3B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, RS, K
C Edinson Duran: 2-for-3, 2 3B (3), 2 RS, BB
Oh to be a young catcher capable of legging out two triples. He has 8 triples in 110 career games.
LF Daury Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (3), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K

RHP Cade Smith: (W, 2-2) 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
2.41 ERA (37.1 IP, 23 H, 14 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 46 K). He maxed out at 95.6 MPH (averaged 93.3). This is an impressive first professional season. At 22 years old, he is a candidate for a Hudson Valley promotion this season.
RHP Jordy Luciano: 2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

FCL (8-6) (Defeated the Tigers, 5-4, thanks to a 3-run bottom of the 8th (after the Tigers scored two in the top of the 8th. This was a scheduled 7-inning game, so the 8th inning was extra innings. Got it? Good.)

CF Brando Mayea: 2-for-4, K
3-for-8 with a pair of walks and strikeouts.
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, 2 RS, HBP, K
LF Brian Sanchez: 3-for-4, 2 2B (6), RBI, 2 RS
Sanchez has shown off his doubles/triples power in his brief minor league career (13 doubles, 5 triples in 44 games). He has five multi-hit games in 11 games this season.
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, RS, CS (4), BB
3B Abrahan Ramirez: 1-for-2, RBI, SB (3), 2 BB, K
1B Diomedes Hernandez: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 K
Hernandez walked it off with an RBI single. The 19-year-old is listed as a catcher, though he has yet to get behind the dish in 2024 (only 7 games played).
2B Gabriel Terrero: 0-for-1, 2 BB
RF Fidel Montero: 1-for-3, CS (1), K

RHP Angel Benitez: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
2.16 ERA (8.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 9 K). He stands 6’7″ and likely has some of the command/control issues that come with that. He has time to work on that.
RHP Sabier Marte: 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 3 K
0.68 ERA (13.1 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 12 K)
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz (W, 2-0): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 5/10: Edgleen Perez Homers in FCL Win

News:

Expect report delays on Saturday and Sunday due to Mother’s Day weekend.

Scranton (25-10)

Their game against Rochester was postponed. They will try to play two on Saturday.

Somerset (14-15)

Their game against Altoona was postponed. They will try to play two on Saturday.

The lineup was posted before the postponement.

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-0
His first 19 games this season (10.2% BB; 29.5% K, 105 wRC+) are close to his 17 Somerset games last season (9% BB; 28.2% K; 104 wRC+). I expect his bat to take off at some point.
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-0
Peraza’s rehab moves to Somerset for the weekend. A reminder that Peraza has one option year remaining so he can be assigned to a minor league team once his rehab is over.
C Ben Rice: 0-for-0
The Yankees remain somewhat committed to him behind the plate, as he has 12 starts (8 each at first base and designated hitter). If opposing scouts like what he does behind the plate, they see power at a premium position. That may not be the goal here, but one has to consider it. If it weren’t for the catching, he would have no reason to be here (.301/.394/.589 in 351 Double-A plate appearances).
1B Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-0
139 PA for Somerset in 2023: .211/.273/.313. In 120 PA in 2024: .237/.383/.567. His 2024 average is being impacted by a low BABIP (.203). Imagine if the number was league average.
2B Ben Cowles: 0-for-0
What can Cowles be? I don’t know the answer to that. A Rob Refsnyder outcome would be a win (Refsnyder has carved out a 392-game career with a .758 OPS vs. LHP). That outcome likely doesn’t keep him in the Yankees organization, but maybe the higher-ups see a potential second base option. Who knows? If he keeps up his current hitting, he won’t have to worry about making it to MLB.
DH Grant Richardson: 0-for-0
For Hudson Valley last year, Richardson hit .204/.306/.389 (92 wRC+) with an 11.2% BB and 31.3% K. The Yankees decided to promote him. As one would expect to happen (sarcasm), he is hitting .309/.383/.544 with an 8.4% BB and 25.97% K since that promotion. Don’t question it – go with it.
3B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-0
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-0
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-0
Wegner is one of those prospects that hardly anyone pays attention to…then, he suddenly gets called up to make his MLB debut.

LHP Brock Selvidge: 0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
A 51.5% GB and 25.9% K is a formula for success. He has allowed 7 HR in 200 career innings. The number of teams who would use him in MLB in 2024 is not zero.

Hudson Valley (14-14) (Lost to Aberdeen, 5-3)

SS Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RS, CS (2), BB, K
Riggio is hitting .214 with a .778 OPS. He has an eye (19.3% BB) and pop (.414 SLG). His BABIP is low.
2B Jared Serna: 1-for-4, 2B (7), BB, K
Serna extends his hitting streak to 9 (15-for-42; 5 doubles, 3 HR)
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-5, 2B (7), RBI, RS, SB (2), 4 K
With the extra-base power comes the high strikeout rate. The Yankees weren’t getting a polished prospect for Jake Bauers – they accepted a worthwhile lottery ticket.
LF Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, BB, K
Games by position: C: 13 (11 starts); 3B: 8; 2B: 3; LF: 3; DH: 1
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-2, 3 BB, K
Martinez is 3-for-22 in May but has 9 walks. Taking it back further, he is in a 3-for-34 slump.
PR Kyle Battle: 0-for-0, SB (2)
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-5, 2 K
DH Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB, K
Thankfully, his stay on the IL wasn’t a long one (first game since 5/2)
RF Nelson Medina: 1-for-3, RS, SB (5), BB, 2 K
3B Beau Brewer: 1-for-2, 2 BB, K

RHP Sebastian Keane: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
6.12 ERA (25 IP, 29 H, 17 R, 17 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 25 K).
RHP Luis Arejula: (L, 1-2) 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR

Tampa (10-21)

Scheduled day off (they played a scheduled doubleheader earlier this week)

FCL (3-2) (Defeated the Blue Jays, 6-1, in a 7-inning game)

“Why are so many games seven innings?”

Firstly, this is a manager’s decision before the game starts. They have the option to play 7 innings or 9 innings.

The reason why the number of 7-inning games has gone up comes down to:
1. The earlier start to the season (no new draftees filtering onto the roster);
2. “Domestic roster limits” – Teams can only carry 165 players between the FCL/A/A+/AA/AAA (this is down 15 players from 2023);
3. Related to the above: Lack of pitching. Starters aren’t asked to go deep often (especially early on), so teams need enough pitchers to get through a game. It is easier to do that in seven innings than in nine innings.

For example, seven FCL games were played today – four went nine innings while three went seven.

(Remember, I do not list out the entire lineup for the FCL/DSL games. However, since today was light on action, I will do it)

RF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-2, 2 RS, BB, K
In 17 FCL games, Rodriguez is hitting .218/.377/.382 in 69 PA (18.8% BB, 28.99% K). He is a long-range 19-year-old prospect.
C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-2, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
4-for-9 (2 doubles, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 BB)
DH Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, 2B (2), SB (2), 2 K
6-for-13 (2 doubles, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 4 BB, 2 SB)
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, CS (2), K
The 20-year-old is 3-for-15.
3B Abrahan Ramirez: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, RS
5-for-13 with a homer and 5 RBI.
CF Fidel Montero: 1-for-2, 2B (1), RS, BB, K
3-for-11 with a double and three stolen bases. Montero hit 11 homers and stole 59 bases in 108 DSL games.
1B Luis Ogando: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, K
Now 20, Ogando hit .352/.446/.541 in 148 DSL plate appearances in 2023. He played a pair of games at SS in his 2022 debut season but has been 1B/3B with a sprinkle of LF the last two seasons.
LF Ramiro Altagracia: 1-for-3, RBI, K
Season debut for the 20-year-old. He spent 2021-2023 in the DSL and didn’t show much at the plate until last year.
2B Gabriel Terrero: 0-for-2, BB, K
Terrero will play the entire 2024 season at 18 years of age.

RHP Jesus Liranzo: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
This is a rehab appearance for the 29-year-old. He compiled a 7.09 ERA in 20 games for Somerset last season. Liranzo is a lifer who started his professional journey in 2013 but has yet to make a big league appearance.
RHP Angel Benitez (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
This is the second appearance of 2024 for the 6’7″ Benitez. He didn’t pitch in 2023 due to the elbow surgery he needed in mid-2022. He is an intriguing 20-year-old lottery ticket.
LHP Brady Rose (S, 1): 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
If the name looks familiar, it is because he pitched in four games for Tampa earlier this year. Having a stretched-out arm is beneficial down here, though I would guess that Rose preferred the full-season league experience.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 5/1: Jared Serna Homers 3 Times

News:

IF Jon Berti‘s rehab is on pause due to a stiff back, according to Bryan Hoch.

Scranton (18-9) (Defeated Jacksonville, 5-0)

3B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-5, SB (13)
DH Everson Pereira: 2-for-4, 2 RS, SB (3), 2 K
Pereira has a 6-game hitting streak (10-for-29). He is hitting .270/.348/.560.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, BB
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (1), K
C Luis Torrens: 2-for-3, HR (2), 4 RBI, RS, BB
.254/.328/.424 in 67 PA.
2B Jeter Downs: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-4, 3 K
CF Greg Allen: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-2, RS, SB (12), 2 BB

RHP Clayton Beeter: (W, 3-1) 5.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 9 K
2.74 ERA (23 IP, 17 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 13 BB, 35 K). I advocate for Bullpen Beeter but the Yankees have their reasons for keeping him in the rotation. Is it easy to convert to the bullpen? Yes, but they wouldn’t be able to ask him to do the back-to-back days thing right away, for example. He would have to be moved carefully.
RHP Art Warren: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Cody Morris: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
1.42 ERA (12.2 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 15 K)
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (10-13) (Lost to New Hampshire, 7-0)

C Ben Rice: 1-for-3, BB
Rice has a 5-game hitting streak going (6-for-17; 2 HR, 6 BB)
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-4
3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-3, BB, K
Anytime you can hold Rice/Jones/Ramirez/Cowles to a 1-for-13 night, it deserves applause.
DH J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4
LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, K
RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-3, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 2-for-3, 2B (5)
.241/.328/.333 in 61 PA. He has hit safely in seven of his last eight games (10-for-29)
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (L, 2-2) 5 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
He cruised until a 5-run fifth inning, where New Hampshire singled him to death. Season: 3.41 ERA (29 IP, 20 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 31 K)
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Impressive Double-A debut for Pestana.
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (14-8) (Defeated Wilmington, 13-10, in a crazy 11-inning affair)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, SB (3), 4 BB
Riggio has a pesky reputation and has shown some of that. His BB/K is currently over 1.0 (15/10).
SS Jared Serna: 3-for-7, 3 HR (5), 6 RBI, 3 RS
These are his first home runs since April 7th, but he is on fire: 9-for-16 with two doubles and three home runs in his last three games. He is up to .231 with a .825 OPS (4 doubles, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 17 R, 15.5% BB, 10.3% K, 1-for-3 SB). When he gets going, it can be a sight to see. This is not his best for RBI in a game (he drove home seven on 7/14/23, a day when he hit two home runs).
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-5, RS, HBP, 3 K
LF-C Jesus Rodriguez: 4-for-5, 2B (4), HR (3), RBI, RS, CS (3), BB
Rodriguez has a career average of over .300, but this is his first career 4-hit effort. He is up to .325 with a .899 OPS this season (4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 11 R, 7.95% BB, 14.8% K). You don’t see him near the top of Yankees prospect lists, but he performs. That should count for something.
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
Martinez is hitting .246 with a .845 OPS (1 double, 1 triple, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 8 R, 15 BB, 16 K)
PR-LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-0, RS
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-6, 2B (1), RBI
Moylan has back-to-back multi-hit efforts.
DH Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, BB
PR-DH Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-0, RS, HBP
3B Kiko Romero: 2-for-5, 2B (2), RBI, BB, K
RF Nelson Medina: 0-for-5, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K

RHP Jackson Fristoe: 3 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 1 K
5.59 ERA (9.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 10 K).
RHP Trent Sellers: 3 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, HR
2.20 ERA (16.1 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 23 K).
RHP Matt Keating: 3 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Steven Fulgencio: (W, 1-0) 1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Fulgencio’s High-A debut.
RHP Huey Morrill (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Tampa (6-17) (Defeated Dunedin, 5-4)

2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 4-for-5, HR (1), 4 RBI, 2 RS, SB (8), CS (3)
Tejeda’s second career 4-hit game as he sets a new personal best for RBI. A night like this jumps his triple slash from .276/.330/.310 to .304/.353/.370.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-5, 2B (2), 2 K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, 2B (7), K
.253/.387/.413 in 93 PA. He is a 21-year-old corner infielder.
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
LF Willy Montero: 0-for-4
DH Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RS, 2 K
Frick has reached base safely in all ten of his games this season (9 feature at least one hit). He is at .353/.476/.441.
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, RS
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 3 K

RHP Luis Serna: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
8.62 ERA (15.2 IP, 17 H, 15 R, 15 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 21 K). A nice bounceback after his 2.2 IP/8 ER outing last time.
RHP Cade Austin: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
3.38 ERA (16 IP, 11 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 21 K)
RHP Montana Semmel (W, 2-2): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.93 ERA (14 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 3 BB, 10 K)

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/21: Spencer Jones’ Big Day

News:

I wish I had something to report. I may need to start making things up (it works for some people on Twitter!)

Scranton (13-7) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 7-4)

2B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-5, 2B (8), RS, K
.284/.419/.459 in 93 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 15 R, 17 BB, 9 K, 10-for-10 SB). He has scored a run in six straight games.
CF Everson Pereira: 2-for-5, 2B (4), 3B (1), RBI, 2 RS, K
Pereira’s contact tends to be loud. The double was hit 101.6 MPH while the triple was scorched (108.6). He is hitting .254/.351/.612 in 77 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 14 RBI, 13 R, 8 BB, 28 K, 2-for-4 SB)
DH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI
Rumfield is 6-for-22 with six RBI since his promotion (.300/.379/.360 in 58 PA)
1B Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-3, BB, K
.207/.392/.310 in 79 PA. He has 11 games at catcher, four at first base, three at DH, and one at third base (only three innings)
RF Jose Rojas: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB
C Luis Torrens: 1-for-3, BB
3B Josh VanMeter: 1-for-3, BB, K
SS Jeter Downs: 0-for-4
LF Luis Gonzalez: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RS, K

LHP Edgar Barclay: (L, 1-1) 4.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 5 K
3.06 ERA (17.2 IP, 17 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 11 BB, 19 K)
LHP Clayton Andrews: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP McKinley Moore: 0 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
He also hit a batter. Trying to unlock Moore is going to be a challenge.
LHP Josh Maciejewski: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
He was close to escaping Moore’s bases loaded, nobody out jam but allowed a 2-out run on a HBP.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Tanner Tully: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (7-8) (Knocked off Hartford, 8-2)

CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-4, HR (1), RBI, 3 RS, 2 SB (3), K
Jones has done a lot in six games: 8-for-21 (.381; 1 double, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 7 R, 3-for-4 SB, 3 BB, 5 K)
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, RBI, K
.245/.362/.673 in 58 PA (7 HR, 15 RBI, 11 R, 8 BB, 12 K, 2-for-2 SB). This is the first game this year where he drove home a run in a game where he didn’t homer.
DH Ben Rice: 0-for-3, RBI, HBP, K
.271/.338/.542 in 65 PA (1 double, 5 HR). He has six games at C, six at DH, and two at 1B.
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, 2B (7), K
Cowles has seven doubles in 15 games. Does he think he is Earl Webb or something?
1B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, RS
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, RS
2B Anthony Seigler: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, RS, CS (1), K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 RS
After starting 0-for-11 at this level, he has back-to-back multi-hit games. If he shows any life with the bat, trade value will follow. His defense reportedly is elite-level.

LHP Brock Selvidge: 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 4 K
2.57 ERA (14 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 15 K). It’s far from a terrible line but it just feels as if he hasn’t yet been able to get into a groove. It’s only three starts.
RHP Carlos Gomez: (W, 1-0) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jack Neely: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 10 K. This is his first non-strikeout game this season (four in 42 games in 2023).
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (9-5) (Lost to Aberdeen, 6-3)

SS Roc Riggio: 0-for-5, CS (1), 2 K
2B Jared Serna: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RS, K
Avina’s first extra-base hit as a member of the Yankees’ organization.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, 2B (2), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-1, RBI, 3 BB
Martinez has nine walks and nine strikeouts (18.8%) in 48 PA. As I stated multiple times last year, Martinez was one of the few high-performing prospects (.251/.367/.445 with 18 HR for Tampa) who didn’t receive a promotion. Is the goal to go one level at a time? Was it a catcher crunch? We’ll find out.
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, SB (4), K
Martin is being frisky on the basepaths! In college, his best for stolen bases in a season was seven.
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
Not surprising that his SB was on the backside of a double steal. He only has four in 119 games.
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-4, 3 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 K
0.60 ERA (15 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 19 K)
RHP Matt Keating: (L, 0-1) 3 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
They tried extending his outing to four innings and it didn’t work well. Season: 8.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 11 K
RHP Trent Sellers: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
1.86 ERA (9.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 17 K)
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K

Tampa (4-11) (Lost to St. Lucie, 8-4)

DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, RS, 2 BB
Tejeda walked over 20% of the time in the rookie leagues. Life is a little harder in a full-season league, as he is currently at 7.7%. That can improve as he gets more comfortable and nobody complains over a .310 start.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 3B (2), RBI, BB
His K% is down to 41.5%. That may seem like something I shouldn’t brag about, but he was at 50% after Wednesday’s game. This is also the first game he hasn’t struck out in this season. He is hitting .196/.308/.393 in 65 plate appearances with seven extra-base hits (4 doubles, 2 triples, 1 home run). While Tejeda is flashing solid contact skills and Lombard Jr. is showing outstanding patience, Arias’ extra-base hits are his calling card thus far.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
.250/.443/.364 in 61 PA.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-5, RS, K
.160/.204/.180 in 54 PA. They say the jump to Double-A is the hardest but rookie league to a full-season league has its share of challenges.
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, BB
LF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, 2B (2), SF, 2 RBI
Escanio has two doubles and two triples in eight games.

LHP Brady Rose: (L, 0-1) 1.1 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Rose was exceptional in his professional debut – his second appearance wasn’t quite as good. It happens.
RHP Aaron Nixon: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
9.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 11 BB, 11 K
RHP Kris Bow: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Bow does a great job covering some innings. Like many prospects in the Yankees system, he is sinker-heavy (71% today).
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
This could have been a disaster game for the pitching staff. Good job by the three who settled the game down. Morrill reached 95.4 with his sinker.

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 4/14: Josh Breaux: 2 HR, 5 RBI

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (10-4) (Held off Norfolk, 6-5, to complete the 6-game sweep. Even without Jackson Holliday, this lineup is dangerous. Scranton has held them to 17 runs in six games)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-4, 2B (4), BB, K
.310/.524/.448 in 42 PA (4 doubles, 6 RBI, 9 R, 13 BB, 7 K, 11-for-12 SB)
SS-LF Caleb Durbin: 1-for-5, SB (9), K
.340/.455/.547 in 66 PA (6 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 8 R, 11 BB, 4 K, 9-for-9 SB)
LF Everson Pereira: 0-for-2, 2 K
PH-3B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 K
I am not sure why Pereira was pulled from the game.
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-5, 4 K
1B Jose Rojas: 0-for-2, RS, 3 BB
2B-SS Jeter Downs: 0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
RF Luis Gonzalez: 2-for-5, RS, SB (2), K
C Josh Breaux: 3-for-5, 2 HR (2), 5 RBI, 2 RS
One of his HR traveled 430 feet at 109.5 MPH. The five RBI ties his personal best (July 10th, 2021). This is the fifth multi-HR game in his career.
3B-2B Josh VanMeter: 2-for-4, RS, K

LHP Edgar Barclay: 3.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
One of the quirks of the 6-game series they have in the minors is that sometimes a starter has to face the same team twice. That happened with Barclay, who was also the Tuesday starter.
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: (W, 2-0) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Calderon is holding his own at this level.
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz (S, 2): 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (4-5) (Lost a crazy one to New Hampshire, 13-9. They were down 13-4 and tried to mount a comeback but it was too steep of a climb)

C Ben Rice: 0-for-5, 2 K
The start of the season has been a slog for Rice, who is 7-for-35 (only one extra-base hit (HR)) with a 28.2% K.
DH Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-1, 3 RS, 2 SB (2), 3 BB, HBP
A productive day in a different way. His flyout in the 8th cost him his 7-game hitting streak.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, RBI, 2 RS
CF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-5, 2B (2), RBI, 2 K
SS Ben Cowles: 2-for-4, 3B (1), 3 RBI, RS, BB
.419/.514/.613 in 37 PA. He has hit safely in eight of nine games (two walks in the hitless game)
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-5, 3B (2), RBI, RS, K
Four of Wegner’s seven hits have gone for extra bases (2 triples, 2 HR). In his debut season last year, 11 of his 22 hits went for extra bases (7 doubles, 4 HR).
RF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, 2 2B (4), RBI, RS, SB (1), HBP
The 24-year-old continues to display the raw power. He also can steal bases, as evidenced by his 46-for-52 (88.5%) rate.
2B Aaron Palensky: 2-for-4, RBI
3B Max Burt: 0-for-2
3B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-1, RS, HBP

RHP Blane Abeyta: (L, 0-2) 4 IP, 6 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Clay Aguilar: 2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jack Neely: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
4.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 9 K

Hudson Valley (5-3) (Split a doubleheader with Rome)

Game 1 (Lost, 5-4, in eight (extra) innings)

SS Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, RS
2B Jared Serna: 0-for-4, RS, K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, 2 K
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, RBI
His 2-run throwing error was costly but his offense keeps ticking (three multi-hit games in six games played)
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, RBI, K
5-for-18.
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Anthony Hall: 1-for-2, RS, BB, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, RS
Vargas hit seven triples in 2019 and six triples in 2023.
CF Nelson Medina: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Kyle Carr: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
Both runs scored on a pickoff attempt error by Rodriguez. Anyway, Carr played with fire all day and eventually, an error burned him (the error occurred when Valdez was in the game). He kept the runs off the board by inducing grounders.
LHP Jose Valdez: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
5.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K. Valdez pitched here last year and struggled, so we’ll see if he can right the ship and get to Somerset in 2024.
RHP Luis Arejula (L, 0-1): 0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Arejula’s 2024 debut comes with the built-in runner at second base. The 22-year-old has mostly been in the rookie leagues since 2021, though he did make seven appearances with Low-A Tampa last season.

Game 2 (Won, 6-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-2, 3B (1), RBI, RS, SB (1), 2 BB
5-for-17 (2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 RBI, 3 R, 5 BB, 3 K, 1-for-1 SB). He has 29 walks in 122 career PA (23.8%)
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-2, 2 SF, 2 RBI
Productive outs!
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, RS
9-for-29 (.310/.941 OPS) with a triple and two home runs.
DH Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-3, RS, BB
CF Anthony Hall: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RS, SB (2), HBP
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, RS, BB, K
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, RBI, RS
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 2-0) 5 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 5 K
11 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 12 K
RHP Cole Ayers: (S, 1) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

Tampa (2-7) (Lost to Dunedin, 11-4)

DH George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, BB
Lombard has reached base safely in all nine games this season (at least one walk in eight games). In his short career, he has reached base safely in 21 of his 22 games (24 of 25 if I include the 2023 playoffs).
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, RS, SB (1), BB, K
.194/.293/.417 in 41 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5 R, 4 BB, 20 K, 1-for-2 SB). There is a lot of “raw ability” in that stat line. You love the extra-base hits while not loving the 48.8% K rate. We must be patient and not be so quick in placing him in the 2026 Yankees lineup.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-3, RS, 2 SB (5), BB, K
Tejeda is 9-for-30 with five RBI and five stolen bases in seven attempts.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, K
LF Tayler Aguilar: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB
RF Daury Arias: 0-for-4, K

RHP Josh Grosz (L, 0-2): 2.1 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Grosz goes after hitters with a sinker/slider combo. His first two starts haven’t been great but this is just the beginning, not the end.
LHP Brady Rose: 4.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
Professional debut for the 23-year-old. He was their 12th-round pick in the 2023 draft out of Dallas Baptist. Today, he featured a 4-pitch mix (4-seamer (38%), slider (30%), sinker (21%), and change (11%).
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Dayro Perez: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Brenny Escanio: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Tampa was out of pitchers, which is why Perez/Escanio were used (they are typically infielders)

FCL (0-0)

The season starts on 5/4.

DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!