Yankees MILB 6/3: Spencer Jones Homers

Notes:

C Alex Jackson opted out of his minor league deal. However, he has re-signed and was back in the Scranton lineup tonight. This is the second time Jackson has opted out (he did it in March as well). He has some leverage on the Yankees, as he is the organization’s #3 catcher. He is using his opt-out clauses to secure more money. I would, too.

RHP Cam Schlittler was promoted to Scranton. Schlittler was among the best pitchers in the Eastern League, pitching to a 2.38 ERA and league-leading 2.18 FIP over 53 innings. Including 2024, Schlittler tossed 85.1 Double-A innings before earning his promotion.

Can he get to MLB in 2025? Yes. When it comes to debuts, you want to look at two things: Can we make room on the 40-man roster, and what is his Rule 5 status?  If Schlittler wasn’t Rule 5 eligible until after 2026, that lessens his chances of getting called up. However, in this case, he is Rule 5 eligible this winter. He is instantly high on the depth chart. Other than Allan Winans, nobody in Triple-A has pitched well enough to “block” Schlittler.

There was a chain reaction of promotions, as RHP Carlos Lagrange was moved to Somerset to replace Schlittler. Additionally, position players Roc Riggio (2B) and Brendan Jones (OF) were reassigned to Somerset, while OF Dillon Lewis was transferred from Tampa to Hudson Valley. All four of these kids are legitimate prospects. I am excited to see how Lagrange handles the upper minors.

RHP Jake Cousins has started a rehab stint in Hudson Valley.

Injury Log


Scranton (26-29) (Defeated St. Paul, 8-5)

3B Jesus Rodriguez0-for-4, BB, K
CF Everson Pereira1-for-4, HR (10), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
The Yankees may dodge a bullet with Jasson Dominguez. If they don’t, Pereira would be a logical call-up. He joins Rafael Flores and Spencer Jones in the organization’s 10+ HR club.
1B T.J. Rumfield2-for-4, 2B (12), RBI, 2 R, BB
C Alex Jackson0-for-5, 3 K
RF Bryan De La Cruz2-for-5, 2B (5), 2 RBI, 2 K
DH Jose Rojas1-for-4, BB
LF Brennen Davis: 2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, K
Davis goes yard in his first Scranton AB, and he hit two balls 110+ MPH. If this kid can stay healthy, he has 4th outfielder potential (though he hasn’t played CF in years). Including his rehab time in the FCL, he has six homers in 15 games.
SS Braden Shewmake1-for-4, HR (3), RBI, R, K
Davis and Shewmake go back-to-back.
2B Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-4, 2 R, SB (15)

RHP JT Brubaker3 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
Brubaker’s rehab was moved here today.
RHP Zach Messinger2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
As a reliever: 10 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 8 K. Two of those walks are intentional.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Sandridge hit 96.5 MPH with his fastball and generated four whiffs on nine pitches (six swings). His history suggests that he will never consistently find control. But if the Yankees can cut down on the walks, can he be useful? Weird things happen.
LHP Brandon Leibrandt: (S, 1) 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The 32-year-old earns his third professional save. 


Somerset (24-27) (Lost to Binghamton, 7-3)

SS George Lombard Jr.0-for-4
Lombard Jr. is 3-for-27 in his last seven games (4 BB)
CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, HR (10), RBI, R, 2 K
Jones has ten homers in 30 games.  Despite missing weeks of action, he ranks second in the Eastern League in homers.
2B Roc Riggio1-for-4, K
Riggio earns his first Double-A hit. If not for his injury, he would have been here sooner.
C Rafael Flores0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Jones is second to Flores in the home run race.
LF Brendan Jones1-for-4, K
Jones earns his first Double-A hit.  He brings his stolen base prowess (23-for-27 this year; 41-for-45 in his career) with him.
3B Dylan Jasso1-for-4, 3B (2), R, K
With all the promotions, Jasso has been moved down the lineup. He doesn’t have the prospect pedigree of the five hitters placed ahead of him, but that doesn’t invalidate the solid season he is having.
RF Garrett Martin0-for-3, 3 K
1B Tyler Hardman2-for-3, HR (9), 2 RBI, R, K
Hardman has five home runs in his last four games.  Flores leads the league in homers, Jones is second, and Hardman is tied for third (as of this writing).
DH Antonio Gomez1-for-3, K

RHP Trent Sellers: (L, 1-2)  3.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
3.57 ERA (40.1 IP, 25 H, 16 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 50 K)
RHP Cole Ayers0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Will Brian1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
Since promotion: 2.70 ERA (16.2 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 20 K)
RHP Jordany Ventura1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K


Hudson Valley (31-20) (Lost to Aberdeen, 3-2)

CF Dillon Lewis1-for-5, K
Lewis earns his first High-A hit. The 21-year-old earned this promotion by hitting .309/.381/.660 with eight home runs, 26 RBI, 29 runs, and seven stolen bases in May.
LF Jackson Castillo0-for-5, 4 K
In April, it looked like Castillo was making a case for a promotion. He has slumped since. 
DH Coby Morales1-for-4, 2 K
3B Parks Harber2-for-3, R, BB
I am not surprised that he stayed here during the mass promotion day, as this is only his 26th High-A game. There is a good chance he will get to Double-A later this season.
C Omar Martinez1-for-4, R, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares3-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, K
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-2, SF, RBI, K
Vargas was the odd man out with the promotions to Somerset.
1B Josh Moylan0-for-2, SB (3), 2 BB
RF Luis Durango1-for-4, K

LHP Kyle Carr: (L, 0-4)  6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
3.77 ERA (43 IP, 33 H, 20 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 18 BB, 32 K). He fell one shy of his personal best for strikeouts in a game.
RHP Jake Cousins0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Health is more important than results.
RHP Tyrone Yulie0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.12 ERA (17.1 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 23 K). 
RHP Matt Keating1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
That works. Season: 3.14 ERA (14.1 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 15 K).  While he is a reliever, the Yankees have spaced out his appearances. This is his first appearance since May 27th, and it isn’t uncommon for him to have this many days off.


Tampa (27-24) (Mauled Jupiter, 14-2. Let’s break this down: 14 runs, 13 hits, 17 walks (that’s not a typo), and a HBP)

SS Roderick Arias1-for-6, RBI, R, BB, 2 K
You know the team is having a good night when the leadoff batter gets to the plate seven times. 
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-2, SF, 2 RBI, R, CS (4), 3 BB
Sanchez continues to hit. He is 17-for-39 (.436) with two doubles, two triples, and 14 RBI in his last ten games. 
DH Edgleen Perez2-for-5, RBI, BB, 3 K
.212/.362/.237 in 196 PA. He has a 17.9% BB and 22.96% K.
C Engelth Urena1-for-5, RBI, BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-5, 2B (11), 2 R, SB (15), BB, 3 K
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-2, 2B (6), RBI, 4 R, SB (11), 4 BB
Wilson sets personal bests for walks and runs in a game. Last year’s 8th-round pick had a strong May after a tough April.
2B Austin Green: 2-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, 4 R, HBP, BB
It’s been a struggle for last year’s 14th-round selection. However, he has three home runs in his last six games.
1B Hans Montero: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 R, 3 BB, K
RF Marshall Toole: 2-for-3, 2B (7), SF, 5 RBI, 2 BB
Toole sets a new personal best for RBI in a game.

RHP Andrew Landry4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
It’s been an up-and-down campaign for Landry, including allowing ten runs in 1.1 innings and one run in six innings. It adds up to a 6.00 ERA in 39 IP (52 H, 32 R, 26 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 41 K).  His BABIP is a ridiculous .400.
RHP Gus Hughes: (W, 4-1)  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Jack Sokol1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


FCL (12-11) (Defeated the Blue Jays, 5-0, in a 7-inning game. Everyone contributed to this win, so a rare full lineup!)

DH Willy Montero1-for-4, R, 2 K
CF Isael Arias1-for-2, 2 R, CS (1), 2 BB
C Manuel Palencia1-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, K
Peralta is off to a rough start (4-for-38). His .167 BABIP should correct itself.
LF Wilson Rodriguez0-for-3, RBI
2B Luis Escudero1-for-2, R, SB (6), CS (1), BB
3B-RF Santiago Gomez1-for-3, R, SB (12), K
Gomez was only 9-for-16 stealing bases in 2024. This season, he is 12-for-13.
RF Gabriel Lara1-for-2, RBI, CS (4), BB
Lara is hitting well in limited time (7-for-24, 2 HR, 3 BB, 2 K). However, known for his speed, he is 0-for-4 in the stolen base department.
1B Johan Contreras1-for-3, 2B (3), 2 K

RHP Jose M Rodriguez: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
1.46 ERA (12.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 12 K)
LHP Franyer Herrera (W, 1-0): 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Stanly Alcantara1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K


DSL Yankees (0-2) (Lost to the DSL Giants Black, 7-3)

DH Mani Cedeno1-for-4, K
CF Francisco Vilorio1-for-3, 2B (1), R, BB
2B Carlos Bello0-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K
RF Estivenzon Montero2-for-4, RBI, CS (1), K
The 17-year-old hit .242/.361/.364 in 119 PA in 2024. He drove in 22 runs.
LF Alfiery Matos: 1-for-4, SB (1), K
This is the 17-year-old’s professional debut.
SS Emmanuel Orozco: 0-for-3, CS (1), BB, K
The switch-hitting 16-year-old makes his professional debut. I don’t have any information on his signing bonus.
1B Eliezer Adames: 0-for-2, BB, K
The 17-year-old’s professional debut.  They signed him for $250,000.

RHP Enixon Sanchez (L, 0-1): 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
As a 16-year-old last season, Sanchez was impressive here (2.79 ERA in 29 IP with a 29/16 K/BB). Someone to watch carefully.

DSL Bombers (1-1) (Lost to the Mets Orange, 6-5, in eight innings)

CF Ruben Castillo1-for-5, 3B (1)
The $875,000 signing earns his first professional hit.
SS Stiven Marinez
1-for-2, R, SB (2), 2 BB
Marinez is coming out swinging (4-for-6, 3 BB, 0 K, 2-for-2 SB). Nothing wrong with making a strong early impression.
DH Queni Pineda1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
I don’t think there are many DSL -> FCL promotions during the season, but Pineda could get a taste of the next level. Remember that the two leagues are no longer on the same schedule.
1B Remy Veldhuisen3-for-4, R, K
Out of the Dominican Republic, this is his first career 3-hit effort. Unlike many at this level, his age is advanced (20).
2B Adrian Feliz: 1-for-4, RBI, R, K
Listed as a shortstop, this is the 16-year-old’s professional debut. I don’t see any information on a signing bonus, so he was likely cheap.
RF Eddinson Charles1-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
Charles earns his first professional hit.
C Carlos Rondon0-for-2, 2 BB, K
The 19-year-old went 8-for-61 in his debut 2024 season.

RHP Alexander Almonte3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
The 18-year-old pitched to a 3.51 ERA and 26/12 K/BB over 25.2 innings last year.

Yankees MILB 5/23: An Offensive Explosion

Notes:

Nothing to see here.

Injury Log


Scranton (22-25) (Doubled up Nashville, 10-5)

DH Jesus Rodriguez3-for-4, RBI, SB (8), CS (4), BB, K
Rodriguez extends his hitting streak to 13 (seven multi-hit efforts).  He is hitting .389 with a .970 OPS since his promotion (44 hits in 30 games). All he does is hit, hit, hit (I seem to type that often, eh?)
LF Dominic Smith1-for-5, HR (7), 3 RBI, R, K
Smith has six homers in 18 May games.
C Alex Jackson1-for-3, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Jackson has a 1.115 OPS in 21 games.
1B Jose Rojas: 3-for-4, 2 2B (12), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz2-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, R, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake0-for-5, 2 K
2B Andrew Velazquez0-for-3, RBI, R, SAC, K
CF Ismael Munguia0-for-4, R
3B Jake Gatewood1-for-4, R, SB (2), K

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 3-0)  5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Winans finally allows an earned run. Season: 0.32 ERA (28 IP, 20 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 36 K)
RHP Leonardo Pestana1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jon Olsen: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
I wonder when Beeter will get the call to MLB. The Yankees seem to like Yerry De los Santos, but Beeter has more upside.


Somerset (20-21) (Defeated New Hampshire, 9-6)

2B George Lombard Jr.1-for-5, 2B (1), R, BB, 3 K
Lombard Jr. earns his first Double-A extra-base hit. 
C Rafael Flores3-for-6, 2B (11), RBI, 2 R
.296/.347/.531 in 176 PA (11 doubles, 9 HR, 31 RBI, 23 R, 4-for-4 SB, 6.8% BB, 28.98% K). Keith Law’s opinion of Flores sees him as a platoon bat in MLB. He doesn’t see a full-time catcher, but the Yankees are stubborn about keeping players behind the plate for as long as possible. Some of that is definitely for trade value purposes.
CF Garrett Martin2-for-3, HR (5), 2 RBI, 4 R, HBP, BB
Martin ends his 18-game homerless streak. He has 30 doubles, 17 homers, and 24 stolen bases (27 attempts) in 141 career games.
DH Brennen Davis1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, SB (1), 2 BB, K
Davis’s rehab is over, and he was assigned here. A no-risk flyer on a once highly-regarded kid. We’ll see how it goes.
LF Cole Gabrielson1-for-3, 2 RBI, K
  LF Grant Richardson0-for-2, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman3-for-5, 2 2B (9), 2 RBI, K
Hardman’s third straight multi-hit effort.
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-4, BB
RF Jared Wegner0-for-3, CS (2), 2 BB, 2 K
3B Max Burt0-for-4, R, 2 SB (5), BB

RHP JT Brubaker2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Brubaker’s rehab was moved here today. Your reminder that, unlike with Scott Effross and Clayton Beeter, Brubaker doesn’t have any options left.
RHP Brendan Beck (W, 3-1): 5.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 2 HR
2.67 ERA (33.2 IP, 24 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 37 K).  Beck’s appearances are widely spread out (first time we’ve seen him since 5/15).  Given his history of injuries, this makes sense.
RHP Indigo Diaz (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K


Hudson Valley (28-14) (Walloped Winston-Salem, 10-1. Hudson Valley has outscored them 23-3 over the last two nights)

2B Roc Riggio1-for-5, 2B (4), 2 R, BB, K
Riggio has a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-27). He has three doubles, a triple, and four home runs during the streak.
CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (6), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (17), 2 BB
.231/.345/.361 in 177 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 32 R, 17-for-20 SB, 14.1% BB, 17.5% K). There is an interesting prospect bubbling under the surface here.
1B Coby Morales1-for-6, RBI, R, 2 K
DH Parks Harber4-for-5, 2B (6), 4 RBI, R, BB
Harber is hitting better here than in Low-A, though with fewer walks. He is hitting .368/.422/.592 in 83 PA here after hitting .304/.422/.551 in 83 PA for Tampa. He has three 3+ hit efforts in his last five games, including a pair of 4-hit efforts. I am not here to spread bullcrap – he is doing what you want college bats to do at the lower levels and it could be meaningless. However, it isn’t meaningless for him as this will get him to Double-A.
LF Jace Avina2-for-2, 2B (8), SF, RBI, 3 BB
.288/.418/.441 in 141 PA.
SS Jose Colmenares0-for-6
Colmenares is simply saving his hits for when the team needs them.
3B Josh Moylan1-for-4, BB, K
C Tomas Frick0-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 R, HBP, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall1-for-4, 2 R, BB, 2 K

RHP Josh Grosz: (W, 3-2)  7 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K, HR
Grosz was efficient tonight, needing only 88 pitches to record 21 outs. Season: 3.60 ERA (35 IP, 28 H, 18 R, 14 ER, 3 HR, 12 BB, 45 K). Last three starts: 18.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 23 K.
RHP Sebastian Keane1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.64 ERA (11 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 12 K). He hasn’t allowed a run in seven straight appearances.
RHP Matt Keating1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.25 ERA (12 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 9 K)


Tampa (22-21) (Lost a slugfest to Dunedin, 13-9)

SS Roderick Arias0-for-4, R, SB (10), BB, 3 K
.173/.337/.296 in 101 PA (7 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 12 R, 10-for-12 SB, 18.8% BB, 28.7% K).
C Edgleen Perez2-for-5, R
Perez is 19-for-69 (.275; 3 doubles, 8 RBI, 11 R, 14 BB, 14 K) in May. He is hitting .232/.391/.264 in 161 PA.
CF Brian Sanchez1-for-3, K
Sanchez’s first game since May 10th.
  CF Marshall Toole0-for-2, R, K
DH Engelth Urena4-for-5, 2 2B (6), RBI, 3 R
This is his second career 4-hit effort. Known as an intriguing bat prospect, Urena has struggled this year. Hopefully, this gets him going. Season: .219/.352/.342 in 179 PA (6 doubles, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 28 R, 4-for-5 SB, 14.5% BB, 19.6% K). 
LF Dillon Lewis3-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (11), K
Lewis is 22-for-73 (.301; 5 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 19 R, 5-for-5 SB) in May.  Overall, he is hitting .232/.305/.437 in 167 PA.
3B Juan Matheus0-for-5, RBI, K
RF Tyler Wilson: 4-for-5, 2B (4), HR (3), 4 RBI, R, K
Wilson’s first career 4-hit game. Last year’s 8th-round pick is hitting .252/.329/.340 in 164 PA. 
2B Owen Cobb0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
1B Hans Montero0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Brandon Decker1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Decker’s first career start. I don’t know if this is the start of a transition to the rotation or if they wanted him to open the game for some other reason. In college, he was used as a starter and reliever.  Season: 1.93 ERA (18.2 IP, 16 H, 9 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 20 K)
RHP Cole Zaffiro2.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, HR
LHP Tanner Bauman: (L, 1-4)  2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
RHP Jack Sokol1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Brady Kirtner1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.25 ERA (24 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 27 K)


FCL (7-8) (Phlasted the Phillies, 15-0. The 4-team division that keeps playing each other is ruled by the Tigers and Blue Jays, with the Yankees in striking range. The Phillies are 4-11 with the division’s lone negative run differential)

DH Cam Eden1-for-4, 2B (1), 3 RBI, SB (3), BB, 2 K
Eden is only 3-for-20 on his rehab stint, but how long does a 27-year-old need to be here?
CF Brando Mayea2-for-5, 3B (1), 2 R, SB (4), 2 K
.286/.365/.536 in 64 PA (7.8% BB; 25% K).
LF Wilson Rodriguez2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, K
C Ediel Rivera2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 3 R, K
Rivera’s first professional home run. The 19-year-old is 9-for-35 with three doubles and a home run.
3B Luis Escudero2-for-5, RBI, 3 R, SB (4)
SS Kevin Verde2-for-4, SF, 3 RBI, R, K
1B John Cristino2-for-3, 2 RBI, R, SB (1), HBP, K
4-for-11 with three walks and two strikeouts.
2B Santiago Gomez0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, R

RHP Edinzo Marquez4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
The 20-year-old owns a 4.05 ERA. (13.1 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 11 K)
RHP Mariano Salomon (W, 3-0): 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
0.87 ERA (10.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 12 K). Any reliever with the first name “Mariano” gets my eyes.
RHP Chance Nolan0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Alexis Paulino1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Control has been an issue for the 22-year-old (84 in 90 career innings). This season, he owns a 14/3 K/BB over 7.2 IP. Progress!


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/22: Griffin Herring Dazzles (6 IP, 0 H, 10 K)

Notes:

Cooper Hummel has exercised an opt-out clause in his contract and will become a free agent if the Yankees don’t add him to their 26-man roster. I find that unlikely, as his MLB career (.159/.255/.275 in 82 games) hardly inspires confidence. Furthermore, he is primarily an outfielder, which the Yankees don’t need.

I wouldn’t cry if he replaced Pablo Reyes, but that bar is hardly high.

Injury Log


Scranton (21-25) (Lost to Nashville, 7-6, in 11 innings. I just noticed that former Yankees’ prospect Anthony Seigler plays for Nashville. He is hitting .282 with a .946 OPS in 150 plate appearances. The first-round pick in the 2018 draft reached minor league free agency last winter and signed with the Brewers.)

3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-6, R, SB (7), K
Not his best effort during the streak, but Rodriguez’s hitting streak reaches 12. He has 25 hits in 16 May games.
LF Dominic Smith1-for-6, R, K
C Alex Jackson2-for-4, 2 HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (1), BB
The alternating home run streak continues!  Jackson has homered in five of his last nine games (HR, no HR, HR, no HR, HR, no HR, HR, no HR, 2 HR). 
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
   2B Braden Shewmake0-for-1, SB (4)
RF Bryan De La Cruz1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
DH Jose Rojas1-for-4, R, SB (3), BB
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-5, R, SB (11), 2 K
2B-1B Jake Gatewood0-for-3, SAC, BB, 2 K
One thing Gatewood has done well in his minor league career is hit home runs. This season, he has only two in 33 games.
CF Ismael Munguia1-for-5, 2B (5), 2 RBI, 2 K

RHP Erick Leal: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
4.26 ERA (19 IP, 9 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 21 BB, 20 K). He may be hard to hit (38 hits/98 strikeouts in 69.1 career innings), but those darn walks (47).
RHP Scott Effross0.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
If I didn’t mention it, Effross is no longer on a rehab stint. The Yankees officially optioned him to Scranton.
RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 0-3) 4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Back-to-back relief outings for Messinger. He hit 95 MPH with his 4-seam fastball. A story to watch if this is a permanent move, though he was given a starter’s workload here.


Somerset (19-21)

Their game against New Hampshire was postponed. They will attempt to make it up on Saturday.


Hudson Valley (27-14) (Trounced Winston-Salem, 13-2)

2B Roc Riggio2-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, 3 R, HBP, BB, K
Riggio is scorching (.295/.456/.750; 3 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R in 12 games). He has homered in back-to-back games and has four home runs in his last four games.
CF Brendan Jones0-for-4, 2 R, 2 BB, K
RF Coby Morales4-for-5, 2 2B (7), HR (4), 3 RBI, 3 R, BB, K
Morales earns his first career 4-hit effort. He went 3-for-19 in his brief Somerset stay. If he continues to rake here, he’ll get a longer stay.
1B Parks Harber: 3-for-6, 2 2B (5), 2 RBI, 2 R, K
Since promotion: .338/.390/.563 in 77 PA with three 3+ hit efforts. As an undrafted college bat, you won’t see Harber high on any organizational prospect lists. Nobody will care if he keeps raking as he moves up the chain.
DH Omar Martinez1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo2-for-5, 2 2B (11), 2 RBI, R
Castillo continues a recent surge, collecting multiple hits for the third time in his last five games. That has increased his triple slash from .216/.328/336 to .235/.334/.360. As you know, as sample sizes get larger, brief surges don’t increase your numbers significantly.
SS Jose Colmenares0-for-3, R, SB (5), 2 BB, K
3B Josh Moylan1-for-4, RBI, HBP, K
C Tomas Frick0-for-2, R, HBP, 2 BB, K

RHP Ben Hess (W, 4-2): 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 K
3.28 ERA (35.2 IP, 20 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 20 BB, 52 K). I love the strikeouts. The walk rate needs work. That is why they have the minor leagues.
RHP Ocean Gabonia1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.50 ERA (18 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 24 K). If the plan is to keep him in the bullpen permanently, a trip to Somerset may not be far off.


Tampa (22-20) (Their hot streak continues, courtesy of a 3-1 win over Dunedin. Dunedin entered this series as one of the top dogs in the division. They are now in second place. Tampa is in 4th place, but only 2.5 games behind first-place Lakeland.)

DH Edgleen Perez0-for-3, 2 BB
.225/.391/.258 in 156 PA. Perez has 31 walks (19.9%). 
C Engelth Urena0-for-4, BB
RF Dillon Lewis1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, R, 3 K
.219/.296/.425 in 162 PA (8 doubles, 2 triples, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 25 R, 9-for-10 SB, 9.3% BB, 29% K). His power/speed combination is enticing, and he has hit better overall in May (.279/.355/.618 with five homers and 17 RBI)
SS Juan Matheus0-for-2, R, SB (12), 2 BB
The hitting streak is over, but he still contributed. He is hitting .302/.369/.373 in 149 PA. Scouting reports are scarce, but Fangraphs ranked him 26th in the organization, touting his versatility (shortstop should remain part of that profile) and bat-to-ball skills. Power? Not likely to be one of his strengths.
LF Tyler Wilson1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
3B Hans Montero0-for-4, 2 K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-4, 2 K
His hitting streak comes to an end. He is hitting .417/.455/.733 in 67 PA while playing 2B/SS/3B.
CF Marshall Toole2-for-4, 3B (4), R
.305/.400/.453 in 110 PA. 
1B Josue Gonzalez2-for-4, K

LHP Griffin Herring (W, 4-1): 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K
I said earlier this week that Bryce Cunningham has been the most impressive 2024 draftee. Given the level difference, I still believe that, but Herring has made a case. He owns a 1.21 ERA in 44.2 IP (24 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 58 K). He leads the Florida State League in strikeouts and batting average against (second in ERA and WHIP).
RHP Jackson Fristoe2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach (S, 3): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.59 ERA (17 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 29 K)


FCL (6-8) (Lost to the Tigers, 6-4)

LF Brando Mayea0-for-4
CF Cam Eden0-for-3, SF, RBI
RF Wilson Rodriguez1-for-2, 2 SB (2), BB
The left-handed hitting outfielder (20) was drafted out of high school in the 17th round in 2023. This was only his 25th career game.
3B Santiago Gomez1-for-3, SB (3), BB, K
.297/.325/.297 in 40 plate appearances.
2B Luis Escudero1-for-3, 2 R, BB, K

RHP Stanly Alcantara4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Alcantara has allowed five walks in ten innings. Before this season, he walked 56 in 38.1 innings. Progress!


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/17: Roc Riggio Homers Twice

Notes:

The rumblings about Jesus Rodriguez are starting. I get it – the Yankees have an issue with offense at third base, and Rodriguez can further help balance the lineup.

But is he a third baseman?  The Yankees have tried various positions with him. A natural catcher, he also has experience at 1B/2B (limited)/3B/LF. MLB Pipeline’s write-up on his defense was rather…scary? Pipeline, however, isn’t the only source for your prospect needs. Fangraphs was more flattering, even talking him up as potentially above-average at the hot corner.

I have been bullish on his offense for several years now. He crushed the Complex League in 2022 (which should always come with hesitation) before his promotion to Low-A in 2023.  While with the Tampa Tarpons, he showed his FCL game was no fluke, as he hit .297/.378/.426, earning a promotion to High-A after 84 games. All he did in Hudson Valley the rest of that season was hit .356/.464/.533 in 25 games. His 2024 season was similarly exciting, though he ran into trouble after his promotion to Somerset. That trouble continued into 2025, and his current Double-A triple slash is .196/.250/.339 in 30 games. When Alex Jackson was injured earlier this season, the Yankees moved Rodriguez to Scranton, where he started flourishing again. His issues in Double-A may be sample-size related. His BABIP there is only .207.  You want a prospect to conquer Double-A. It’s Prospect Following 101. He didn’t, but it’s hard to argue against his success.

Rodriguez isn’t your traditional corner power hitter, but we need to look at what he is up against: Strong defender Oswald Peraza, who the organization hasn’t shown much faith in; Jorbit Vivas, who isn’t seen as much of a defender at third base and has struggled to hit; Pablo Reyes, who Rodriguez could replace right now and nobody would flinch; DJ LeMahieu, who I think the Yankees want to play mostly at second base until Jazz Chisholm Jr. returns. The Yankees wouldn’t ask him to take over for current MLB All-Stars. We are talking about being better than replacement level.

Would I do it? It’s tempting. Even if you are skeptical about his profile, you can ride a hot streak for a while. Or, maybe your skepticism is misguided, and his bat will play just fine in MLB. Most of the hesitation comes from an aggressive approach and the questions about whether he can hit velocity. The problem with the latter is that he hasn’t faced enough velocity to draw any conclusions.

What is working against this possibility? The Yankees aren’t playing him every day at third base in the minors. If the plan was for Rodriguez to play third, that would be his position nearly every night. He has played third base in only nine of his 33 games between Somerset and Scranton.

Injury Log


Scranton (21-21) (Defeated Toledo, 7-2)

C Jesus Rodriguez2-for-5, 3B (2), R, CS (2), 2 K
Rodriguez owns a 9-game hitting streak that includes five multi-hit games (four consecutive). He is hitting .385/.479/.510 in 117 PA. Fire is too soft a word to use.
LF Dominic Smith2-for-4, RBI, 2 R
A veteran like Smith is not only auditioning for the Yankees, as veterans can easily ask out of their minor league deals (or, like with Luis Torrens last year, can be traded in small deals). Smith is 16-for-42 (.381) with four homers and 16 RBI in May.
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, R, HBP, K
RF Everson Pereira0-for-4, 3 K
DH Cooper Hummel1-for-2, 2B (1), SF, RBI, BB
3B Jose Rojas1-for-3, HR (8, grand slam), 4 RBI, BB, K
Rojas has three grand slams this month (5/1, 5/7, 5/17). He has 8 HR and 34 RBI in 36 games. If only he weren’t a 32-year-old journeyman.
2B Braden Shewmake1-for-3, R, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-4, 2 K
CF Ismael Munguia1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI
A fun story in spring training, Munguia is hitting only .219/.321/.328 in 164 PA. He is 8-for-10 stealing bases.

RHP Anthony DeSclafani4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
He touched 95.3 MPH with his sinker, which likely has Matt Blake drooling.
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Headrick, a victim of the numbers game earlier this season, reached 97.1 MPH with his fastball today.
RHP Allan Winans: (W, 2-0) 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
0.00 ERA (23 IP, 16 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 31 K). They used him in a piggyback role today, which doesn’t bother me. His season has been impressive.


Somerset (17-20) (Defeated Portland, 11-5)

3B George Lombard Jr.1-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 R, BB
Lombard Jr. plays third base for the second day in a row (hadn’t played the position before that since his promotion). For Somerset: 6-for-31 (3 RBI, 7 R, 3-for-3 SB, 9 BB, 8 K). Overall, he is at .292/.461/.407 in 152 PA with more walks (32) than strikeouts (30). He is 14-for-16 stealing bases.
C Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, HR (8), 3 RBI, 3 R
Flores has homered in back-to-back games and is surging. His triple slash is .303/.350/.538 in 145 PA (10 doubles, 8 HR, 29 RBI, 19 R, 6.4% BB, 29.9% K). He has three 3-hit games in May. By the way, his 8 HR are tied for second in the Eastern League. Spencer Jones (who has missed several games now) still leads with 9.
CF Garrett Martin: 3-for-5, 2B (7), 3 RBI, R
.222/.336/.398 in 128 PA. He isn’t striking out much (20.3%). I don’t have info on his quality of contact, though.
2B Dylan Jasso3-for-5, 3 RBI
.284/.338/.507 (7 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 20 R).  Last 9 games: 13-for-36 (.361; 2 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI). 
LF Coby Morales0-for-5
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-2, 2B (7), R, 2 SB (7), CS (4), 2 BB
.250/.333/.402 in 105 PA. Vargas is having a strong May (.282/.378/.513).
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (3), BB
DH Antonio Gomez0-for-3, BB, 3 K
He left the game after an “injury delay.” That is not encouraging.
  PR-DH Grant Richardson0-for-0, R

RHP Trent Sellers5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 2 HR
Sellers was cruising until he allowed a 2-run HR with two outs in the 6th. The 6th inning remains his “blocker” as he has yet to complete six full innings during his career. Season: 3.48 ERA (33.2 IP, 19 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 14 BB, 44 K)
RHP Danny Watson0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
A tough outing for Effross, who has struggled to get back to MLB.
RHP Luis Pacheco1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.11 ERA (15.1 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 20 K)
RHP Kelly Austin1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.54 ERA (11.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 11 K)


Hudson Valley (25-12) (Outlasted Aberdeen, 10-7)

LF Brendan Jones1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (16), BB
.229/.338/.366 in 157 PA. 
2B Roc Riggio2-for-5, 2 HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R
Riggio’s first career multi-HR game. He is 8-for-34 (.235) since returning from his rehab stint (2 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI)
DH Parks Harber: 4-for-5, 3B (1), HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R
Harber’s first career 4-hit effort.  Since promotion: .362/.413/.603 in 63 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 12 R). Overall, Harber is hitting .331/.418/.575 in 146 PA (7 doubles, 3 triples, 6 HR, 26 RBI). Yes, he may move two levels this season and get to Somerset.
RF Jace Avina0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
  RF Luis Durango0-for-1, SB (1)
Durango was 21-for-22 in the stolen base department in 2024.
CF Jackson Castillo2-for-5, R, K
C Omar Martinez0-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-2, 3 R, SB (4), HBP, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-2, 2B (7), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz4.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
He didn’t have it today, but his teammates bailed him out. Season: 3.22 ERA (36.1 IP, 22 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 0 HR, 17 BB, 43 K). Rodriguez-Cruz has allowed only 9 HR in 219.2 career innings.
RHP Sebastian Keane: (W, 3-0)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.80 ERA (10 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 10 K)
RHP Hayden Merda2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
3.78 ERA (16.2 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 22 K). As a starter in 2023 (he missed 2024 due to injury), he allowed ten homers in 95.2 innings.
RHP Bryce Warrecker (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Warrecker’s first career save. His dominant season continues: 0.53 ERA (17 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 23 K)


Tampa (18-20) (Lost to Palm Beach, 5-4)

DH Edgleen Perez1-for-4, BB, 2 K
Perez is 15-for-53 (.283) in May after going 10-for-56 (.179/.373/.196) in April. I’ve said it multiple times: The only thing missing is power. That isn’t concerning as he is 18 years old. You hope he grows into some pop.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, BB
RF Dillon Lewis1-for-5, R, SB (8), 2 K
SS Juan Matheus1-for-4, R, SB (10), 2 K
Matheus is 13-for-22 (.591) during his 6-game hitting streak. He is an under-the-radar switch-hitting middle infielder prospect.
LF Tyler Wilson1-for-4, R, K
2B Hans Montero2-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI
Sneakily, Montero is up to .278 with a .846 OPS. He is 12-for-33 (.364) in May with four doubles and two home runs.
3B Owen Cobb1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI
Cobb has 11 extra-base hits (6 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR) in 13 games.
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 2B (6), R, K
Toole is 7-for-19 (.368) during his 6-game hitting streak. He has four doubles and a triple during the streak. 
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-4, K

RHP Greysen Carter: (L, 1-3)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 1 K
Carter is why the Development List exists. I advocate for continuing to throw kids out there to learn, but he is lost (6.75 ERA in 24 IP with a 25/27 K/BB)
RHP Brandon Decker2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.59 ERA (17 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 20 K)
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
This line defines Sandridge’s career. Looking at the data, Sandridge peaked at 95.8 MPH (averaged 94.2) and generated four whiffs (on 11 pitches) with his slider. The Yankees are trying to unlock the 26-year-old who allows few hits, walks half the ballpark, and strikes out the other half.
RHP Chris Veach1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
1.80 ERA (15 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 26 K). I know Savant isn’t always perfect, but Veach used six different pitches to earn four outs (change, curve, sinker, 4-seamer, cutter, slider). You may ask if Veach was a starter in college. The answer is no, as none of his 57 college appearances (mostly with South Carolina) were starts.
RHP Cade Austin1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Brady Kirtner1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K


FCL (5-6) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 5-1. The Yankees compiled only two hits)

CF Brando Mayea1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, 2 K
It’s not so bad when one of those hits is a home run by their best prospect at the level. I don’t love the strikeouts for a big prospect repeating the level (27.7%), but his start remains encouraging (.293/.370/.512).
RF Brennen Davis1-for-3, K

RHP Jose Rodriguez (L, 0-1): 2.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Jose Martinez1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Martinez’s 2025 debut. The Yankees grabbed him after the Red Sox released him in February. Not that DSL numbers tell a full story, but Martinez put together a 45/9 K/BB over 41.1 IP (3.48 ERA) for Boston’s DSL squad last year.
RHP Mariano Salomon2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Franyer Herrera0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Jose Ledesma0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Ledesma’s 2025 debut. Last season, the 22-year-old pitched to a 1.25 ERA in 21.2 IP with a 28/14 K/BB in the DSL.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/11: A Day for Pitchers

Notes:

A quiet weekend for notes.

Injury Log


Scranton (19-18) (Rolled past Rochester, 12-0)

DH Jesus Rodriguez1-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: .356/.479/.466 in 94 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 20 R, 5-for-5 SB, 18 BB, 11 K). 20 runs in 21 games. His teammates must appreciate the RBI opportunities.
2B DJ LeMahieu1-for-4, RBI, R, CS (1), BB
LeMahieu is 12-for-27 (.444) on his rehab stint. I am unsure when the Yankees will bring him up from his rehab stint, but inserting him into the same picture as Aaron Judge and Juan Soto for the Subway Series will only add to the hype.
CF Everson Pereira0-for-4, RBI, 2 R, SB (3), BB, 2 K
.287/.376/.575 in 101 PA (1 double, 8 HR, 19 RBI, 24 R, 3-for-3 SB, 11.9% BB, 32.7% K). Like Rodriguez, he creates opportunities for his teammates, as his 24 runs have come in 24 games.
C Alex Jackson1-for-3, HR (4), SF, 4 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Jackson has four home runs in his last eight games.
RF Bryan De La Cruz0-for-3, R, HBP, 2 K
1B Dominic Smith2-for-3, HR (4), SF, 3 RBI, R, K
Smith has homered in back-to-back games and is 10-for-28 (.357) in May.
LF Jose Rojas0-for-3, BB
3B Braden Shewmake1-for-4, R, SB (2)
SS Andrew Velazquez2-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (9), BB

RHP Allan Winans (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
0.00 ERA (19 IP, 13 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 27 K). In the starting pitcher depth chart competition, it’s hard to deny that Winans has impressed the most. The lone negative is that this was the first time he went 5+ innings this season.
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
16 pitches/10 strikes. He has to be close.
RHP Jake Woodford2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.33 ERA (24.1 IP, 27 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 5 HR, 10 BB, 21 K). This is his first relief appearance in 2025.


Somerset (14-19) (Lost to Akron, 2-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.0-for-3, BB, K
4-for-21 since his promotion, with four walks and four strikeouts.
C Rafael Flores3-for-4, R
.290/.333/.504 in 104 PA (10 doubles, 6 HR, 24 RBI, 15 R, 3-for-3 SB, 6.4% BB, 31.2% K). I wouldn’t be surprised if Flores, Rule 5 eligible this winter, is traded this summer.
RF Garrett Martin0-for-4, 2 K
2B Dylan Jasso1-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, K
.269/.326/.471 in 129 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 18 R, 6.2% BB, 18.6% K). He is on a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-21, 2 doubles, 3 RBI)
CF Grant Richardson0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-4, K
3B Alexander Vargas0-for-3, 2 K
LF Jared Wegner0-for-3, SB (2)
DH Antonio Gomez0-for-3, K
8-for-51 since his promotion (.157/.214/.176 with a double, four walks, and 19 strikeouts)

RHP Bailey Dees5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
4.82 ERA (28 IP, 27 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 33 K). Solid performance for Dees, who hopefully can get on a roll.
RHP Indigo Diaz0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Pacheco1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin (L, 1-1): 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
His season won’t be perfect: 1.69 ERA (10.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 9 K)


Hudson Valley (23-9) (Defeated Wilmington, 9-1. They take 5-out-of-6 in the series by a 45-10 margin)

CF Brendan Jones0-for-2, 2 R, SB (14), 3 BB, K
.248/.360/.407 in 136 PA (5 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 26 R, 14-for-17 SB, 13.97% BB, 17.6% K). He’s doing what you want leadoff hitters to do.
2B Roc Riggio1-for-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
Riggio won’t overwhelm you with power, but he has sneaky pop (43 extra-base hits in 2024 (27 doubles, 5 triples, 11 HR)). 
3B Parks Harber1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Since promotion: .333/.396/.521 in 53 PA. He is on a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-32, 3 doubles, 1 HR)
LF Coby Morales1-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
C Omar Martinez0-for-5, 3 K
.264/.364/.445 in 129 PA. Martinez is 0-for-8 since his insane hitting streak, which is as baseball as baseball can be.
DH Jose Colmenares1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, R, SB (3), CS (1), 2 BB, K
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, BB
1B Josh Moylan0-for-4, 2 K
RF Anthony Hall1-for-3, 2B (3), R, BB, 2 K
Hall is on a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-20)

RHP Bryce Cunningham (W, 4-1): 6.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
1.98 ERA (36.1 IP, 28 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 38 K). Cunningham continues to cruise (he allowed five runs in the first inning on 4/13. Beyond that, nobody has touched him)
RHP Chris Kean0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
1.32 ERA (13.2 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 12 K)
RHP Huey Morrill1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Tony Rossi:  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Between here and Tampa: 12.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 18 K. I think Somerset will call his name sometime this season.


Tampa (14-19) (Lost to Daytona, 2-1)

C Edgleen Perez0-for-3, BB
.202/.377/.234 in 122 PA (3 doubles, 10 RBI, 13 R, 3-for-3 SB, 19.7% BB, 22.95% K). I don’t expect an 18-year-old to show off big power in Low-A. There is a good chance he will be here for two seasons.
LF Dillon Lewis0-for-4, 2 K
.200/.273/.382 in 121 PA (6 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 17 R, 7-for-8 SB, 8.3% BB, 28.9% K). 
3B Juan Matheus1-for-4, SB (9)
.237/.318/.301 in 110 PA (6 doubles, 15 RBI, 9 R, 9-for-13 SB, 11.8% BB, 21.8% K). 
2B Austin Green0-for-2, SB (4), 2 BB
DH Josue Gonzalez0-for-4, K
RF Tyler Wilson0-for-3, K
1B Hans Montero1-for-3, 2B (3), CS (2)
CF Marshall Toole1-for-2, 3B (3), R, BB
.292/.387/.415 in 75 PA (2 doubles, 3 triples, 5 RBI, 12 R, 7-for-7 SB, 13.3% BB, 28% K).  He has six multi-hit efforts in his last 12 games.
SS Owen Cobb0-for-3, RBI, K
Cobb’s .500 pace is over!  He is now 11-for-25.

RHP Gage Ziehl6.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
4.08 ERA (17.2 IP, 17 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 9 K). This was his first start since making an emergency start for Somerset. Hopefully, he can build off this effort.
RHP Cade Austin0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Brady Kirtner (L, 2-1): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
Kirtner struck out four in a row before allowing a walk-off HR. Season: 1.93 ERA (18.2 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 18 K)


FCL (4-2)

Day off.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/10: Everson Pereira is Scorching

Notes:

I have nothing to offer you.

Injury Log


Scranton (18-18) (Split a doubleheader against Rochester)

Game 1 (Won, 7-6, in 8 innings)

DH Cooper Hummel1-for-4
The veteran was activated off the injured list today.
  PR-DH Andrew Velazquez0-for-0
CF Everson Pereira1-for-3, 2 R, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, R, HBP, K
  PR Ismael Munguia0-for-0, R
3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-3, RBI, R, BB
LF Dominic Smith1-for-3, HR (3, grand slam), 4 RBI, R, BB
RF Bryan De La Cruz0-for-3, BB, 2 K
DH Alex Jackson0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
.311/.436/.600 in 55 PA (3 HR, 13 RBI). It is a good idea to keep an eye on the #3 catcher on the depth chart.
SS Braden Shewmake0-for-3, 2 K
2B Jake Gatewood1-for-3, 2B (1), R

RHP Zach McAllister3 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
The tough start to his 2025 campaign continues.
RHP Eric Reyzelman1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
2.45 ERA (14.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 17 K). Solid ERA, but the walks are worrisome. I don’t care if a dominant reliever walks some hitters (Dellin Betances, for example). But you better be dominant if you are going to carry a high BB rate.
RHP Clayton Beeter1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
23 pitches/13 strikes. Beeter has options, so the Yankees can option him to this level when his rehab is complete (if they don’t have a slot for him in MLB).
RHP Geoff Hartlieb1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.21 ERA (14 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 14 K)
RHP Wilking Rodriguez (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Lost, 5-4)

DH Everson Pereira1-for-2, HR (8), RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, K
.301/.385/.602 in 96 PA. Pereira is on a 7-game hitting streak (10-for-23 with five home runs). When Pereira hits a hot streak, they tend to be crazy.
2B DJ LeMahieu2-for-4, K
The rumors are out there that LeMahieu will be back in time for the Mariners’ series. As the likely everyday Yankees’ 2B, this scares me considerably. But what can you do?
1B T.J. Rumfield2-for-3, HR (5), SF, 2 RBI, R, SB (2)
.295/.396/.509 in 134 PA (9 doubles, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 25 R, 11.9% BB, 19.4% K). The Yankees haven’t used him and he slipped through the Rule 5. That is telling, but I bet he gets an opportunity somewhere. After all, eventually Andres Chaparro and Eric Wagaman received opportunities.
C Jesus Rodriguez2-for-4, RBI
Rodriguez is hitting .357/.472/.443 in 89 PA since his promotion. Can a player outplay their scouting report? The answer is yes. I just can’t ignore someone who continues to hit like Rodriguez does.
LF Jose Rojas1-for-4, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz0-for-4
3B Jake Gatewood1-for-3, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, K
SS Andrew Velazquez0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Erick Leal (L, 1-4):  5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Kervin Castro1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
0.98 ERA (18.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 22 K). He is pitching well, though he isn’t overpowering (averaged 92.3 MPH with his 4-seamer today). 
RHP Colten Brewer1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K


Somerset (14-18) (Shut down Akron, 5-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.1-for-3, RBI, SB (2), BB
4-for-18 since promotion (2 RBI, 3 R, 2-for-2 SB, 3 BB, 3 K). He still needs to fill the extra-base hit column, but he is not showing signs of being overwhelmed here. His overall triple slash sits at .310/.470/.440 in 132 PA with more walks (26) than strikeouts (25).
DH Rafael Flores1-for-4, RBI
CF Garrett Martin:  1-for-4, R, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K
.270/.328/.470 in 125 PA. He has three multi-hit efforts in his last six games.
CF Grant Richardson1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Richardson is bouncing back and forth between Somerset and Scranton. He has three HR between the two levels.
3B Alexander Vargas0-for-3, BB
RF Jared Wegner0-for-4, R, K
LF Tyler Hardman1-for-5, 2 K
2B Max Burt1-for-4, R, K
C Antonio Gomez1-for-3, SAC, SB (1), K

RHP Trent Sellers (W, 1-1): 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
3.21 ERA (28 IP, 15 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 37 K). He isn’t talked about often, but is it time to count him amongst the Yankees’ pitching depth? The 25-year-old has pitched well since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
RHP Scott Effross1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Like Beeter, Effross has minor league options.
RHP Mason Vinyard1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
After initially struggling here, Vinyard has back-to-back scoreless appearances. It’s a start.
RHP Danny Watson1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Hudson Valley (22-9) (Defeated Wilmington, 5-2, in ten innings)

RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, R, BB, K
Jones has a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-24)
2B Roc Riggio1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, 2 R, BB
1B Parks Harber2-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI, BB
The raking continues for Harber, who is 15-for-44 (.341/.396/.477) since his promotion and .319/.412/.522 in 131 PA overall. He has three consecutive 2-hit efforts (four in his last five games)
LF Coby Morales3-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, CS (2), K
.242/.342/.421 in 111 PA.
CF Jackson Castillo0-for-5
DH Omar Martinez0-for-3, CS (2), 2 BB, K
The 9-game hitting streak is over, but he draws a pair of walks to increase the on-base streak to ten.
3B Jose Colmenares1-for-4, SB (2)
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-3, 3B (1), BB
C Tomas Frick0-for-3, 2 R, HBP, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz4 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
1.97 ERA (32 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 41 K). He needed 89 pitches to get 12 outs today, but damage was limited. 
RHP Tyrone Yulie1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Sebastian Keane0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
0.66 ERA (13.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 20 K). The 6’8″ Warrecker is a beast out of the bullpen. Will they ask him to start again, or let him stay in this role?
RHP Matt Keating (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2.79 ERA (9.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 7 K)


Tampa (14-18) (Defeated Daytona, 10-7, in 10 innings)

DH Edgleen Perez1-for-4, 2B (3), R, 2 BB
Perez is 9-for-35 (.257) with a pair of doubles, five runs, and six walks in May.
CF Brian Sanchez: 3-for-5, 2B (10), 4 RBI, 2 SB (8), BB
Sanchez hit a big 3-run double in the 10th. His ten doubles are tops in the Florida State League, and he has four straight multi-hit games (9-for-18 – 1 double, 2 triples, 10 RBI, 4 R, 3 BB, 1 K, 3 SB). Sanchez has been a fun surprise since the Yankees acquired him.
C Engelth Urena0-for-5, 2 K
SS Juan Matheus0-for-5, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson0-for-4, SB (9), BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez2-for-4, 3B (1), R, BB
RF Marshall Toole0-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
2B Hans Montero2-for-3, 2B (2), 3 R, SB (5), 2 BB
3B Owen Cobb2-for-4, 2B (5), HR (2), SF, 4 RBI, 2 R, K
Cobb maintains his .500 pace (11-for-22, 5 doubles, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 13 R, 5-for-6 SB, 5 BB, 4 K). That is an insane start to anyone’s season.

RHP Greysen Carter2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 R, 4 BB, 2 K
The only way he will learn is by throwing him out there.
RHP Cole Zaffiro2.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Sean Hermann2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.25 ERA (16 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 17 K)
RHP Jackson Fristoe: (W, 2-1)  3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
6.38 ERA (18.1 IP, 24 H, 17 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 10 BB, 15 K)


FCL (4-2) (Defeated the Blue Jays, 4-3, walk-off style. What kind of walk-off?  How about a walk-off steal of home? Oh, how I love the rookie leagues!)

CF Brando Mayea2-for-2, R, SB (3), BB
Mayea is 7-for-22 (.318) and has hit safely in five straight games. Encouraging.
LF Isael Arias2-for-4, 2B (3), 2 R, SB (3), K
Arias stole home to win the game. It was a straight steal.
RF Brennen Davis2-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, BB
The rehabbing Davis hits his first HR as a member of the Yankees’ organization.
1B John Cristino1-for-2, BB, K
The 25-year-old out of Towson makes his professional debut. The Yankees signed him in March. He is a local kid out of Voorhees, NJ.

RHP Jose M. Rodriguez: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
The 21-year-old pitched in six games for the DSL in 2024, and it wasn’t pretty. It’s a new year!
RHP Josh Tiedemann1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
The 13th round pick in 2023 (High School) in 20 years old. He has only 5.2 innings of professional experience.
RHP Alexis Paulino2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/29: Dylan Jasso: Double, 2 HR

Notes:

SS Roderick Arias, hitting .155/.302/.254 (72 wRC+) in 86 plate appearances, was placed on Tampa’s 7-day injured list.

1B/3B Parks Harberwho has a 170 wRC+ this season, was rightfully promoted from Tampa to Hudson Valley.

IF Owen Cobb was activated off the injured list and assigned to Tampa.

After missing a few games for unknown reasons, teenage catcher Edgleen Perez was back in the lineup tonight for Tampa.

DJ LeMahieu‘s rehab stint is temporarily (?) halted due to needing a cortisone shot in his hip.

Injury Log


Scranton (12-13)

Their game against Syracuse was postponed. They will try to play a pair tomorrow.


Somerset (10-12) (Defeated Richmond, 7-3)

3B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-5, 2B (5), 2 HR (5), 2 RBI, 3 R
Jasso’s third career 2-HR game. He had zero extra-base hits in his first five games and 11 in his last 13 games.  His OPS is up to .938, which leads the team and is 7th in the Eastern League.
CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, HR (8), RBI, R, BB, K
Jones swats his Eastern League-leading 8th HR. He has 33 doubles, 6 triples, and 28 home runs in 160 Double-A games (715 PA).
C Rafael Flores3-for-5, HR (5), RBI, R, 2 K
Flores has hit safely in 11 of his last 12 games (15-for-44 (.341); 5 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI). 
1B Tyler Hardman: 4-for-5, 2 2B (7), HR (2), 2 RBI, R
Hardman’s first 4-hit game since July 28, 2023 (third career 4-hit effort). 
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-4, SF, RBI, 3 K
RF Cole Gabrielson2-for-5, K
LF Garrett Martin0-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K
DH Jared Wegner1-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Max Burt1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Brendan Beck4.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Beck, who tossed 72 pitches tonight, allowed his first runs of the season.  Stats: 0.93 ERA (19.1 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 19 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz: (W, 2-1): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Ryan Anderson1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Hudson Valley (16-6) (Mauled Jersey Shore, 14-2. The Renedages have scored 125 runs while allowing 68.)

RF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, RBI, R, CS (3), BB
.250/.363/.447 in 91 PA. Last 11 games: 15-for-44 (.341; 3 doubles, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 16 R)
SS George Lombard Jr.0-for-3, 2 R, HBP, BB, K
You know your season is going well when reaching base two times and scoring twice is an “off night”.  His .489 OBP is second in the South Atlantic League. The leader (Noah Myers, .540) is 25 years old.
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2B (7), 2 RBI, R, K
.277/.377/.431 in 77 PA (sevens are wild!). 
LF Jace Avina3-for-5, 2 R, K
Avina, who has three straight 3-hit efforts, increases his hitting streak to 7. It’s not a run-of-the-mill hitting streak; he is 15-for-27 (.556). His triple slash has risen from .190/.364/.214 to .333/.466/.420. Nuts.
C Omar Martinez1-for-2, SF, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
3B Parks Harber: 3-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 3 R
Harber’s High-A debut is a successful one. He crushed Low-A (.304/.422/.551; 170 wRC+), and hopes to do the same here.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, HR (grand slam), SF, 5 RBI
Morales falls one short of his personal best for RBI (5/5/24).
2B Brenny Escanio0-for-3, R, BB, K
DH Tomas Frick1-for-4, 2B (2), 2 RBI, R, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (W, 2-1)  5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
He threw 96 pitches tonight. While I won’t search through all his game logs, I feel safe saying that is a personal best. Season: 4.58 ERA (19.2 IP, 16 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 32 K). He has surged after a rough first start. Lagrange has the talent to be a top-of-the-rotation starter.
RHP Tyrone Yulie1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Tony Rossi1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Rossi hasn’t allowed a run in seven games between here and Tampa (9.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 15 K)


Tampa (8-14) (Lost to Bradenton, 5-2)

DH Edgleen Perez1-for-3, R, BB
Perez’s first game since April 23.  He is hitting .189/.371/.208 (at his lowest point (4/16), he was hitting .114/.244/.114). Remember, he is an 18-year-old catcher receiving his first taste of full-season ball.
CF Brian Sanchez1-for-4, 2B (7), 2 RBI, K
Sanchez is on a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-23). He is hitting .250/.292/.412 in 72 PA (5.6% BB, 30.6% K). 
C Engelth Urena1-for-4, K
RF Dillon Lewis0-for-4
2B Austin Green0-for-3
LF Tyler Wilson0-for-3
SS Juan Matheus2-for-3
.235/.333/.333 in 63 PA (14.3% BB; 15.9% K). Matheus has never had a K/BB over 1.00 in his career.
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-3
3B Hans Montero0-for-2, R, BB, K

RHP Andrew Landry: (L, 0-2)  5.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Landry has a wide assortment of pitches, including a 4-seamer that topped out at 96.4 tonight (his sinker reached 95.8). He threw 88 pitches and owns a 7.94 ERA in 17 IP (27 H, 18 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 18 K). His numbers are skewed by a 1.1 IP, 8 H, 10 R, 9 ER game.
RHP Jack Sokol1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Cole Zaffiro1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/23: Carlos Lagrange Ks 8

Notes:

LHP Brent Headrick, who pitched well for the Yankees earlier this year, was placed on the 7-day injured list for Scranton.
RHP Mason Vinyard was promoted to Scranton. The 25-year-old Vinyard has 76 games of minor league experience, pitching to a 3.08 ERA in 114 IP with a 146/60 K/BB.
Infielder Jake Gatewood was also promoted to Scranton. The 29-year-0ld power bat spent 2021 and 2022 in Triple-A as a member of the Angels organization. He hit .219/.272/.456 in 224 games with 50 home runs.

Injury Log


Scranton (12-10) (Shut Down Charlotte, 5-0)

CF Ismael Munguia0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
.276/.376/.368 in 95 PA with more walks (9) than strikeouts (7).
DH Jesus Rodriguez0-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: 6-for-25 with more walks (8) than strikeouts (7). 
LF Dominic Smith2-for-4, R
1B Jose Rojas0-for-4, 2 K
C Ronaldo Hernandez1-for-3, RBI, R, BB
3B Jake Gatewood1-for-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, R, K
Gatewood’s home run traveled 383 feet at 109.6 MPH. Between here and Somerset, 11 of his 15 hits have gone for extra bases.
SS Andrew Velazquez0-for-3, K
RF Grant Richardson0-for-3, K
2B Max Burt2-for-3, 3B (1), R, K

RHP Allan Winans3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 10 K
Winans has 20 strikeouts in 9.1 innings. He tied his personal best for strikeouts in a game.
RHP Kervin Castro: (W, 2-0) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
1.42 ERA (12.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 15 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Reyzelman topped out at 96.4 MPH. Season: 2.79 ERA (9.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 11 K)
RHP Yerry De Los Santos1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.08 ERA (8.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 9 K). He is on the 40-man roster, giving him one advantage over the depth chart competition.


Somerset (7-10) (Lost to Hartford, 4-2)

3B Dylan Jasso2-for-4, RBI, CS (1)
.283/.333/.491 in 57 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 12 R, 5.3% BB, 14.0% K). Jasso has six multi-hit efforts in his last nine games. He is 22 and trying this level for the first time, which is encouraging.
DH Spencer Jones0-for-3, CS (1), BB, 2 K
.250/.384/.583 in 73 PA (2 doubles, 6 HR, 11 RBI, 13 R, 4-for-5 SB, 16.4% BB, 32.9% K). Last year, in 544 PA at this level, he hit .259/.336/.452 (9.9% BB, 36.8% K). He relied heavily on BABIP last season (.401). This season, he is at .300.
1B Rafael Flores0-for-4, 2 K
CF Garrett Martin1-for-3, 2B (2), R, 2 SB (4), BB
.186/.352/.372 in 54 PA (2 doubles, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 9 R, 4-for-5 SB, 11.1% BB, 14.8% K). His .182 BABIP should normalize.
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-4, 2 K
Colmenares’ Double-A debut.
RF Cole Gabrielson0-for-3, SB (7), BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-4, 2 K
C Antonio Gomez0-for-1, R, 3 BB, K
Since promotion: 2-for-16 with three walks and eight strikeouts.
LF Christopher Familia0-for-2, RBI, BB, K

RHP Bailey Dees5.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
5.54 ERA (13 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 3 HR, 10 BB, 13 K). He has two good starts, one bad one.
RHP Cole Percival0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter (L, 0-1): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
I would rather this happen on a rehab stint than in an important game.
RHP Harrison Cohen1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.35 ERA (7.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 9 K)
RHP Jordany Ventura1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Hudson Valley (11-6) (Swept in a doubleheader by Asheville)

Game 1 (Lost, 9-5)

CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (2), HR (3), 3 RBI, R
SS George Lombard Jr.0-for-2, 2 SB (9), 2 BB
LF Jackson Castillo0-for-3, 2 K
.244/.404/.341 in 52 PA (21.2% BB, 28.8% K)
RF Jace Avina1-for-3, K
DH Omar Martinez0-for-2, BB
1B Coby Morales1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R
Morales isn’t known for his power (6th HR in 137 career games)
3B Josh Moylan0-for-2, R, BB, 2 K
2B Brenny Escanio0-for-2, 2 R, BB
C Tomas Frick0-for-3, K

RHP Ben Hess: (L, 1-1)  3.2 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 6 BB, 4 K, HR
Hess didn’t allow an earned run in his first two starts. Season: 3.38 ERA (13.1 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 22 K)
LHP Will Brian1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 12 K
RHP Matt Keating0.2 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Lost, 3-2, in ten innings)

CF Brendan Jones1-for-4, 2 SB (10), BB, K
SS George Lombard Jr.1-for-4, 2B (2), R, BB, K
Doubleheader: 1-for-6, 2B, R, 2 SB, 3 BB, K. Lombard has more walks (15) than strikeouts (14) and is hitting .286 with a .892 OPS. If you want a negative (why would you?), he has only four extra-base hits in 15 games. That does not concern me.
C Omar Martinez0-for-4, R, CS (1), BB, 3 K
LF Jace Avina2-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
1B Coby Morales0-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan1-for-4
DH Tomas Frick0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
RF Anthony Hall0-for-3, SB (2), BB, 2 K
2B Duncan Pastore0-for-2, SB (1), 2 BB, K
Pastore’s High-A debut.

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, HR
Lagrange allowed a lead-off home run before settling in to provide a dominant performance. Season: 5.14 ERA (14 IP, 13 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 24 K). Most of the bad stuff happened in his first start (Last 2 starts: 11 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 17 K).
RHP Chris Kean: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
6.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
4.91 ERA (7.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 11 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia (L, 0-1): 0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K


Tampa (7-10) (Lost to Dunedin, 6-5)

SS Roderick Arias0-for-4, SB (8), BB, K
.161/.297/.274 in 74 PA (4 doubles, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 9 R, 8-for-8 SB, 14.9% BB, 27.0% K). It’s only 15 games, but he played 124 games here last year. It is time to pick up the pace.
C Edgleen Perez0-for-4, 2 K
I am not sure why Perez was pulled.
   3B Juan Matheus0-for-1, K
3B-1B Parks Harber3-for-4, 3B (2), R, K
.322/.429/.593 in 70 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 9 R, 3-for-4 SB, 14.3% BB, 28.6% K). Harber has back-to-back 3-hit efforts.
DH Dillon Lewis0-for-3, SB (5), HBP, K
.185/.267/.259 in 60 PA. Lewis is 8-for-9 stealing bases in 29 minor league games. We are still waiting for last year’s 13th-round pick’s bat to blossom.
LF Tyler Wilson1-for-4, RBI, R
RF Austin Green0-for-3, R, BB, K
2B Hans Montero2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
.233/.303/.333 in 33 PA. Montero was a bonus baby when he signed, but full-season ball is eating him up (.206/.305/.333 last season).
CF Marshall Toole2-for-4, K
Toole’s tools include speed (11-for-13 SB in 25 career games) and defense. It’s up to the bat if he is going to advance.
1B-C Josue Gonzalez0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Danny Flatt3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
4.66 ERA (9.2 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 6 K)
RHP Alex Bustamante1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Brady Kirtner2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.86 ERA (9.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 8 K)
RHP Jackson Fristoe (L, 1-1): 2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/22: Brendan Beck is Cruising

Notes:

Yoendrys Gomez being designated for assignment surprised me. I thought that Ryan Yarbrough would be the first long reliever on the chopping block, but that wasn’t the case.

Can Gomez get through waivers?  I have learned through the years that I am terrible at perceived value. I see a talented kid. Others may see damaged goods. Furthermore, any team that claims him has the same problem the Yankees had: They can’t option him to the minors. If he clears waivers, he doesn’t have enough service time to reject an outright assignment by the Yankees.

If you look at nothing but ERA, Gomez is having an effective season. Under the hood, however, he isn’t.

DJ LeMahieu began his rehab assignment in Somerset today.  Clayton Beeter‘s rehab was moved from Tampa to Somerset.

A few promotion notes: Infielder Jose Colmenares was promoted to Somerset from Hudson Valley, while Duncan Pastore was promoted from Tampa to Hudson Valley.

Injury Log


Scranton (11-10) (Lost to Charlotte, 5-4, in 11 innings)

CF Ismael Munguia0-for-3, CS (2), 2 BB
C Jesus Rodriguez1-for-4, SF, RBI, 2 K
Since his promotion, Rodriguez is 6-for-23 (.261) with six walks and six strikeouts.
LF Dominic Smith1-for-4, R, BB
3B Jose Rojas0-for-3, 2 BB
1B Ronaldo Hernandez1-for-5, 2B (3)
SS Andrew Velazquez0-for-5, R, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson2-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, K
Richardson hit a home run with two outs in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game. He is 8-for-25 (.320) at this level (1-for-12 for Somerset).
2B Max Burt1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
DH Edinson Duran0-for-3, SAC, 2 K

RHP Jake Woodford3.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.70 ERA (7.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 11 K)
RHP Colten Brewer2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
LHP Rob Zastryzny1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
7.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 6 BB, 8 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: (L, 1-1)  2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K


Somerset (7-9) (Defeated Hartford, 7-3. Eight of Somerset’s 11 hits went for extra bases. That’s how you win!)

3B Dylan Jasso2-for-5, 2B (3), HR (2), RBI, 2 R, K
In his first five games, he earned zero extra-base hits. In his last seven games, he’s compiled five extra-base hits.
2B DJ LeMahieu3-for-3, 2B (1), HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 R
I am not a big fan of LeMahieu’s potential return, but no complaints about Game 1. He’ll likely use up most (if not all) of the 20 days before the Yankees have a decision to make.
  2B Alexander Vargas0-for-2
LeMahieu wasn’t going to play a full game tonight.
CF Spencer Jones2-for-2, 2B (2), R, 2 BB
His OPS is over 1.000 (.263/.391/.614 in 69 PA). His K% is 33.9 (15.9% BB)
C Rafael Flores1-for-4, 2B (3), 2 RBI, R, K
Flores has 15 RBI in 16 games (.262/.328/.459)
RF Garrett Martin1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, CS (1), K
.175/.340/.350 in 50 PA.
SS Jake Gatewood: 2-for-4, 2B (8), K
Gatewood leads the Eastern League with eight doubles.
LF Cole Gabrielson0-for-2, SB (6), 2 BB
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-4
DH Jared Wegner0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Brendan Beck (W, 2-0): 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3 starts: 15 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 13 K.  You couldn’t ask for a better start to the season.
RHP Indigo Diaz1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Pacheco2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.35 ERA (7.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 1 BB, 10 K)
RHP Kelly Austin1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
7.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K. 


Hudson Valley (11-4)

Their game against Asheville was postponed due to wet grounds. They will attempt to play two tomorrow.


Tampa (7-9) (Lost to Dunedin, 6-3. Whenever Tampa plays at “home,” we don’t get StatCast data, as they aren’t playing in Steinbrenner Field this year. We get exit velocity and pitch velocity readings, though)

SS Roderick Arias1-for-5, SB (7), K
DH Edgleen Perez2-for-2, SF, RBI, SB (2), 2 BB
First ten games: 4-for-35, 5 BB, 15 K. Last four games: 5-for-11, 9 BB, 3 K. The 18-year-old has adjusted nicely. 
CF Brian Sanchez1-for-5, 2B (6), 2 K
C Engelth Urena1-for-4, K
3B Parks Harber: 3-for-4, 2 2B (3), R, K
Harber is hitting .278/.398/.489 in 161 PA at this level over the last two years. They will consider promoting him at some point.
LF Tyler Wilson1-for-4, RBI, SB (4), 2 K
RF Dillon Lewis0-for-3, BB, K
2B Austin Green1-for-4, 3B (1), R
Green’s first career extra-base hit (17th game).
1B Josue Gonzalez1-for-3, 2B (2), SF, RBI, R, K

RHP Andrew Landry6 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Landry bounces back nicely after a rough start last time out (1.1 IP, 8 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 4 BB, 2 K). I like it when young pitchers brush off tough starts.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: (L, 0-1)  1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
RHP Tony Rossi1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
7.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 12 K. Rossi won’t be here for long at this rate.


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/17: Spencer Jones Homers Twice (Again)

Notes:

The catching carousel continues. Today, Somerset activated 20-year-old Diomedes Hernandez from the Development List. He played first base in tonight’s game but is also a catcher.

Scranton placed IF Braden Shewmake on the injured list. IF Max Burt was promoted to Scranton to take his place. Shewmake is likely the most random player on the Yankees’ 40-man roster. The 27-year-old is hitting .222/.386/.378 in 58 plate appearances for Scranton while playing 2B/SS/3B.


Scranton (10-7) (Lost to Durham, 7-1)

RF Ismael Munguia1-for-3, 2B (4), SF, RBI
2B Jorbit Vivas2-for-4
Vivas has five multi-hit games and is hitting .339/.419/.500. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (10-for-20).
DH Everson Pereira2-for-4
Nobody follows Pereira for singles, but we’ll take it!  He is hitting .288/.356/.481 in 59 PA.
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-4, 2 K
LF Dominic Smith0-for-4
3B Jose Rojas1-for-4
C Ronaldo Hernandez0-for-3, K
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-3, 2B (3), R, K
CF Duke Ellis0-for-3, K

RHP Jake Woodford: (L, 0-1)  2.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 H, 2 HR
RHP Kervin Castro2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP McKinley Moore1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
The erratic Moore was recently activated off the Development List.
LHP Brent Headrick2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Headrick pitched well in his appearances for the Yankees this season. We’ll toss this.


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

SS Jake Gatewood0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
LF Spencer Jones: 3-for-5, 2 HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 R
Jones has two 2-HR games this season (five in his career).  He is hitting .273/.385/.636 in 52 PA (1 double, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 10 R, 4-for-4 SB, 13.5% BB, 32.7% K). I talk about the strikeouts because that is important. It is also important to point out how talented this kid is. There might be a unicorn here, which could be good or bad.
C Rafael Flores2-for-4, 2 K
3B Tyler Hardman0-for-4, 4 K
CF Garrett Martin1-for-4
DH Cole Gabrielson1-for-3, 2 SB (5), BB
The 24-year-old is hitting .250/.371/.357 in 35 PA. He is 23-for-29 stealing bases in his career.
RF Jared Wegner0-for-3, BB, 2 K
2B Alexander Vargas0-for-3, R, SB (2), BB, 2 K
1B Diomedes Hernandez: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, 2 K
Hernandez’s first Double-A at-bat resulted in an RBI double. He played in 28 games for the FCL/Tampa squads last year, hitting .272/.341/.333 with a homer and 14 RBI.

RHP Cam Schlittler: (L, 1-1)  4.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
The Patriots didn’t help his cause behind him (four errors, one after he left the game that allowed a 6th run to score).  Season: 1.80 ERA (15 IP, 11 H, 8 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 15 K).
RHP Indigo Diaz1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Harrison Cohen1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 6 K
RHP Danny Watson1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K


Hudson Valley (8-4) (Defeated Wilmington, 5-1)

CF Brendan Jones1-for-2, HR (1), RBI, 3 R, 3 SB (6), 3 BB
Jones has homered in back-to-back games.  He has eight walks in 10 games (29 BB in 24 games in 2024).  He is 24-for-25 stealing bases in his brief career.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 SB (7), BB, K
.333/.500/.500 in 50 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 11 R, 7-for-8 SB, 22% BB, 22% K). You can’t ask for much more from his first 50 plate appearances.
LF Jackson Castillo2-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, 2 K
.263/.429/.368 in 49 PA. In 133 minor league games, Castillo is hitting .261/.390/.404 (26 doubles, 4 triples, 10 HR, 72 RBI, 80 R, 26-for-32 SB, 16.9% BB, 21.7% K). Certainly something to build on.
RF Jace Avina1-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
DH Omar Martinez0-for-4, 4 K
3B Josh Moylan0-for-4, 2 K
1B Coby Morales0-for-2, 2 BB
2B Brenny Escanio1-for-4, R
C Tomas Frick1-for-4, R, K

RHP Josh Grosz: (W, 1-0) 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, HR
Nice bounceback after a tough 2025 debut. Grosz struck out 12 in a game last season, so striking hitters out is a part of his game.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Hayden Merda2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K


Tampa (6-6) (Defeated St. Lucie, 6-1. Tampa pitchers combined for 17 strikeouts)

SS Roderick Arias1-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, R, BB, K
Back-to-back games with a double for Arias.  He is hitting .156/.283/.244 in 53 PA.
DH Edgleen Perez1-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
A much-needed 2-run double for the struggling 18-year-old. Hopefully, he can build off that.
RF Brian Sanchez0-for-5, 2 K
C Engelth Urena1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R
Urena has homered in back-to-back games. You should watch this kid closely, as he has big-time power potential.
3B Parks Harber1-for-2, HR (3), RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
Harber should hit here, and he is (.270/.401/.496 in 34 games the last two years). He should get to Hudson Valley at some point.
LF Tyler Wilson1-for-4, 2 K
2B Austin Green1-for-4, K
CF Marshall Toole0-for-3, BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-3, R, BB, 3 K

LHP Griffin Herring: (W, 2-0)  6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 9 K
Herring allows his first career earned run.  Season: 0.55 ERA (16.1 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 22 K). Herring isn’t a hard-throwing lefty, but he can live at 92-94 with his 4-seamer and sinker. If he continues to throw well, there is no reason to keep him from Hudson Valley.
RHP Tony Rossi: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Rossi (25) threw a 96.7 MPH sinker and a 90.4 MPH changeup tonight. Go ahead and try to hit that.  As previously stated, he is old for the level, but it is his debut season. They will move him quickly if he continues to throw like this (6.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K).
RHP Chris Veach1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.