Tag: Rafael Flores

My Take: Yankees Acquire David Bednar & Jake Bird

Other takes:

Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

The Details:

The Yankees acquire RHP David Bednar and RHP Jake Bird
The Pirates acquire C/1B Rafael Flores, C Edgleen Perez, and OF Brian Sanchez
The Rockies acquire 2B Roc Riggio and LHP Ben Shields

This isn’t a 3-team deal, as the Pirates and Rockies didn’t interact with each other. Nor should they ever interact with each other.

However, from the Yankees’ standpoint, I will combine the moves due to time and laziness.

What the Yankees get:

While Brian Cashman was likely looking for a right-handed and a left-handed reliever, left-handed relievers aren’t easy to find on the market. So he pivoted to a pair of right-handed options with team control.

I will start with the more significant of the two.

Bednar, the Pirates’ closer over the past four seasons, is in the upper echelon of relievers in baseball, even with his odd 2024 campaign. Off to a Devin Williams-like start (11.70 ERA in March/April), Bednar turned that around in May and June before sustaining an oblique injury. I don’t know if that impacted his August (10.97 ERA), but he bounced back again to post a solid September.

That silliness aside, Bednar has been good for a while. This season, the 30-year-old owns a 2.37 ERA (1.96 FIP) over 38 innings with strong strikeout (33.1%) and walk (6.5%) rates. Additionally, his 41.3% ground ball rate is slightly below the league average. If you know me, you know that right-handed flyball pitchers scare me in Yankee Stadium. Bednar’s ground ball rate is fine, and when you combine it with top-notch strikeout rates, that is a good combination. From his profile, he doesn’t beat himself. The Yankees can use him in the 7th, 8th, or 9th innings with the possibility of being their 2026 closer. I don’t know what the organization thinks of Williams at this point, but I wouldn’t completely write him off as an extension candidate. Same with Luke Weaver. 

One thing to watch is Bednar’s splits and how Matt Blake tries to negate those splits. He is vastly better against left-handed hitters (.416 OPS) than right-handed hitters (.776 OPS) this year. His splits are more even throughout his career, so this could be a fluke.

Bednar is still in his arbitration years, earning $5.9 million this year. The Yankees are on the hook for $1.87M of that.

While I label Jake Bird as the “lesser” of the two acquisitions, we shouldn’t mistake that for him being mediocre. The 29-year-old, who is controlled through 2028, doesn’t own Bednar’s eye-popping stats. His career ERA (4.57) and FIP (4.14) don’t stand out, though is 4.73 ERA this year comes with a 3.45 FIP. Additionally, thanks to ballpark adjustments, his career ERA+ is 105.

The most intriguing thing about Bird is the spike in his strikeout rate, which is up to 26.3% in 2025 (19.3% entering this year).  Combine that with a strong GB% (48%), and you have an intriguing arm coming out of Colorado. Yes, he is indeed more dominant at home than on the road, which seems to go against the laws of baseball. That may be hard to explain, but it shouldn’t bother you.

One negative is the awful July Bird has experienced. After a strong start, Bird suddenly crashed and burned, compiling a 19.89 ERA and 12.5% strikeout rate. If the Yankees are comfortable that it isn’t injury-related, we can chalk it up to a bump in the road. His BABIP this month is unsustainable (.481).

Bird doesn’t throw as hard as Bednar. He averages 94.2 MPH with his seldom-used 4-seamer (0.7%!), relying more on a sinker/slider/curve combination with a few cutters mixed in. His ability to mix pitches allows him to average more than an inning per appearance, which adds to his value. The Yankees are unlikely to need him to close games, but he can be used as a 6th/7th inning guy alongside Fernando Cruz and/or Mark Leiter Jr. when they come back.

What the Pirates Get:

Rafael Flores should make his debut in 2025. A top ten prospect in the Yankees’ system, he is hitting .279/.351/.475 in 419 plate appearances with 23 doubles, 16 home runs, and 51 runs batted in. He has had a slow start since his promotion to Scranton (.211/.388/.289), but I do not doubt that Flores will hit. Whether he can hit enough to be an MLB first baseman, I don’t know. Whether he is good enough defensively to stick as an MLB catcher, I don’t know.  What I do know is this: The Yankees took an undrafted free agent and developed him to the point where his value was good enough to be the top prospect in a deal for an elite relief pitcher. That’s a win.

Edgleen Perez is an interesting teenager who made it to Low-A this season. The first thing that stands out is his ability to take walks. He owns a 17.9% BB that goes with a solid 19.5% K rate. The power has yet to show up in his profile (.236 slugging percentage), but that could be tied back to him being a developing teenage catcher. His advanced hitting approach is tantalizing, and the ceiling as an MLB starting catcher exists. However, that is a long time away, and catchers can be tricky in their development arc.

I talked about Flores going from an undrafted free agent to the top prospect dealt in a significant trade. Brian Sanchez went from being part of a Jake Bauers trade to a deal sweetener. Currently on the injured list, Sanchez is hitting .281/.373/.438 in 286 Low-A plate appearances with four homers and 24 stolen bases. The 21-year-old has plenty of minor league control (he isn’t Rule 5 eligible until after 2027). There are a lot of Sanchez-like players in Low-A. The Yankees have a few of their own. I wouldn’t worry about his development.

What the Rockies Get:

Roc Riggio had a fun name and an interesting profile. He isn’t built like a big-time power threat, yet he hit 18 home runs in 62 games this season, including 11 in 40 games for Somerset. Known for his dead-pull power profile (which probably made you excited to see him in Yankee Stadium), his biggest issue is where he plays. He is anchored to second base, which is fine if he can keep hitting at an above-average rate. In a world where MLB teams value versatility, he loses a few points. However, I can see him as a 30-double, 20-home run (at least) threat in Colorado. Whether that power comes with solid hitting skills elsewhere, we’ll see. But I think he is a good get for the Rockies. A 156 wRC+ in your first 40 Double-A games is nothing to sneeze at. I am a fan.

Like Flores, Ben Shields was an undrafted asset whom they converted into a desirable trade piece. The 26-year-old jumped on the prospect scene last season, compiling a 3.48 ERA (3.23 FIP) over 106 innings between Hudson Valley, Somerset, and Scranton.  His one awful appearance in Scranton impacted those solid numbers. This year, thanks to injury, he has appeared in only nine games (35.1 innings). He has MLB potential but was unlikely to make it as a Yankee.

The Bottom Line:

For new readers, you may be starting to get the sense that I am not your typical “prospect-hugging” blogger. To me, prospects have two purposes: Keep them or trade them. Some prospects don’t fit into your long-term plans, but fit in someone else’s. Hence, a trade is born. If you are a Yankees fan, your default setting should be MLB talent over minor league talent, because that is ultimately how they operate. And, despite what you may think of Cashman, the prospects he trades away rarely come back to haunt the team. That doesn’t mean the returns have always worked out. However, the organization appears to have a decent grasp of who to retain and who to trade.

These are two solid moves at reasonable prices, given the team control that comes with Bedner and Bird. The prices they paid are in line with what other teams have been offering for similarly skilled players.

The Yankees haven’t given up a top prospect at the deadline, trading off Rafael Flores, Roc Riggio, Edgleen Perez, Brian Sanchez, Clayton Beeter, Ben Shields, Griffin Herring, Josh Grosz, Gage Ziehl, and Browm Martinez. Interestingly, they used more of their position player depth in these trades, which goes against their typical usage of pitching depth. That comes down to what other teams are desiring. The Pirates reportedly were looking for position players at the deadline, and that is what the Yankees gave them.

This is another solid deadline deal. The Yankees filled their bullpen needs while trading away only one Top 10 prospect.

If you are fretting over the prospects given up, relax. I like Flores. I think Riggio is fun, and Herring is having a fantastic season. However, they didn’t give up any of their significant prospects while improving their roster where it was needed.

That’s a win.

Yankees MILB 7/27: Jesus Rodriguez Hits Two 3-Run Homers

Notes:

In case you missed them, here is my article on the Ryan McMahon transaction and my analysis of the Amed Rosario transaction.

OF Spencer Jones missed his third straight game today (back spasms). With tomorrow’s off-day, he will have four days off going into Tuesday.

Injury Log

Scranton (59-39; 21-5 in second half) (Defeated Rochester, 8-7. Clayton Beeter had to do nothing more than switch dugouts. He appeared in this game, tossing a scoreless inning with a walk and strikeout).

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2 HR (5), 6 RBI, 2 R, SB (16), BB, K
You may as well extend your hitting streak to 15 in style. This is his third career 2-HR game (2023, 2024), and he sets a personal best for RBI in a game. He is hitting .320/.414/.437 since his promotion and .302/.394/.409 overall. As for his future with the organization, your guess is as good as mine. They valued him enough to protect him from the Rule 5 draft last winter, so there is something they like, perhaps as a trade chip.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, CS (2), BB, K
Rumfield has a 5-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games (including eight multi-hit efforts).
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-5, 3 K
Flores’ 30th multi-hit game this season (second with Scranton).
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-5, 2 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, R, HBP, BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-5, HR (10), 2 RBI, R, K
De La Cruz is what he is: 10 HR in 54 games since signing with the Yankees. 
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4
  2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-0
2B-SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-3, 2B (15), 2 R, BB
CF Duke Ellis: 2-for-4, 2 R, K

RHP Sean Boyle: 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.58 ERA (92.1 IP, 85 H, 54 R, 47 ER, 11 HR, 31 BB, 92 K)
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Bailey Dees: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: (W, 2-0)  0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Since signing: 8.1 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 1 BB, 11 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 1.46 ERA (12.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 11 K)
RHP Baron Stuart (S, 1): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Stuart’s first career save.

Somerset (51-45; 16-11 in second half) (Lost to Erie, 7-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 3 K
He’s been hitting better lately, so we’ll toss this. 
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, K
Never easy to win when your top three go 0-for-12 with six strikeouts.
3B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-4, 3B (6)
Jasso has back-to-back 3-hit efforts and four multi-hit efforts during his 6-game hitting streak. It has increased his triple slash from .261/.334/.453 to .275/.342/.458.  Jasso, a right-handed bat, is much better against RHP than he is LHP.
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, 2B (5), 2 K
.220/.290/.390 since his promotion and .228/.325/.381 overall. His BB%, one of his strengths, is only 9.7% since his promotion. Pitchers tend to have better control and command when they get to Double-A.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Ben Shields: (L, 1-2)  5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, HR
3.42 ERA (23.2 IP, 19 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 26 K). Overall, he is up to 35.2 innings since coming back from injury.
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.23 ERA (30.2 IP, 26 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 29 K)

Hudson Valley (57-36; 20-10 second half) (Defeated Rome, 6-3)

CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, R, BB
DH Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, 2B (6), 2 RBI, R, CS (1), BB
Lewis is caught stealing for the second time in his career (23-for-25). He increases his hitting streak to nine straight (14-for-33).
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-4, RBI
2B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-4, 2B (17), RBI
Colmenares has three doubles and two homers in his last five games.
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI, R, K
C John Cristino: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
LF Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, R, HBP, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2, R, CI

LHP Kyle Carr: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
2.16 ERA (87.1 IP, 59 H, 30 R, 21 ER, 5 HR, 38 BB, 76 K). The walk rate isn’t ideal, and he doesn’t strike out a ton of hitters. However, he is tough to hit (hitters were hitting .192/.281/.269 with a 51.1% GB rate entering today). 
RHP Chris Kean: (W, 5-2) 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (45-47; 9-18 in the second half)  (Lost to Clearwater, 4-2. Suffice to say, the playoffs aren’t looking likely)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, HBP, K
I will say what I said when he struggled mightily at the beginning of the season: You have to keep throwing him out there. He’s up to 372 plate appearances.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-1, 4 BB, K
Arias also had a 4-walk effort on June 6th. It isn’t his personal best as he walked five times in a DSL game in 2022. Despite many offensive issues, the ability to take walks has always been there (14.9% rate in 2025). He needs better ball-to-bat skills. Whether he can develop that tough-to-master skill, I don’t know.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-5, K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, R, BB, K
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-5, K
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
Rodriguez is 11-for-46 (.239/.327/.348) since his promotion. 
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, RBI
Tejeda with his first hit since coming back from his rehab stint (1-for-10). 
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, BB
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K

LHP Xavier Rivas (L, 2-3): 4 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Since his 13-strikeout effort: 14.1 IP, 17 H, 17 R, 15 ER, 4 HR, 11 BB, 16 K. 
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Coleman started a rehab stint on May 20th, disappeared on June 5th, and reappeared today. It’s been a journey for the 27-year-old, who was once a top relief prospect before injuries took over his career. He was coveted enough for the Texas Rangers to take him in the Rule 5 draft, even though he was hurt. After spending the entire 2024 campaign on the injured list, they returned him to the Yankees before 2025. Anyway, despite the shoulder injury and the downtime, he was still hitting 95.8 MPH today with his sinker. Crazy.
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Mendoza was promoted from the FCL (season over) today. Already 21, he spent five years in the rookie leagues (two in the DSL, three in the FCL) before getting this chance. Injuries were an issue as he tossed only 104.2 innings in those five years, compiling a 3.44 ERA and 146/59 K/BB. He maxed at 95.4 MPH during this appearance.
RHP Sean Hermann: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.05 ERA (44 IP, 28 H, 17 R, 10 ER, 0 HR, 29 BB, 33 K). 
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.09 ERA (33 IP, 29 H, 20 R, 15 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 34 K)

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (16-23)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (21-18)

Day off.

By the way, there is a new playoff format in the DSL. Sixteen squads (eight division winners and eight teams with the best records after the division winners are determined) make the tournament, which is called the “DSL Cup.”

The tournament is played World Cup style. The 16 teams are broken down into four pods of four teams each. They will do a round-robin where the team with the best record advances to the semifinals. Both the semifinals and the finals are best-of-three.

You might think 16 teams is a lot. The DSL is a 52-team league, as most franchises have two teams, and unlike other minor leagues, every MLB franchise plays in the same league.

“Wait! 30 x 2 = 60! Which MLB teams don’t have two squads?” The cheapskates are the Twins, Athletics, Nationals, Cardinals, Braves, Angels, Mariners, and White Sox. You are probably shocked by a few of those.

The Bombers currently rank 18th overall and are three games behind the Miami Marlins in their division.

Yankees MILB 7/22: Kyle Carr is Rolling

Notes:

Just in time for the trade deadline, LHP Henry Lalane began a rehab assignment in the FCL today.

Injury Log

Scranton (55-38; 17-4 in second half) (Lost to Rochester, 7-1)

LF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, K
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB, K
He’s human!  Jones is now 29-for-71 (.408) since his promotion.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-2, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 BB
Flores hits his first Triple-A home run (16th HR overall this season)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-4, 2 K
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, K
2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-2, BB, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3

RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 7-7)  3.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, HR
Boyle was activated off the injured list today.
RHP Yerry De los Santos: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
His rehab was moved here from Somerset today.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 0.87 ERA (10.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 9 K)

Somerset (48-43; 13-9 in second half) (Lost to Erie, 4-3, in ten innings)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2 BB
Lombard Jr. owns a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-21; 2 doubles, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K). Known for his ability to draw walks, tonight ended an 8-game drought in that category. Additionally, he hasn’t stolen a base since June 28th. Those last two facts shouldn’t concern you, but the hitting streak that includes some power should encourage you.
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-5, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, K
Since promotion: 5-for-25 with a double and a pair of homers. Overall, he is hitting .284/.405/.502 in 252 PA (14 doubles, 10 HR, 36 RBI, 44 R, 4-for-5 SB). He has reached double digits in homers in all four of his minor league seasons.
2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-5, 3 K
Riggio is 3-for-22 since his 4-for-5 day on July 5th. Baseball!
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-5
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-5, 2B (4), R, 2 K
Since promotion: .226/.306/.387 in 72 PA (4 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 10 R, 8 BB, 19 K). 
CF Brendan Jones: 0-f0r-3, BB, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, K
DH Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, SB (12), BB, K
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, 2B (5), R, SB (4), BB, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: 7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, HR
His first start at this level wasn’t great (6 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 K). The follow-up is much better. The home run is only the second home run he has allowed this season (96.2 IP), and he owns a 109/39 K/BB.  Expect his name to come up in trade talks.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Last four appearances: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K. All four walks were in one of those appearances.
RHP Indigo Diaz: (L, 7-2)  0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (52-35; 15-9 second half) (Defeated Rome, 4-3)

CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4
LF Coby Morales: 2-for-4, 2B (17), 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, 2 R
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, 2B (15), RBI, R, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan: 2-for-3, 2B (13), BB
Moylan has three multi-hit efforts in his last four games and is hitting .306/.432/.528 in July.
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, RBI, R
Since promotion: 9-for-44 with a double and six RBI.
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, BB, K
DH John Cristino: 1-for-4, 3 K
Cristino’s High-A debut after hitting .333/.400/.538 in the FCL.
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, RBI, K

LHP Kyle Carr: 6.2 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
2.18 ERA (82.2 IP, 57 H, 29 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 36 BB, 72 K).  Last five starts: 0.00 ERA (29 IP, 17 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 31 K). The 23-year-old, who was drafted in the third round in 2023, is making his case for a trip to Somerset.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert (W, 3-0): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Gilbert did allow both inherited runners to score.
RHP Huey Morrill (S, 5): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Between here and Somerset (2 games): 0.51 ERA (35 IP, 14 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 25 K)

Tampa (45-44; 9-15 in the second half) (Lost to Dunedin, 6-3)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, R, BB, K
Perez puts an end to his 0-for-23 slide.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, R, K
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, R, K
.265/.359/.350 in 348 PA (20 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 39 RBI, 44 R, 35-for-43 SB, 12.9% BB, 20.4% K).  This is his 21st multi-hit effort this season
CF Willy Montero: 3–for-4, RBI, CS (2)
Montero is 12-for-40 (.300) since returning from his rehab stint.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-3, RBI, BB
Tejeda’s rehab is over, and he has been officially assigned to Tampa.
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, K
  1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1, K
LF Marshall Toole: 0-for-2, RBI, 2 BB
1B-RF Hans Montero: 0-for-4, 3 K

RHP Andrew Landry: (L, 4-4) 4.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
Landry is back after making one emergency start for Hudson Valley.
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Gus Hughes: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.22 ERA (32 IP, 29 H, 20 R, 15 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 33 K)

FCL (28-29) (Defeated the Phillies, 8-5, in ten innings. If they can get the Tigers on Thursday, they will finish the season at .500.)

SS Dexters Peralta: 2-for-4, HR (2), RBI, 3 R, 2 SB (10), BB, K
It was going to be impossible for Peralta to recover fully from his dreadful start. After a .097/.171/.097 May, he put up a .103/.232/.121 June. All the credit to the 18-year-old for not giving up on his season, and he is hitting .271/.333/.438 in July.
CF Isael Arias: 1-for-4, RBI, R, SB (26), CS (2), K
Imagine how many stolen bases he would have compiled if his OBP were higher than .264.
C Ediel Rivera: 1-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Rivera hit a walk-off 3-run home run in the 10th. The 19-year-old is hitting .233/.348/.353 in 181 plate appearances during his debut season.
DH Luis Escudero: 1-for-2, HR (3), RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
It hasn’t been a long career (three seasons), but he has set a new personal best for home runs in a season.
1B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-3, R, HBP, K

LHP Henry Lalane: 3 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
You likely know the Lalane story by now. The talent is immense. Staying healthy has been a problem (36 innings the last three seasons).
RHP Jose Martinez: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
3.20 ERA (19.2 IP, 19 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 23 K). The 20-year-old has shown impressive control in his young career (17 BB in 86 innings).
LHP Pedro Rodriguez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Hansel Rosario (W, 2-1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

DSL Yankees (14-22) (Lost to the DSL Twins, 12-7. They allowed six runs in the top of the 9th.)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-5, R, 2 K
SS Mani Cedeno: 3-for-5, 2B (3), 2 RBI, R, 4 SB (11), K
It is fair to say that this is a career-best performance for the 16-year-old. It’s his second 3-hit effort this season, and he is hitting .194/.374/.259 in 139 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 28 R, 11-for-12 SB, 17.99% BB, 35.97% K).
2B Carlos Bello: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (9), 2 BB, K
3B Richard Matic: 1-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-4, 2B (10), 2 RBI, 2 R,  2 SB (11), BB, K
The 19-year-old is expected to reach the FCL in 2026. He is hitting .273/.377/.522 in 122 PA.
RF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-4, 2B (5), SB (6), CS (3), BB, 2 K
Only 18, Montero has put together a strong campaign: .293/.386/.525 (5 doubles, 6 HR, 20 RBI, 14 R)

RHP Enixon Sanchez: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, HR
3.48 ERA (31 IP, 32 H, 16 R, 12 ER, 1 HR, 20 BB, 38 K)

DSL Bombers (19-17) (Squeaked past the 27-9 Rockies, 9-7)

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-3, RBI, R, CS (5), 2 BB, 2 K
.262/.443/.320 in 140 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 26 R, 19-for-24 SB, 23.6% BB, 25% K). A strong debut campaign for the 17-year-old bonus baby.
CF Ruben Castillo: 0-for-3, R, SB (14), BB, K
3B Juan Torres: 2-for-5, HR (3), 2 RBI, R
Speaking of 17-year-olds having strong debut campaigns, Torres has been incredible. He is hitting .337/.398/.488 in 98 PA (4 doubles, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 21 R, 10-for-15 SB, 4.1% BB, 13.3% K).
1B Leni Done: 1-for-5, RBI, R
LF David Carrera: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 3 R, BB, K
The 18-year-old launches his first professional home run (65th game).
C Carlos Rodon: 2-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI, R, K

LHP Ronald Tejada: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Alexis Gonzalez (W, 3-0): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Yankees MILB 7/20: Spencer Jones Has Gone Bananas

Notes:

According to the Baseball America signing tracker, 8th-round pick Mac Heuer has signed his name on the dotted line.  The Yankees have signed all of their picks from the first ten rounds.

The 21-year-old right-handed pitcher made 14 starts for Texas Tech in 2025, going 2-4 with a 6.28 ERA in 53 innings with a 48/23 K/BB. He was originally drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in 2023 but opted to go to college for two years. He also has Cape Cod League roots, throwing 6.2 innings as a 19-year-old in 2023.

I assume that his talent exceeds his performance, which makes sense. He is a big kid (6’5″) who supposedly hums in the mid-to-upper 90s.

In case you are wondering, first-round pick Dax Kilby received an overslot bonus of $2.8 million. The slot was $2,509,500. The Yankees saved slot money with 5th-round pick Core Jackson, who had low leverage as a college senior. When you look at the savings from his bonus, it covers what Kilby signed for.  Jackson is a shortstop out of the University of Utah.

We are still waiting on confirmation on RHP Brennan Stuprich (14th round; Southeastern Louisiana), SS Jackson Lovich (16th; Missouri), and RHP Hayden Morris (19th; Blinn College (JC)).  It appears that Stuprich and Lovich are signed but haven’t been added to the tracker. Morris has leverage as a Junior College kid. He could opt to go to a 4-year school.

So far, their picks between the 11th and 20th rounds have signed for the standard $150,000, which is more than Jackson received.  You are allowed to sign players in these rounds for more than $150,000, but any money over that counts against your bonus pool.

Injury Log

Scranton (55-37; 17-3 in second half) (Knocked out Worcester, 8-2, for their 11th straight win)

LF Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, HR (18), RBI, R, 2 K
Pereira, who is being overshadowed by a certain someone, has homered in three straight games.
CF Spencer Jones: 4-for-5, 2B (5), 2 HR (10), 2 RBI, 4 R, K (second straight 4-hit effort)
This is getting ridiculous. Today’s first home run was hit 445 feet at 109.6 MPH to center. He ties Ryan Ward (who hits minor league home runs for a living) for the overall minor league lead with 26. Last night, I commented that he was tied for first amongst all minor leaguers in OPS. After the dust cleared, he ended up being 0.01 points behind Mike Sirota. He should be in first place now in both OPS and wRC+ after today!
One of the criticisms (beyond the strikeouts) was his ground ball rate. This year, he has lowered that considerably, from 42.3% in 2024 to 30.7% (entering today). His percentages portray a player who hits the ball to all fields (not dead pull). That showed itself today, as his home runs were to center field and left field.
He is hitting .426/.481/.941 (1.422 OPS) since his promotion (16 games; 79 PA). That’s right: Jones has five doubles and ten home runs in 16 Triple-A games and 13 doubles/26 HR in 65 games overall.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-5, R, K
Fans in Scranton get to witness the multi-hit machine Flores is for the first time today. This is his 29th multi-hit effort this season.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, 2B (24), RBI, R, HBP
Rumfield is 16-for-31 (.516) during his 8-game hitting streak. He has eight multi-hit efforts in his last 11 games and is up to .311/.394/.505. 
3B Jeimer Candelario: 2-for-5, 2B (6), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Candelario is 7-for-40 (.175) with a pair of doubles since being signed.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, HBP, K
  RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-1
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, HBP, K
2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-4, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Carlos Carrasco: (W, 3-2)  7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, HR
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Bees’ Triple-A debut. He is a big kid who doesn’t wow you with velocity (maxed at 93.3 MPH). He also mixed in a slider and a changeup. It was nice to get some Savant data.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (48-42; 13-8 in second half) (Lost to Hartford, 3-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, R, K
Since the break: 4-for-14 with two doubles and two home runs (he has homered in back-to-back games). This follows a solid effort in the Futures Game over All-Star Weekend. 
2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, BB
Avina is 4-for-20 with a double and a homer since his promotion.
CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, K
Nice to see him get a hit, but the description of it in the 9th wasn’t flattering. Down 3-2 with one out in the 9th, he seemingly singled and was instantly caught in a rundown for the second out.  I would have to see this play because it’s very odd in its description.
DH Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, K
  PR Cam Eden: 0-for-0
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-1, R, 2 HBP

LHP Ben Shields: (L, 1-1) 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
At this level: 2.89 ERA (18.2 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 23 K). 
RHP Luis Pacheco: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
His rehab stint is over, as he was officially assigned here (instead of going to Scranton).

Hudson Valley (52-35; 14-9 second half) (Their game against Jersey Shore was postponed due to wet grounds. They will try to make it up on August 20th. Drenching rain crushed the Jersey Shore area overnight.)

Tampa (45-43; 9-14 in second half) (Lost to Dunedin, 7-1)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
.206/.369/.230 in 358 PA. Since I declared he was figuring on this level: 0-for-23 with only three of his trademark walks. 
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-5, 2 K
Arias is again pushing to reach .200 for the first time this season. He is at .198/.318/.304 and has three multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, R, 4 SB (35), BB
Stolen base rates: Before 2025: 38-for-55 (69.1%) in 109 games. 2025: 35-for-43 (81.4%) in 83 games.
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
The 11-game hitting streak is snapped. Toole is hitting .312/.418/.498 in 244 PA (12 doubles, 10 triples, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 46 R, 27-for-30 SB). He leads the Florida State League in batting average and (shockingly) slugging percentage despite hitting only two home runs. Additionally, he is second in OBP.
LF Hans Montero: 2-for-4, RBI, K
Montero, who is hitting .254/.335/.408, is adapting to his utility role. He has added 1B/LF/RF to 2B/3B this season. He no longer plays shortstop.
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Cade Smith: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
The 23-year-old’s rehab was moved from the FCL to here today. He touched 94.9 MPH with his four-seamer and used his entire arsenal. I am not sure I trust Savant’s data, which suggests he mixed six pitches. His best three pitches are his slider, curve, and 4-seamer. According to Pipeline, Smith is their 14th-ranked prospect
LHP Tanner Bauman: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Mariano Salomon: (L, 0-3) 2.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
1.86 ERA (38.2 IP, 28 H, 13 R, 8 ER, 4 HR, 20 BB, 52 K). Veach can dial it up to the mid-90s, which is important for his bread-and-butter changeup.

FCL (26-29)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (14-20)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (17-17)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 7/4: Everson Pereira Homers, Drives Home 3

Notes:

Bonus baby outfielder Brando Mayea was moved from the 7-day injured list to the 60-day injured list.

If he does come back in 2025, it will have to be in Low-A Tampa, as the FCL schedule will run out before he is eligible to come off the list. They can make it retroactive to May 31st.

Mayea, who signed for a whopping $4.35 million, hit a solid .276/.382/.400 in 38 DSL games in 2023. Promoted to the FCL for 2024, his power dissipated (no home runs), though he still hit .281/.370/.326 with 19 stolen bases in 22 attempts. Asked to repeat the level, the 19-year-old was hitting .297/.373/.500 with three homers and 19 RBI in 84 plate appearances. He will turn 20 in September, presumably without yet tasting a full-season league.

Injury Log

Scranton (44-37) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 5-4)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-5, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-2, HR (2), RBI, 3 R, 3 BB
Since promotion: .314/.410/.406 in 283 PA (12 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 41 R, 13.8% BB, 15.9% K). Rodriguez had a tough June, though he salvaged it by increasing his walk rate. He has ten walks in his last ten games.
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
Jones is 9-for-24 since his promotion (2 doubles, 3 HR, 5 BB, 10 K)
LF Everson Pereira: 2-for-5, HR (13), 3 RBI, R, K
.249/.336/.468 in 235 PA. In 129 Triple-A games (575 PA), he’s hitting .271/.353/.505 with 21 doubles, 31 homers, 99 RBI, and 109 runs. The downside is a 31.5% K rate.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, K
C Alex Jackson: 0-for-3, BB
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, BB, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-4

RHP Brendan Beck: 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Since promotion: 2.93 ERA (15.1 IP, 13 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 HR, 1 BB, 11 K). Overall: 2.07 ERA (69.2 IP, 51 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 13 BB, 63 K). He maxed at 93.7 with his 4-seam fastball tonight.
RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 6-6) 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.46 ERA (78.2 IP, 71 H, 45 R, 39 ER, 9 HR, 26 BB, 77 K). 

Somerset (40-39) (Won, 4-3, in ten innings)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-5, 2 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
Lombard Jr. continues to show off his patience (15.0% BB at this level after a 20.7% rate for Hudson Valley). Between the two levels, he has scored 58 runs while walking 57 times in 76 games.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, 2B (23), SF, RBI, BB
Flores has three doubles and a homer in four July games and eight doubles in his last 12 games.
CF Garrett Martin: 2-for-5, R, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-2, 2B (11), SF, RBI, BB
  PR Cam Eden: 0-for-0
  3B Max Burt: 0-for-0, SAC
DH Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, BB (intentional), 3 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-5, RBI, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, R, BB, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Sellers tossed a career-high 98 pitches. Season: 3.88 ERA (60.1 IP, 46 H, 29 R, 26 ER, 6 HR, 29 BB, 73 K).
RHP Sebastian Keane: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
Keane’s Double-A debut. Over the last two years for Hudson Valley, he pitched to a 4.47 ERA in 98.2 innings with a 102/54 K/BB. Some of that time was spent in the rotation.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Kelly Austin: (W, 2-1)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
He struck out the side with the ghost runner on second base in the 10th. Season: 3.86  ERA (25.2 IP, 22 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 24 K). Austin has struggled since a hot start (6 R in 2.2 innings over his last three games entering tonight). Good to see him put together a strong performance.

Hudson Valley (45-32) (Lost to Brooklyn, 7-4)

CF Jace Avina: 1-for-5, RBI, K
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, CI, K
Since promotion: .189/.244/.360 in 120 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 10 R, 4-for-4 SB, 5.8% BB, 21.7% K)
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-5, 2B (15), R
Morales is 6-for-14 with a pair of doubles in July. He was in a 0-for-15 slump heading into the month.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, K
Castillo finally breaks his home run drought (first HR since May 15th). He’s hitting .229/.325/.316 in 308 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 39 RBI, 33 R, 13-for-13 SB). The solid RBI number is due to a strong showing with RISP.
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, HR (5), RBI, R
Vargas has a 13-game hitting streak (20-for-46 (.435); 3 doubles, 4 HR, 13 RBI)
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 4-7)  5 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 2 HR
4.04 ERA (75.2 IP, 57 H, 40 R, 34 ER, 5 HR, 29 BB, 83 K). A tough night for the 22-year-old, though he did miss some bats.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 1.40 ERA (19.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 23 K). Rossi encountered the first bump in his career road the last two times out (all three runs in two innings). Hopefully, he’s back on track.

Tampa (43-33) (Both games against Clearwater were postponed)

Game 1 (Lead, 4-3. This game is the conclusion of last night’s game. They will try to finish it tomorrow.)

CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, R, K
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-2, 2B (12), K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-2, HR (5), 2 RBI, R
Once this is official, he will have three HR in his last two games.
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-2, SB (30)
While not yet official, he will be the first Yankees’ prospect to steal 30 bases this season.
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-2
Rodriguez’s Low-A debut.
LF Austin Green: 0-for-1, R, BB, K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-2
RF Marshall Toole: 1-for-2, 3B (9), RBI
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-1, BB
Cobb’s first game since June 13th. He is hitting .333/.385/.544 in 106 plate appearances while playing second base, shortstop, and third base.

LHP Xavier Rivas: 3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, HR

FCL (20-23)

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

DSL Yankees (11-13) (Knocked off the DSL Marlins, 6-4. The pitching staff struck out 16 Marlins in this 7-inning game)

SS Mani Cedeno: 1-for-3, 2B (2), K
.182/.365/.242 in 85 PA. He has a pair of doubles, a triple, and three stolen bases. The strikeouts are elevated (36.5%).
CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-2, R, BB, K
.270/.434/.302 in 83 PA. His OPS is up nearly 100 points from his debut campaign, though the power is not yet showing up (two extra-base hits in 19 games. Last year, he swatted 13 extra-base hits in 42 games.)
2B Carlos Bello: 1-for-3, 2B (5), R, K
The 17-year-old continues his impressive debut season (.292/.440/.492 in 84 PA; 5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 19 R, 6-for-7 SB). While he is not a millionaire bonus baby, he did secure a $400,000 signing bonus.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-2, R, SB (4), HBP, 2 K
.295/.408/.557 in 76 PA (7 doubles, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 18 R, 4-for-6 SB, 14.5% BB, 28.9% K). Matic struggled here as a 16-year-old in 2024 but is playing better in 2025.
C Justin Capellan: 2-for-3, 2 2B (7), RBI, R, CS (2)
Capellan didn’t struggle in 2024, but is showing more in 2025. Over his brief career, he has 19 doubles, 4 triples, 4 homers, 40 RBI, and 31 runs in 58 games.
DH Carlos Villarroel: 2-for-3, 2 HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R
Villarroel didn’t homer in his first 14 games this season. He has three in his last two games. It isn’t often I am typing up multi-HR efforts in the rookie leagues.

LHP Carlos De La Rosa: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
Only 17, De La Rosa is impressing with the K/BB ratio (29/3 in 15.2 innings). According to Baseball America, De La Rosa (who is only 5’11”) touches 93 MPH. The Yankees don’t typically spend big on international pitching (beyond trying to get a few Japanese stars!) but handed De La Rosa $400,000.
RHP Rafael Arias (W, 3-0): 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
One good way to pile up wins is by being a middle reliever in the rookie leagues, where starters don’t often go five innings. The 21-year-old Arias owns a 5.30 ERA and 27/7 K/BB over 18.2 innings.
LHP Luis Rodriguez (S, 2): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
The 20-year-old owns a 5.94 ERA in his debut campaign (16.2 IP, 20 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 16 K). The BABIP is .404.

DSL Bombers (10-13) (Split two games against the DSL Twins)

Game 1 (Lost, 16-5. This was the conclusion of a game started on June 16th. I won’t go into crazy detail.)

CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-5, 3 K
SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-5, K
Now that this game counts, it will bring down his triple slash a bit.
C Queni Pineda: 1-for-3, 2 R, K

RHP Diego Carrillo: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.38 ERA (12.1 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 10 K)

Game 2 (Won, 9-5)

DH Stiven Marinez: 1-for-4, 2B (2), SB (10), BB
.254/.464/.322 in 84 PA. Marinez is 10-for-12 stealing bases and has a 26.2% BB rate.
CF Ruben Castillo: 0-for-5, R, 3 K
SS Christofer Reyes: 2-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K
RF Jose Castro: 1-for-3, 2 R, SB (1), BB, K
.267/.368/.533. It’s only 19 PA, though.
3B-1B Leni Done: 0-for-4
2B Adrian Feliz: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (3), K
C Carlos Rodon: 0-for-1, R, SB (1), 2 BB
  PR-3B Juan Torres: 1-for-1, 2 R, CS (4)
The 17-year-old is hitting .309/.387/.473 in 62 PA (3 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 12 R, 6-for-10 SB)
1B-C Edgar Jimenez: 0-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 K
Productive outs!
LF Eddinson Charles: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (2), 3 K

RHP Alexis Gonzalez: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Ronald Tejada (W, 1-1): 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

Yankees MILB 7/2: Spencer Jones Homers Again

Notes:

RHP Colten Brewer, on his third tour with the Yankees organization, was released. In 22 games for Scranton, he pitched to a 3.94 ERA and 32/15 K/BB over 29.2 innings.

A lot happened on the farm today, as the affiliates went 6-0 while scoring 46 runs.

Injury Log

Scranton (44-35) (Outlasted Lehigh Valley, 9-8)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, R
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-5, 2 R, 2 K
Rodriguez needed a game like this (4-for-38 slump entering tonight). His overall average (including his time with Somerset) has dipped below .300 (.295). For Scranton, he’s at .318/.407/.399 in 273 PA.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-3, 2B (1), HR (3), RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
The home run was crushed (412 feet at 108.1 MPH). Jones (6-for-16 since his promotion) sets a new personal best with his 19th home run (53rd game) and has nine homers in his last 17 games. This breaks his streak of homering every other day, as he has homered in back-to-back games. I am sure he isn’t disappointed. 
RF Everson Pereira: 2-for-5, 2B (6), RBI, K
.245/.336/.459 in 226 PA (6 doubles, 12 HR, 35 RBI, 45 R, 11.1% BB, 33.6% K).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, 2B (18), SF, RBI, R, BB, 2 K
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-5, 2 HR (10), 5 RBI, 2 R, K
Jackson has two multi-homer games this year. Minor league pop has never been an issue (137 doubles, 123 HR in 663 games)
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4
LF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4

RHP Cam Schlittler: 2.1 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
After two innings, it looked like another dominant start was in progress. Then the third inning happened. Schlittler, who has generated a lot of buzz, took a punch to the gut tonight. Let’s see how he responds. By the way, his velocity was fine tonight. Just one of those games.
RHP Zach Messinger: (W, 3-3)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
As a reliever: 2.25 ERA (20 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 11 BB, 21 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
3.98 ERA (31.2 IP, 19 H, 14 R, 14 ER, 4 HR, 36 BB, 31 K).
RHP Scott Effross: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Since promotion: 6.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 5 K

Somerset (39-38) (Swept a doubleheader against Reading)

Game 1 (Won, 9-4)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, 2B (5), 2 RBI, R, BB
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, 2B (21), SF, RBI, R
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, HR (9), 3 RBI, R, K
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, 2 K
Jones is hitting .190/.256/.304 in 90 PA since his promotion (.221/.321/.344 with 25 stolen bases in 30 attempts overall).
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB, K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-1, 2B (1), RBI, R, 2 BB
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, 2B (14), RBI, R, 2 K
LF Cam Eden: 1-for-3, R, SB (4), 2 K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (W, 3-2)  6 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 10 K
Lagrange has been inconsistent since his promotion, alternating good and not-so-good performances. That shouldn’t be shocking as a 6’7″ 22-year-old with control concerns but extreme upside.. For Somerset: 4.97 ERA (25.1 IP, 18 H, 14 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 34 K). 
RHP Kelly Austin: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Won, 8-5)

2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-2, 2B (6), HR (8), 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB
Riggio goes 3-for-5 with a pair of doubles, a homer, five RBI, four runs, and three walks in today’s doubleheader. He has 15 home runs in 45 games between the FCL/Hudson Valley/Somerset (14 in 43 games if we take out the two FCL games).
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, HBP
A quiet doubleheader for Lombard, though he contributed a pair of RBI. He is hitting .208 with a .651 OPS in 50 Double-A contests.
DH Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, HR (14), 3 RBI, R, K
Flores’ 25th multi-hit effort. He has 21 doubles, 14 HR, and 52 RBI in 76 games.
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-2, HR (11), RBI, R, 2 BB, K
Jasso is trying to put his slump behind him. He still owns an .818 OPS (10 doubles, 5 triples, 11 HR, 41 RBI, 43 R). His walk rate has certainly jumped recently (15 walks in the last 26 games).
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4
Martinez is 5-for-19 with a double and homer since his promotion.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, R, HBP, K
3B Max Burt: 1-for-2, 2 R, HBP, K

RHP Cole Ayers: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Ayers’ first professional start (124th game). He didn’t start in college but made four starts in the 2019 Cape Cod League and five in the 2021 MLB Draft League. That’s your useless information for the night.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: (W, 6-1) 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
LHP Will Brian: (S, 2) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 2.42 ERA (26 IP, 21 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 30 K)

Hudson Valley (44-31) (Swept a doubleheader against Brooklyn)

Game 1 (Won, 5-3)

LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI, K
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-2, SB (3), BB
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-2, R, BB
DH Jace Avina: 1-for-3, R, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-2, HR (4), 3 RBI, R, SB (6), BB, K
Vargas has a 10-game hitting streak that includes three home runs.
3B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 3B (2), R, K
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, K
RF Luis Durango: 2-for-3, R, K

RHP Ben Hess: 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
Hess’ second start since coming back. A 2-run home run in his fourth inning of work hurt his final line, but as long as he is healthy. He owns a 4.53 ERA in 45.2 IP (31 H, 27 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 28 BB, 66 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
2.95 ERA (21.1 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 35 K)
RHP Bryce Warrecker (S, 3): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
0.82 ERA (33 IP, 15 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 37 K). Possibly the most impressive reliever in the system this year, Warrecker likely deserves a trip to Somerset. Again, I base that on the assumption that they aren’t planning to move him back into the rotation. 

Game 2 (Won, 2-0)

LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3
.228/.323/.305 in 300 PA. Since June 15th, he is 15-for-57 (.263).
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-2, SB (4), BB
When Lewis gets on base, he can cause havoc (20-for-21 stealing bases in his career). Between here and Tampa, he has 12 doubles, 13 HR, 42 RBI, 43 runs, and 17 stolen bases in 18 attempts.
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3
Vargas extends his hitting streak to 11 (18-for-41).
3B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-1, R, SB (10), 2 BB, K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3, R, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-2, RBI
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-2, RBI
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2, 2 K

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 3-5) 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K
Carr needed 87 pitches (60 strikes) to accomplish the shutout. On a night like tonight, it wasn’t even enough to secure the headline. Tough crowd, I am!  He owns a 2.57 ERA in 70 IP (47 H, 28 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 35 BB, 57 K). The H/IP ratio stands out the most.

Tampa (43-33) (Outscored Clearwater, 13-7)

C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, K
Is the patience paying off?  Last nine games: 12-for-38 (.316) with ten walks. He is up to 57 walks in 307 PA (18.6%) and has 132 walks in 157 career games. A reminder that he turned 19 on May 25th and is showing off this level of plate discipline. 
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, HR (4), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB, 3 K
.284/.372/.450 in 249 PA (15 doubles, 4 triples, 4 HR, 35 RBI, 35 R, 24-for-28 SB). He has walked six times in his last three games, and all four of his homers have come since June 13th.
SS Roderick Arias: 3-for-5, 2 HR (4), 5 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
To say Arias needed a night like this is an understatement. It’s his second career multi-HR game (7/6/2023). Arias has shown a little life recently, raising his triple slash from .168/.306/.255 to .192/.316/.303. He has to start somewhere.
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, SB (8), K
Known for his pop, he has sneakily added eight stolen bases. That said, any speed catchers have in the minors tends to dissipate as they get closer to MLB. 
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-5, 2 K
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-4, CS (4), BB, 2 K
RF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 3B (7), 3 R, 2 SB (26), BB
Toole is an exciting player – whether he is an exciting career minor league player or a potential MLB player is what we need to determine. He’s hitting .295/.393/.459 in 214 PA.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, R, 3 BB, K
2B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-2, SF, 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (9), 2 BB, K
Between here and the FCL, Gomez is 22-for-24 stealing bases (9-for-10 here). He started 2-for-22 after his promotion. Since then, he is 6-for-25 (.240) with six walks and eight stolen bases. With Owen Cobb activated, it will be interesting to see how they figure out the playing time situation.

RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Arias’ rehab stint was moved here today (from the FCL)
LHP Tanner Bauman: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Cade Austin: (W, 4-1)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
He tamed the BB% after April, but the walks returned tonight.
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR

FCL (19-23)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (10-10)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (8-11)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 6/29: Spencer Jones Homers Again

Notes:

A slow weekend for news in the Yankees organization.

Injury Log

Scranton (43-35) (Defeated Worcester, 6-1)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-5
DH Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-3, CS (5), BB, K
A late slump crushed his June numbers: .247/.362/.315. He is in a 3-for-35 slide (which followed four games where he went 8-for-18. Baseball!)
LF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, HR (2), RBI, SB (1), K
Jones sets a new personal best with his 18th HR (52 games). This one went 360 feet at 95.8 MPH. He continues his recent trend of alternating games with HR (7 HR in his last 13 games – one every other game). Overall, between here and Somerset, he is hitting .277/.387/.606 (8 doubles, 18 HR, 34 RBI, 45 R, 11-for-13 SB, 14.9% BB, 34.2% K). 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, 2B (6), 2 R, BB, K
De La Cruz is hitting .250/.329/.421 in 173 PA for Scranton (6 doubles, 7 HR, 22 RBI, 25 R, 6-for-6 SB). As a pure depth piece, he’s fine.
3B CJ Alexander: 1-for-3, CS (1), BB, 2 K
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-3, 2B (7), 2 R, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-3, HR (4), 4 RBI, R, BB, K
Velazquez hit his home run 394 feet at 106.7 MPH. And Jones is considered the big prospect? Phooey!
CF Duke Ellis: 2-for-3, RBI, BB

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 3-7)  7 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
It’s been a tough year for the veteran (6.54 ERA), so it’s nice to see him have an effort like this. Leal has given them 64.2 innings.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.87 ERA (10.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 19 K)

Somerset (37-38) (Lost to Erie, 9-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4
Riggio has run into a little slump (5-for-32). He was never going to keep up his early Double-A pace.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, K
Since promotion: .209/.340/.320 in 209 PA (7 doubles, 3 triples, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 34 R, 14-for-16 SB, 15.3% BB, 23.9%K). I can’t believe he has been here for 48 games. Time flies.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (13), RBI, R
Not one of his patented multi-hit efforts, but I think he’ll take the homer. Flores is hitting .287/.347/.491 in 317 PA and should be following Spencer Jones to Scranton soon as he is up to 667 Double-A plate appearances (.281/.353/.504 with 34 doubles and 28 home runs). 
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, 4 K
Jasso has gone into the tank after I commented about his long on-base streak. I apologize to his friends and family. He is hitting .266/.340/.459 in 288 PA after a 1-for-19 end to his month.
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-2, BB, K
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 3 K
Martinez is 3-for-13 with a homer since his promotion.
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, BB
LF Cam Eden: 0-for-2, SB (3), HBP, K

RHP Trystan Vrieling (L, 0-2): 4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
5.93 ERA (27.1 IP, 35 H, 20 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 22 K). There’s no sugarcoating it: It’s been rough for Vrieling since his return. Hopefully, he can find his groove.
RHP Danny Watson: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (42-31) (Lost to Wilmington, 4-3)

LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI, BB
Castillo somewhat salvaged his June late (.239/.336/.250), with the big issue being the power outage. He is 13-for-13 stealing bases (36-for-42 in his career)
CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, RBI
Lewis had a chance to be the hero in the 9th (bases loaded, 2 outs) but it wasn’t meant to be. He is hitting .192/.238/.384 in 105 PA since his promotion with only a pair of stolen bases (hard to showcase your speed when you struggle to get on base).  Patience! (that goes for him and us)
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-4, K
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, K
  PH-RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-1, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, K
I get it – Vargas should be destroying this league, but it’s still fun to see him hit well. He is on a 9-game hitting streak.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 2B (10), R, SAC
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, RBI, R, K
   PR Luis Durango: 0-for-0
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, R
Palencia is 2-for-11 with a walk and two strikeouts since his promotion.
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, BB

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (L, 5-4)  4.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
A rare off game for Rodriguez-Cruz, who owns a 2.47 ERA in 76.2 IP (50 H, 27 R, 21 ER, 1 HR, 33 BB, 91 K). He finishes June with a 0.94 ERA (28.2 IP, 19 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 34 K). There is a LOT to like in this kid’s profile.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.57 ERA (21.2 IP, 14 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 30 K). Batters are only hitting .175 against him, and his ERA has been tarnished by a few rough outings. It is what it is – when you are reliever, it doesn’t take much to kill your ERA.
RHP Matt Keating: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.59 ERA (24.1 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 25 K)
RHP Chris Kean: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (41-33) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 3-1. They are 5-4 to start the second half)

C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-5
Perez ends June on a 6-game hitting streak (10-for-24). He walked 19 times this month (17 in April, 17 in May). His plate approach is there. It’s all about whether he can add a touch of power to his profile. At 19, he has time to develop the offensive package.
RF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-2, 2B (15), R, SB (23), 2 BB
.288/.367/.444 in 239 PA. He ends June on a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-18), which bumped his final line for the month to .300/.400/.444 with 13 stolen bases in 14 attempts.
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, R, SB (19), K
Arias stole eight bases in June, but the triple slash (.208/.304/.267) won’t excite you. I don’t blame you for that.
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
Urena drove home 14 runs in June, giving him 33 on the season. He’s a different prospect than Perez, though he has some of the same plate discipline qualities (44 walks).
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4
1B Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, K
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (15), 3 K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, K
Toole hasn’t been “slumping,” but his performance has leveled off. He is at .287/.387/.437 in 204 PA with a 24-for-26 stolen base rate.
2B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Brandon Decker: 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
2.61 ERA (38 IP, 32 H, 16 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 36 K). He tossed 61 pitches today after he was stretched to 60 last time out. They are slowly ramping him up and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a 70-75 limit soon.
RHP Justin Lange: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 Kter
Lange, once an intriguing pitching prospect, is having trouble hitting 90 MPH after his various injury issues. 
RHP Jack Sokol (W, 3-1): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.77 ERA (26 IP, 24 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 19 K). The undrafted free agent out of Pitt turned in a 0.00 June ERA (10 IP), though he only struck out four. 
RHP Sean Hermann: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.04 ERA (34.2 IP, 18 H, 10 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 23 BB, 27 K). Hermann has cut down on the walks nicely as the season has gone along while maintaining his ability to keep the ball on the ground. 
RHP Gus Hughes (S, 1): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (19-22)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (9-10)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (7-11)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 6/28: Rafael Flores: Another Multi-Hit Effort

Notes:

No news for you.

Injury Log

Scranton (42-35) (Lost to Worcester, 5-3, in ten innings)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RBI, R, HBP
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
Position breakdown: Catcher: 36 starts; 3B: 20 starts; DH: 9 starts. Rodriguez has experience at 1B and LF (+ a few games at second base), but the Yankees have asked him to concentrate on catching and third base in 2025.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, R, BB, 3 K
2-for-9 with a homer, walk, and five strikeouts in his first two Triple-A contests.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, SF, RBI
Rumfield has a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-16).
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, BB, K
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, BB
3B CJ Alexander: 1-for-5, RBI, K
   PR Duke Ellis: 0-for-0
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-5, 2B (8), R
LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3, SB (19), BB

RHP Brendan Beck: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
Since promotion: 10.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 HR, 1 BB, 10 K. Overall, between here and Somerset, he owns a 1.81 ERA in 64.2 IP (45 H, 14 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 62 K).
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 5 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.34 ERA (35 IP, 35 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 38 K)
RHP Scott Effross (L, 1-2): 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
What could have been…

Somerset (37-37) (Defeated Erie, 7-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, R, SB (4), BB
Riggio is 4-for-5 stealing bases since his promotion (2-for-6 for Hudson Valley). He is at .263/.314/.575 in 86 PA for Somerset.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, 2B (7), R, 3 K
Lombard Jr.’s 10th extra-base hit in June (only had two in 22 games for Somerset in May)
DH Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R
Flores has seven multi-hit efforts in his last nine games (15-for-37; .405) and nine 3-hit efforts this season.  During this streak, his triple slash has climbed from .270/.331/.464 to .288/.348/.484 (20 doubles, 12 HR, 47 RBI, 41 R, 5-for-5 SB). 
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2 BB
.271/.345/.467 in 284 PA. He has 12 walks in June (11 walks combined in April and May).
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RBI, R
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, RBI, R, HBP, BB
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (6), 3 RBI
Burt hit a key 3-run double. He has been with the system for so long that he played games for Pulaski, Charleston, and Trenton.

LHP Ben Shields: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Shields was activated from the 60-day injured list. He made four rehab starts.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 2-2)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.74 ERA (38 IP, 24 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 25 BB, 37 K). As a reliever: 17.1 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 18 K.
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (42-30) (Lost to Wilmington, 7-4)

LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-5, R, K
Castillo’s fourth 3-hit game this season (second this month). He has struggled since a strong April. All one can do is hope he snaps out of it.
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-4
DH Jace Avina: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
.283/.408/.455 in 184 PA. Over the last two seasons at this level, he is hitting .256/.346/.415 in 581 PA with 37 doubles, 14 homers, 71 RBI, and 74 runs. If not for injury, he may be in Double-A right now. 
SS Alexander Vargas:  3-for-4, R
Vargas has an 8-game hitting streak (15-for-32)
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, HR (3; grand slam), 4 RBI, R, 2 K
Moylan hits his first career grand slam. 
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 4-6)  7.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Grosz was cruising through seven innings but ran into trouble when he tried to stretch into the 8th.  Season: 3.69 ERA (70.2 IP, 51 H, 34 R, 29 ER, 3 HR, 28 BB, 76 K). He has thrown 7+ innings in four of his 12 starts (pitched into the 7th in two other starts).
RHP Tony Rossi: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
It was inevitable that Rossi would hit some turbulence. He also allowed two of Grosz’s runners to score. At this level: 1.47 ERA (18.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 21 K). Overall: 1.04 ERA (26 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 11 BB, 33 K)

Tampa (40-33) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 7-4)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, 2B (7), R, 2 BB, K
.217/.375/.248 in 291 PA. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-19; 5 BB). 
RF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (22), CI
.281/.356/.433 in 235 PA (14 doubles, 4 triples, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 31 R, 22-for-26 SB, 10.2% BB, 24.7% K). He is 9-for-24 (.375) in his last six games. So far, the 20-year-old has moved up one level per year (DSL in 2023, FCL in 2024, Low-A in 2025).
SS Roderick Arias: 3-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
Arias’ first 3-hit effort this season. Through June 28th, 2024: .210/.306/.362. This year: .184/.312/.270. 
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, 2B (11), 2 RBI
.206/.337/.333 in 306 PA. Perez and Urena are piling up the plate appearances while alternating between C/DH (Urena has 38 games behind the dish; Perez has 34)
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, 2 SB (28), BB
Matheus has a 6-game stolen base streak (9-for-9) and is second to Kyle Henley (CIN; 36) in the FSL. He is hitting .269/.359/.345. 
1B Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (8)
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-4, SB (14), K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (24), BB, K
2B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R, SB (7), 2 K

RHP Andrew Landry: 4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Landry had efficiency issues today (84 pitches).  Season: 4.11 ERA (61.1 IP, 66 H, 37 R, 28 ER, 4 HR, 23 BB, 58 K).  June: 26.1 IP, 17 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 21 K.
RHP Chris Veach: (W, 1-1)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
1.48 ERA (30.1 IP, 20 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 3 HR, 18 BB, 44 K). Veach allowed two of Landry’s runners to score.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: (S, 1) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Fristoe reached 96.5 MPH.

FCL (19-22) (Lost a tough one to the Blue Jays, 2-1. They held a 1-0 lead entering the bottom of the 8th but couldn’t hold on)

RF JoJo Jackson: 0-for-3
Jackson is looking for his first hit as his rehab continues.
C John Cristino: 1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, R, K
Cristino’s 8th inning homer not only gave them a short-lived lead – it was their only hit this morning/afternoon. There is zero doubt in my mind that Cristino (25) will be in Tampa once the FCL season concludes, if not before. By the way, this was the second time he was behind the plate. He has 13 starts at first base.

RHP Michael Arias: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
His second rehab appearance is clean.
RHP Mariano Salomon: 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
The 22-year-old is pitching well (2.73 ERA in 26.1 IP with a 32/6 K/BB). He has thrown well his entire career, with a 2.91 ERA in 117.1 innings (148/25 K/BB). I would not be surprised to see him in Tampa later this year.
LHP Jose Ledesma: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Chance Nolan (L, 1-1): 0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Nolan allows his first career earned run (12.1 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 6 BB, 9 K)

DSL Yankees (9-10) (Defeated the DSL Rangers Blue, 13-6)

DH Francisco Vilorio:  2-for-5, SF, 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
C Justin Capellan: 0-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
SS Carlos Bello: 2-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
LF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K
The 18-year-old is showing some pop in his second campaign (.310/.408/.524 in 49 PA with three homers and 13 RBI)
3B Alfred Ciriaco: 2-for-6, RBI, R, 2 SB (6)
At 18, he isn’t a young guy for the DSL – but this is his debut campaign. Ciriaco is 13-for-37 (.351) with a double and seven RBI. Impressive, he has struck out twice (0.05%).
CF Angel Ventura: 2-for-5, 2B (3), R, CS (2), BB, 2 K
1B Jesus Guerrero: 0-for-1, RBI, 2 R, SB (1), 3 BB, K
The 18-year-old is 3-for-13 in his debut campaign. He has six walks and a pair of strikeouts.
RF Eliezer Adames: 0-for-5, 5 K
2B Emmanuel Orozco: 1-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, 2 R, SB (4), BB, K
Only 16, Orozco entered the day 1-for-19 in his brief career. His two professional hits are a double and a triple.

RHP Anthony Mena (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
3.94 ERA (16 IP, 18 H, 18 R, 7 ER, 3 HR, 7 BB, 17 K)

DSL Bombers (7-11) (Defeated the DSL Cardinals, 4-3. It wasn’t as wild as the previous two days (0-2 despite scoring 29 runs), but they did win this on a walk-off. It was a 7-inning game)

CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-4, K
.236/.323/.400 in 62 PA. Castillo started the season 2-for-22. He is 11-for-33 since, including nine hits in his last five games.
SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, BB, K
I always say to not worry about it if a teenager initially struggles out of the game. However, my eyes open quickly when a 16-year-old jumps out to a big start. That’s Marinez, who is hitting .310/.500/.381 in 60 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 0 HR, 6 RBI, 12 R, 9-for-10 SB, 15 BB, 13 K). You have my attention, kid.
C Queni Pineda: 0-for-3, R, BB
DH Browm Martinez: 0-for-4, R
RF Jose Castro: 2-for-4, 2B (1), HR (1), 3 RBI, R, K
Castro homered in the 6th for the appetizer. The main course was a 2-out, 2-run double in the bottom of the 7th to walk it off. The 19-year-old has appeared in only three games this season, and these were his first two hits. How can you not love this game?
3B Juan Torres: 1-for-3
1B Remy Veldhuisen: 2-for-3, K

RHP Randy Angomas: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
RHP Carlos Hampshire (W, 1-1) 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K
The 20-year-old earns his first professional win.

Yankees MILB 6/25: Cam Schlittler: Cheat Code?

Notes:

RHP Ben Hess, last year’s first-round pick, magically made his way back to the mound tonight after missing nearly a month for (?) reasons.

Injury Log

Scranton (40-34) (Defeated Worcester, 4-0)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4
Cam Schlittler ran into a little trouble in the 6th inning tonight (allowed three baserunners). Rodriguez helped out his battery mate by throwing out a runner trying to steal. He has caught 15 runners in 40 attempts (37.5%) between Somerset and Scranton. Last season, his success rate was 20.4%.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, R, CS (6), BB, K
RF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, R, 3 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, 2B (17), 2 RBI, K
Rumfield’s fourth 3+ hit game this season (19th multi-hit effort).
  PR-3B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-0, R, SB (18)
3B-1B CJ Alexander: 0-for-3, BB, K
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2B (18), RBI, R, 2 SB (7), K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, K
LF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (17), BB
CF Duke Ellis: 1-for-3, 2B (1), SB (3), CS (3), BB
Last year, Ellis was 57-for-61 (93.4%) stealing bases. He may still be trying to get his legs under him after returning from injury.

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 2-1)  6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
Schlittler, who retired the first 15 batters,  hit 99.3 MPH (also had a 99.2 MPH offering + several pitches over 97) and generated 20 whiffs. For now, if they want to mess around with Allan Winans and Marcus Stroman, whatever. That is especially true if Luis Gil is on the comeback trail. If Schlittler keeps this up, however, they will have a decision to make at some point.  Since promotion: 1.69 ERA (21.1 IP, 13 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 33 K). Overall, he owns a 97/25 K/BB over 74.1 innings. I will gladly call out any site that doesn’t place him on their mid-season Top 100.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Can he get his BB% down to a reasonable number (doesn’t need to be great) while maintaining his ability to limit hits?  Answer that riddle to determine if he can be a successful MLB reliever.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: (S, 2) 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.58 ERA (32.2 IP, 34 H, 16 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 36 K)

Somerset (35-36) (Lost to Erie, 9-3. After feasting on New Hamspire last week, the Patriots have run into the buzzsaw known as Erie. They are 47-24.)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, HBP, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (5), R, BB
Lombard Jr. has raised his SLG from .281 to .329 over his last nine games. His Double-A triple slash is now .219/.353/.329 in 44 games. In his first 29 High-A games (2023), his triple slash was .226/.321/.296. We need to allow for more adjustment time in Double-A, and it appears to be happening.
RF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (16), RBI, R, K
Jones is alternating home run and non-home run games (HR, no HR, HR, no HR, HR, no HR, HR, no HR, HR). He has seven home runs in June and is hitting .271/.389/.600 in 203 PA (8 doubles, 16 HR, 31 RBI, 10-for-12 SB, 15.8% BB, 33.99% K). There is no rush to get a prospect from Double-A to Triple-A, but Jones is up to 187 games for Somerset. 
1B Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, RBI, K
Flores was slumping for a bit but now has four straight 2-hit efforts (8-for-18 with four doubles). That has spiked his triple slash from .271/.335/.471 to .282/.343/.484.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, K
I don’t think I brought up his extended on-base streak (28 games) once before last night. Of course, it would be broken the next day. Sorry.
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4
DH Garrett Martin: 0-for-4
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, K
Martinez homers in his Double-A debut.
LF Cam Eden: 0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 2-2)   4 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 7 BB, 4 K
Lagrange settled down a little after a 4-run second inning, but this wasn’t his best night (he struck out 12 in 5.1 innings last time out). Since promotion: 6.05 ERA (19.1 IP, 17 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 24 K). He is alternating good and bad starts since his promotion (6 IP, 3 R, 1 BB, 6 K; 4 IP, 5 R, 5 BB, 2 K; 5.1 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 12 K; 4 IP, 4 R, 7 BB, 4 K). I expected the BB rate to climb after his promotion. We’ll see how he adjusts.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Will Brian: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
At this level: 2.28 ERA (23.2 IP, 18 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 27 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (41-27) (Used an 8-run inning to wallop Wilmington, 10-3)

DH Jackson Castillo: 2-for-6, RBI, R
Last eight games: 10-for-34 (.294). He is hitting better, though the power is non-existent (zero extra-base hits in June; 19 straight games overall)
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-2, R, HBP, 2 BB, K
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-4, 2B (13), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (12), BB
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, R, HBP, K
   RF Luis Durango: 0-for-1
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-5, 2B (9), 3 RBI, R, 2 K
A big 3-run double in that 5th inning.
SS Alexander Vargas: 3-for-5, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R
I always like to see Vargas do well. The bat hasn’t been consistent during his development, which consists of 427 games.
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, R, BB
The 22-year-old hit .312/.380/.422 in 121 PA for the FCL squad. While this is his first taste of High-A, it isn’t his first taste of a full-season league. He played in 39 games for Low-A Tampa between 2023 and 2024.
3B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-5, RBI, R, K
LF Anthony Hall: 1-for-5, 2 K

RHP Ben Hess: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Hess tosses 42 pitches in his return. As long as he is healthy, that’s what is important. Season: 4.32 ERA (41.2 IP, 28 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 1 HR, 27 BB, 62 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
3.20 ERA (19.2 IP, 17 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 32 K). That’s a lot of strikeouts for the 24-year-old, who has 100 in 76 career innings. He missed significant time due to injury last year; otherwise, he may be in Somerset now.
RHP Chris Kean: (W, 4-2) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.78 ERA (22.2 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 24 K)
RHP Tony Rossi: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Rossi allows a run for the first time in his career (25.1 innings). He owns a 0.36 ERA between here and Tampa with a 33/8 K/BB.

Tampa (38-32) (Lost to Ft. Myers, 3-1. The Tarpons had their chances, as they walked nine times + a hit batter. The big hit, however, was elusive as they went 1-for-14 with RISP.)

C Edgleen Perez: 3-for-5, R
.205/.362/.233 in 276 PA (6 doubles, 0 HR, 19 RBI, 30 R, 4-for-5 SB, 17.8% BB, 21% K). While the BB% is a good reason to lead him off, it goes beyond that. The Yankees want him to get as many reps as possible. 
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
.267/.350/.429 in 220 PA (14 doubles, 4 triples, 3 HR, 29 RBI, 27 R, 18-for-22 SB, 10.9% BB, 24.5% K)
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, 4 K
Ouch. After a brief surge, Arias is back to his old tricks and is hitting .174/.301/.250 in 219 PA. He has a 29.2% K rate, which is slightly down from last season. That offers little comfort, and Arias is getting closer to bust territory.
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (6), HBP, BB
.214/.347/.345 in 291 PA (10 doubles, 7 HR, 29 RBI, 42 R, 14.1% BB, 17.9% K). He has two doubles, two homers, and seven RBI in his last seven games. 
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, SB (22), 2 BB
.261/.352/.336 in 267 PA (15 doubles, 1 triple, 0 HR, 30 RBI, 35 R, 22-for-29 SB, 12.7% BB, 22.5% K). After a strong May, Matheus is hitting .200/.333/.293 in June. The volume of walks has allowed him to go 8-for-10 stealing bases.
LF Hans Montero: 0-for-4, BB, K
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-4, 2 K
.292/.385/.453 in 187 PA with a 21-for-23 SB rate. A little 1-for-12 slide has dropped him under .300.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1, 3 BB
Gonzalez had three walks in his last ten games entering tonight.
2B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-3, SB (3), BB, 3 K

RHP Gage Ziehl: (L, 3-3) 8 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
I don’t type “8 IP” very often. Ziehl needed only 93 pitches (71 strikes; 76.3%) and had a 13/4 GO/FO ratio, including a pair of double plays. Season: 3.61 ERA (57.1 IP, 54 H, 27 R, 23 ER, 4 HR, 10 BB, 45 K). He entered tonight with a 48.8% ground ball rate.
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (17-21)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (7-9)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (6-9)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 6/24: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz Pitches Well

Notes:

A trio of players made rehab appearances in the FCL today. None are on the Pipeline Top 30 list, though Facundo and Arias have received blurbs in the past on Fangraphs.

OF JoJo Jackson was their 17th-round pick in the 2024 draft. He played in six games for Low-A Tampa last season, going 4-for-21 without an extra-base hit. The right-handed bat out of Georgia State showed some thump at the mid-major school, hitting 30 home runs in 141 games.

LHP Allen Facundo (22) impressed in 30 Low-A innings last year, compiling a 2.40 ERA (3.16 FIP), 30.2% K, and 11.1% BB. Seven of his eight games were starts.

RHP Michael Arias (23) was acquired from the Cubs for cash last winter (after Chicago designated him for assignment).  In 49 Double-A/Triple-A games in 2024, he posted a 4.77 ERA (4.69 FIP) over 60.1 innings with a 25.2% K, 16.8% BB, and 40.4% GB. Originally signed by the Blue Jays as a shortstop, he’s had (predictably) mixed results on the hill. That said, he impressed the Cubs enough to be placed on the 40-man roster after the 2023 season.

The Yankees promoted C Omar Martinez from Hudson Valley to Somerset. After one year in Low-A, they decided to give Martinez 1+ years in High-A, where he hit .235/.361/.394 in 679 plate appearances. Martinez, a left-handed bat, has some home run pop, takes walks, and has played only C/DH this year (he played some first base in previous campaigns).

Reliever Hayden Merda will join him in Somerset. The 25-year-old pitched in 22 High-A games, posting a 3.68 ERA (3.57 FIP) over 29.1 innings with a 34.7% K and 10.5% BB. Moved to the bullpen this year, he has seen a significant jump in his strikeout rate (from 21.8% last year in Low-A).

Injury Log

Scranton (39-34) (Defeated Worcester, 6-5)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, K
Since I mentioned how Chase Burns schooled him, I will also bring up that his RBI single was off of rehabbing pitcher Tanner Houck. He is hitting .340/.427/.431 in 246 PA (13% BB, 14.2% K) and continues to lead the International League in batting average.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, 2B (9), RBI, K
CF Everson Pereira: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
Pereira is in a little 2-for-18 slump (9 K)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2 R, BB
DH Alex Jackson: 0-for-3, R, HBP, 3 K
3B CJ Alexander: 0-for-3, SB (2), BB, 3 K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-1, 2 R, SB (4), 3 BB, K
LF Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2B (17), 3 RBI, R, K
Rojas is your prototypical “AAAA” player who couldn’t get anything going in 83 games for the Angels between 2021 and 2022.
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-2, RBI, 2 BB

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 2-7)  5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
Leal is doing his job as a veteran innings leader, but his profile doesn’t lead you to believe he will be more than that (7.34 ERA in 57.2 IP. As one positive, he has 72 strikeouts).
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
I wish we saw him after his (very) brief call-up. For Scranton: 1.13 ERA (8 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 16 K). Overall, he owns a 23/7 K/BB over 13 innings.
RHP Scott Effross: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Beeter has mostly been on his game, but didn’t have it tonight. I don’t think we will ever see spectacular walk rates, but that can be OK if he supplements that with plenty of strikeouts.
RHP Harrison Cohen (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K

Somerset (35-35) (Destroyed by Erie, 12-5, despite (supposedly) having a Major League pitcher on the hill)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, BB
Lombard Jr. has reached base safely in nine straight contests.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, R, 3 K
Jones has hit safely in ten of his last 11 games (13-game on-base streak)
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, 2B (19), RBI, R, K
.279/.341/.483 in 296 PA (19 doubles, 12 HR, 44 RBI, 39 R). 
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, K
Riggio has seven home runs in 17 games since his promotion (13 in 38 games overall). He isn’t the biggest guy (5’9″), but he loves to launch balls to right field. He isn’t a utility prospect as 2B is likely his only position. Can he overachieve his way to an MLB starting job? So far, he is overachieving his way to making you feel as if it is possible.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, 3B (5), R, K
Jasso has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games and has a 28-game on-base streak. 
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4
DH Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-3, HR (5), RBI, R, K

RHP Marcus Stroman: (L, 0-1)  3.2 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Given he pitched like he does when he is with the big club, that’s a good sign that he’s ready. Or something like that. I can’t believe that a Ryan Yarbrough injury was something we would fret this year.
RHP Trystan Vrieling: 2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Not how he wanted his Double-A debut to go, but his feet are wet.

Hudson Valley (40-27) (Lost to Wilmington, 1-0. The minors are about development. When you lose George Lombard Jr., Roc Riggio, Brendan Jones, and Omar Martinez to promotion, the offense will suffer. Plus, Parks Harber is still MIA.)

LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, BB, K
.226/.327/.309 in 269 PA (13-for-13 SB). Castillo caused some excitement with his 21-game audition here in 2024 (.314/.383/.514), but it hasn’t carried over.
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, K
Since promotion: .185/.214/.407 in 84 PA. Small sample. I think he’ll get it going.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 3 K
While it didn’t tonight, Avina’s return should help this offense. He is hitting .281/.409/.460 in 176 PA (13 doubles, 4 HR)
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-3, SB (5)
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
RF Luis Durango: 0-for-3, K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, 2B (7)

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (L, 5-3)  6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, HR (!!!!)
Why the exclamation points? That was Rodriguez-Cruz’s first HR allowed in 2025 (72 IP). Season: 2.50 ERA (72 IP, 44 H, 23 R, 20 ER, 1 HR, 30 BB, 85 K)
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.87 ERA (20.1 IP, 14 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 29 K). Some good, some not-so-good in his first full season as a reliever.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Warrecker wasn’t his usual dominant self, but a zero is a zero. Season: 0.88 ERA (30.2 IP, 14 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 36 K)

Tampa (38-31) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 6-3)

DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, HBP, BB, K
49 walks in 60 games. So far, that is his offensive calling card.
CF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-4, R, SB (18), BB, K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, 2B (10), RBI, R
The extra-base hits are starting to show up (2 doubles, 2 HR in last six games). 
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-2, 2B (15), RBI, 2 R, SB (21), HBP, BB
1B Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, RBI, CI
LF Hans Montero: 2-for-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
RF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, R, SB (21)
Toole is 11-for-12 stealing bases in June.
2B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-4, SB (2), K
He hasn’t been getting on base enough since his promotion to show his ability to steal some bases.

RHP Brandon Decker: 3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Decker tossed 60 pitches. He owns a 2.91 ERA in 34 IP (29 H, 16 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 34 K). As you would expect, his numbers were better as a reliever, but they are trying to stretch him out to start. Not unreasonable (he was a hybrid starter/reliever for Oakland University last year), and likely the plan all along.
RHP Justin Lange: (W, 1-0)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Lange’s rehab stint was moved here today.  His fastball didn’t reach 90 MPH, and he didn’t emphasize it much, going more with his sinker, slider, curve, and change. We don’t have full data as Tampa is home (remember, they aren’t playing at George M. Steinbrenner Field this year)
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach: (S, 6) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.57 ERA (28.2 IP, 19 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 HR, 17 BB, 42 K)

FCL (17-21) (Lost to the FCL Tigers, 2-0)

LF JoJo Jackson: 0-for-2
   PH-RF Luis Puello: 2-for-2
RF-LF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-4, K
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-4
He started a rehab stint on May 30th, but it didn’t last. Hopefully, it does this time.
3B Luis Escudero: 2-for-3, CS (4), K

RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The Yankees didn’t acquire him without a reason. They think there is something to work with here. No risk.
LHP Allen Facundo: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
Facundo’s first appearance since May 24, 2024.  He was rolling at the time of his injury, striking out 11 in five shutout innings that day (struck out eight in five shutout innings in his previous start).
RHP Jose M Rodriguez (L, 0-3): 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Talk about a tough luck 0-3. Rodriguez owns a 0.99 ERA in 27.1 IP (16 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 29 K)

DSL Yankees (7-9) (Defeated the DSL Rockiers, 4-2)

SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-0, HBP
Ugh. Let’s hope he was pulled for precautionary reasons.
  PR-SS Emmanuel Orozco: 0-for-2, R, SB (2), BB, K
CF Francisco Vilorio: 2-for-3, RBI, R
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-3, 2B (5), R, SB (5), BB, K
.308/.364/.590 in 44 PA. Five doubles and a homer in 44 plate appearances is nice power production.
2B Alfred Ciriaco: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (4), 3 CS (3)
A mixed bag of craziness, but we’ll take the three hits and pair of RBI.

RHP Enixon Sanchez: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
1.98 ERA (13.2 IP, 13 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 18 K). The 17-year-old impressed in his age-16 season last year. He is keeping up the pace so far this year (walks are an issue, but he is too young to worry about it)
RHP Emanuel Vargas (W, 2-1): 3 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
LHP Luis Rodriguez (S, 1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Rodriguez earns his first professional save.

DSL Bombers (6-9) (They have a 7-0 lead against Arizona Black. The game was stopped due to a power outage, I guess)

CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-2, 2B (3), RBI, R, BB, K
SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-1, R, CS (1), 2 BB
DH Queni Pineda: 0-for-2, RBI, R, BB
LF Browm Martinez: 3-for-3, 2B (1), 3 RBI
These numbers don’t yet count, but I will add them to his start to 2025: 16-for-35 with three homers and 12 RBI. It will be his third 3-hit effort.
C Carlos Rodon: 1-for-1, SF, 2 RBI, R

RHP Alexander Almonte: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Once these numbers count (I guess assuming they do), he will have 15 innings without allowing an earned run this season (two unearned runs)