Tag: Santiago Gomez

Yankees MILB 6/27: Spencer Jones Homers in First Scranton AB

Notes:

OF Everson Pereira, the top choice to come up when J.C. Escarra went on paternity leave, is also on the paternity list. The Yankees decided to go with a 25-man roster instead of calling up someone from the Jorbit Vivas, Jesus Rodriguez, CJ Alexander pool (all three are on the 40-man). Another player on the 40-man, Braden Shewmake, is injured. He reportedly was the second choice after Pereira.

OF Spencer Jones, as you likely know, was promoted to Scranton today. Typically speaking, top-top prospects don’t hang around in Triple-A for long. However, it seems probable that Jones will stay at Scranton for the remaining 2.5 months of the season. The promotion was earned, as Jones was red-hot and compiled 830 Double-A plate appearances.

Injury Log

Scranton (42-34) (Defeated Worcester, 4-2, to improve to 4-0 in the second half)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, 2 BB
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, R, SB (10), BB, 2 K
Rodriguez’s slump continues, showing us that slumps are inevitable for everyone. He is still hitting .321/.409/.407 in 259 PA at this level. 
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 K
Jones homered in his first Triple-A plate appearance (397 feet, 109.9 MPH). His 17th HR overall ties his personal best from last year in 72 fewer games. That’s crazy. Oh, and he keeps his streak of alternating home run days alive (he has 6 HR in his last 11 games – one every other day)
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
   PR-DH Duke Ellis: 0-for-1, 2 SB (7), K
This is why I said I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the postseason. Aaron Boone used him only once in the postseason last year (pinch ran against Kansas City) before he was taken off the roster for the Guardians and Dodgers series.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-2, R, 2 SB (6), 2 BB
LF CJ Alexander: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
C Alex Jackson: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B Jose Rojas: 2-for-2, HR (12), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
Rojas’ 125th career minor league homer (681 games)
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, SAC

RHP Sean Boyle: (W, 6-5)  5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, HR
4.46 ERA (74.2 IP, 68 H, 43 R, 37 ER, 9 HR, 25 BB, 72 K). Boyle (28) screams of a pitcher who will get a few MLB chances as he grinds out a professional career. The Yankees invited him to spring training this year, and he is a minor league free agent after the season (this is his 7th minor league campaign). This assumes the Yankees aren’t going to add him to the 40-man.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
0.96 ERA (9.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 18 K). Overall, he owns a 25/7 K/BB over 14.1 innings. 
RHP Clayton Beeter (S, 2): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Beeter maxed at 97.5 MPH. He owns a 1.02 ERA in 17.2 IP (9 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 14 BB, 29 K)

Somerset (36-37) (Lost to Erie, 6-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, R, SB (14), 2 BB
Lombard Jr. has 55 walks and 25 stolen bases in 70 games.  He is 20-for-88 (.227; 5 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 19 R, 7-for-8 SB) in June (started the month 3-for-21). That doesn’t suggest he is “hot” but the adjustments are showing up.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-2, R, HBP, BB, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI, K
Jones was heating up before a little 0-for-11 slump. There is talent here – he is just having a tough time early in his Double-A journey.
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, SB (14), CI
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, BB, K
RF Cam Eden: 0-for-4, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Sellers needed 91 pitches to earn 14 outs, but the outing was impressive. Striking hitters out hasn’t been an issue for the 25-year-old, as he has 68 in 55.1 innings this year and 168 in 139 innings in his career. The walk rate needs work (26 this season; 66 in his career). It’s a mixed bag and one wonders if his future is in the bullpen.
RHP Cole Ayers: (L, 0-1)  1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Merda struggled mightily in his Somerset debut – while not perfect, a better performance tonight.
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Anderson allowed both of Austin’s baserunners to score.

Hudson Valley (42-29) (Split two games against Wilmington)

Game 1 (Won, 2-0, in the conclusion of last night’s game)

LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4
CF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-4, R, SB (9), K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, RBI, R
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 K
.231/.364/.385 in 132 PA. Frick does his job with his medium-sized usage (he has played in 37 of their 71 games)
DH Duncan Pastore: 0-for-2, BB, K

LHP Kyle Carr: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
2.86 ERA (63 IP, 44 H, 28 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 32 BB, 50 K). There is good and not-so-good in that profile.
RHP Ocean Gabonia (W, 1-2): 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.62 ERA (29 IP, 13 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 22 K)
RHP Bryce Warrecker (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.85 ERA (31.2 IP, 14 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 37 K). Have I mentioned how dominant the 6’8″ right-hander has been? 

Game 2 (Lost, 11-0)

CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
The 0-for-8 doubleheader drops his triple slash to .221/.318/.303 in 283 PA. His .288/.345/.438 triple slash with RISP has allowed him to drive home 35 runs in 62 games.
DH Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, 2B (3)
Since promotion: .200/.250/.411 in 96 PA. Nine of his 18 hits have gone for extra bases (3 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR). He is a fun prospect to follow, since you can tell that the tools exist.
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-2, BB
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, 2 K
Moylan hasn’t been able to get anything going (.162/.309/.263 in 243 PA). Last season, at this level, he showed some promise with his .246/.357/.381 line in 406 plate appearances.
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-2, BB, K
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-3, K

LHP Griffin Herring (L, 1-1): 3 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, HR
Proof that everyone has bad days. This spiked his combined ERA to 1.64 (71.1 IP, 45 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 3 HR, 27 BB, 83 K). He entered the night with the lowest ERA amongst all minor league pitchers (excluding those in the rookie leagues). It’s possible (probable) that he will wake up tomorrow nearly tied for first with…fellow Yankees’ farmhand Brendan Beck. Beck’s ERA is 1.6409 while Herring’s is 1.6402.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa (39-33) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 5-3)

C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-3, R, SB (5), 2 BB
Perez is hopefully heating up, as this is his third straight multi-hit effort. He is up to .216/.371/.242 in 286 plate appearances with an impressive 51 walks (17.8%).
RF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, R, SB (20), 3 K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 R, HBP
When the Yankees handed him a trillion dollars (give or take a few million), this is what they envisioned. It hasn’t happened consistently.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, 2 SB (26), BB, K
Matheus is feeling frisky on the basepaths lately. He is 12-for-14 in June and has at least one stolen base in five straight games. This surge has jumped him to first place in stolen bases within the organization.
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (6), RBI, SB (13), BB, K
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K
2B Santiago Gomez: 2-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 3 SB (6), BB, K
As I said the other day, Gomez can run. He just needs to consistently get on base to showcase it. He has 70 stolen bases in 156 career games. As for the power, that is not his forte. This was his 9th career homer.

LHP Xavier Rivas (W, 2-1): 5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 13 K (previous personal best was 8)
Rivas allowed two runs in the sixth but was otherwise spectacular tonight.  At this level: 3.47 ERA (23.1 IP, 17 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 28 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.84 ERA (25.1 IP, 23 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 19 K).  He hasn’t allowed a run in 9.1 June innings. 
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.86 ERA (28.1 IP, 27 H, 16 R, 9 ER, 3 HR, 11 BB, 31 K)
RHP Brady Kirtner: (S, 3) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.41 ERA (37.1 IP, 23 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 42 K). Kirtner has been steady in his debut campaign, with very few hiccups.

FCL (19-21) (Defeated the Phillies, 2-0)

LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-2, BB
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-2, HBP
RF Luis Puello: 1-for-2, R
2B Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-2
1B John Cristino: 1-for-1, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, HBP
It’s his debut campaign, but he is doing what a 25-year-old should do in the FCL: 15-for-41 (.366) with a double and two home runs.

RHP Edinzo Marquez (W, 1-2): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
It counts as a CG in the record books! He owns a 3.00 ERA in eight starts (39 IP, 33 H, 18 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 15 BB, 29 K). Can the 20-year-old get a taste of Low-A Tampa after the FCL season concludes? Certainly.

DSL Yankees (8-10) (Crushed DSL Phillies White, 11-2. This game went seven innings)

SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-3, RBI, R, HBP, K
CF Isaias Castillo: 0-for-2, RBI, R, 2 BB
.333/.469/.590 in 49 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 9 R, 9-for-9 SB, 10 BB, 11 K). His career has started with a 12-game on-base streak.
3B Richard Matic: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (3), BB
.326/.441/.630 in 59 PA (5 doubles, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R, 11 BB, 16 K). Matic struggled here as a 16-year-old. The difference one year can make, even as a teenager.
DH Justin Capellan: 0-for-2, RBI, R, SB (6), 2 BB, K
2B Alfred Ciriaco: 1-for-3, R, BB
C Diego Flores: 0-for-3, RBI, R, BB
LF Angel Ventura: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (4), BB
Ventura is 22-for-25 stealing bases in 44 career games.
RF Alfiery Matos: 0-for-3, R, SB (3), BB, 2 K
1B Jose Lavagnino: 2-for-3, 2B (1), 3 RBI, R, BB
The 18-year-old is 4-for-17 in his debut campaign.

LHP Carlos De La Rosa: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K
4.38 ERA (12.1 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 22 K). What is the most impressive part of that stat line? If you need more than one guess, take up a new hobby.
RHP Rafael Arias (W, 2-0): 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K

DSL Bombers (6-11) (Followed up their 20-19 loss to the DSL Mets Orange with a 15-10 loss to the DSL Cardinals. This game went nine innings. Note: In the rookie leagues, the two managers come to an agreement on whether a game will go seven or nine innings)

CF Browm Martinez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (3), 2 RBI, 3 R, SB (9), HBP
He’s making a mockery of this level at this point: .390/.490/.683 in 49 PA (3 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 17 R, 9-for-10 SB). The 18-year-old was pretty good in 38 games here last year as well. The problem is that time is running out on the FCL season, making a promotion unlikely.
SS Christofer Reyes: 2-for-2, 3 SB (13), CS (1), BB
The good news is the stolen bases. The bad news is that he was pinch-ran for late in the game, which likely means injury.
   PR-SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-1, RBI, R, BB
Adding to the “injury” theory is that they replaced him with one of their top DSL prospects. Usually, when a top prospect has a scheduled day off, he isn’t coming in to pinch-run.
DH David Carrera: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, SB (5), 3 BB, 2 K
3B Leni Done: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 BB
.244/.392/.366 in 51 PA.
2B Adrian Feliz: 2-for-5, R, CS (2)
.250/.276/.286 in 29 PA. Like many down here, Feliz is only 16.
C Carlos Rodon: 1-for-4, 2B (2), R, BB, 2 K
RF Eddinson Charles: 1-for-5, RBI, R
1B Edgar Jimenez: 2-for-5, 2 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, K
The 18-year-old is 6-for-15 with three doubles and four RBI.

For the second day in a row, there isn’t a pitching line worth mentioning.

Yankees MILB 5/30: Tyler Hardman Homers Twice (Again)

Notes:

There’s nothing I can offer you.

Injury Log

Scranton (24-28) (Defeated Worcester, 3-1)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, 2 K
Rodriguez is 4-for-22 in his last five games (one of those games was a 3-hit effort). 
LF Dominic Smith: 2-for-3, R, BB
RF Everson Pereira: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
.274/.377/.521 in 138 PA (2 doubles, 9 HR, 23 RBI, 32 R, 5-for-5 SB, 13.0% BB, 32.6% K). Pereira isn’t perfect, but we need him to stay healthy in case someone is needed in MLB. They have outfield “depth” to some extent, but a healthy Pereira would be their best bet.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB
DH Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI
Jackson’s 3-run double in the bottom of the 8th gave Scranton the lead.
3B Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, K
  3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-0
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4
2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-4, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3

RHP Anthony DeSclafani: 4 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Jake Woodford: (W, 2-2)  5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
The two MLB veterans combine to allow one run while scattering ten hits. Woodford has a 4.54 ERA in 39.2 IP (45 H, 23 R, 20 ER, 6 HR, 17 BB, 39 K). So far, the Yankees haven’t needed to dig too deeply into their starting pitching depth, which is surprising when you lose Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil before the season and Marcus Stroman (don’t laugh) during the season. If they ever need to, DeSclafani and Woodford are somewhere on the depth chart.

Somerset (23-25) (Lost to Akron, 8-7. They loaded the bases with nobody out in the bottom of the 9th and didn’t score. My high school coach would make us run the bleachers for two hours after such an effort)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, R, SB (7), 2 BB, K
Lombard Jr. continues to show off his plate discipline. It’s impressive for a 19-year-old (we won’t be able to call him a teenager much longer – he turns 20 on Monday)
DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Jones is hitting .237 with a .940 OPS (4 doubles, 9 HR, 17 RBI, 21 R, 7-for-9 SB, 18.3% BB, 35.8% K)
   PH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-0, BB
Yes, the Yankees are strict about players coming back from injury. Even down a run in the 9th, they weren’t going to allow Jones to bat.
   PR Max Burt: 0-for-0
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, BB
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, R, HBP, K
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-5, 3 K
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-5, 2B (8), 2 RBI, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-5, 2 HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
Hardman hits two home runs for the second day in a row.  He is giving us a glimpse of the masher he was a few years ago (before injury).
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, 3B (1), R, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Vrieling’s first two appearances since coming back from his rehab stint were scoreless (7.1 innings). I am not going to worry about a random rough evening when he is essentially in “late spring training” mode.
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: (L, 1-2)  0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Cole Ayers:  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (30-18) (Lost to Wilmington, 4-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4
“Is Roc Riggio a legitimate prospect?” Yes, but with limitations. He won’t be versatile, remaining anchored at second base. His ability to hit for average at advanced levels will be tested. However, although he stands 5’9″, he has legitimate pull power, which would be enticing in Yankee Stadium. His ability to take walks further helps his profile, as he should be able to maintain a decent OBP.  Is there room for, let’s say, a .220/.310/.420 MLB second baseman with 10-15 stolen bases? This is where you can run into an issue with his defensive profile, as his bat may scream “solid utility guy!’ while his fielding screams “You can’t play him anywhere but second base!” Yes, tweener potential exists. We’ll learn more when he gets to Double-A, likely later this season.
LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, BB
Surprising to see Jones reach base twice and not steal a base! 
DH Jace Avina: 0-for-4, K
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-4, K
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-3, BB
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 3-3)  7 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Grosz needed only 86 pitches to record 21 outs. This is his second straight start in which he tossed seven innings without exceeding 90 pitches.  Season: 3.86 ERA (42 IP, 32 H, 22 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 13 BB, 51 K).  Going strictly by Pipeline rankings, Grosz is the least heralded of the *seven* starting pitchers at this level. If Grosz is the lowest-rated prospect on your staff, you must have something good.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.24 ERA (16.2 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 22 K)
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
1.50 ERA (12 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 12 K)

Tampa (26-22) (Defeated Fort Myers, 9-3)

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, RBI, 2 K
.161/.325/.280 in 117 PA (8 doubles, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 12 R, 11-for-14 SB, 18.8% BB, 29.9% K). Even though his 2024 was uneven, he did show some power (42 extra-base hits, including 13 home runs). This is beyond being concerning.
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 SB (10), BB, 2 K
Sanchez is 5-for-14 with a pair of stolen bases since coming back from his 2-week injury.
C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-5, R, K
.217/.374/.245 in 182 PA. After an extended hot streak, he hit a little 0-for-13 slide entering tonight. His march through the system won’t be fast, as he is a 19-year-old catcher growing into his game. The Yankees have to keep throwing him out there.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, 2 R, BB, 2 K
RF Cam Eden: 3-for-5, 3B (1), RBI, 2 R, SB (1)
Eden is a good speed/defense depth piece. He is 164-for-185 (88.6%) stealing bases in his 456-game minor league career. He had a cup of coffee with the 2023 Blue Jays, but didn’t attempt a stolen base.
LF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, R, SB (13)
.238/.316/.458 in 187 PA (9 doubles, 2 triples, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 31 R, 13-for-14 SB, 9.6% BB, 27.8% K). The 21-year-old has tools to work with.
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, R, 2 SB (14), 2 BB, K
.286/.358/.354 in 173 PA. Power will not likely be a part of his game, which is why he has to refine his basestealing (14-for-19 this year; 52-for-74 in his career) to add to his potential value. 
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, K
2B Austin Green: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (6), HBP

RHP Gage Ziehl: (W, 2-2)  5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
4.22 ERA (32 IP, 31 H, 17 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 25 K). Ziehl has pitched well since coming back from Somerset, where he made one emergency start.
RHP Jack Sokol: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.42 ERA (19 IP, 14 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 32 K). Veach touched 95 MPH with his sinker tonight. That is important, as his bread-and-butter is his changeup. If he can dial up that fastball into the 94-95 range consistently, he could become a Tommy Kahnle-like prospect. Never take my comparisons as absolutes.

FCL (9-11) (Defeated the Tigers, 8-5)

DH Willy Montero: 0-for-3
Montero is here on a rehab stint from Tampa. Last year for Tampa, he hit .244/.311/.355 in 486 PA (23 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 58 RBI, 64 R, 15-for-16 SB).
CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-1
There was a dreaded “injury delay” on a force play at second base. Mayea was pulled from the game.
    LF Kevin Verde: 1-for-4, R, SB (3), K
C Manuel Palencia: 3-for-5, 2 2B (4), R
3B Luis Escudero: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB
RF Santiago Gomez: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (9)
The 21-year-old is hitting .309/.375/.327 in 64 PA (9-for-10 SB)
1B Luis Puello: 1-for-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Listed as a catcher, the 19-year-old has yet to play the position in 2025.
2B Gabriel Terrero: 3-for-3, 2B (2), 2 RBI, SB (4)
Terrero has 3-hit and 4-hit games this season (11 games played).

RHP Edinzo Marquez: 5.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, 2 HR
4.34 ERA (18.2 IP, 17 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 4 HR, 9 BB, 16 K)

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/27: Jesus Rodriguez Swats 3 Hits

Notes:

Nothing that would interest you.

Injury Log

Scranton (23-26) (Knocked off Worcester, 11-6)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, RBI
Rodriguez has seven 3-hit efforts since his promotion (32 games) and has 31 hits in 19 May games. This is incredible to watch, no matter what one thinks of his prospect status.
LF Dominic Smith: 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
DH Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, R, SB (5), BB, 2 K
Pereira seems to disappear out of nowhere, only to reappear out of nowhere days later. We need him to stay on the field.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, 2B (11), 2 R
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-5, R, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, RBI, R, SB (1), 3 K
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, 2 R, SB (4), 3 BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 3-for-5, 2B (6), HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 3-for-5, 4 RBI, 2 SB (11), CS (3)
The bottom of the order showed up tonight!

RHP Sean Boyle: 5 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
4.71 ERA (49.2 IP, 42 H, 30 R, 26 ER, 8 HR, 19 BB, 53 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
We need Reyzelman to start displaying better control. Maybe tonight is the start of that.
RHP Clayton Beeter: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
1.29 ERA (7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 10 K). The control isn’t there yet (and it has been a weakness in his career).
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Colten Brewer: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (22-23) (Lost to Akron, 6-1)

2B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2B (8), R, BB, 2 K
Position breakdown: First base: 6 games; Second base: 15; Third base: 16.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, K
Since promotion: .207/.377/.224 in 77 PA, with more walks (16) than strikeouts (15). He is 6-for-7 stealing bases.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, K
Flores has a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-21). Overall, he is hitting .305/.358/.542 in 193 PA. Including last year at this level, he is at .287/.358/.529 in 466 PA (26 doubles, 25 HR, 67 RBI, 66 R).
RF Brennen Davis: 0-for-4
Davis is 2-for-13 with a homer since returning from his rehab stint.
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, HBP, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3

RHP Cam Schlittler: (L, 3-5)  4.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Schlittler needed 83 pitches to record 13 outs. Overall, I would call this a bend-don’t-break performance. Season: 2.63 ERA (48 IP, 43 H, 19 R, 14 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 58 K). His numbers are mostly in line with his 2024 campaign, though he has reduced his walk rate. 
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.60 ERA (10 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 7 K)
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Brian has allowed two runs in two appearances this year. In his other ten appearances, he’s allowed zero runs.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (29-16) (Lost to Wilmington, 6-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, BB, K
CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, SB (20), 2 K
.242/.346/.379 in 191 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 35 R, 20-for-23 SB, 13.1% BB, 17.8% K). He is 9-for-9 stealing bases in May.
DH Parks Harber: 1-for-4, 2B (7), 2 K
Harber has followed up a .325/.435/.584 April with a .333/.390/.533 May. He spent most of April in Low-A and all of May in High-A.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, HBP
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
SS Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, K

LHP Kyle Carr (L, 0-3): 6.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
4.14 ERA (37 IP, 31 H, 19 R, 17 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 25 K). I wish he were missing more bats.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.45 ERA (15.2 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 21 K). Yulie is pitching well in his first full season as a reliever.
RHP Matt Keating: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR

Tampa (24-21) 

Their game against Lakeland was postponed.

FCL (8-10) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 15-4)

DH Cam Eden: 2-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, R, BB
One has to assume this rehab stint is almost over.
CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-5, R
.300/.372/.514 in 79 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 19 R, 4-for-7 SB). He ranks second in the FCL in runs scored.
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-5, RBI
3B Santiago Gomez: 3-for-4, 2B (1), 2 R, 3 SB (6), K
.300/.351/.320 in 57 plate appearances.
SS Kevin Verde: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 SB (2), BB, K

LHP Xavier Rivas: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 1 K
Rivas’s first rough outing (he didn’t allow any runs in his first three appearances, covering 13.1 innings). He owns a 1.15 ERA in 15.2 innings with a 22/9 K/BB.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 6/22: Jesus Rodriguez Hits First Double-A Homer

News:

RHP Cam Schlittler was promoted to Scranton from Hudson Valley. This is likely a move for need rather than a permanent placement. Typically speaking, a prospect isn’t going to skip over Double-A.

Schlittler has put together a solid season, pitching to a 2.32 ERA (3.97 FIP) over 54.1 innings with a 56.4% GB, 31.7% K, and 12.5% BB. It is a simplistic way to evaluate, but prospects who miss bats and keep the ball on the ground are gold.

LHP Chasen Shreve is back. The lefty was signed to a minor league deal today after opting out of his Rangers contract. Most of the time, players opt out because they have an MLB opportunity. For now, that isn’t the case with Shreve, but the Yankees bullpen is uncharacteristically in chaos mode. From 2015-2018, Shreve compiled a 3.92 ERA (4.99 FIP) over 174.2 innings for the Yankees. He was traded to the Cardinals (along with Giovanny Gallegos) for Luke Voit. While Gallegos has become a mainstay in the Cardinals’ pen, Shreve has bounced around.

DH Giancarlo Stanton left tonight’s game, potentially opening up a roster spot for many potential options. The first instinct for prospect lovers is Agustin Ramirez if the Yankees want to be aggressive. Alternatively, they could promote T.J. Rumfield and have Ben Rice take more DH at-bats (Rumfield has a better reputation at first base). Veterans like Oscar Gonzalez, Jose Rojas, and Taylor Trammell could be in the conversation. Oswald Peraza? He wouldn’t be a perfect fit for this role but he is conveniently on the 40-man roster.

Outside the organization, washed-up veterans Garrett Cooper and Jose Abreu are available. Abreu has a 3 OPS+ in 2024. That isn’t a typo. Cooper, a former Yankee, hit .206/.267/.299 for the Cubs and Red Sox this season. That’s good for a 59 OPS+. In other words, no. Just no. No. No. No. No. No.

Scranton (41-30) (They are supposed to play two against Buffalo)

Game 1 (Losing, 21-10, in the bottom of the 9th. This game is in a rain delay. I doubt Game 2 is played. If it is, I will update this whenever it finishes)

2B Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-1, K
  2B-3B Josh VanMeter: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, BB
DH-2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
Vivas has two home runs in his last four games.
3B-SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-5, 3 K
1B Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-2, 2 K
Ramirez is 1-for-11 since his promotion.
  1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-2
Runfield is hitting .295 with a .800 OPS for Scranton.
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-2, 2 RS, HBP, BB
Narvaez is another potential option, but he is best off catching down here.
LF Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 3B (1), HR (15), 2 RBI, 2 RS
As I have stated before: Rojas rarely has issues with minor-league pitching. Major League pitching is a different story.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-4, 2 RS
CF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, BB
SS-P Kevin Smith: 1-for-3, 2B (8), RBI, BB, 2 K

LHP Edgar Barclay: (L, 3-6)  2.2 IP, 12 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, 3 HR
And you thought you had a bad day…
RHP Matt Sauer: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Art Warren: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Cody Morris: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Kevin Smith: 2.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (32-35) (Lead Erie, 1-0, in the second inning. This game was suspended due to rain and they will try to finish it up tomorrow)

DH Spencer Jones: 0-for-1
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-1, HR (1), RBI, RS
Once this game goes official, this will be Rodriguez’s first Double-A home run. Between 2023-2024, he hit 8 home runs in 81 games for Hudson Valley (High-A).
3B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-1, K
2B Ben Cowles: 0-for-1, K
CF Grant Richardson: 0-for-0
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-0
1B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-0
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-0
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-0

RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
This will be a wasted start, but that isn’t a big deal. Season: 3.80 ERA (68.2 IP, 60 H, 33 R, 29 ER, 9 HR, 24 BB, 74 K). 

Hudson Valley (33-34) (Lost to Greensboro, 2-1, in 11 innings)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-1, HBP, BB, K
Riggio wasn’t pulled from the game immediately after the HBP but one’s first instinct is that it is related.
   PH-2B Beau Brewer: 0-for-1
After Riggio was pulled, they didn’t turn to Jared Serna. That tells me they were committed to giving him a full night off. 
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, BB, K
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-5, 3 K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, HR (7), RBI, RS, BB
.238/.377/.403 in 223 PA. His personal best for home runs is 18, set in 2023.
PR-DH Nelson Medina: 0-for-0
RF Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-5, 4 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 2 K
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 2B (4), CS (1), 2 K

LHP Ben Shields: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
Shields sets a new personal best for strikeouts in a game. Season (for Hudson Valley – I am ignoring that emergency start he made for Scranton): 3.06 ERA (47 IP, 34 H, 19 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 10 BB, 62 K). While he is 25, this is his debut season. I expect him to be a Somerset option when mass promotions begin.
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.46 ERA (41.2 IP, 28 H, 18 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 50 K). Keating has 145 strikeouts in 108 career innings.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Between here and the FCL: 12.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 21 K. For Hudson Valley: 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 12 K>
RHP Mason Vinyard (L, 2-1): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
2.18 ERA (20.2 IP, 14 H, 11 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 32 K)

Tampa (24-42) (Lead Palm Beach, 2-0, in the bottom of the 4th. The game was suspended again due to rain. They will attempt to finish it tomorrow, followed by the regularly scheduled game. Tonight’s regularly scheduled game is postponed. I do not see a make-up date listed. The squads do not play each other again this season, so the game may forever go away)

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

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

FCL (23-13) (Defeated the Blue Jays, 7-5, in nine (extra) innings. Read below for a most unusual fact from this game)

CF Brando Mayea: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 3 K
C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-3, RS, BB, K
.280/.473/.398 in 129 PA with 20 runs batted in (he has 32 walks (24.8%) and 22 strikeouts)
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
2B Gabriel Terrero: 0-for-3, RS, SB (9), BB
RF Joel Mendez: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
DH Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-1, BB
   PR-DH-P Santiago Gomez: 1-for-2, HR (1, grand slam), 4 RBI, 2 RS, SB (9), CS (4), K
His grand slam in the top of the 9th was part of a 6-run inning that the Blue Jays couldn’t overcome. However, this wasn’t the end of Gomez’s day (keep scrolling down!)

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
Lagrange’s 2024 debut. He has some “buzz” surrounding him (not as much as Henry Lalane, but that isn’t a knock). The 21-year-old pitched to a 4.97 ERA and 63/24 K/BB over 41.2 innings in 2023. He is 6’7″.
RHP Andrew Landry: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
The professional debut for last year’s 16th-round pick out of Southeastern Louisiana.
RHP Chris Kean: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.88 ERA (14.1 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 17 K). Tampa is calling…
RHP Santiago Gomez (S, 1): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The player who hit the big grand slam in the 9th was needed to save the game. Can you do that, Shohei Ohtani?

DSL Yankees (5-10) (Defeated the DSL Angels, 3-2)

3B Richard Matic: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RS, K
DH Luis Puello: 2-for-3, RBI, K
The 18-year-old is 12-for-25 (..480) with a pair of homers and 11 RBI.
RF Estivenzon Montero: 3-for-3, 2B (1), 2 RBI, SB (2)
Montero’s first career multi-hit game (6th game)

RHP Jorge Luna: 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 6 K
1.98 ERA (13.2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 17 K)
LHP Ronald Tejada (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
The 17-year-old’s first career win.

DSL Bombers (9-5) (Defeated the DSL Giants Orange, 5-4)

C Queni Pineda: 0-for-1, 3 RS, SB (4), 3 BB
Pineda is 8-for-28 with 2 doubles, a homer, 13 runs scored, 12 walks, and 5 strikeouts.
LF Browm Martinez: 1-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, K
3B Kevin Verde: 1-for-2, 2 SF, 2 RBI

RHP Jerson Alejandro: 3 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K
The 6’6″ Alejandro has a 14/11 K/BB in 9 innings.
RHP Carlos Almonte: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Standing 6’5″, this is the 20-year-old’s professional debut.