Tag: Spencer Jones

Yankees MILB 4/22: Brendan Beck is Cruising

Notes:

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

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

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

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

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

Injury Log

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

CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3, CS (2), 2 BB
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, SF, RBI, 2 K
Since his promotion, Rodriguez is 6-for-23 (.261) with six walks and six strikeouts.
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-4, R, BB
3B Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, 2 BB
1B Ronaldo Hernandez: 1-for-5, 2B (3)
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-5, R, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, K
Richardson hit a home run with two outs in the bottom of the 9th to tie the game. He is 8-for-25 (.320) at this level (1-for-12 for Somerset).
2B Max Burt: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
DH Edinson Duran: 0-for-3, SAC, 2 K

RHP Jake Woodford: 3.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.70 ERA (7.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 11 K)
RHP Colten Brewer: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
7.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 6 BB, 8 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: (L, 1-1)  2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

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

3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, 2B (3), HR (2), RBI, 2 R, K
In his first five games, he earned zero extra-base hits. In his last seven games, he’s compiled five extra-base hits.
2B DJ LeMahieu: 3-for-3, 2B (1), HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 R
I am not a big fan of LeMahieu’s potential return, but no complaints about Game 1. He’ll likely use up most (if not all) of the 20 days before the Yankees have a decision to make.
  2B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2
LeMahieu wasn’t going to play a full game tonight.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-2, 2B (2), R, 2 BB
His OPS is over 1.000 (.263/.391/.614 in 69 PA). His K% is 33.9 (15.9% BB)
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2B (3), 2 RBI, R, K
Flores has 15 RBI in 16 games (.262/.328/.459)
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, CS (1), K
.175/.340/.350 in 50 PA.
SS Jake Gatewood: 2-for-4, 2B (8), K
Gatewood leads the Eastern League with eight doubles.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, SB (6), 2 BB
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4
DH Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, 2 K

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

Hudson Valley (11-4)

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

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

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, SB (7), K
DH Edgleen Perez: 2-for-2, SF, RBI, SB (2), 2 BB
First ten games: 4-for-35, 5 BB, 15 K. Last four games: 5-for-11, 9 BB, 3 K. The 18-year-old has adjusted nicely. 
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-5, 2B (6), 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, K
3B Parks Harber: 3-for-4, 2 2B (3), R, K
Harber is hitting .278/.398/.489 in 161 PA at this level over the last two years. They will consider promoting him at some point.
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (4), 2 K
RF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Austin Green: 1-for-4, 3B (1), R
Green’s first career extra-base hit (17th game).
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, 2B (2), SF, RBI, R, K

RHP Andrew Landry: 6 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Landry bounces back nicely after a rough start last time out (1.1 IP, 8 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 4 BB, 2 K). I like it when young pitchers brush off tough starts.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: (L, 0-1)  1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
7.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 12 K. Rossi won’t be here for long at this rate.

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/20: Spencer Jones Homers

Notes:

RHP Zach Greene, who was on the Development List, is no longer with the organization. The 28-year-old Greene was drafted by the Yankees in the 8th round in the 2019 draft (South Alabama). In December 2022, the Mets selected Greene in the Rule 5 draft. However, he was returned to the Yankees before the start of the 2023 campaign.

RHP Clayton Beeter is back. He began his rehab assignment in Low-A Tampa. Beeter is on the 15-day IL and has a pair of options left. Hence, when he is ready, the Yankees can option him to Scranton if need be.

Injury Log

Scranton (11-9) (Lost to Durham, 4-3)

CF Ismael Munguia: 2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, BB
Munguia’s first HR as a member of the Yankees’ organization (27th in 533 career games)
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, SB (4), BB
C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-2, RBI, R, SB (3), 3 BB
Rodriguez’s third career 3 BB game.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-5, 4 K
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-5
2B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4
The 32-year-old plays almost everywhere, but this is his first game at 2B since 2022.
DH Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-3, 3 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-2, R, BB
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-2, SAC, 2 K

RHP Erick Leal: 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, HR
4.66 ERA (19.1 IP, 20 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 24 K). 
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
6.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 7 K
LHP Tyler Matzek: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: (L, 1-1) 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR

Somerset (6-9) (Lost to Altoona, 9-3)

2B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, R, 2 K
Jones leads the Eastern League with six home runs.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (3), RBI, R, K
Flores has 18 homers in 80 Double-A games.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R
Gabrielson’s first home run since August 30, 2023 (zero HR in 82 games last year)
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3
DH Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, 2 K
Gomez is 2-for-15 with seven strikeouts since his promotion.

RHP Trent Sellers: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
4.15 ERA (13 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 17 K). Sellers has allowed four HR in 96.2 career innings (0.37 HR/9)
RHP Luis Pacheco: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Ryan Anderson (L, 0-1): 0.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Danny Watson: 0.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
A tough night for the middle of the bullpen.
RHP Colby White: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (11-4) (Defeated Wilmington, 3-1)

CF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
Tough start to Avina’s season (.190/.364/.214). He is taking some walks, which is good at least.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
.302/.466/.442 in 58 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 11 R, 7-for-8 SB, 20.7% BB, 22.4% K).  His .466 OBP leads the South Atlantic League.
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, RBI
.241/.305/.270 in 59 PA.
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2, CS (1), BB, K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, K
Moylan’s first career game in the outfield. 
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3, SB (1)

LHP Kyle Carr: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Carr tossed 62 pitches. He owns a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings (7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 11 K)
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
After making 20 starts for Tampa in 2023, he has been used as a short reliever in 2025 (missed the entire 2024 season, so they might just be building him up)
RHP Cole Ayers (S, 2): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
6.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K

Tampa (7-8) (Lost to St. Lucie, 8-2. St. Lucie (Mets) starter Raimon Gomez averaged 100.1 MPH with his 4-seamer, topping out at 102.3. Like Greysen Carter, controlling that nastiness is the project.)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-1, 4 BB, K
His second career 4 BB game helps the OBP (.159/.351/.182 in 57 PA). Last 3 games: 3-for-9 with 7 walks.
RF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-5, RBI, SB (3), 3 K
.255/.305/.418 in 59 PA (5 doubles, 2 triples, 5 RBI, 3 R, 3-for-4 sB, 6.8% BB, 30.5% K)
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
.174/.361/.413 in 61 PA (2 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R, 2-for-3 SB, 19.7% BB, 24.6% K). Urena has hit safely in six of his last seven games and has reached base safely in all 13 games.
1B Parks Harber: 0-for-4, K
LF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, SB (4), K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, K
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, 4 K
SS Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, 2 2B (4), R, K
Matheus, hitting .087 on April 16th, is 5-for-10 in his last three games and is now hitting .212/.349/.333.
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, RBI, R, K

RHP Gage Ziehl: (L, 0-1)  2.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
The Yankees loaded up on talented arms in last year’s draft. There will be growing pains at times. Ziehl likes to throw his cutter but is dialing up the 4-seamer as high as 95.2 MPH.
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Beeter averaged 97 MPH with his 4-seam fastball (topped out at 97.9).
RHP Sean Hermann: 2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
RHP Cade Austin: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

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

Notes:

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

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

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

RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, 2B (4), SF, RBI
2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4
Vivas has five multi-hit games and is hitting .339/.419/.500. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (10-for-20).
DH Everson Pereira: 2-for-4
Nobody follows Pereira for singles, but we’ll take it!  He is hitting .288/.356/.481 in 59 PA.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Dominic Smith: 0-for-4
3B Jose Rojas: 1-for-4
C Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-3, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, 2B (3), R, K
CF Duke Ellis: 0-for-3, K

RHP Jake Woodford: (L, 0-1)  2.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 H, 2 HR
RHP Kervin Castro: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP McKinley Moore: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
The erratic Moore was recently activated off the Development List.
LHP Brent Headrick: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Headrick pitched well in his appearances for the Yankees this season. We’ll toss this.

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

SS Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
LF Spencer Jones: 3-for-5, 2 HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 R
Jones has two 2-HR games this season (five in his career).  He is hitting .273/.385/.636 in 52 PA (1 double, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 10 R, 4-for-4 SB, 13.5% BB, 32.7% K). I talk about the strikeouts because that is important. It is also important to point out how talented this kid is. There might be a unicorn here, which could be good or bad.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, 2 K
3B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 4 K
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4
DH Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, 2 SB (5), BB
The 24-year-old is hitting .250/.371/.357 in 35 PA. He is 23-for-29 stealing bases in his career.
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
2B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, R, SB (2), BB, 2 K
1B Diomedes Hernandez: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, 2 K
Hernandez’s first Double-A at-bat resulted in an RBI double. He played in 28 games for the FCL/Tampa squads last year, hitting .272/.341/.333 with a homer and 14 RBI.

RHP Cam Schlittler: (L, 1-1)  4.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
The Patriots didn’t help his cause behind him (four errors, one after he left the game that allowed a 6th run to score).  Season: 1.80 ERA (15 IP, 11 H, 8 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 15 K).
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 2 BB, 6 K
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

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

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-2, HR (1), RBI, 3 R, 3 SB (6), 3 BB
Jones has homered in back-to-back games.  He has eight walks in 10 games (29 BB in 24 games in 2024).  He is 24-for-25 stealing bases in his brief career.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 SB (7), BB, K
.333/.500/.500 in 50 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 11 R, 7-for-8 SB, 22% BB, 22% K). You can’t ask for much more from his first 50 plate appearances.
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, 2 K
.263/.429/.368 in 49 PA. In 133 minor league games, Castillo is hitting .261/.390/.404 (26 doubles, 4 triples, 10 HR, 72 RBI, 80 R, 26-for-32 SB, 16.9% BB, 21.7% K). Certainly something to build on.
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 4 K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2, 2 BB
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, R
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, R, K

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

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

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, R, BB, K
Back-to-back games with a double for Arias.  He is hitting .156/.283/.244 in 53 PA.
DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
A much-needed 2-run double for the struggling 18-year-old. Hopefully, he can build off that.
RF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-5, 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R
Urena has homered in back-to-back games. You should watch this kid closely, as he has big-time power potential.
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-2, HR (3), RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
Harber should hit here, and he is (.270/.401/.496 in 34 games the last two years). He should get to Hudson Valley at some point.
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, 2 K
2B Austin Green: 1-for-4, K
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, R, BB, 3 K

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

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/13: Spencer Jones Homers Twice

Notes:

I have nothing fun to report.

Scranton (9-5) (Swept a doubleheader over Rochester)

Game 1 (Walked it off in a 3-2 win)

DH Cooper Hummel: 0-for-2, BB, K
   PH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-0, R, BB
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
Vivas walked it off in the bottom of the 7th.
LF Everson Pereira: 0-for-3, 2 K
.250/.326/.350 in 46 PA (10.9% BB, 36.9% K).
RF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-2, R, BB
1B Dominic Smith: 0-for-3
3B Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, R
C Ronaldo Hernandez: 1-for-2, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI
CF Duke Ellis: 0-for-3, K

RHP Zach Messinger: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
4.63 ERA (11.2 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 9 K). One thing that Messinger limits is long balls (9 HR in 150 IP last season). He can work his way to MLB this season, but remember that A) the Yankees didn’t invite him to spring training and B) he was exposed in the Rule 5 draft and nobody took him, despite some upper-level success.
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Tyler Matzek: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Matzek topped out at 95.9 MPH. At 34 years old, he can still bring it.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Won, 8-0)

RF Ismael Munguia: 2-for-2, 3 R, SB (3), 2 BB
Munguia is hitting .314 with a .773 OPS (2 doubles, 3 RBI, 10 R, 5 BB, 5 K)
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 R, HBP, BB
Rodriguez was promoted here today, but it is likely because they needed a body for the doubleheader. I imagine he will be back in an Uber to Somerset tonight.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 3-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI, R, CS (2)
Vivas is hitting .306 with a .900 OPS (3 doubles, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 9 R, 14.5% BB, 6.5% K).  He had a 16.7% K last season.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-2, 2B (5), 3 RBI, HBP, BB
There certainly can come a time when Rumfield (5 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI in 14 games) asks what more he needs to do. The good news is that, eventually, the Yankees have to add him to the 40-man or risk losing him to minor league free agency.
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-4
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3
SS Braden Shewmake: 2-for-3, 2B (1), R
CF Duke Ellis: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (2), K

RHP Sean Boyle: (W, 1-2)  5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
The 28-year-old Boyle has toiled in the system since 2018. He would be a fun story if he made it to MLB, but he has to earn that. Due to injuries, he was limited to 56 total innings in 2023-2024 (155.1 innings in 2022).
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (4-5) (Lost to Reading, 8-7)

2B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, 3B (1), 2 RBI, 2 R
Jasso’s first professional game at 2B. Are they trying to add some utility to his profile (normally plays 1B/3B)?
CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-5, 2 HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 R, SB (3), 2 K
Jones has four career multi-HR games. He is hitting .290/.421/.613 (1 double, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 8 R, 3-for-3 SB, 15.8% BB, 36.8% K)
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-5, 2 K
.219/.324/.438 in 37 PA. He is in a little 1-for-15 slide.
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 2B (4), SB (2), K
Hardman has doubled in three straight games.
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, K
DH Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Jake Gatewood: 3-for-4, 2 2B (5), 3B (1), 2 R
Gatewood is turning on the extra-base hit machine (two doubles yesterday, two doubles and a triple today).
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Sellers had a strong first season in 2024.  It will be interesting to see how he fares in Somerset.
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Danny Watson (L, 0-1): 1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 2 HR
A rough day at the office – have to shake it off. 

Hudson Valley (5-4) (Lost to Brooklyn, 8-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, 4 K
Toss this game out and move on to the next.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, K
Back-to-back multi-hit efforts. The power hasn’t shown up yet at this level (one extra-base hit in 8 games; 9 in 37 games going back to last year), but he is otherwise doing well for a teenager (.286/.417/.357).
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, BB, K
.276/.400/.379 in 35 PA.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, HBP, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R
Colmenares (23) hit 7 HR in 26 games for Low-A Tampa last year.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, BB
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, 2 K
DH Kiko Romero: 0-for-3

RHP Bryce Cunningham: 6 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
Not as smooth as his professional debut, but to his credit, he allowed one run after a 5-run first inning. He owns a 13/1 K/BB in 11 innings.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (5-4) (Use a 4-run first to knock off Fort Myers, 4-2)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-5, 2B (3), 2 K
.281/.361/.500 in 36 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 7 K). He’s only 20, 
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, R, SB (2), CS (1), 2 BB, K
A lot of excitement over this kid’s bat and he showed some of that potential in the FCL last year. Like everyone, he has to prove it in a full-season league. On the positive side, he is taking his walks (9 in eight games).
3B Parks Harber: 2-for-4, 3B (1), HR (2), 3 RBI, R, 2 K
Harber’s home run was crushed (399 feet/107.9 MPH). Four of Harber’s eight hits have gone for extra bases (1 double, 1 triple, 2 HR). He has ten RBI in nine games.
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, 4 K
RF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 K
Speaking of crushed homers, Lewis’s home run was hit 383 feet at 109.3 MPH. 
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-4, K
SS Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, 2 SB (2), 2 BB
Matheus has five walks and two strikeouts in six games (94 BB, 84 K in 115 career games). He also has 40 career stolen bases (though he has been caught 18 times)
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, SB (2), BB, K

RHP Gage Ziehl: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Professional debut for the 21-year-old drafted in the 4th round last year (Miami). He threw 50% cutters (maxed 92.7), 24% 4-seamers (maxed 94.4), 24% sliders, and one sinker. For Miami in 2024, he went 5-3 with a 3.87 ERA and 89/28 K/BB over 100 innings. The Yankees system, seen as mid-pack or lower by most, can take a significant step forward if their 2024 draft bears some pitching fruit. It is their specialty. While it is too early to conclude anything, their drafted arms are off to good starts.
RHP Brandon Decker (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Decker’s first professional win. He relies more on an assortment of pitches than power, though he did top out at 93.3 with his sinker today.
RHP Tony Rossi: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Rossi is already 25 and will be fast-tracked if he shows anything. His sinker reached 93.6 MPH today.
RHP Chris Veach (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
Veach threw 71% change-ups and 14% curveballs. Pitchers who rely on breaking balls/changeups often can confuse batters at the lower levels, even if those pitchers aren’t elite, so we’ll see how it translates as he moves up. 

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/10: Jackson Castillo: 2 Doubles, 6 RBI

Notes:

RHP McKinley Moore and OF Christopher Familia have been moved to the organization’s Development List.

The Development List was introduced in 2021, and its purpose is what you think it is. If a player has something to work on, and the organization wants them to do so outside of game competition, the Development List is there for them to use.

Scranton (6-5) 

Their game against Rochester was postponed.  Tomorrow’s weather doesn’t look promising.

Somerset (2-4) (Defeated Reading, 4-1)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (1), K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (2), BB, K
.263/.462/.474 in 26 PA (1 double, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 5 R, 2-for-2 SB, 6 BB, 8 K)
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-2, SB (2), 2 BB, K
6-for-21 (2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 R, 2-for-2 SB, 4 BB, 8 K)
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, R, BB
RF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-4, 2B (1), R, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RBI, K
DH Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, CS (1), K
6-for-12 (3 doubles, 3 RBI, 0 BB, 1 K). This is a continuation of his strong spring training.
2B Max Burt: 0-for-2, R, SB (2), BB, K

RHP Clarke Schmidt: 4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Schmidt could be in an MLB rotation as soon as next week.
RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
10.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 2 BB, 12 K

Hudson Valley (4-2) (Defeated Brooklyn, 8-3)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, R, 2 SB (3), 2 BB, 2 K
2-for-21 (1 double, 1 triple, 3 RBI, 2 R, 3-for-3 SB, 4 BB, 10 K). Jones is 21-for-21 stealing bases in his short career.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, 3 R, SB (2), 3 BB, K
Lombard had four 3+ BB games in 2024 (including one 4 BB game)
LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-5, 2 2B (2), 6 RBI, SB (2), K
Castillo swats a pair of 3-run doubles. Interestingly, this is not a new best for him for RBI. He knocked in 7 runs on August 13, 2024.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 2 BB, 3 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-5, 4 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2 K
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-2, 2 R, SB (3), 2 BB

RHP Josh Grosz: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K
The 6’4″ Grosz had a solid debut season in 2024 (24 games (23 starts), 7-8, 3.85 ERA; 121.2 IP, 101 H, 14 HR, 52 BB, 131 K). He had his best ERA in seven starts at this level (2.77). He was the Yankees’ 11th-round pick in 2023 (East Carolina).
LHP Will Brian: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Impressive outing for the 6’8″ Warrecker. Like many kids his size, he needs to work on his command/control.
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (4-2) (Defeated Fort Myers, 4-1)

SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 SB (3), BB, K
Arias needed this night in a bad way.
LF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-2, SB (2), BB, 2 K
Sanchez left the game after striking out in the 5th inning.
  LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-1, K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-2, R, 2 HBP, 2 K
Urena is off to a 1-for-17 start, though he does have seven walks and two HBP.
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Harber hit one homer in 23 games in last year’s debut season.
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, CS (2), BB, K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-3, R, HBP
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, K
DH Duncan Pastore: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R
Signed as an undrafted free agent last year, Pastore went 10-for-27 in ten games with four stolen bases. He is still looking for his first career extra-base hit.

LHP Griffin Herring: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
10.1 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 13 K. I’d say that’s a nice start to one’s professional career.
RHP Sean Hermann: (W, 1-0)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Rossi’s first career save. He was pumping mid-90s sinkers tonight.

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/8: Spencer Jones Homers

Notes:

Nothing to report

Scranton (5-4)

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

Somerset (1-3) (Lost a tough one to Reading, 5-4. Reading scored four runs in the top of the 9th to take the win)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, K
A tough 1-for-18 start to his campaign.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-2, HR (1), RBI, R, SB (1), 2 BB
4-for-13 (1 double, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, 1 SB, 4 BB, 5 K)
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, HBP, K
Martin hit 12 HR in 87 games for Hudson Valley last year.
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
SS Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, 3 K
2B Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, 2B (2), RBI
4-for-8 with a pair of doubles and two RBI.

RHP Brendan Beck: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
The Yankees drafted the 26-year-old in the 2nd round in 2021 (Stanford). Considered a “fast track” type, injuries have slowed him considerably. His only action came in 2023, when he pitched 34 innings over ten starts for the FCL (one start)/Hudson Valley (9 starts). The road has been long, but we’ve seen successful pitchers start their careers in their mid-to-late 20s.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Jordany Ventura:  (L, 0-1) 0.1 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Meltdown alert.
RHP Zach Greene: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (2-2) (Lost to Brooklyn, 7-3)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
2-for-18 (2B, 3B, 3 RBI, R, 1-for-1 SB, 2 BB, 8 K)
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, R, SB (1), BB, K
3-for-13 (3B, RBI, 4 R, 1-for-2 SB, 3 BB, 5 K)
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, R, BB, K
Moylan had buzz when the Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2023. His 2024 season (.246/.357/.381; 8 HR, 42 RBI) left room for improvement, so he is back at this level.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, K
DH Antonio Gomez: 1-for-2, RBI, BB, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (L, 0-1)  3 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, HR
Loaded with talent in his 6’7″ frame, the 21-year-old has dealt with injuries and wildness in his brief (98.2 IP) career.
RHP Cole Ayers: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
The 25-year-old pitched to a 3.09 ERA in 55.1 IP at this level in 2024.  He briefly made his way to Somerset, but is back here to begin 2025.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

Tampa (3-1) (Came back to defeat Fort Myers, 5-3. The Tarpons scored five times in the top of the 9th)

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R, SB (1), BB, 2 K
Arias finally collects that first hit of 2025 (1-for-16; 7 K). He doubled, scored a run, drove home a run, and walked in the 9th.
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, 2 K
   PH-C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1, R, BB, K
CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, 3B (2), K
Speed is a big part of the 20-year-old’s game. He should be able to stick in CF.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
1B Parks Harber: 1-for-3, RBI, CS (1), BB, K
Harber’s RBI single in the top of the 9th tied the game.
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
2B Austin Green: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (1), K
Green’s 2-run single broke the 2-2 tie in the 9th.
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Andrew Landry: 4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
The 23-year-old was drafted in the 16th round in 2023 (Southeastern Louisiana). In 2024, he pitched in seven games at this level, posting a 6.98 ERA in 19.1 IP with 16 walks and 12 strikeouts.
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
The Yankees signed the 22-year-old as an undrafted free agent last year (Wake Forest).
RHP Gus Hughes: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Hughes’ first career win. Congrats.
RHP Alex Bustamante (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/5: Spencer Jones Singles, Doubles

Notes:

Nothing to report

Scranton (4-4) (Lost to Syracuse, 7-4)

1B Dominic Smith: 0-for-4, K
LF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, K
7-for-25 with four RBI. He is looking for his first extra-base hit. Given that extra-base power is his “thing,” I am not worried.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, R,  BB
.303/.395/.636 in 38 PA. 
C Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-4, K
3B Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, R, BB
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
5-for-11 with a double, homer, 5 RBI, and 6 runs scored.
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, K
CF Duke Ellis: 0-for-3

RHP Sean Boyle (L, 0-2): 5 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, HR
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 HR, 2 BB, 8 K
RHP McKinley Moore: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

Somerset (1-1) (Defeated Hartford, 6-2)

2B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2 BB, K
Jasso’s first career game at second base.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
How many times in his career have I written “2-for-4, 2 K” in a Spencer Jones stat line? I will gladly take the hits.
1B Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
In 67 Double-A games: .280/.362/.528 (14 doubles, 16 HR, 35 RBI, 41 R, 7-for-7 SB, 28 BB (9.9%), 75 K (26.6%)
C Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-5, 2 K
DH Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
Before his 2023 injury, Hardman was hitting .237/.332/.558 with 26 HR in only 77 games at this level. Since coming back, the power hasn’t returned (8 HR in 76 games at this level).
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, R, HBP, K
SS Jake Gatewood: 1-for-4, 2B (1), R, 3 K
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
3B Max Burt: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, R, SB (1)
Burt is grinding it out. The Yankees drafted him in the 28th round in 2018 out of Northeastern. He re-signed as a minor league free agent in March to begin his 7th season with the organization.

RHP Clarke Schmidt: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
52 pitches/37 strikes. This is what you wanted to see in his first rehab appearance.
LHP Edgar Barclay (W, 1-0): 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
The 24-year-old was acquired from the Houston Astros for Caleb Ferguson last July (the Yankees also received international bonus pool money in the transaction). 

Hudson Valley (1-1) (Walked it off against Jersey Shore, 8-7)

RF Brendan Jones: 2-for-5, 3B (1), 3 RBI, R, SB (1), BB, K
For now, Jones is credited with a 3-run game-winning single. We’ll see if that holds, or if some shenanigans occurred. Either way, exciting walk-off win! 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 3B (1), SF, RBI, R, 2 K
If the extra-base power shows up this year (as many expect), watch out.
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI, R, BB, 2 K
The top of this batting order is enviously athletic. 
LF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2B (1), R, BB
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, BB, K
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R
  C Tomas Frick: 2-for-2, 2B (1), R
Frick performed well for Tampa last year, hitting .250/.370/.368 in 173 plate appearances. It was his professional debut after being drafted in the 15th round in 2023.
2B Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (2), 2 BB, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
Rodriguez-Cruz was acquired from the Red Sox in exchange for catcher Carlos Narvaez. He is the type of “lottery ticket” arm you should target for a 40-man roster guy. Only 21, he went 5-5 with a 2.91 ERA in 89.2 IP between Low-A and High-A last season with a 102/43 K/BB.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
The 6’6″ Merda missed the 2024 season. At this level in 2023, he went 3-6 with a 6.21 ERA in 21 games (20 starts), posting a 96/57 K/BB over 95.2 innings. The Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Another pitcher who missed the 2024 season. In 2023, at this level, he posted a 4.56 ERA in 79 IP with a 90/43 K/BB.

Tampa (2-0) (Defeated Lakeland, 7-6, in ten innings)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, 2 BB, 2 K
Even as I talk about Arias being a “raw” talent, he sneakily puts up solid BB rates (12.3% last year). 
C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-2, 2 R, BB
Perez is only 18 years old. He easily conquered the DSL and FCL, earning himself this challenge.  He is amongst the youngest players in the Florida State League (he is not the youngest. Andrew Salas (Marlins) holds that distinction).
   C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, R, BB
CF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-5, R, BB, K
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R, 3 BB, K
Urena’s 2023 injury stalled his timetable, but he is still only 20 years old.  In 40 FCL games last year, he hit 11 doubles and 8 HR while driving home 31. The power potential he possesses is legitimate
1B Parks Harber: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 3 RBI, BB, 2 K
After being drafted last year, Harber was assigned here. He hit .269/.389/.449 in 23 games with a homer and 19 RBI.
RF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-4, RBI, CS (1), 2 BB, K
LF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-5, 2B (1), R
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-5, 2 K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, R, CS (1), BB

LHP Tanner Bauman: 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
A day after Griffin Herring dazzled in his professional debut, Bauman turns in a solid effort in his debut. The 6’5″ 22-year-old was drafted in the 9th round in the 2024 draft.  For Auburn last year, he went 3-2 with a 4.57 ERA in 20 appearances (6 starts) with a 47/16 K/BB over 41.1 IP.
RHP Alex Bustamante: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Bustamente spent the entire 2024 season on the injured list.
RHP Cade Austin: 1.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Chris Veach: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
This is the professional debut for Veach, who the Yankees signed as an undrafted free agent out of South Carolina. This is the first time I am saying this in 2025: Don’t let an “undrafted” status sour you on a prospect. The draft is shorter nowadays, leaving a lot of talent out there for teams to sign.
RHP Gus Hughes: (W, 1-0)  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Hughes’ first professional appearance is a successful one. Drafted in the 18th round in 2024, the High Point graduate stands only 6’0″. Last season, as a starter, he went 6-4 with a 3.77 ERA in 102.2 IP with a 111/41 K/BB. A few High Point players have reached the big leagues, with reliever Cody Allen (Guardians, Angels) being the most successful.

 

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 9/22: Ben Rice: Grand Slam

News:

RHP Clayton Beeter is on his way up, while RHP Jake Cousins was placed on the injured list.

After returning from his injury, Beeter was exclusively a reliever. Over five games, he posted a 0.00 ERA in 7 innings (2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 12 K). He wasn’t asked to pitch on back-to-back days, though he did pitch in two games over three days once.

Can he make the postseason roster? I would consider it a long shot but you never know.

Scranton (89-60) (Defeated Buffalo, 8-4. A tremendous season for the Railriders, but the rules keep them out of the playoffs. Too bad.)

2B Caleb Durbin: 3-for-5, 2B (23), RBI, RS, SB (29), CS (3), K
Durbin found himself in a slump early in September but finished on a little 4-game hitting streak (doubled in his final three games). Overall, including his rehab time, Durbin hit .275/.388/.451 in 406 PA (25 doubles, 2 triples, 10 HR, 60 RBI, 61 R, 31-for-35 SB, 13.1% BB, 9.9% K). Where does he fit? I would put him in the competition for an infield spot in 2025. First things first, though: He is Rule 5 eligible, so they will need to add him to the 40-man roster this winter.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, RS, CI
Vivas hit .225/.347/.366 in 422 PA for Scranton (18 doubles, 2 triples, 9 HR, 45 RBI, 57 R, 20-for-25 SB, 13.7% BB, 16.6% K). He will forever be linked to Trey Sweeney in Yankees-land. Sweeney is a part of the Tigers’ late-season surge, hitting .247/.290/.430 with four homers in 100 plate appearances.
DH Ben Rice: 1-for-4, HR (12; grand slam), 4 RBI, RS, BB, K
If Rice was discouraged by his demotion, he didn’t play like it. In 19 September games, he hit 9 homers, drove home 23 runs, and walked more than he struck out (17-to-16). Overall, including his time in MLB, Rice swatted 31 home runs in 531 plate appearances.
SS Oswald Peraza: 2-for-4, HR (13), RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (24)
Peraza ends his campaign with three home runs in the last two games. He still possesses a tantalizing combination of power, speed, and defense. I don’t know if he’ll hit for average in MLB but does he need to? He hit .246/.341/.394 in 406 PA at this level. His SLG dipped to .236 after the games of July 5th and was still under .300 as late as July 26th.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, K
Rumfield hit .294/.370/.454 in 508 PA between here and Somerset (27 doubles, 15 HR, 73 RBI, 77 R, 9.6% BB, 16.1% K). If the Yankees look for their future 1B from within, Rice has the edge. As well as Rumfield played this season, I am not sure if they will protect him.
RF J.C. Escarra: 1-for-1
With his 1-for-1 day, Escarra finishes his Triple-A campaign over .300 (.302; he was at .298 entering today). The Yankees used him at C/1B/3B/LF/RF this season.
  PH-RF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 K
I hope this was just a situation where they wanted to give Trammell a few plate appearances in the final game instead of an injury.
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4, K
Narvaez seemingly ran into a wall late (0-for-21 in his last five games). He finishes his minor league season at .254/.370/.412 in 403 PA.
LF Jahmai Jones: 1-for-2
   PR-LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-2, RS, SB (6), K
It remains possible that Ellis will sneak onto the postseason roster for pinch-running purposes. You would think his 57 minor-league stolen bases would place him near the top of minor-league baseball. Nope, though he is tied for 10th. The leader? Tampa Bay prospect Chandler Simpson stole 104 bases in 110 games this season.
CF Greg Allen: 1-for-3, 2B (9), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Allen always seems to find his way back, so I won’t call this his organizational swan song.

LHP Josh Maciejewski: (W, 2-3)  5 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
The ultimate thrill for Maciejewski was making four appearances (7 innings) for the big club. The 10th-round pick in the 2018 draft worked hard to accomplish that (he was drafted in the 10th round partially for monetary reasons, as he only required a $7,500 bonus). His future? Figuring out minor league free agency is hard, so I don’t know if he is eligible this winter. If not, he will fill a similar role in 2025.
RHP Cody Morris: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP JT Brubaker: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
If the Yankees keep him around, he has one more control year before reaching free agency. It does require adding him to the 40-man (he is currently on the 60-day IL as this is a rehab stint) to retain him.
RHP Phil Bickford: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Mosqueda, signed as a minor league free agent over the winter, finishes with a 4.39 ERA (67.2 IP, 50 H, 38 R, 33 ER, 8 HR, 37 BB, 88 K). He held left-handed hitters to a .122 batting average (1 home run).

Somerset (2-1) (Lost to Erie, 9-5, to fall behind 1-0 in the best-of-3 championship series. The series moves to Somerset, starting on Tuesday)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS
Jones is 6-for-14 with a pair of home runs and only one strikeout in the playoffs. Additionally, he struck out once in his final four regular season contests.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, RS, 2 K
Flores’ 22nd HR between the regular season and the postseason. Only Ben Rice (24 minor-league homers) has more within the organization.
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, K
DH Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, CS (1), K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Grant Richardson: 3-for-4, HR (1), RBI, 2 RS, K
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, 3 K
  PH Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-1
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, K
3B Max Burt: 1-for-3, RS
  PH Kiko Romero: 0-for-1

LHP Ben Shields: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
This concludes Shields’ encouraging debut campaign. In the regular season, he pitched to a 3.48 ERA (3.23 FIP) in 106 IP with a 31.1% K, 7.5% BB, and 47.8% GB. He will be 26 by the time we get to Opening Day 2025. That does not bother me.
RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 0-1)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Danny Watson: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
Reyzelman and Watson were reliable down the stretch. They didn’t have it tonight. It happens.

Hudson Valley (73-58 (regular season); 3-3 (playoffs))

Their season is over.

Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/19: Ben Rice Homers Again

News:

I have nothing to offer.

Scranton (86-60) (Defeated Buffalo, 4-1. I have been mistaken lately. Like most sane people, I thought divisions mattered in the International League, but they don’t. It’s first-half champion vs. second-half champion in the entire league, even though you don’t get to play everyone. Weird. Divisions don’t matter. Scranton is 86-60 (the second-best team to Omaha) and won’t make the playoffs. That needs to be fixed because it’s freaking stupid. Why do they do this? Time. They expanded the season, so the playoffs took a hit. Instead of a 2-series format, they go straight to a best-of-3 championship. After that concludes, the International League winner plays the Pacific Coast League winner in a 1-game “winner-take-all.” Interestingly, they came up with a format that I 100% hate. I like nothing about it. I don’t care about IL vs. PCL. I care more about deserving squads making it)

LF-3B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-5, RBI
Even during his slump, Durbin hasn’t been striking out (6 in 12 September games). He is hitting .284/.396/.466 in 360 PA at this level (12.8% BB, 9.7% K)
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, RS, BB
1B Ben Rice: 1-for-4, HR (10), 2 RBI, RS
Rice has 7 HR in his last 14 games and is hitting .302/.444/.656 in 124 PA at this level. It is easy to forget how little Triple-A experience he had before his call-up.
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-3, BB, K
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, HR (14), RBI, RS, BB
At this level: .293/.367/.458 in 466 PA (26 doubles, 14 HR, 70 RBI, 71 R, 9.2% BB, 16.5% K). He is talked about in online fan circles but I haven’t seen much about him beyond that. Is he a serious prospect? I wish I could answer that.
C Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4
RF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-4, 2B (20), K
3B J.C. Escarra: 2-for-3, 2 2B (14), RS, BB
In addition to catching, Escarra can play the four corners (1B, 3B, LF, RF). He will turn 30 next April and has yet to make his MLB debut. He would be a fun story if he made it to MLB.  He is hitting .293/.398/.524 in 196 PA at this level.
   PR-LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-0, SB (4)
CF Cam Eden: 0-for-4, K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Gomez is on the 40-man roster, but I doubt he would be Jake Cousins‘ replacement. He isn’t a short reliever + he won’t be available for several days.
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: (W, 7-1)  0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Cody Morris: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Morris’ first appearance since July 20th. If you don’t recall, he was acquired for Estevan Florial. After hitting poorly in MLB (.173/.264/.367), Florial hasn’t been his usual minor-league self (.221/.329/.376 in 213 plate appearances). 
RHP JT Brubaker:  1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Beeter threw eight 4-seamers (topped out at 97.6) and six sliders. Could he be an option if Cousins isn’t available? He would be an intriguing choice. Cody Poteet is another option (perhaps the most likely one).
RHP Yerry De Los Santos (S, 3): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (2-0) (Defeated Hartford, 4-3, in ten innings to advance to the championship series. The series begins on Sunday against either Akron or Erie. Erie leads that series, 1-0. In tonight’s game, Akron has the lead in the 10th inning)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-5, RBI, K
Jones’ single in the top of the 10th provided the winning run. He is 5-for-10 in the playoffs.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, BB, K
Flores’ power surge continues. He hit .279/.379/.495 in 506 PA between here and Hudson Valley in the regular season (31 doubles, 21 homers).
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-5, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, RS, SB (1), 2 BB
DH Elijah Dunham: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, RS, K
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, RBI, K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-4, RS, 2 K

RHP Zach Messinger: 6.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, HR
Messinger dominated through six and left the game with a 3-2 lead in the 7th. Unfortunately, the inherited runner scored. If this is his final start in 2024 (Game 2 of the championship series is next Tuesday, so it may not be), he can go into the offseason with his head held high. He is Rule 5 eligible but I would put him on the “definite” list for protection (or trade). 
LHP Ryan Anderson: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (W, 1-0)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (73-58 (regular season); 3-3 (playoffs))

Their season is over.

Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/17: Spencer Jones Homers, Collects 3 Hits

News:

The Yankees recently released LHP Victor Gonzalez, who was toiling in Triple-A after mediocre results in MLB earlier this season. Seen as a potential Wandy Peralta replacement, Gonzalez was never able to get into a consistent groove. The trade with the Dodgers comes down to how the two prospects (Trey Sweeney (now with Detroit) and Jorbit Vivas) perform.

Scranton (85-59) (Defeated Buffalo, 10-5, in 12 innings. Worcester won, so the two teams remain tied with five games to play. If they finish tied, Scranton wins the tiebreaker)

2B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-6, RS, K
Durbin has 19 games this season with 5+ AB. He earned at least one hit in the previous 18 games.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, HR (8), RBI, 2 RS, SB (19), 2 BB, K
Vivas has 8 extra-base hits (5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR) in 14 September games. 
1B Ben Rice: 2-for-3, HR (9), 2 RBI, RS, HBP, 2 BB
Rice has 6 HR in 14 September games.
  PR-CF Cam Eden: 0-for-0, RS
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, RS, 2 SB (22), HBP, BB, K
Peraza, who will be out of options, will be a fun story to watch over the winter and into next spring (if he is still in the organization)
CF-LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-5, 3B (2), 3 RBI, RS, HBP, 4 K
Trammell’s 3-run triple in the 12th was the big blow in the game.
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-5, 2 K
   PR-DH Duke Ellis: 0-for-0, RS
   PH-DH T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-0, RS, BB
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-6, 2B (12), K
Escarra has 30 doubles between here and Somerset.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-6, HR (8), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K
Gonzalez’s 3-run HR in the 12th was the dagger that put the game out of reach.
LF-1B Jahmai Jones: 2-for-5, SF, RBI, K

RHP Cody Poteet: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Beeter topped out at 95.8 MPH (94.6 average)
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Joey Gerber : 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Phil Bickford: (W, 4-4)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (1-0) (Defeated Hartford, 3-2, to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-3 series. The series shifts to Hartford, starting on Thursday)

CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-5, HR (1), RBI, RS, SB (1)
Jones has eight 3+ hit efforts during the regular season.  A lot has been written about his 200-strikeout season. Nobody denies that the strikeout rate has to come down (if they are, they are in denial). However, there is (obviously) a lot of talent to tap into. Will the Yankees be patient or cash in one of their biggest chips?
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
Hardman’s RBI single in the bottom of the 8th tied the game at 2.
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-2, CS (1), BB, K
DH Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, RBI, CS (1), K
Vargas’ RBI single in the bottom of the 8th broke the 2-2 tie.
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, K

RHP Bailey Dees: 6.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, HR
Dees pitched strongly down the stretch and it continued into tonight’s playoff start. He could factor into the Yankees’ 2025 plans at some point, though he is Rule 5 eligible. It is either protect him or trade him. I cannot imagine them leaving him exposed.
RHP Danny Watson: (W, 1-0)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Watson also pitched well down the stretch (8 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 9 K in his last seven appearances). Like Dees, he is Rule 5 eligible this winter.
RHP Eric Reyzelman (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
I can’t guarantee that the Yankees will hold onto Reyzelman, but he has high-leverage reliever potential.

Hudson Valley (3-2) (Defeated Bowling Green, 6-2, to tie the best-of-3 series at 1-1. They will play for the title tomorrow night)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
Riggio is 6-for-19 (.316) with a double and homer during the postseason.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
Lombard is 5-for-18 (.278) with three doubles and three walks during the postseason.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, 2B (1), RS, HBP
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, HR (1), 4 RBI, RS, BB, K
Martinez’s grand slam broke a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the 5th.
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, SF, RBI
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, K
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB, K
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-2, RBI, RS, BB, K

RHP Josh Grosz: 3.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Grosz was one of the best pitchers in the minors from June 28th through the end of the season. Tonight, he was in “bend, don’t break” mode. He limited the damage nicely.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Austin was impressive after being acquired for Caleb Ferguson. 

Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.