Tag: Spencer Jones

MLB Pipeline released its Top 50 International Prospects list for 2026. While nothing is official until it is, the Yankees are heavily favored to sign shortstop Wandy Asigen (ranked #2), a 16-year-old left-handed bat out of the Dominican Republic. For now, the talk is that he has the tools to stick at shortstop. We’ll see if that continues as he grows.

This is my final daily report for 2025. Overall, it was a fun season filled with some progress in the system (especially with pitchers, which is the Yankees’ specialty.) That said, other organizations saw value in our positional prospects at the deadline, which is encouraging.

It was also fun due to my lack of time on Twitter. I think the last time I posted on Twitter was sometime around Opening Day. Gosh, if you are still on Xwitter and find it to be exasperating, why continue? I had more fun on a small Discord channel, occasional posting on BlueSky, and reading some interactions on Reddit (though I didn’t correspond much as I posted all my reports there – sorry!). Instead of fighting through blue checks who say nothing interesting with 100 replies all saying the same thing, I found peace in simply…ignoring it.

Anyway, now that I am off my soapbox, thank you to everyone for reading this report. Believe it or not, and maybe this was due to Reddit engagement, the views on this report went up despite zero posting on Xwitter. That makes me feel good, even if it makes me only pennies at a time.

As for the off-season, I will post occasionally. I will write a recap and update my “Where are they now?” post, at the very least. Usually when I reach this point, I take a break just to recharge.

Again, thank you very much – I appreciate everyone who reads it, whether you agree or disagree with my opinions. My favorite prospect saying is that “Anyone who says they are great at projecting prospects is lying.” I include myself in that assessment.

Scranton (Lost to Jacksonville, 7-4. Jacksonville wins the series, 2-1, to take the International League title. They will play Las Vegas (in Las Vegas!) for the Triple-A Championship on Saturday.)

Scranton made this interesting in the top of the 9th. Down 7-0, they scored four runs and brought the lead run to the plate. That batter was one of their best hitters this year – Jose Rojas. It just wasn’t meant to be.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, K
Acquired alongside Victor Gonzalez (bust) for Trey Sweeney (who is having a miserable .197/.255/.293 campaign for the Tigers, which landed him in the minors for awhile), Vivas filled in for a handful of games at the MLB level. As stated many times, he will be out of options next spring.
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
His future with the Yankees is unknown. The Yankees can easily go into 2026 with Austin Wells as the primary catcher and Ben Rice as the primary first baseman who also backs up Wells. Regardless, he was a feel-good story for the 2025 Yankees.
PR Ismael Munguia: 0-for-0
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-5, 2B (1), R, 2 K
Rojas did his job as a productive veteran bat for the Railriders. Could he come back? Sure. He played here for most of 2024 as well before opting out.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-3, R, BB
In the regular season, between Somerset and Scranton, Jones hit .274/.362/.571 (153 wRC+) with 23 doubles, 1 triple, 35 HR, 80 RBI, 102 runs, 29 stolen bases (35 attempts) and an 11.5% BB/35.4% K. He had an increase in fly balls (38.8%; 29.2% in 2024). The negatives continue to be the strikeouts and swinging strike percentage. This season, his swinging strike percentage was 19.2%, a career high. This measures how often a batter swings and misses pitches in the strike zone. The only qualified player in the Yankees’ organization with a higher swinging strike percentage was Christofer Reyes, a 17-year-old in the DSL. Those trends do not work in his favor, no matter how impressive the triple slash and speed is. Jones either needs to cut down a bit on the negatives or show the world he is as unicorny (my word) as a unicorn can get.
“Did his back injury impact him?” The answer to that is … tricky. He missed time towards the end of July due to a back issue. The first thing we can say is that if his back, at 24 years old, is causing him issues that impact his play months later, that’s a red flag – right? Backs don’t tend to get better. If it was a minor injury and they were playing it cautious, then it’s not an excuse. We can talk in circles on that one.
Jones is talented, nobody can deny that. But will he be able to tap into that talent? We usually have some idea as a prospect reaches Double-A and Triple-A. Yet, I still find myself torn. We may get some indication based on how the Yankees treat their outfield this winter.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, RBI
Rumfield had a solid campaign, though he slowed down late. In 138 games (587 PA), he hit .285/.378/.447 (122 wRC+) with 16 home runs. There is no role for him with the Yankees. Even if Ben Rice didn’t break out, I bet they would have looked for a different first baseman for 2026. He deserves an opportunity.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-2
PR-SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-2, 2 K
LF Duke Ellis: 1-for-4, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (L, 0-1): 0.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
A tough night for Rodriguez-Cruz, but don’t let that cloud your judgement. He was spectacular this season.
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Sean Boyle: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Boyle was the other option to start tonight. I have no problem going with the more inexperienced Rodriguez-Cruz, as the minor leagues are about development and they felt he could use another start before the season ended.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Headrick will likely be a “break glass in case of emergency” guy this postseason.

Somerset (73-65; 38-31 in the second half; lost in the first round of the playoffs)

Their season is over.

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 in the second half)

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/21: Spencer Jones Just Misses 30/30

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

Today is the last day of the regular season. This would typically be the time I would thank everyone for reading. However, Scranton decided to extend my writing assignment for at least two more games. If I am still doing this next Saturday, that means they are playing in the Triple-A Championship Game.

Scranton (87-60; 49-26 in second half) (Defeated Buffalo, 2-1)

This is Scranton’s first playoff appearance since 2019, and they haven’t won the International League Championship since 2016 (they also won the overall Triple-A Championship that season). They will take on Jacksonville in a 3-game series starting Tuesday. Because they need to complete the series as quickly as possible (so they can play the Triple-A Championship Game), they play on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with all games in Jacksonville. The PCL Championship Series will be between Tacoma and Las Vegas.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RBI
Vivas ends the season on a 7-game hitting streak (8-for-25). He looked overmatched in his brief MLB time (though he hit a big home run in a 1-0 victory over the Rangers). I wish he still had an option next year because he is a useful player to have on the shuttle.
LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-1
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, BB, 3 K
Escarra has decent job security – the Yankees need catching depth, and they know he can handle life in the big leagues.
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-2, BB
PH-2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-2
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, R, SB (19), BB, K
Jones, who has a 22-game on-base streak, ends the season with 35 home runs and 29 stolen bases. I am sure an umpire missed the call on at least one of his six caught stealings (and they were never wrong when they called him safe). In case you were wondering, that annoying Ryan Ward (LAD) dude was able to overtake him for the minor league home run title. He’s like 45 years old and playing in the most souped-up league in the observable universe – so must we count that? I’ll get into Jones’ future more once Scranton’s season is over. Preview: His strikeout rate remains insanely scary (you can debate it all day – it’s true), even as the rest of his game shows progress.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-2, SB (5), 2 BB, K
DH Brennen Davis: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 2-for-3, 2B (13), R, BB, K
Will Shewmake remain on the 40-man roster over the winter? My first instinct is no. However, my first instinct was that he wouldn’t survive on the roster through April, never mind the entire season.
RF Duke Ellis: 0-for-2, 2 SAC, K
Two sacrifice bunts? Are we turning back the clock to 1968?

RHP Kenta Maeda: (W, 6-7) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
A solid five innings from Maeda. He would be rested for the Triple-A Championship game if they get there, though Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz would also be in the mix if they aren’t going to shut him down.
RHP Bailey Dees: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Dees’ Triple-A ERA was solid (2.76), but he walked 14 over 16.1 innings (19 strikeouts).
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Impressive afternoon for Bird. In his final four games, he struck out ten batters in 4.1 innings. Just looking for signs that he can be viable in 2026.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: (S, 3) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
If every player who appears with the team receives a World Series ring, Sandridge should ensure the Yankees have his ring size. Am I too confident?

Somerset (73-65; 38-31 in the second half; lost in the first round of the playoffs)

Their season is over.

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 in the second half)

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/19: Spencer Jones Doubles Twice

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

I have nothing to report.

Scranton (86-59; 48-25 in second half) (Clinched a playoff berth courtesy of a 10-2 win over Buffalo.)

This is Scranton’s first playoff appearance since 2019, and they haven’t won the International League Championship since 2016 (they also won the overall Triple-A Championship that season). They will take on Jacksonville in a 3-game series starting Tuesday. Because they need to get the series over as quickly as possible (so they can play the Triple-A Championship Game), they play Tuesday-Wednesday-Thursday with all games in Jacksonville. The PCL Championship Series will be between Tacoma and Las Vegas.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5, 2B (21), RBI, 3 R
Vivas has a 6-game hitting streak and has seven doubles this month (15 games).
C J.C. Escarra: 4-for-5, 2B (3), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (2)
Escarra’s fifth career 4-hit effort (first in 2025). He is hitting .294 with a .789 OPS at this level.
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-5, HR (32), 2 RBI, R, K
Rojas sets a new personal best for home runs in a season. His 105 RBI are two short of his best.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2 2B (15), 2 RBI, R, CS (4), BB, K
Jones, who extended his on-base streak to 21, remains two stolen bases shy of 30/30 with two games to play.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
Rumfield’s 38th multi-hit effort this season.
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-5, HR (15), 2 RBI, R, K
De La Cruz’s fifth home run this month.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 2-for-4, 2B (18), BB
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, 2B (12), K
RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, R

RHP Sean Boyle: (W, 9-9) 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K, HR
Last night, I gave a shoutout to Max Burt. Tonight, I will give one to Boyle, who has been with the organization since 2018 (25th round pick out of Dallas Baptist). Before an injury interupted his career, he looked like a sleeper prospect as he compiled a 1.99 ERA in 86 innings in 2021 and 3.71 ERA in 155.1 innings with a 160/34 K/BB in 2022. This year, he compiled a 4.61 ERA in 134.2 innings with a 120/51 K/BB. Will he be back next year? Hard to say as I believe he is a minor league free agent and a path to MLB is likely easier elsewhere.
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Yerry De los Santos: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Nice.

Somerset (73-65; 38-31 in the second half; lost in the first round of the playoffs)

Their season is over.

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 in the second half)

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/17: Spencer Jones Hits 2 HR

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

The High-A All-Star teams were announced today.

In the South Atlantic League, two Yankees prospects were named.

RHP Huey Morrill – Morrill compiled a 0.42 ERA (2.77 FIP), 25.5% K, 8.1% BB, and 49.5% GB over 43.1 innings. The Angels drafted him in the 36th round in 2018, but he did not sign. The Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2022 after spending a pair of seasons with Oklahoma State. He is one of the Yankees’ representatives in the Arizona Fall League and is Rule 5 eligible this winter.

LHP Kyle Carr – Carr didn’t just make the team; he won the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Year Award. The third-round pick in the 2023 draft had a breakout campaign, compiling a 1.96 ERA (3.59 FIP) over 119.1 innings. Additionally, he owned a 21.7% K, 9.8% BB, and 51.7% GB. From June 3rd through August 28th, he compiled a 0.98 ERA over 82.1 innings. That earned him a promotion to Somerset, where he didn’t fare well over three starts. That shouldn’t bother anyone.

Scranton (85-58; 47-24 in second half) (Defeated Buffalo, 6-1)

Syracuse has a 4-2 lead in the 7th inning against Lehigh Valley. If they win, Scranton’s magic number is 2. If they lose, the magic number is 1.

A reminder that, in Triple-A, there’s only one round of playoffs in each league. If Scranton wins the second half, they will play Jacksonville for the International League title. The winner of that series will play the winner of the Pacific Coast League in the Triple-A Championship Game (yes, only one game) in Las Vegas. Speaking of Las Vegas (ATH), they won the first half in the PCL and will likely play Tacoma (SEA) for the PCL Championship.

3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 3B (1), 2 R, 2 BB, K
Vivas’ first non-double extra-base hit since June 11th (he compiled 14 doubles during this timeframe).
DH Brennen Davis: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, R, BB
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, R, K
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-3, 2 HR (19), 5 RBI, 2 R, BB
Jones’ 35th home run places him one ahead of Ryan Ward (LAD) for the minor league lead. He scores his 100th run, making him the first Yankees’ farmhand to score 100+ runs since Anthony Volpe (113) in 2021. One blast went 427 feet at 1081. MPH, while the other went 376 feet at 104.2 MPH. This is his 5th multi-HR effort, his five RBI are a season high, and he is the owner of a 19-game on-base streak.
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4
1B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, 2B (17), 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, K
2B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Duke Ellis: 1-for-4, 3B (1), K

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 8-3) 5.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Between Somerset and Scranton, Beck finishes the season 13-5 with a 3.36 ERA over 131.1 innings (103 H, 51 R, 49 ER, 14 HR, 36 BB, 123 K). Drafted in the second round in the 2021 draft, this is Beck’s first healthy campaign (his only professional experience before this season was the 34 innings he tossed in 2023).
LHP Brent Headrick: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
An efficient 8-pitch inning for Castro, who lowers his ERA to 1.57.
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.33 ERA (24.1 IP, 17 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 33 K). His fastball/cutter combination is enticing, but you can’t walk that many hitters.
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset

Day off. Their best-of-3 series against Binghamton resumes on Thursday. Somerset trails in the series, 1-0.

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 second half)

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/14: Spencer Jones Extends Hitting Streak to 10

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

Scranton (83-58; 45-24 in second half) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 6-1)

They could have eliminated Lehigh Valley today, but it wasn’t meant to be. That said, they own a 5.5-game lead over them with six to play. Syracuse won to pull within three games of the lead. I stopped talking about Toledo and Indianapolis because they fell off the pace.

Back to Syracuse: Scranton clinches the second-half title with a 4-2 final week. If they go 3-3 while Syracuse goes 6-0, it becomes complicated. The two squads split a 6-game second-half series, which would be the first tie-breaker. The second tie-breaker is the final 20 games of the season. A 3-3 week by Scranton would leave them at 9-11. A 6-0 week by Syracuse would equate to a 14-6 mark.

Anyway, the Railriders play a bad team (Buffalo) while Syracuse plays a good team (Lehigh Valley).

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, 2B (19), RBI, K
Vivas hits a run-scoring double with two outs in the 9th to prevent the shutout.
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-5
Escarra is hitting .279/.377/.395 in 106 PA since his demotion (2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 16 RBI)
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (13), 2 K
Jones has a 10-game hitting streak. It’s his second 10+ game hitting streak this season (11 games from June 20th – July 3rd). During this streak, he is 11-for-38 (.289) with three doubles and a home run. It’s not one of those “red hot” hitting streaks, and the strikeouts are high. However, it shows us a sign of life after a brutal stretch that saw him hit .180/.250/.306 in August.
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-1, SB (15), 3 BB, K
“So, why do players like Jose Rojas hang around?” Good question. He is a Triple-A masher who hasn’t sniffed MLB since 2022. While nobody makes a great living as a Triple-A player, a veteran like Rojas *can* shop his services around and get more money than your typical minor leaguer. He is a good depth piece, and it is fun to see someone earn a living doing something he (obviously) loves.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Brennen Davis: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Davis is hitting .275/.344/.651 in 122 PA since being signed. It’s the first time his OPS has fallen under 1.000 since joining the organization.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, K
Candelario has provided a veteran presence, but hasn’t done anything to suggest he is a Major League talent anymore.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, R

RHP Kenta Maeda: (L, 5-7) 6 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 0.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
1.60 ERA (45 IP, 25 H, 12 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 22 BB, 51 K). Castro has allowed ten home runs in 240.1 minor league innings (three in 25.2 MLB innings).
RHP Harrison Cohen: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 1.69 ERA (26.2 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 15 BB, 28 K)

Somerset (73-65; 38-31 in the second half) (Lost to Reading, 7-4)

Their playoff series against Binghamton starts on Tuesday. It is best-of-3 with the first game in Somerset and the last two games in Binghamton. Binghamton is comfortably the most dominant team in the Eastern League. The only reason Somerset is in the playoffs is that Binghamton easily won both halves in the East Division, allowing for the second-place team in the second half to join them. That said, rosters change. Dominant starter Jonah Tong was rushed to MLB, and their big masher (Ryan Clifford) was moved to Triple-A.

RF Brendan Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (14), R, 2 SB (28), BB
Jones clears the 50 stolen base mark (51) to go along with 20 doubles, 89 runs, and 82 walks. Additionally, he finishes his Double-A campaign at .250, which is fine given his plate discipline. Overall, between here and Hudson Valley, he hit .245/.359/.395 in 549 PA (20 doubles, 8 triples, 11 HR, 69 RBI, 89 R, 51-for-60 SB, 14.9% BB, 19.9% K). He is a sneaky good prospect.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 CS (6), BB, K
Final Somerset line: .215/.337/.358 in 469 PA (24 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 68 R, 24-for-30 SB, 13.6% BB, 26.4% K). Overall: .235/.367/.381 in 580 PA (32 doubles, 5 triples, 9 HR, 49 RBI, 90 R, 35-for-43 SB, 15% BB, 25.2% K). It’s an interesting profile, as he showed off his plate discipline, swatted plenty of doubles, and stole a lot of bases. There is also something to be said for reps, and Lombard Jr. compiled 580 plate appearances. It wasn’t perfect. The 20-year-old has work to do. But it is encouraging and I look forward to 2026.
DH Jace Avina: 2-for-5, 2B (11), R, 2 K
Avina hit .224/.314/.341 in 194 plate appearances after his promotion and .260/.366/.425 in 415 plate appearances overall.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, BB, K
Jasso, one of the few to spend the entire season at one level, finishes at .257/.326/.400 in 537 PA (17 doubles, 6 triples, 13 HR, 76 RBI, 62 R, 7.8% BB, 24.2% K). He won the Eastern League RBI crown while playing first base, second base, and third base (his primary position).
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, 2B (25), R, BB, 2 K
The power was there (.458 SLG; 25 doubles, 20 home runs). However, he doesn’t draw walks and has a high strikeout rate (31.6%). A team looking for cheap power potential may have interest.
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, RBI, BB
Castillo started slow after his promotion, but went 11-for-35 (.314/.405/.457) in September.
2B Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (13), RBI
C Diomedes Hernandez: 1-for-4, 2B (2), R, K

LHP Kyle Carr (L, 0-1): 5 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
Carr had one of the most insane runs of any professional pitcher in 2025. It earned him a promotion to Somerset, where he had one solid outing and two not-so-good ones. That’s fine, as getting his feet wet here was the most important thing. As for the upcoming playoffs, he will be rested enough to pitch on Friday, which is the “if necessary” game. Anyway, including his time with Hudson Valley, he finishes the regular season at 8-7 with a 2.64 ERA over 133 innings (95 H, 48 R, 39 ER, 8 HR, 55 BB, 117 K).
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
For Somerset: 2.48 ERA (36.1 IP, 30 H, 13 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 38 K). Brian has a legitimate chance to develop into a Major League reliever.
RHP Hayden Merda: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Merda pitched to a 4.38 ERA in 24.2 innings after his promotion.

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 second half)

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/13: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz Ks 7

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

Scranton (83-57; 45-23 in second half) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 8-5)

As stated earlier this week, the Lehigh Valley team is solid and was a legitimate threat to overtake the Railriders. Scranton needed to win a few games, and they have accomplished that. They are 6.5 games up on them with seven games left. With that threat out of the way, attention turns to Syracuse. The Mets lost today, falling four games behind Scranton.

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB
Jones has a 9-game hitting streak (10-for-35; 2 doubles, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 8 R, 2 BB, 19 K). This is the first time he hasn’t struck out in a game since August 24th (16 straight games with at least one strikeout; 40 strikeouts during that stretch.)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, RBI, R, BB
Rumfield is 7-for-20 in his last six games. He is hitting .285/.375/.448 in 562 plate appearances (31 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR, 85 RBI, 83 R, 4-for-6 SB, 11.6% BB, 17.97% K)
DH J.C. Escarra: 1-for-2, SF, 2 RBI, R, BB
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, HR (31), 3 RBI, R, HBP, BB
He’s a 32-year-old non-prospect, so I don’t post his numbers often. However, they are quite impressive: .297/.387/.616 in 494 PA (35 doubles, 4 triples, 31 HR, 103 RBI, 76 R, 14-for-16 SB, 12.3% BB, 20.4% K). Additionally, he has provided utility to Scranton, as he has eight starts at first base, 14 at second base, 16 at third base, 19 in left field, and 17 in right field.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, HR (14), 2 RBI, R
De La Cruz surprisingly didn’t homer despite a hot August (.320/.363/.427). He is more himself in September, as this is his 4th HR this month (9-for-31).
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, 2 K
LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-4, 2 K
Ellis was as hot as a hitter can be for a while, but is 3-for-19 in September. He is still hitting .333/.378/.478 in 214 plate appearances.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 4 K
Martinez is hitting .217/.313/.304 in 80 plate appearances since his promotion.
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-4, 2B (19), 2 R, SB (25)
Velázquez opted out of his deal on August 3rd, only to re-sign on August 15th. Since returning: 13-for-42 (.310; 4 doubles, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 2-for-3 SB).

RHP Erick Leal: 4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 4 K, HR
To say Leal has put together a good season would be lying (5.75 ERA). However, he has given them 123.2 innings, which is also important. Every organization needs veterans who provide Triple-A innings.
RHP Joel Kuhnel: (W, 4-1) 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Rodriguez reached 99.7 MPH with his 4-seamer and 96.3 MPH with his cutter. I wouldn’t be shocked if the Yankees re-signed him this winter.
LHP Brent Headrick: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Hopefully, everyone can stay healthy, but Headrick is a nice depth piece down here.
RHP Scott Effross (S, 3): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
If the Yankees wish to continue to employ Effross beyond 2025, 2026 is another option year. Is he useful enough as a shuttle reliever to use a 40-man roster slot going forward?

Somerset (73-64; 38-30 in the second half) (Defeated Reading, 6-2)

Their playoff series against Binghamton starts on Tuesday. It is best-of-3 with the first game in Somerset and the last two games in Binghamton.

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-5, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B (24), R, 2 K
Lombard Jr. scores his 90th run and has six doubles in 11 September games (32 doubles between Somerset and Hudson Valley overall).
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, R, BB
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
Jasso takes over the Eastern League’s RBI lead with 76 (there’s no drama here – he will win the RBI crown.)
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 3B (5), HR (20), 2 RBI, 2 R, K
Hardman is the fourth Yankees’ farmhand to reach 20+ home runs (Spencer Jones, Jose Rojas, and Dillon Lewis as the others.)
LF Garrett Martin: 3-for-4, 2B (14), HR (14), 2 RBI, 2 R, K
Martin has homered in back-to-back games (he is 13-for-34 with three home runs in September.)
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-4, K
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (W, 5-3) 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Rodriguez-Cruz wins the organization’s strikeout title with 173 (Carlos Lagrange struck out 168). Only Jonah Tong (NYM) has more in all of minor league baseball (179). Final regular season stats: 26 games (25 starts), 11-7, 2.42 ERA (145 IP, 96 H, 48 R, 39 ER, 3 HR, 57 BB, 173 K). For Somerset, he pitched to a 2.64 ERA over 61.1 innings. Add him to your MLB depth chart for 2026. By the way, yes – this game was meaningless and there is a playoff game on Tuesday. In MLB, an ace-level pitcher isn’t making this start. In the minors, he is going to make this start.
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.95 ERA (42.2 IP, 35 H, 17 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 28 BB, 37 K).
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Watson ends the regular season with a 4.74 ERA (57 IP, 61 H, 31 R, 30 ER, 6 HR, 8 BB, 57 K). He tossed six scoreless innings in September (3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K). Going back to May 24th, Watson walked only one batter the rest of the season (44.2 innings). That’s insane. He also allowed zero home runs over his last 22 appearances. He is going to be an interesting Rule 5 decision this winter.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 second half)

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/12: Brock Selvidge Goes 7 Strong Innings

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Updated look at the trade deadline.

Scranton (82-57; 44-23 in second half) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 9-5)

Lehigh Valley is 5.5 games back. Syracuse won to pull within three games. Scranton has eight games left.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, RBI
.268/.386/.353 in 431 PA. He has 59 walks and 43 strikeouts.
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, SF, RBI, BB, K
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, SB (14), 2 BB, 2 K
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-5, R, 2 SB (18), 3 K
Jones ends his streak of one-hit games by having a multi-hit night. He owns an 8-game hitting streak and is two stolen bases away from a 30/30 season. According to my research, the last Yankees farmhand to achieve a 30/30 season was Ruben Rivera in 1994. Rivera not only hit .281/.357/.541 with 33 home runs and 48 stolen bases, but he also leaped over Derek Jeter as the top prospect in the organization. According to Baseball America, Jeter started the season as the #16 prospect in baseball, while Rivera was 76th (behind Brien Taylor and Russ Davis as well). After his big campaign, Rivera jumped to #2 while Jeter jumped to #4. As a fun footnote, Andy Pettitte entered the chat at #49.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
DH Brennen Davis: 1-for-3, R, HBP, 2 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, HR (13), RBI, 2 R, HBP, K
De La Cruz has three home runs in his last eight games.
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K

RHP Sean Boyle: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
Boyle has given them 129.2 innings of 4.72 ERA ball. It will be interesting to see if other organizations are interested in him, as I think he is a minor league free agent this winter.
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Bird’s struggles continue.
RHP Bailey Dees: (L, 2-1) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Like Bird, life in Triple-A hasn’t been kind to Hamilton. It looks like his surge of strong MLB bullpen work is over, which isn’t uncommon.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (72-64; 37-30 in the second half) (Lost to Reading, 8-4, in 13 innings.)

Their playoff series against Binghamton starts on Tuesday. It is best-of-3 with the first game in Somerset and the last two games in Binghamton.

DH Brendan Jones: 1-for-5, R, SB (26), CS (5), BB
Jones needs one stolen base this weekend to reach 50.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 SB (24), HBP, BB, 3 K
Lombard Jr. has 35 stolen bases to go with his 31 doubles, 86 walks, and 89 runs scored.
DH Dylan Jasso: 0-for-5, BB, 5 K
Walter Hriniak is shaking his head.
RF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 R, SB (1), 2 BB, K
Castillo was in a little 0-for-14 slump entering today, but his September has been impressive overall (10-for-32; 1 double, 1 HR, 8 R, 5 BB). His start here wasn’t great, so it’s nice to see him finishing on a decent note. As for the stolen bases, he is now 22-for-23 overall this season and 45-for-52 in his career.
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, HR (13), SF, 3 RBI, BB, K
Martin’s overall offense isn’t great, but he has a decent power/speed combination (13 HR, 20 stolen bases. Last year, he hit 12 HR while stealing 17 bases.)
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-6, 2 K
3B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-5, BB, 4 K
SS Max Burt: 3-for-6, 2 2B (12), 2 K
Burt was activated off the injured list today (Duncan Pastore was moved to the Development List)
C Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-5, SAC, 3 K

LHP Brock Selvidge: 7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 2 HR
Selvidge ends up one out shy of tying his personal best (7.1 innings on 8/3/2023). He ends up making 16 appearances (15 starts) for Somerset, compiling a 4.92 ERA over 75 innings (69 H, 43 R, 41 ER, 6 HR, 38 BB, 61 K). Overall, he tossed 82.1 innings after throwing 84.2 innings last season. I guess they felt he tossed enough innings when they selected their players for the Arizona Fall League.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 2.16 ERA (8.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 12 K). Striking hitters out is a feature for Gilbert, who has 131 strikeouts in 100 career innings.
RHP Baron Stuart: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 0-1) 0 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR

Hudson Valley (79-50; 41-24 second half)

Their season is over.

Tampa (63-63; 27-34 in the second half)

Their season is over.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/5: Carlos Lagrange Strikes out 10

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

I will be in Yankee Stadium tomorrow. Contrary to popular belief, I don’t carry my laptop everywhere to do these reports. I am just a loser who is always at home. Anyway, tomorrow’s report will be delayed.

Scranton (80-53; 42-19 in second half) (Lost to Worcester, 7-4)

Syracuse split a doubleheader against Buffalo and is now four games back. Teams trying to hang in there include Toledo, Indianapolis, and Lehigh Valley. Scranton owns a solid lead over Lehigh Valley, but they do play a 6-game series next week. The season ends on September 21.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, HR (17), RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Jones is up to 33 home runs, the first to do so since Peter O’Brien in 2014. The last Yankees’ farmhand to reach 34 was Shelley Duncan in 2005. The last Yankee to hit more than 34 was the legendary Mitch Jones, who crushed 39 Double-A (Trenton) home runs as a 26-year-old in 2004. FYI: Jones is a good Immaculate Grid candidate. He played in eight games for the 2009 Dodgers, going 4-for-13 (.308) with a double. That was his only taste of big league action.
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-3, 2B (35), RBI, R, BB, K
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RBI, 2 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, RBI
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, 2 K
Martinez is hitting .210/.306/.306 in 72 PA since his promotion.
LF Duke Ellis: 1-for-3, SB (33), CS (7), K
LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-1

RHP Brendan Beck: (L, 7-3) 4.2 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
At this level: 4.91 ERA (70.2 IP, 61 H, 43 R, 43 ER, 12 HR, 25 BB, 63 K). Beck was brilliant last time out (7 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 9 K), but didn’t have it tonight.
RHP Scott Effross: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 1.80 ERA (25 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 25 K). Cohen allowed five homers in 52.1 innings in his 2023 debut campaign. He has allowed two in 74 innings since.

Somerset (68-62; 33-28 in second half) (Shut down New Hampshire, 4-0. New Hampshire isn’t good and Somerset is taking advantage.)

Hartford (1.5 games back) is leading their game while Portland (3 games back) lost.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, RBI, SB (19), 2 BB
Jones is hitting .242/.361/.419 at this level and has 42 stolen bases in 50 attempts overall.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (20), RBI, SB (22), BB, 2 K
Lombard Jr. has three extra-base hits (2 doubles, 1 HR) in four September games and is on a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-18; 2 doubles, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 3-for-3 SB). His Double-A triple slash reads .214/.336/.359. An adage says that current doubles often become future home runs as a prospect matures. I don’t think people say that much anymore, but we are seeing those doubles pile up for Lombard Jr.
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-3, 2B (2), HR (2), RBI, R, BB
Castillo has a much-needed night. It’s been a tough go for him since his promotion.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, BB, K
DH Garrett Martin: 0-for-2, R, SB (19), BB, K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3, R, SB (1), K
Palencia is 13-for-57 (.228) at this level.
2B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-2, R, SB (2), BB

RHP Carlos Lagrange: (W, 6-6) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K
The formula seems “simple”: Low walks = strong outing. If you look at his game log, it should be no surprise when you see the correlation (though, thanks to his elite stuff, he is sometimes able to prevent runs even when he doesn’t have his control). At this level: 3.48 ERA (72.2 IP, 50 H, 31 R, 28 ER, 4 HR, 48 BB, 99 K). Overall, he owns a 163/60 K/BB over 114 innings, and this outing pushes him past teammate Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz for second place in strikeouts amongst all minor league pitchers. The leader (Jonah Tong) is now in Queens, but it’s going to be hard to catch him (he has 179, and Lagrange has only one more start). Anyway, isn’t it cool to have two Yankees farmhands high on the list?
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Zach Messinger: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (78-49; 40-23 second half) (Defeated Greensboro, 3-1)

I didn’t even think we would get this far: Hudson Valley needs to win on Saturday and Sunday to overtake Greensboro for the second-half title. Adding to the drama is the rain in tomorrow’s forecast. I assume they would try to play two on Sunday if a rainout happens. You know where assuming gets you.

3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-5, 2 2B (9), K
Matheus is up to .287 at this level thanks to a surge that includes back-to-back 3-hit efforts. He is on a 6-game hitting streak (12-for-24). You know you are hot when you average two hits per game during a hitting streak. As for the doubles, he is up to 32 in 121 games between here and Tampa.
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, SB (11), HBP, K
Lewis is 25-for-27 stealing bases between here and Tampa.
DH Core Jackson: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-4, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, R, BB, 3 K
C Engelth Urena: 3-for-4, R
Urena had a pair of hits two nights ago as he tries to end his season on a good note.
RF Camden Troyer: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
Troyer is hitting .261 (18-for-69; 8 RBI, 11 BB, 11 K).
2B Connor McGinnis: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Luis Durango: 1-for-3, R, SB (17), BB, K

RHP Andrew Landry: (W, 3-4) 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
What a performance by Landry. Since his promotion: 3.95 ERA (43.1 IP, 30 H, 19 R, 19 ER, 2 HR, 25 BB, 39 K). Overall, Landry finishes his second professional season with a 4.34 ERA in 112 innings (107 H, 63 R, 54 ER, 7 HR, 52 BB, 105 K). Always keep in mind that my “final stats” assume players won’t move up to levels that still have games next week. I doubt Landry goes to Somerset, however.
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Tony Rossi: (S, 9) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
The ninth inning was an adventure, but Rossi got out of the jam.

Tampa (62-63; 26-34 in the second half)

Their game against Clearwater was canceled due to rain and will not be made up.

The weekend has further thunderstorm chances, but hopefully they can get at least one of their final two games in as they try to finish at or above .500.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/27: Kaeden Kent Goes 5-for-5

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

No news to report.

Scranton (76-49; 38-15 in second half) (Defeated Syracuse, 6-1. The Railriders have opened up a 5-game lead in the race for the second-half title)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, 2B (13), RBI, R, HBP
Vivas has a 5-game hitting streak and is hitting .269/.398/.354 in 372 plate appearances.
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, R, BB
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (9), K
We are so used to seeing him hit the ball hard that it is surprising when he hits a double at only 80 MPH. Jones has 49 extra-base hits (17 doubles, 32 HR) in 95 games.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2B (32), 2 RBI, R
Rojas has been a key veteran cog in this lineup. The 32-year-old has put together some impressive minor league seasons, but this may be his best yet (.957 OPS is his personal best)
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, 2B (15), RBI, BB
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-2, CS (7), 2 BB

RHP Sean Boyle: (W, 8-9) 5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
4.73 ERA (116 IP, 108 H, 68 R, 61 ER, 13 HR, 42 BB, 106 K)
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 1.27 ERA (21.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 21 K). He hit 93 MPH with his 4-seamer but primarily threw his cutter/change combo (the two pitches he typically features).
RHP Kervin Castro: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (63-59; 28-25 in second half) (Defeated Binghamton, 6-5)

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B (18), 2 R, BB, K
Lombard Jr. has swatted six doubles in his last 15 games.
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-5, 3 K
DH Brendan Jones: 3-for-3, 3B (6), RBI, 3 R, SB (14), 2 BB
What a night for Jones, who is hitting .247/.357/.439 in 266 PA since his promotion. Overall, he is hitting .242/.354/.406 with 16 doubles, 8 triples, 11 HR, 66 RBI, 74 R, and 37 stolen bases in 45 attempts. Additionally, he has eight 3+ hit efforts this season.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, SF, 3 RBI, K
Jasso drove home the winning run with a sacrifice fly in the top of the 9th. He has seven 3-RBI games this season.
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, SF, RBI, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-5, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-5, 3 K
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, 2 K
Palencia is holding his own at this level (10-for-40, though it comes without any power). He isn’t really a prospect, but has been forced into duty at this level due to all the player movement and trades (mostly trades!)
2B Jake Gatewood: 3-for-4, 2 2B (10), R, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
I am not sure why Sellers was taken out.
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Watson has issued one walk in his last 25 appearances.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
At this level: 3.72 ERA (19.1 IP, 13 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 17 K)
RHP Michael Arias: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
3.60 ERA (15 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 22 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz (W, 8-3): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (71-47; 34-21 second half) (Lost to Brooklyn, 8-7. Last night, Brooklyn made a miracle comeback to win. Hudson Valley tried the same tonight (down 6-1 at one point) but came up short)

Greensboro won, so they have a 4-game lead over Hudson Valley. They face each other in the last week of the season (next week). Hudson Valley wants those six games to mean something, but hopes are starting to fade.

CF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-5, HR (12), RBI, 2 R, K
At this level: .242/.328/.456 in 288 PA (12 doubles, 3 triples, 12 HR, 48 RBI, 35 R, 11-for-12 SB). He has 21 doubles, 21 homers, and 24 stolen bases overall.
2B Core Jackson: 1-for-5, RBI
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
SS Kaeden Kent: 5-for-5, 2B (2), HR (2), 3 RBI, 2 R
The reality of playing professional baseball tells you that this could end up being Kent’s best ever game. If it is, it’s quite a good one. Hitting .095 on August 21st, a surge (+ small sample size) has pushed his average up to .203. He has 14 RBI in 16 games.
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, 2B (16), 2 RBI, SB (9), BB, K
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4, K
DH Camden Troyer: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Robbie Burnett: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
C John Cristino: 1-for-4, R, K

RHP Bryce Cunningham: (L, 5-2) 1.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
The 22-year-old, who has been one of their most impressive pitchers this season, allows 5+ runs for only the second time (11th appearance/10th start). This spikes his ERA to 2.75 over 52.1 innings (40 H, 19 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 53 K).
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jack Cebert: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Cebert’s first two professional outings have gone well.

Tampa (57-61; 21-32 in the second half) (Lost to Bradenton, 3-1)

Tampa’s season ends on September 7th.

DH Dax Kilby: 2-for-3, R, SB (9), BB, K
Kilby has recorded multiple hits in three straight games and five of his last six games. He has also stolen at least one base in five consecutive games and seven of his last eight games. Season: 14-for-42 (.333) with seven walks and five strikeouts.
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-3, 2B (18), RBI, CS (10), BB, K
.298/.392/.429 in August. His .218 average is his high-water mark this season.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-4
.221/.378/.305 in 119 PA (23 walks, 15 strikeouts).
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-4, K
.220/.291/.320 in his first 55 professional plate appearances.
RF Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 0-for-4, K
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Eric Genther: 1-for-2, BB, K
Genther is 7-for-18 since his 3-for-20 start.
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-2, CS (6), BB, K

LHP Allen Facundo: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 3 K
2.51 ERA (28.2 IP, 22 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 30 K). Facundo, who touched 97.4 MPH tonight, has allowed only one home run in 143 career innings. He throws hard, strikes hitters out, and doesn’t allow home runs. While he isn’t big (listed at 6’0″, 171 pounds), he is generating results. I remain surprised that Pipeline has him nowhere on their Top 30. It appears to be a Top 30 profile to me.
RHP Josh Tiedemann (L, 0-1): 2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.70 ERA (53.1 IP, 43 H, 25 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 29 BB, 71 K). A nice debut campaign for their undrafted free agent signing in 2024.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/23: Ben Hess Ks 9

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

No other news today.