Tag: Spencer Jones

Yankees MILB 8/20: Spencer Jones Hits #31

Notes:

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

Today was another promotion day in the system.

LHP Geoffrey Gilbert and RHP Huey Morrill, two key cogs in a dominant Hudson Valley bullpen, were promoted to Somerset. Morrill made one appearance for Somerset earlier this season.

Replacing them in Hudson Valley are right-handed pitchers Brady Kirtner and Jack Cebert. The 23-year-old Kirtner pitched to a 2.59 ERA in 30 relief appearances for Tampa. Cebert was the Yankees’ 15th-round pick in the 2025 draft out of Texas Tech (he spent three years at South Florida before transferring). While he was assigned to the FCL after the draft (paper move), he has yet to make his professional debut.

RHP Ty Boudreau was assigned to Tampa. Also out of Texas Tech, the 22-year-old Canadian was signed as an undrafted free agent. He spent most of his college years pitching for Sylvan Lake, a Canadian summer collegiate league squad.

You know the drill by now: With roster shuffling comes unfortunate releases.

The Yankees released RHP Luis Pacheco and LHP Ryan Anderson. The Yankees signed Pacheco in 2024, giving him his first taste of affiliated baseball since 2019, when he was a member of the Phillies organization.

Anderson was with the organization for a while. Drafted in the 12th round in the 2019 draft, he pitched to a 4.46 ERA in 252.1 minor league innings. He made it as high as Scranton (two games) but spent the majority of the last three seasons in Somerset.

I am not ignoring the Core Jackson story. It needs a separate blog post, which I am working on. Hopefully, I will have something to post tomorrow.  Bottom line? There’s no place for that, and using “I was stupid” as an excuse insults everyone’s intelligence.

Injury Log

Scranton (70-47; 32-14 in second half) (Lost to Buffalo, 4-1)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4
Vivas is 17-for-64 (.266/.422/.313) in August. I mentioned a few weeks ago that he can settle into a role as a shuttle infielder. As someone mentioned to me, he is out of options after 2025. Hence, scratch that idea. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, BB, K
.305/.392/.495 in 477 PA. 
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (15), RBI, R, K
This bomb went 443 feet at 111.2 MPH. At this level: 295/.368/.628. Overall: .284/.379/.610 in 390 PA (15 doubles, 31 HR, 66 RBI, 83 R, 25-for-29 SB, 12.6% BB, 31.3% K).
DH Brennen Davis: 0-for-4, K
Of all their minor league signings last winter, Davis was the most intriguing. Injuries have derailed his 2025 campaign (and have been a problem throughout his career). He is hitting .321/.381/.750 in 63 plate appearances at this level.
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, SB (10), CS (1), BB, K
Rojas reaches double digits in stolen bases for the first time since 2018.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-2, K
   SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-1
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-2, BB, K
Martinez is hitting .242/.350/.333 in 40 plate appearances since his promotion. In 92 games between three levels, he is at .227/.325/.373 in 385 plate appearances.

LHP Ryan Yarbrough (L, 0-1): 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Yarbrough was pulled after 50 pitches. He is likely close to his return.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Jake Bird: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
No, I am not surprised that Allan Winans was called up instead of Bird. I think they are doing a hard reset with Bird. Additionally, it makes sense to bring up someone who can give you bulk innings.
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
Hamilton’s Triple-A ERA is an unsightly 9.64 (9.1 innings). If he is working on something, that’s fine; however, Hamilton has dropped off considerably after being one of their many bullpen surprises.
RHP Baron Stuart: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (61-54; 26-20 in second half) 

Their game against Hartford was postponed. They will try to play a doubleheader tomorrow.

Hudson Valley (69-42; 31-16 second half)

Their doubleheader against Jersey Shore was postponed. It’s been raining down here all day. They will attempt a doubleheader tomorrow. As of now, the second game hasn’t been rescheduled.

Tampa (55-59; 19-30 in the second half) (Swept Ft. Myers in a doubleheader)

Game 1 (Won, 15-4)

SS Dax Kilby: 2-for-4, 2B (2), 2 R, SB (3), BB
Kilby is 6-for-17, including back-to-back multi-hit efforts, since his 0-for-9 start.
3B Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, R, SB (29), BB, 2 K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-5, RBI, R, K
CF Marshall Toole: 4-for-5, RBI, 3 R, 4 SB (42)
Toole sets personal bests for hits and stolen bases in a game. I guess he was too tired to play in Game 2. His numbers: .307/.408/.491 in 333 PA (13 doubles, 12 triples, 5 HR, 45 RBI, 59 R, 42-for-47 SB, 13.8% BB, 20.4% K). He is the first Yankees’ minor leaguer to clear 40 stolen bases since Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez in 2023. I never claimed it was long ago.  As for 50 stolen bases, that wasn’t long ago either: Anthony Volpe stole exactly 50 in 2022.
1B Jackson Lovich: 3-for-4, 2B (2), 3B (1), 2 RBI, 4 R, SB (1), BB
Lovich follows up his 4-hit debut with a 3-hit effort.
DH Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (2), 2 R, 2 BB
RF Willy Montero: 3-for-4, 5 RBI, R
Montero’s second career 5-RBI effort (2022).
LF Eric Genther: 2-for-3, HR (1), 3 RBI, R, HBP, BB
Genther’s first professional home run. He joins Kaeden Kent in the “Home runs by 2025 draftees” club (technically, Genther was an undrafted free agent).
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-4, BB, K

RHP Sunayro Martina: 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 1 K
Martina maxed at 94.3 MPH (generated six whiffs on 18 swings against his 4-seamer). He heavily features his fastball and curve.
RHP Jackson Fristoe (W, 5-2): 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Fristoe reached 96.6 with his 4-seam fastball today.
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Mendoza looks like a sinker/slider type (84% of his pitches today). He generated three whiffs with the slider.

Game 2 (Won, 4-0)

DH Dax Kilby: 0-for-2, 2 SB (5), CS (1), 2 BB
Methinks Kilby is starting to settle into being a professional baseball player. If there weren’t questions about his ability to stick at shortstop, he likely goes earlier in the draft – but those questions exist, so it could come down to whether his bat can “carry” at a less demanding defensive position. Reports are favorable.
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, CS (9)
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, R, BB
Tejeda is on an 8-game hitting streak that features eight 1-hit efforts (8-for-32; 4 BB, 2 K). 
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Jackson Lovich: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (2), 2 K
You mean he wasn’t going to be able to keep up a 7-for-8 pace?  I guess he will accept 8-for-12.
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-2, R, 2 SB (3), 2 BB, K
9-for-36 with five walks. 
RF Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-2, 2 R, SB (3), BB
The Yankees drafted a Richie and signed an undrafted Robbie in July. These sound like kids who were hanging out playing stickball in the 1970s.
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3
LF Hans Montero: 2-for-2, 2B (11), 3B (1), 2 RBI, SB (18), BB

RHP Ty Boudreau: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Boudreau’s professional debut. He reached 94 MPH with his 4-seam fastball. He also featured a curve, slider, and change-up.
RHP Mariano Salomon: (W, 1-4)  4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Since promotion: 4.71 ERA (28.2 IP, 26 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 5 HR, 9 BB, 24 K)
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
His first appearance since July 26th.
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

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 8/16: George Lombard Jr.: 3 Hits

Notes:

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

16th round pick Jackson Lovich, a 21-year-old jack-of-all-trades out of the University of Missouri, was assigned to Scranton.  I can’t think of the last prospect who was initially assigned to Triple-A (technically, Lovich started on the FCL roster, but he didn’t get into a game.)

In 2025, he saw action at first base, third base, and shortstop for the Tigers. Over his entire collegiate career, he also saw time in center field and right field. He hit .357/.430/.622 in 51 games this season with 12 home runs and 51 RBI.

Does this mean anything? Of course not. It’s more of a cool (at least to me) anecdote than a significant development. They likely needed a body, and he was available. He was not in the lineup tonight.

Injury Log

Scranton (69-47; 31-13 in second half) (Defeated Indianapolis, 11-5)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-2, 2 R, 4 BB, K
Vivas’ second career 4-BB game (had one last year as well). He is 15-for-57 (.263) with 15 walks in August.
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, 2 R, 3 BB
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Jones needed a night like this, as he tries to break free of his slide. 
LF Jose Rojas: 2-for-5, 2B (29), 2 RBI, R, BB
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 3-for-6, 2B (15), 3 RBI, R, K
De La Cruz had a 4-hit game two days ago.
1B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, R, HBP, 2 BB, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 2-for-4, 2B (9), RBI, R, BB, K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-5, RBI, 3 K
2B Andrew Velazquez: 3-for-5, 2 2B (17), 2 RBI, R, K
I guess he likes being back.

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 6-1)  5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
Since promotion: 4.74 ERA (49.1 IP, 44 H, 26 R, 26 ER, 11 HR, 13 BB, 39 K). Beck clears 100 innings for the first time in his career (103.2). The home run rate in Triple-A is not good, but I wonder if a healthy Beck is desirable this winter in the Rule 5 draft (or as trade bait before the draft). I don’t believe the Yankees would add him to the 40-man, but we’ll see how the rest of the roster shakes out.
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 2 IP, 0 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 1.53 ERA (17.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 9 BB, 19 K). Cohen is Rule 5 eligible this winter.

Somerset (60-53; 25-20 in second half) (Defeated Portland, 8-5)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 3-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
Lombard Jr.’s second 3-hit effort since his promotion. He is hitting .212/.327/.348 since joining Somerset (the .348 SLG is his high-water mark.)
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-5, R, 2 K
CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 3B (5), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
Since promotion: .237/.349/.433 in 232 PA. When he went to bed on July 2nd,  he was hitting .190/.256/.304 at this level. Adjustments, adjustments.
DH Dylan Jasso: 1-for-5, RBI, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, CI, 3 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, HR (17), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
.218/.269/.442 in 364 PA.
SS Jake Gatewood: 1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, 2 R, BB, K
Gatewood was moved here from Scranton today. 
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-4, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: 4 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 8 K
The strikeouts were there, but Rodriguez-Cruz was having a tough time finding a groove. It happens. He owns a 1.75 ERA and 38/12 K/BB over 36 innings at this level and a 2.91 ERA and 137/49 K/BB over 119.2 innings overall. He is 30 innings over his previous career high.
RHP Michael Arias: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Arias inherited the bases loaded with nobody out and allowed only one run to score. Good job.
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: (S, 6)  1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.07 ERA (44 IP, 32 H, 17 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 38 K). He had a 9.58 ERA after April (Since: 1.07 ERA; 33.2 IP, 18 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 12 BB, 28 K)

Hudson Valley (68-42; 30-16 second half) (No-hit by Aberdeen, 3-0. This is what you would call a “Joe Cowley” no-hitter, as Aberdeen pitchers allowed seven walks.)

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, SB (10), BB, K
Lewis has 20 home runs and 23 stolen bases (25 attempts). 
DH Core Jackson: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Jackson is 6-for-32 with three doubles and a triple to start his professional journey.
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-3, BB
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-3, BB, K
Kent is only 3-for-31, though he has hit a homer.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: 3-for-30. His eight walks allow him to have a .308 OBP despite the .100 batting average.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Robbie Burnett: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Andrew Landry (L, 2-2): 5.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
Tough luck loss for Landry. Since promotion: 2.33 ERA (27 IP, 16 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 22 K). Overall: 3.95 ERA (95.2 IP, 93 H, 51 R, 42 ER, 6 HR, 41 BB, 88 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
Morrill’s first HR allowed in 2025. This is the first run he has allowed since May 29th (first earned run since May 1st). 

Tampa (52-59; 16-30 in the second half) (Lost to Dunedin, 7-2)

2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-5, SB (4), K
RF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, SB (38), BB, K
Toole is 10-for-12 stealing bases in 14 August games.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, K
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-3, BB
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-4, 3 K
CF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-3, 2B (5), R, BB
In 114 Low-A plate appearances: .245/.351/.404 (5 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 13 R)
LF Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-2, R, K
   LF Eric Genther: 0-for-1
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4
1B Hans Montero: 1-for-2, RBI, SB (17), 2 BB
Montero would rather hit than pitch.

RHP Luis Serna: (L, 0-2)  1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Josh Tiedemann: 2 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR
Tiedemann was called up from the FCL today. Struggling lefty Tanner Bauman was assigned to the FCL in a corresponding move. Yes, that is a “paper” move – they have to assign Bauman somewhere, even if that team hasn’t played in weeks.
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
3.27 ERA (55 IP, 40 H, 27 R, 20 ER, 0 HR, 31 BB, 43 K). His walk rate has calmed down since allowing 15 free passes in 12.2 April innings (zero walks in nine August frames)
RHP Jack Sokol: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

In case you are wondering, the DSL ends on August 19th. The Yankees have no shot at the playoffs. The Bombers may have a shot at a playoff spot, but today’s loss will probably make that difficult.

DSL Yankees (23-31) (Defeated DSL Miami (36-18), 5-1. Both DSL Miami and the DSL Marlins will make the 16-team DSL Cup tournament.)

CF Isaias Castillo: 1-for-3, 2 R, SB (13), BB, K
SS Carlos Bello: 1-for-3, R, BB
With Mani Cedeno‘s presence, Bello doesn’t get to play shortstop often. This was the 17-year-old’s fifth start at shortstop this season.
RF Wilberson De Pena: 1-for-1, HR (5), 2 RBI, SB (9), 2 BB
De Pena’s first home run as a member of the Yankees’ organization.
C Diego Flores: 0-for-3, RBI, K
2B Eliezer Adames: 0-for-1, R, CS (1), 2 BB
The 17-year-old is having a tough debut campaign (3-for-41)

RHP Hector Moreno: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
The 6’6″ 17-year-old continues to turn his season around. He doesn’t have enough time to make his final numbers look impressive (he owns a 16.43 ERA!), but his last three starts perhaps show his potential: 10 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 14 K
RHP Anthony Mena (W, 4-1): 3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
3.15 ERA (45.2 IP, 43 H, 30 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 57 K)

DSL Bombers (29-25) (Lost to DSL Colorado, 6-4, in ten innings. This was a huge loss in their quest to grab one of the 16 tournament slots. They owned a 4-0 lead entering the 8th inning, but couldn’t hold it.)

CF Jose Castro: 2-for-4, 2B (4), R, 2 SB (18), BB, K
3B Alfred Ciriaco: 2-for-5, RBI
LF David Carrera: 1-for-4, R, SB (13), BB
C Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-5, HR (8), RBI, R
The 18-year-old continues to show the power in his second campaign (.237/.361/.450; 8 HR, 24 RBI). The DSL leader in homers (Jose Castro (MIA)) has an impressive 14 home runs. Nobody else has more than nine. I always pay close attention to the Yankees’ catching prospects.
SS Leni Done: 2-for-3, HR (5), RBI, R, SB (16), CS (4), 2 HBP
Done, an 18-year-old who is floating under the radar, is hitting .277/.410/.454 (8 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 38 R, 16-for-20 SB) in 174 plate appearances. 

RHP Luis Burgos: 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
Burgos did his job. The 19-year-old owns a 2.44 ERA in 51.2 IP (37 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 23 BB, 48 K)

Yankees MILB 8/10: Spencer Jones Hits #30

Notes:

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

My concern about J.C. Escarra being pulled last night? I should have been more concerned about Amed Rosario not being in the lineup against a left-handed pitcher yesterday. It’s too bad that the Yankees finally cared about adding some bench pieces to counteract teams going heavy with left-handed pitchers, only for Rosario and Austin Slater to end up on the injured list. Jose Caballero is also better against LHP, but it is a stretch to say he is a lefty masher.

Injury Log

Scranton (67-44; 29-10 in second half) (Outlasted Lehigh Valley, 9-7)

Right now, the second-half title is a two-horse race between Scranton and Syracuse, who are 29-10. They have one series left (August 26-31 in Scranton). Indianapolis has fallen off the pace (24-15) but can get back into it this week, as they play Scranton.

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K
Vivas is 9-for-23 with 11 walks in August.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, K
LF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (14), RBI, 2 R, SB (15), HBP, 2 K
Jones becomes the first Yankees’ farmhand to reach 30 home runs since Dermis Garcia in 2021 and is up to 25 stolen bases in his quest for a 30/30 campaign. This one went 436 feet at 110.9 MPH. If you haven’t noticed yet, Jones doesn’t hit many cheapies.
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-5, 3B (4), R, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 3 RBI, R, K
For as long as Escarra is in New York, Martinez (4-for-13 since his promotion) figures to get the overwhelming majority of the catching reps in Scranton. They activated Edinson Duran off the Development List to back him up.
SS Jake Gatewood: 2-for-3, 2 HR (5), 3 RBI, 3 R, BB
Gatewood hasn’t shown off much of the trademark power that continues to get him jobs (though this season is his first taste of affiliated ball since 2022). 
CF Duke Ellis: 2-for-4, 2 2B (10), RBI, R, K
Ellis is hitting .366/.408/.482 in 123 PA at this level. After going 16-for-41 (.390) in July, he is 15-for-32 (.469) in August. That’s what I call ridiculous, regardless if you are a top prospect or just an organizational depth piece.
RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, SB (22)

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 5-1) 5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
Since promotion: 4.67 ERA (44.1 IP, 39 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 10 HR, 12 BB, 36 K). Overall, this was his 10th win of the season (10-3, 3.10 ERA; 98.2 IP, 77 H, 35 R, 34 ER, 12 HR, 24 BB, 88 K)
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
The Yankees likely feel that Bird needs a reset. They can afford to give him time.
RHP Baron Stuart: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Zach Messinger (S, 3): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (58-50; 23-16 in second half) (Outdueled Binghamton, 2-0. This was another battle between rising Somerset pitcher Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and minor league strikeout leader Jonah Tong. They also faced each other on Tuesday. Rodriguez-Cruz won that duel as well.)

Somerset is 1.5 games up on Hartford in the race for the second-half title. Binghamton is ahead of both, but that is irrelevant since they won the first-half title.

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, 3B (4), RBI, R, BB, K
Jones hit his RBI triple off of Tong. 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B (13), RBI, 2 K
Lombard Jr. has a double, a triple, and a home run in his last five games. He had two extra-base hits (double, triple; .224 SLG) in his first 24 Double-A games and 21 extra-base hits in his last 54 games (12 doubles, 3 triples, 6 HR). 
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, K
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-3, R, SB (1), 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3
2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-3, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (W, 3-1) 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
At this level: 1.41 ERA (32 IP, 20 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 30 K). Overall, he owns a 129/45 K/BB over 115.2 innings with only two home runs allowed. Oh, did I mention he has tossed 19 scoreless innings over his last three starts?
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.26 ERA (38 IP, 28 H, 18 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 19 BB, 40 K)
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kelly Austin (S, 7): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (65-40; 27-14 second half) (Lost to Brooklyn, 8-4)

At 65-40, the Renegades are having a fantastic season – one that can easily end without a playoff berth. Unfortunately for them, Brooklyn won the first-half tiebreaker over Greensboro. That’s important, as Greensboro is 31-11 in the second half. That would be irrelevant if they won the first half, but that’s how it goes.

DH Dillon Lewis: 3-for-5, 2 R, SB (9), K
Lewis has two 3-hit efforts in his last four games. He is up to .246/.314/.463 in 227 PA since his promotion (8 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 26 R, 9-for-10 SB, 8.4% BB, 18.9% K). His K% with Tampa was 28.2%. At first, I thought the reduction was small sample size noise, but it doesn’t appear to be the case. 
3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-4, 2B (2), HR (1), 3 RBI, R, SB (1), BB, K
Matheus may be your next small-ish infielder obsession. He leads the organization with 36 stolen bases (44 attempts) and has 25 doubles, 2 triples, and 3 home runs in 98 games.  His combined triple slash is .271/.359/.379 in 410 PA.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-5
Urena is 2-for-20 since his promotion. On a good note, he has struck out only four times in 23 plate appearances (17.4%).
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, SF, RBI, K
SS Core Jackson: 2-for-4, 2 2B (2), BB
This year’s 5th-round pick is 3-for-15.
LF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-4, BB
Wilson is 4-for-10 since his promotion and is hitting .287/.378/.376 in 325 plate appearances overall.
RF Cam Troyer: 0-for-4, K
CF Robbie Burnett: 1-for-4, K
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, R, SB (1), K
Cobb’s High-A debut after hitting .313/.366/.492 in 39 games for Tampa (missed time due to injury)

RHP Cade Smith: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 4 K
Smith is continuing to ramp up after missing a lot of time to injury. He tossed 59 pitches today.
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker (L, 2-1): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
A rare 2025 misstep for Warrecker. This spikes his ERA to 2.12 (46.2 IP, 27 H, 11 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 50 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
0.41 ERA (44.1 IP, 15 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 36 K). Simply a ridiculous season.

Tampa (48-56; 12-27 in the second half) (Lost to St. Lucie, 8-5)

SS Dax Kilby: 0-for-4
  3B Hans Montero: 1-for-1, RBI, R
DH Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, 2B (15), RBI, R, K
1B Kyle West: 2-for-5, 2B (1), K
West is 3-for-18 with a double to begin his professional journey.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-2, CS (2), 3 BB
Tejeda has 14 walks and seven strikeouts in 14 games.
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-5
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, R, K
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-2, R, 2 BB
3B-SS Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 2-for-4, RBI, R
Martin-Grudzielanek is 4-for-13 with a pair of walks and three strikeouts to begin his professional career. He’ll want to make it to MLB as a Yankee, as I am not sure how that name will fit on the back of most uniforms.
C Ediel Rivera: 1-for-3, RBI, K
Rivera earns his first Low-A hit (1-for-12).
  DH Eric Genther: 0-for-1

LHP Allen Facundo: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Facundo has touched the upper-90s this season, but settled in at 94-95 today. At this level: 1.71 ERA (21 IP, 14 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 19 K). 
RHP Chris Veach (L, 2-3): 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Antonio Gomez: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Gomez continues to hum, hitting 100.3 MPH. The results do not matter at this point.
RHP Sean Hermann: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Mariano Salomon: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

In case you are wondering, the DSL ends on August 19th. The Yankees have no shot at the playoffs. The Bombers still have a chance to make it into the 16-team field.

DSL Yankees (22-27) 

Day off.

DSL Bombers (26-23) 

Day off.

Yankees MILB 8/7: George Lombard Jr. Goes Yard

Notes:

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

More promotion news:

OF Jackson Castillo was promoted from Hudson Valley to Somerset. Castillo, a 22-year-old outfielder, was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. For Hudson Valley this year, he hit .242/.337/.336 with five home runs, 47 RBI, and 21 stolen bases in 22 attempts. He will be joined by SS Alexander Vargas and 1B/OF Coby Morales (both played for Somerset earlier this season)

Hudson Valley will welcome OF Joe Delossantos (who has played in only one game this season – a rehab game before the FCL season ended) and several 2025 draftees/signings: Outfielders Camden Troyer (12th round) and Robbie Burnett (undrafted free agent), along with SS Core Jackson (5th).

Once again, movement comes with releases. The Yankees released OF Anthony Hall and 1B Kiko Romero. Hall, their 4th-round pick in 2022, hit .234/.333/.358 in 182 minor league games. A standout for the University of Oregon, Hall injured himself during his first professional at-bat in 2022. Whether that impacted his career, we won’t know. However, the bat never caught on. Romero, drafted in the 7th round in 2023 out of Arizona, hit .213/.351/.371 in 125 minor league games.

The Yankees released JT Brubaker. Since they couldn’t trade him, the two options (if no team claimed him) were either an outright assignment to Scranton (something he could have rejected) or release. The Yankees would have saved a little money if he had been claimed, but it wasn’t worth it to them. The Yankees were buying low on Brubaker (they sent Keiner Delgado to Pittsburgh), hoping they could work with him. Injuries ruined his progression. The Yankees also received international bonus pool money in that deal.

Injury Log

Scranton (66-42; 28-8 in second half) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 4-1)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, R, K
I can see Vivas being valuable as a shuttle infielder over the next few seasons. He likely doesn’t have enough to be an everyday contributor for the Yankees, but he has enough where you aren’t afraid to plug him in if someone goes on the injured list for a few weeks.  I don’t envision them cutting him from the 40-man roster, but trade possibilities also exist.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R, SB (14), 2 K
He hasn’t homered recently, but he has six stolen bases in his last six games. His race to 30/30 now shows 29 home runs and 24 stolen bases. He still leads minor league hitters in home runs, but Ryan Ward has closed in (28). 
DH T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, HR (14), 2 RBI, R
Rumfield is up to .314 with a .910 OPS (29 doubles, 14 HR, 77 RBI).  He ranks in the top ten in all of minor league baseball in runs batted in. 
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K
1B Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, 2B (11), BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-2, SB (7), 2 BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, CS (6), K

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 10-0) 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
His MLB performances haven’t stood out, but we can still marvel over this minor league campaign. He owns a 1.16 ERA over 70 innings with a 77/22 K/BB.
RHP Zach Messinger: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Somerset (56-49; 21-15 in second half) (Lost to Binghamton, 5-4)

LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, HBP, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, R, K
Lombard Jr. follows up yesterday’s triple with a home run. He is now at .208/.321/.347 with 22 extra-base hits (12 doubles, 4 triples, 6 HR) at this level. Given he had only two extra-base hits (double, triple) in his first 25 games after his promotion (.224 SLG), that’s not so bad.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-3, HBP, CS (1)
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, HR (16), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Hardman has 16 homers in 86 games this season (10 in 96 games last year). I think his overall power profile (which includes 26 HR in 77 games before getting injured in 2023) could earn him an MLB shot down the road. I doubt that would be with the Yankees.
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2B (1), R, K
Morales was 3-for-19 in an earlier stint at this level.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4
Always nice to get that first hit out of the way quickly.
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
2B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 7 K
At this level: 3.49 ERA (49 IP, 29 H, 21 R, 19 ER, 3 HR, 36 BB, 70 K). The raw talent is obvious. 70 strikeouts in his first 49 Double-A innings will raise an eyebrow or two. Like many tall kids, it’s about the control. For the first time in his minor league career, he showed off decent control in his stint with Hudson Valley this year (7.1%), but it has spiked here. The hitters are more advanced and are making him work.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (L, 3-3) 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.60 ERA (27.2 IP, 23 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 31 K)
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (63-39; 25-13 second half) (Defeated Brooklyn, 7-1)

LF Dillon Lewis: 3-for-5, 3B (3), 3 RBI, K
Could Lewis move to Somerset?  Even though he hasn’t gotten off to a good start in August (5-for-25, but with a triple and two home runs), I think he is somewhere in the queue. I also don’t have an issue with him finishing his campaign here and starting fresh in Somerset in 2026. A lot goes into this that we aren’t privy to.
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-5, 2B (1), RBI, K
Matheus earns a hit in his High-A debut. It’s appropriate that it was a double, given he hit 23 in 94 games for Tampa.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
SS Core Jackson: 0-for-4, R, K
Jackson is a 21-year-old left-handed bat out of Utah. It’s probably just a coincidence that many of their drafted middle infielders are left-handed hitters (Jackson, Kaeden Kent, Dax Kilby, Connor McGinnis).
1B Josh Moylan: 3-for-4, 2B (15), 2 R, BB, K
If you are going to get hot, you may as well do it when they are making cuts. I don’t know if Moylan was on the potential list, so I am just kidding. Anyway, he is 8-for-23 with a double and two home runs in August after hitting .281/.387/.422 in July.
RF Camden Troyer: 1-for-5, 2B (1)
I believe he earned the first extra-base hit among 2025 draftees. Troyer is a 23-year-old left-handed bat out of Liberty.
LF Robbie Burnett: 0-for-2, 2 R, BB, K
The undrafted free agent out of Georgia hit an amazing .307/.477/.693 in 256 plate appearances against some of the best college talent in the land. He spent only one year at Georgia after transferring from UNC Asheville.
2B Connor McGinnis: 1-for-4
McGinnis earns his first professional hit.
C John Cristino: 0-for-3, R, BB, K

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 5-6)  7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Carr required only 78 pitches to accumulate 21 outs. That’s incredible efficiency. Why didn’t they keep him out of there for the 8th? Honestly, I am not sure. Anyway, after tossing 104 innings of 4.76 ERA ball at this level in his 2024 debut campaign, he has a 2.23 ERA in 101 innings with an 86/40 K/BB this year. His strikeout rate is down a bit from last season, but he has compensated for that with a reduction in his walk rate.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
0.43 ERA (42.1 IP, 15 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 15 BB, 34 K). 15 hits in 42.1 innings is both ridiculous and lucky. 

Tampa (48-52; 12-23 in the second half) 

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

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

In case you are wondering, the DSL ends on August 19th. The Yankees have no shot at the playoffs. The Bombers still have a chance to make it into the 16-team field.

DSL Yankees (20-27) (Lost to the DSL Angels, 8-7. A DSL special, as the Yankees walked 13 times but compiled only four hits. I expected to see that they left 5,000 runners on base, but they left eight and went 1-for-6 with RISP. Strange game.)

DH Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, 2 BB, K
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-2, R, 3 BB, K
.179/.370/.255 in 189 PA. He has walked eight times and stolen five bases in his last four games.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-3, 2 R, SB (9), 2 BB, K
.356/.500/.583 in 176 PA. This is the first step of many, but he will reach the FCL as an 18-year-old next year.
RF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
CF Isaias Castillo: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (12), BB, 2 K
.298/.429/.491 in 70 PA. He missed July for some reason, but this is still a nice season for a kid who didn’t turn 17 until June 15th.
C-1B Edgar Jimenez: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
1B-C Jose Lavagnino: 0-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB

RHP Varis Villarreal: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (25-22) (Lost to the DSL Cardinals, 18-7)

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-5, SB (21)
.257/.407/.338 in 189 PA (21-for-27 SB). He is trying to finish strongly (9-for-22 with a double and a homer in August). Because I don’t report on Mondays, I missed his first professional home run on August 4th. Oops.
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-5, 3B (4), R, 2 K
LF Jose Castro: 2-for-3, 2B (3), SF, RBI, SB (13), HBP, K
2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, R, BB, 2 K
3B Juan Torres: 2-for-5, 2B (8), 3 RBI
His magic carpet ride continues, as he is hitting .349/.392/.504 in 143 plate appearances during his debut campaign. He has hit safely in 15 of his last 16 games.
1B Leni Done: 2-for-5, HR (4), RBI, R, 2 K
Done has hit well in his debut season (.268/.392/.447 in 148 PA). He turned 18 on June 5th.
RF Angel Ventura: 0-for-2, SB (18), 2 BB

LHP Kevin Centeno: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
The 19-year-old owns a 4.80 ERA and 51/22 K/BB over 30 innings. This is his debut campaign.
RHP Jesus Guerrero: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
The seldom-used 18-year-old catcher (47 plate appearances) has a 0.00 ERA in three games (3.1 innings) this season.

Yankees MILB 8/6: George Lombard Jr. Triples

Notes:

The layout of the site has changed. Something went goofy with the other theme. This may or may not be permanent, but it works for now.

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

The promotions continued today, as infielders Juan Matheus and Owen Cobb were promoted to Hudson Valley alongside outfielder Tyler Wilson. Hudson Valley was also lacking in starting pitchers, so they received LHP Xavier Rivas and RHP Brandon Decker from Tampa.

First-round pick Dax Kilby will begin his professional journey in Tampa. He wasn’t in the lineup tonight, however. Those who were in the lineup include 1B Kyle West (13th round), OF Richie Bonomolo Jr. (7th), and infielder Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek (20th). All of them earned their first professional hits in their debuts.

Once again, promotions and roster shuffling come with the unfortunate business of players being released. Today, the Yankees let go of Hudson Valley infielders Brenny Escanio and Jose Colmenares. Escanio, acquired from the Brewers for J.P. Feyereisen in 2019, couldn’t get much going with the bat. This year, he is hitting .206/.331/.285 in 256 plate appearances. He stole ten bases but was also caught seven times. I wrote up a solid number of notes on Colmenares this season, due to a couple of hot streaks. However, the overall numbers weren’t great, as he hit .213/.312/.360 with six homers and 34 RBI over 331 plate appearances.

A night after Somerset, Hudson Valley, and Tampa swept the Mets’ affiliates, the Mets’ affiliates returned the favor.

Injury Log

Scranton (65-42; 27-8 in second half) (Split a doubleheader against Lehigh Valley)

Game 1 (Lost, 12-1)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, 2B (11)
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, R, SB (12), BB, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-2, BB, K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, 2 K
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-2, RBI, BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3
RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3
LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-3, K
Ellis’ 9-game hitting streak is snapped.

RHP Erick Leal (L, 7-8): 4 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
Leal has been pitching well lately, but had nothing tonight.
RHP Ian Hamilton: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 5.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 4 K

Game 2 (Won, 12-9, in 9 innings. The game was tied, 4-4, entering the 9th)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, R, SB (13), CS (3), BB
Forget 20/20. Can Jones reach 30/30? He has 29 home runs and 23 stolen bases. His Triple-A batting average is down to .343, and he hasn’t homered in nine straight games (since his 3-HR game on July 24th. He missed the next few games due to back spasms and hasn’t been the same since.)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, 2B (29), HR (13), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
After hitting .395/.476/.593 in July, Rumfield is 8-for-26 (.308) with a double, two home runs, and seven RBI in August. After a less-than-ideal April, Rumfield has been very good.
DH J.C. Escarra: 2-for-3, SF, RBI, K
  PR-DH-P Ismael Munguia: 1-for-1, HR (4, grand slam), 4 RBI, 2 R
Munguia entered the game as the ghost runner in the 9th, only to hit a grand slam later in the inning.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
   PR-RF Duke Ellis: 0-for-1, R, SB (20)
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
   PR-SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-0, R, SB (10)
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, R, K
SS-3B Jake Gatewood: 1-for-4, R, SB (3), 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-1, 2 R, HBP, 2 BB

RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Cohen’s second career start (obviously, this was an emergency). Since promotion: 1.76 ERA (15.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 16 K)
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Jake Bird (W, 1-0) 1 IP, 0 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
His first inning of work was fine, but he didn’t have much in his second inning.
RHP Ismael Munguia: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
They were out of pitchers, so they turned to Munguia.

Somerset (56-48; 21-14 in second half) (Lost to Binghamton, 6-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, 3B (4), R
Lombard Jr. needed a solid game like this. He is 4-for-22 to begin August.
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, RBI, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, HBP
After hitting .243/.329/.399 last year, the Yankees still moved him up to Somerset. It worked, as he is hitting .281/.347/.463 in 403 plate appearances.
DH Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, 2B (11), K
.223/.293/.369 in 309 PA. For Hudson Valley last season, he hit .216/.326/.422 in 346 PA.
LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, SB (14), 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, K
2B Max Burt: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Ben Hess: (L, 0-1) 4.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
Hess, their 2024 first-round pick, makes his Double-A debut. Two of the three runs scored after he left the game.
RHP Cole Ayers: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
6.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 8 K. Like many minor leaguers, walks have been his issue (242/143 K/BB in 197.1 minor league innings).
RHP Hayden Merda: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (62-39; 24-13 second half) (Lost to Brooklyn, 7-3)

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, 2 BB
Walks are a big part of his game (8.6% BB rate at this level), but he isn’t helpless in that department. So many tools to work with.
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
Kent had a .398 OBP for Texas A&M this season.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, R, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-5, 3 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-5, RBI, SB (21), K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, R, HBP, BB, K
2B Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, R, K
Vargas’ first home run since July 4th. 
DH Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K

RHP Brandon Decker: (L, 0-1)  5.2 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
Decker’s High-A debut didn’t go well, but he was thrown to the wolves. He started the season as a reliever and wasn’t asked to go more than 4.2 innings as a starter until tonight.
RHP Matt Keating: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.59 ERA (45.1 IP, 24 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 49 K). 
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (48-52; 12-23 in the second half)  (Lost to St. Lucie, 6-4)

2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, RBI, R, BB
Tejeda is 8-for-35 (.229/.357/.371) since coming back from his rehab stint.
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 SB (31), 2 BB, K
Toole is 39-for-44 (88.6%) stealing bases in 92 career games.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, SB (24), 2 BB, 2 K
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B Kyle West: 1-for-3, R, BB
West is a 22-year-old left-handed bat out of West Virginia. 
DH Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-4, 2 R
The 21-year-old right-handed bat was drafted out of Alabama. He is an outfielder.
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-4, K
Martin-Grudzielanek, the son of former MLB player Mark Grudzielanek, is a 22-year-old right-handed hitter from USC.

RHP Sunayro Martina: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
RHP Mariano Salomon: 4.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Since promotion: 6.10 ERA (20.2 IP, 23 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 4 HR, 7 BB, 16 K). 
RHP Antonio Gomez: (L, 0-1)  0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Gomez reached 99.9 MPH with his fastball. Yes, you need a new hobby if you are going to complain about the runs he is giving up. That’s expected.
LHP Tanner Bauman: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (20-26)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (25-21)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 8/5: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz Dominates

Notes:

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

The Yankees promoted 2024 first-round pick Ben Hess to Somerset. The 22-year-old pitched to a 3.51 ERA and 94/33 K/BB over 66.2 innings for Hudson Valley. The Renegades have three active starters (Kyle Carr, Andrew Landry, and Cade Smith) on their roster. They will figure that out. You don’t stall a prospect’s development because of the void he will leave behind.

2025 draftees Kaeden Kent and Connor McGinnis were assigned to Hudson Valley today. In their debuts tonight, Kent played shortstop while McGinnis played second base.

The Yankees promoted C Engelth Urena to Hudson Valley. To replace him in Tampa, 19-year-old Ediel Rivera was promoted from the FCL. Urena wasn’t having a special year in Tampa (.208/.329/.331). This is likely a situation where they think Urena will start 2026 in Hudson Valley, so they want to give him a taste now.

With all this activity usually comes releases, which is the unfortunate part of the business.  Somerset outfielders Jared Wegner and Cam Eden were both released today.  Wegner, their 9th-round pick in 2023 (Arkansas), was hitting only .168/.262/.242 with two home runs in 47 games this season. Eden, who played in five games for the 2023 Blue Jays, was in his second year with the organization. In 26 games for Somerset, he hit .176/.247/.270. He was 6-for-9 stealing bases.

The Yankees signed RHP Kenta Maeda to a minor league deal. Signing Maeda to a 2-year, $24 million contract didn’t work out well for the Tigers, as he went 3-7 with a 6.21 ERA (5.04 FIP) over 120.1 innings. The Yankees are only on the hook for the prorated league minimum. After trading Carlos Carrasco and choosing to go with Cam Schlittler over Marcus Stroman, their pitching depth took a hit. Maeda will fill that void.

As for the demotion of Jake Bird, that’s how it goes sometimes. A few rough outings + having options + needing to find room for a returning pitcher makes that decision easier than you may think. While disappointing since he was recently acquired, the Yankees also see him as a long-term asset with enough relief depth to make this move now. We’ll see if the Yankees make any changes while he is away. Judging by his 3-game sample with the big club, it already appears as if the pitching gurus are going to ask him to emphasize his slider more. He used that pitch more than 50% of the time after he was acquired. I can’t tell you that Bird will become a worthwhile asset down the line. I can tell you that it’s impossible to know based on only three games.

Somerset, Hudson Valley, and Tampa played the Mets’ affiliates today and went 3-0.

Injury Log

Scranton (64-41; 26-7 in second half) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 7-1)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5, 2B (10), RBI, R, K
Vivas had zero extra-base hits in his last 25 games entering tonight.
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-2, 2 R, SB (11), HBP, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: 11.4% BB, 25.2% K, 11-for-12 SB.  For Somerset this season, he had a 15.4% BB and 33.7% K.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, R, BB
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 3 RBI, R, BB
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, 2B (10), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-3, 2B (10), RBI, K
De La Cruz was designated for assignment on July 31st. He cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton.
   RF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-1
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4
LF Duke Ellis: 2-for-4, R, K
Ellis’ crazy run continues. He has a 9-game hitting streak (19-for-32; .594). 

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 4-1)  6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, HR
At this level: 4.35 ERA (39.1 IP, 33 H, 19 R, 19 ER, 9 HR, 10 BB, 34 K). Overall, Beck has tossed 93.2 innings between here and Somerset (Due to injuries, he pitched only 34 career innings before 2025, all in 2023.)
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (56-47; 21-13 in second half) (Defeated Binghamton, 3-2. This was a battle between two pitchers who have shown off strikeout stuff this year. Binghamton starter Jonah Tong is the minor league leader in strikeouts. Somerset starter Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz entered the day 10th. Neither starter allowed a run.)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
Since promotion: .247/.352/.457 in 193 PA (7 doubles, 3 triples, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 30 R, 10-for-13 SB, 14.5% BB, 19.2% K). Overall, he has 33 stolen bases in 40 attempts.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, SB (16), 2 K
Since promotion: .203/.320/.327 in 316 PA (12 doubles, 3 triples, 5 HR, 22 RBI, 46 R, 16-for-19 SB, 12.7% BB, 25% K). Remember when some on social media were clamoring for him to make the roster out of spring training? Pepperidge Farm remembers.
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, K
.283/.348/.467 in 399 PA (15 doubles, 6 triples, 13 HR, 54 RBI, 55 R, 0-for-2 SB, 7.5% BB, 21.3% K). 
DH Jace Avina: 1-for-4, 2B (4), 2 K
Since promotion: .228/.353/.404 in 68 PA. He has four doubles and a pair of home runs. 
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, CS (3), BB, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-3
Since promotion: 7-for-22 (.318) with a double and a home run.
2B Max Burt: 0-for-1, R, SAC, BB, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz (W, 2-1): 7 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
Since promotion: 1.73 ERA (26 IP, 17 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 23 K). Overall: 2.13 ERA (109.2 IP, 69 H, 35 R, 26 ER, 2 HR, 43 BB, 122 K). Strikeouts, ground balls, keeping the ball in the ballpark. Three things you love to see.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Danny Watson (S, 5): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
6.23 ERA (39 IP, 49 H, 28 R, 27 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 41 K). Watson’s BABIP is high (.384). He has not allowed a walk in his last 26.2 innings (25 strikeouts)

Hudson Valley (62-38; 24-12 second half) (Defeated Brooklyn, 4-2)

CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, HR (10), 2 RBI, R
Lewis has homered in back-to-back games and has five homers in his last 15 games. He is one home run away from a 20/20 campaign.
SS Kaeden Kent: 0-for-4, K
Kent’s professional debut. As a 21-year-old college bat (chosen in the third round), it isn’t a shock that they moved him straight to this level.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4
Urena’s High-A debut.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, HBP
2B Connor McGinnis: 0-for-3, BB, K
McGinnis’s professional debut. The Yankees drafted the 22-year-old left-handed bat in the 10th round out of Houston.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, R
DH Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, R, K
Moylan has homered in back-to-back games.
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-3, 2B (7), R

RHP Cade Smith: 3 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Smith tossed 61 pitches tonight as he continues to build himself back up.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
2.59 ERA (31.1 IP, 23 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 45 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia: (W, 5-2)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Gabonia got off to a rough start (4 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 4 ER in April) but has been solid since, allowing only six earned runs in 24.2 IP (2.19 ERA).
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 6): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
At this level: 2.00 ERA (27 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 18 BB, 34 K)

Tampa (48-51; 12-22 in the second half)  (Held off St. Lucie, 5-4)

3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-5, 2B (23), 2 RBI, 2 R
Matheus, who is on an 8-game hitting streak (13-for-35), has 24 multi-hit efforts in 2025, including six 3+-hit games.
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-5, 2 K
SS Roderick Arias: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, K
Arias is once again knocking on the .200 door (.197/.312/.302). It’s a number he hasn’t reached once this season.
LF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, 2 K
Montero is hitting .291/.317/.354 in 82 plate appearances.
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2 K
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-4, 2 K
Rivera’s Low-A debut. The 19-year-old hit .229/.346/.346 in 185 FCL plate appearances. He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Puerto Rico in 2024.
1B Tyler Wilson: 2-for-3, 2B (9), R, BB
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, R, 3 K
DH Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-4, 2B (8), R, K

LHP Henry Lalane: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Lalane tossed 45 pitches tonight, showing off incredible efficiency.  He maxed out at 95 MPH, which is an encouraging sign (I don’t have full StatCast data, as Tampa doesn’t have that technology in their temporary home.)
RHP Jack Sokol: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.44 ERA (36.2 IP, 36 H, 21 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 30 K)
RHP Cade Austin: (W, 5-1) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.79 ERA (42 IP, 35 H, 20 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 18 BB, 44 K). He is up to 88.1 innings at this level after being drafted in the 19th round in the 2023 draft out of South Carolina.
RHP Chris Veach: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Jackson Fristoe (S, 2): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (20-26) (Lost to the DSL Cardinals, 10-2)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-4, BB
Vilorio is off to a slow August start (3-for-17) after a strong July (.309/.378/.420).
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-4, R, SB (20), BB, K
2B Carlos Bello: 3-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, R, K
Bello, a 17-year-old in his debut season, has three 3+-hit efforts.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-2, HBP, BB, K
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-4, K
DH Isaias Castillo: 0-for-2, SB (11), 2 BB, K

RHP Jose Vargas: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.86 ERA (11.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 8 K). Vargas is 17 years old.

DSL Bombers (25-21) (Defeated DSL Colorado, 7-3)

SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-5, R, K
.259/.413/.343 in 184 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 34 R, 20-for-26 SB, 20.1% BB, 23.4% K). To me, he’s done enough to get to the FCL in 2026.
2B Christofer Reyes: 2-for-3, 2B (6), R, 2 SB (24), CS (4), 2 BB, K
.252/.336/.330 in 131 PA
LF David Carrera: 2-for-3, SF, RBI, R, CS (6)
DH Richard Meran: 0-for-2, CS (5), 2 BB, K
3B Leni Done: 1-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, SB (11), CS (3), BB
.263/.392/.424 in 143 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 28 R, 11-for-14 SB)
RF Angel Ventura: 1-for-4, 3B (2), R, 3 K
C Carlos Rondon: 2-for-4, RBI, R, K

RHP Diego Carrillo (W, 4-0): 3.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.60 ERA (30 IP, 24 H, 14 R, 12 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 23 K)
RHP Christopher Vasquez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

Yankees MILB 8/2: Engelth Urena Homers

Notes:

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

Injury Log

Scranton (62-41; 24-7 in second half) (Lost to Nashville, 7-5)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, BB
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 SB (10), CS (1), 2 BB, K
Jones accomplishes his first career 20/20 season (29 HR, 20 SB). 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, R, BB
Rumfield has hit safely in 17 of his last 19 games. 
  PR Ismael Munguia: 0-for-0
DH J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, R, BB
This is Escarra’s first appearance since his demotion. You feel bad for him, but numbers crunches are real.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, RBI, K
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, BB
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, R, K
RF Duke Ellis: 1-for-4, R, SB (18), 2 K
Ellis has a 6-game hitting streak. This is the first non-multi-hit game during the streak.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K

RHP Sean Boyle: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Until Ryan Yarbrough comes back, there can be a battle down here for who the #6 starter is. Boyle owns a 4.32 ERA in 98 innings (88 H, 54 R, 47 ER, 11 HR, 33 BB, 97 K). 
RHP Kervin Castro: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.44 ERA (31.1 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 41 K). Almost feels meaningless to report on relief pitchers right now!
LHP Jayvien Sandridge (L, 2-1): 1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (54-47; 19-13 in second half) (Defeated Richmond, 3-1)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, R, SB (15), HBP
Lombard Jr.’s first stolen base since June 27th. Just one of those things.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-2, 2 BB
Avina has ten walks in 14 games since his promotion. He is hitting .245/.373/.429.
1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 K
.280/.344/.456 in 390 PA (14 doubles, 6 triples, 12 HR, 52 RBI, 53 R, 7.2% BB, 21.5% K). Jasso has seven multi-hit efforts in his last ten games.
LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, R
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, K
  RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-1
DH Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, R, K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-4, RBI
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-3, HBP
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, RBI

RHP Trent Sellers: (W, 2-4) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
3.90 ERA (80.2 IP, 67 H, 38 R, 35 ER, 8 HR, 39 BB, 94 K)
RHP Mark Leiter Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Leiter Jr. could join the team in Texas. My guess is that Brent Headrick is the next reliever to go down to Scranton.
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
6.16 ERA (38 IP, 47 H, 27 R, 26 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 40 K).  His streak of walkless appearances is up to 18.
RHP Indigo Diaz (S, 4): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (60-38; 22-12 second half) (Lost to Wilmington, 3-0)

LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, SB (20), BB, K
Castillo is 20-for-21 stealing bases this year and 43-for-50 in his career. 
CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, SB (8), BB
Meanwhile, Lewis is 21-for-23 stealing bases this year and 24-for-26 in his career.
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4
His long hitting streak feels like it happened 20 years ago. He is in a 2-for-45 slump. Oof.
C John Cristino: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, K
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-3, 2B (6)

LHP Kyle Carr (L, 4-6): 6.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
2.30 ERA (94 IP, 66 H, 33 R, 24 ER, 6 HR, 40 BB, 80 K). Carr was cruising into the 7th inning, where all three Wilmington runs scored. This was the first time Carr allowed more than one earned run in a game since May 27th. 
RHP Chris Kean: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
3.58 ERA (32.2 IP, 30 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 33 K)

Tampa (47-50; 11-21 in the second half)  (Defeated Lakeland, 8-3)

3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-5, HR (2), RBI, 2 R
Matheus led the game off with a homer. He is on a 6-game hitting streak and is hitting .262/.356/.352 in 382 PA (21 doubles, 1 triples,2 HR, 41 RBI, 49 R, 35-for-43 SB).
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
Tejeda is 7-for-26 (.269) with two doubles and a homer since returning from his rehab. He is on a 6-game hitting streak.
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (13), RBI, 2 R, SB (23), K
.193/.313/.302 in 337 PA with 23 stolen bases in 29 attempts. He has still not finished a day this season with a batting average of .200 or better.
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-4, HR (9), 3 RBI, R, K
Urena sets a personal best for home runs in a season. He is hitting .207/.331/.332 in 393 PA
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-3, BB
DH Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4
RF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, HR (3), RBI, 2 R, K
.305/.413/.491 in 269 PA (13 doubles, 10 triples, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 52 R, 29-for-32 SB). While I thought the 22-year-old could be an interesting sleeper, if you predicted he would have an OPS > .900 on August 2, I would have called you delusional.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K

LHP Allen Facundo: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Facundo, who has been dazzling with his velocity, wasn’t throwing quite as hard tonight (maxed at 96.6 MPH; averaged 94.2). For Tampa: 1.15 ERA (15.2 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 17 K).
RHP Cade Austin: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Tanner Bauman: (W, 3-7)  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (20-24) (Defeated the DSL Bombers, 3-0)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, K
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-0, R, 3 SB (18), CS (2), 3 BB
Walk Cedeno at your own risk!
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-2, HBP, 2 K
C Justin Capellan: 2-for-2, RBI, R, SB (15), BB
RF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-2, 2B (7), RBI, R, BB, K
DH Isaias Castillo: 2-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, CS (1)
Castillo’s first game since June 30th. The 17-year-old is hitting .340/.456/.574 in 57 PA with a 9-for-10 stolen base rate.
LF Wilberson De Pena: 0-for-3
De Pena’s debut as a member of the Yankees’ organization. He was acquired from the Angels for Oswald Peraza.

RHP Hector Moreno: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
To say the 17-year-old needed this is a massive understatement. Montero owns a 29.16 ERA and 10/27 K/BB (that’s not a typo) over 8.1 innings in his professional debut.
RHP Anthony Mena (W, 2-1): 4 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K

DSL Bombers (23-21) (Lost to the DSL Yankees, 3-0)

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-3, 2B (6)
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-3, CS (8), 2 K
DH Jose Castro: 1-for-3, CS (3), K
2B Juan Torres: 1-for-3
Torres has a 14-game hitting streak.
C Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-1, SB (6), 2 BB

RHP Luis Burgos (L, 2-4): 4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
2.66 ERA (40.2 IP, 30 H, 18 R, 12 ER, 2 HR, 18 BB, 41 K)
LHP Ronald Tejada: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K

Yankees MILB 7/30: Brendan Beck Tosses 6 Scoreless Innings

Notes:

A boring day for minor league news overall.

Trade analysis links:
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Injury Log

Scranton (60-40; 22-6 in second half) (Squeaked past Nashville, 1-0)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4
Rodriguez increases his hitting streak to 17 (24-for-72 (.333); 2 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 16 R, 10 BB, 10 K).  He is hitting .317/.409/.430 since his promotion.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, SB (9)
RF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, 2 SB (8), HBP, K
Jones reminds us that he can run, too!  He is 18-for-20 stealing bases this season. He stole 25 bases last year and 43 in 2023.
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-2, HBP, BB
Pereira is 22-for-77 (.286; 7 HR, 18 RBI, 23 R, 13 BB, 15 K) in July. 
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-2, 2 BB
Flores has 11 walks in ten games since his promotion (30 in 87 games for Somerset).
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, BB
Rumfield has a 7-game hitting streak.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, R, K
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, SB (9), K
SS Nicky Lopez: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, K

RHP Brendan Beck: (W, 3-1) 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 4.86 ERA (33.1 IP, 29 H, 18 R, 18 ER, 8 HR, 8 BB, 26 K). This is a nice bounce-back after allowing eight runs in four innings his last time out.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Reyzelman reached 95.4 MPH and generated three whiffs on three swings with his sweeper. His ERA is 3.83 (40 IP, 25 H, 17 R, 17 ER, 5 HR, 39 BB, 43 K). The best I can say right now is that he owns a 12/3 K/BB over his last 8.1 innings.
RHP Joel Kuhnel (S, 4): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (53-45; 18-11 in second half) (Defeated Richmond, 5-3)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
Since promotion: .210/.325/.343 in 295 PA (12 doubles, 3 triples, 5 HR, 22 RBI, 45 R, 14-for-17 SB, 12.9% BB, 24.1% K).  What do I think about his first taste of Double-A? I won’t try to convince you that he is dominating the level, as the proof is in the performance. However, given his age, I am not concerned. He has shown enough “signs” to keep me satisfied.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2B (3), K
Avina has reached base in 12 of 13 games since his promotion. 
   RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-0
2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, BB
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, 2B (14), 2 R
.279/.344/.460 in 378 PA (14 doubles, 6 triples, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 53 R, 7.4% BB, 21.2% K). He is on an 8-game hitting streak that includes five multi-hit games.
RF-CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, R, CS (3)
Since promotion: .238/.331/.449 in 172 PA.  His OPS here (.780) is higher than his number in Hudson Valley (.739). 
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-2, SF, RBI
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, K
Frick’s first Double-A hit goes over the fence. He is an organizational catcher type, which always has value (and some of them make it to MLB, since they are catchers with a pulse.)
LF Cam Eden: 1-for-3, CS (3), K
DH Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 5 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
4.50 ERA (46 IP, 52 H, 25 R, 23 ER, 6 HR, 18 BB, 42 K). He finishes July with a 2.41 ERA (7.27 in June)
LHP Ryan Anderson (W, 2-1): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Indigo Diaz (S, 3): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (59-36; 22-10 second half) (Defeated Wilmington, 4-3)

CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-3, 2B (16), 2 R, BB
.247/.346/.348 in 382 PA (16 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 44 RBI, 47 R, 19-for-20 SB). He is hitting .303/.404/.474 in July.
DH Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, HR (8), 2 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Lewis is the owner of an 11-game hitting streak (18-for-52 (.346); 4 doubles, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 10 R). He is now hitting .246/.310/.455 in 185 PA since his promotion and is approaching a 20/20 campaign overall (17 HR/20 SB).
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4
Colmenares is on a 7-game hitting streak. This was the first game that didn’t feature an extra-base hit.
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, 2 K
Moylan is on a 5-game hitting streak and is 18-for-64 (.281) in July.
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4
C John Cristino: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, K

RHP Cade Smith: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
Smith threw 57 pitches today as he continues his rehab (though it isn’t technically a rehab stint!)
RHP Ocean Gabonia (W, 4-2): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Huey Morrill (S, 6): 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
At this level: 0.24 ERA (37.1 IP, 13 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 30 K). As you may suspect, this comes with a low BABIP (.151)

Tampa (46-49; 10-20 in the second half)  (Split a doubleheader agaisnt Clearwater)

Game 1 (Lost, 12-5)

3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, R, K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-4
.206/.330/.324 in 385 PA. Urena, known for his extra-base hit potential, has only one (a double) in his last nine games. He is 13-for-67 (.194/.280/.284) in July.
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-3
Rodriguez left the game due to injury.
   RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-0, R, HBP
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, R, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-1, HR (1), RBI, R, 3 BB
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, RBI, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Brandon Decker (L, 1-4): 3.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
The results haven’t been great, but he did hit 97.1 MPH. It’s an arm you want to see develop while understanding that having a good arm is only a piece of the puzzle.
RHP Sean Hermann: 2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Juan Sanchez: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Sanchez, listed as a catcher, makes his Low-A debut as a pitcher. Given he wasn’t even reaching 70 MPH, this isn’t a “conversion” situation – they were out of pitchers with a second game on tap.

Game 2 (Won, 5-1)

SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-3
C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, 2B (8), K
Perez has a modest 5-game hitting streak (5-for-19). That said, it may be modest, but he was in a deep slump before it started.
DH Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, K
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, R
Yesterday: “He’s a good bat-to-ball guy without much pop.”  Today: Hits a double and a homer during a doubleheader.
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-2, RBI, R, K
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-2, 2B (9), 2 RBI, R, K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-1, BB, K

RHP Jose M. Rodriguez (W, 1-0): 5.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
Rodriguez, making his Low-A debut, reached 94.9 MPH. The 21-year-old pitched to a 2.25 ERA in 44 innings for the FCL, striking out 45 while walking 27.
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-24)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (21-19)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 7/29: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz Tosses 6 Scoreless Innings

Notes:

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

Antonio Gomez was assigned to Tampa today. The catcher-turned-pitcher was on the Development List. He made his first appearance on the hill tonight, maxing out at 99.9 MPH.

LHP Henry Lalane‘s rehab assignment is over, which makes sense since the FCL season is over. The system’s #13 prospect (Pipeline) is officially with Tampa. Essentially, he is resuming his rehab, but it won’t be called that.

Spencer Jones was back in the lineup after missing three games due to back spasms.

The Yankees traded RHP Carlos Carrasco to the Braves for cash or a player to be named (I would place strong odds on it being money). Carrasco pitched to a 5.91 ERA (5.31 FIP; 69 ERA+) in 32 innings for the Yankees. For Scranton, he was a valuable innings-eating veteran.

Injury Log

Scranton (59-40; 21-6 in second half) (Lost to Nashville, 7-3)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-5, K
Rodriguez increases his hitting streak to 16 in his last at-bat of the evening.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, BB
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, 2B (9)
RF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (6), R, K
Jones hits as if his back never spasmed.  He is hitting .405/.459/.940 (again, that’s his SLG, not his OPS!) in 98 PA since his promotion and .317/.412/.707 (LOL) overall.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RBI
Since promotion: 8-for-36 (.222) with a homer and four RBI.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, 2B (28), R, HBP, K
.312/.395/.502 in 392 PA for the doubles machine (he has 11 in 21 July games)
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, 2B (7), RBI, R, K
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, SF, RBI

RHP Luis Gil: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
Gil threw 75 pitches (50 strikes) and reached 98.4 MPH (averaged 95.8). He threw 40% 4-seamers, 37% sliders, and 23% changeups, generating 15 whiffs. I don’t like “rushing” players coming off injury, but everything looks good with Gil – he is using his entire mix, throwing as hard as you would expect, and generating whiffs.  I have no problem with him pitching for the MLB club this weekend.
RHP Zach Messinger: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.52 ERA (29.2 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 40 K)
RHP Scott Effross (L, 1-3): 0.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
At this point, Effross is a shuttle arm for the Yankees. Is he in danger of being cut from the 40-man roster? Perhaps not yet, but the likelihood that he will return to form seems low.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (52-45; 17-11 in second half) (Outpitched Richmond, 1-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, HR (5), RBI, R
Lombard Jr.’s home run in the 6th was all that was needed tonight.  Since promotion: .212/.326/.347 in 291 PA. He has a .411 SLG in July and has eight doubles and three home runs in his last 24 games. 
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3
Riggio is 19-for-66 (.288/.382/.561) in July.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2 K
Jasso has a 7-game hitting streak and is hitting .308/.349/.449 in July. Like every hitter at every level in baseball history, he’s had his share of struggles, but he has been pretty consistent all year. 
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, CS (2), BB
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-2, BB, K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, K
DH Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, HBP

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (W, 1-1)  6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Rodriguez-Cruz is likely going to be asked about a lot over the next few days. Since promotion: 2.37 ERA (19 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 15 K). Overall: 2.28 ERA (102.2 IP, 67 H, 35 R, 26 ER, 2 HR, 41 BB, 114 K).  Is he untouchable? Of course not. However, the 21-year-old has impressed with his ability to miss bats and keep the ball in the ballpark. He owned a 53.1% GB entering tonight.
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Merda’s 5th straight scoreless outing (5.2 IP). It’s lowered his ERA (since his promotion) from 14.54 to 6.30.
RHP Danny Watson (S, 4): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
6.25 ERA (36 IP, 45 H, 26 R, 25 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 38 K). He owns a 2.08 ERA in 8.2 July innings and hasn’t walked a batter in 17 straight appearances (23.2 innings).

Hudson Valley (58-36; 21-10 second half) (Defeated Wilmington, 13-6)

LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-6, RBI, R, 2 K
CF Dillon Lewis: 3-for-5, 2B (7), SF, 3 RBI, 2 R
He is on an impressive 10-game hitting streak that has increased his triple slash from .183/.243/.357 to .244/.306/.439 since his promotion. 
RF Coby Morales: 3-for-5, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB
2B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-6, 3B (3), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
Colmenares has a 6-game hitting streak (9-for-24; 4 doubles, 2 HR, 10 RBI)
DH Josh Moylan: 1-for-6, RBI, 2 K
3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, 2 BB
C Manuel Palencia: 4-for-5, 2 2B (3), 2 RBI, 2 R, K
Palencia’s 4th career 4-hit effort (including one in the FCL this year). 
1B Kiko Romero: 2-for-4, 2 R, BB
Romero is 8-for-32 (.250/.390/.438) since coming back from injury.
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, 2 R, CS (7), BB

RHP Andrew Landry: (W, 1-1)  5.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, HR
Landry was promoted from Tampa for the second time in three weeks. With trades and injuries, Hudson Valley needs arms.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
Rare misstep for Warrecker, but at least it happened during a blowout. He owns a 1.70 ERA in 42.1 IP (24 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 45 K)

Tampa (45-48; 9-19 in the second half)  (Lost to Clearwater, 11-8, in ten innings)

3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-5, K
C Edgleen Perez: 1-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 R, 3 K
Nice to see Arias go yard during an otherwise disappointing campaign.
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, R
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-2, 3B (1), RBI, R, 3 BB, K
Since promotion: 12-for-48 (.250; 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 9 R, 9 BB, 9 K)
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, RBI, R, K
Montero is hitting .304 (17-for-56) at this level.
1B Tyler Wilson: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Tejeda is versatile and speedy enough with excellent bat-to-ball skills. Power? Not likely to be a part of his profile. His ceiling is likely in the Ronald Torreyes area. And there is nothing wrong with that ceiling.
LF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, SB (28), 3 K
Toole has 28 stolen bases in 31 attempts. His K% was 20.0% entering tonight, and this was the first time he struck out three times this season (once last season).

LHP Henry Lalane: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
As stated above, don’t expect extended outings for a while.  The big lefty wasn’t throwing hard tonight (low-90s), but that can be attributed to his time off.  
RHP Sunayro Martina: 3 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
The 21-year-old Martina makes his Tampa debut. His rookie league resume isn’t great (5.45 ERA; 79.1 IP, 67 H, 63 R, 48 ER, 5 HR, 59 BB, 84 K). We don’t have full StatCast data tonight, but I do see that he reached 96.8 MPH.
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Antonio Gomez: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Gomez threw 19 pitches (11 strikes) in his pitching debut. One of the runs allowed scored after he left the game. This is a fun story to follow.
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Tanner Bauman: (L, 2-7)  2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-24) (Outlasted the DSL Twins, 11-10, in ten innings. This game was a DSL Special, as the Yankees scored 11 runs on 15 hits and nine walks. They scored seven runs between the 8th and 10th innings. They tied the game in the 10th on a walk and “walked it off” with a hit-by-pitch.)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-5, R, BB, K
SS Mani Cedeno: 2-for-6, 2 R, 2 SB (14), 3 K
.183/.360/.238 in 161 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 30 R, 14-for-15 SB, 18.0% BB, 37.3% K)
2B Carlos Bello: 0-for-4, 2 R, CS (3), HBP, BB, K
The 17-year-old got off to a strong start but is 3-for-35 in his last ten games. He has drawn six walks.
3B Richard Matic: 3-for-4, 3B (3), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (7), 2 BB, K
Matic has certainly adjusted in 2025, hitting .368/.500/.614 in 150 PA (10 doubles, 3 triples, 4 HR, 28 RBI, 32 R, 7-for-12 SB, 20% BB, 22.7% K). The crazy thing is that a .500 OBP ranks him only 6th in this league (he is 4th in SLG and OPS). He turned 18 on July 26th.
DH Justin Capellan: 2-for-6, 2 K
LF Estivenzon Montero: 2-for-4, 3B (1), HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (8), 2 BB, K
.302/.393/.569 in 135 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 18 R, 8-for-11 SB, 12.6% BB, 27.4% K). The 18-year-old has 14 extra-base hits in 33 games (8 in 31 games in 2024).
C Edgar Jimenez: 2-for-3, R, SB (5), CS (1), 2 BB, K
   PR Alfiery Matos: 0-for-0, SB (9)
RF Angel Ventura: 2-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
1B-C Diego Flores: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (1)

RHP Enixon Sanchez: 4 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K, HR
4.11 ERA (35 IP, 38 H, 21 R, 16 ER, 2 HR, 23 BB, 39 K)
RHP Emanuel Vargas: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
LHP Fredy Penuelas: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Rafael Arias (W, 5-0): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

DSL Bombers (21-19) (Lost to the DSL Phillies White, 4-3)

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-5, SB (20), K
.230/.404/.286 in 166 PA. Marinez is in a 2-for-23 slump.
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-3, 2B (8), R, SB (19), CS (7), HBP, BB
Castillo is on a 5-game hitting streak and has hit safely in eight of his last nine games.
DH Juan Torres: 2-for-4, RBI
Of all the Yankees’ debuting talents in the DSL, I think Torres has impressed the most. The 17-year-old is at .339/.393/.495 in 122 PA and is on an 11-game hitting streak. The funniest part is that, in a sea of huge signing bonuses, he received $50,000.  Yes, I realize that one DSL season doesn’t make or break a prospect.
2B Christofer Reyes: 2-for-4, 2 R, SB (21)
3B Leni Done: 1-for-4, K
LF David Carrera: 1-for-2, SF, 2 RBI, BB

LHP Junior Tavera: 4.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
LHP Ronald Tejada (L, 1-3): 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
The 18-year-old is missing more bats in 2025, but the overall numbers have tumbled (1.75 ERA in 25.2 IP in 2024; 7.08 ERA in 20.1 IP in 2025).
RHP Alexis Gonzalez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Yankees MILB 7/24: Spencer Jones Launches 3 Home Runs

Notes:

RHP Cade Smith is off the injured list as he pitched for Hudson Valley tonight. Smith was ranked 18th in the recent Pipeline update (again, it wasn’t a full update – but rather a reshuffle for the Trade Deadline). He was drafted in the 6th round in 2023 after spending 2022 and 2023 as the ace of the Mississippi State squad. He was a key cog out of their bullpen as a freshman during their 2021 College World Series championship run. Known for the spin on his breaking pitches, we will see if his ultimate destination is that of a starter or reliever. For now, you keep a talent like this in the rotation for as long as possible.

Injury Log

Scranton (56-39; 18-5 in second half) (Lost to Rochester, 10-8)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-5
Rodriguez’s hitting streak reaches 12.  He is hitting .311/.408/.406 in 338 PA at this level. By the way, ever since they traded Alex Jackson and signed Jeimer Candelario, Rodriguez has stopped playing third base (no games since July 5th).
CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-5, 3 HR (13), 4 RBI, 3 R, K
All three home runs traveled over 400 feet, with two to left-center and one to center. He is hitting .400/.457/.950 (that’s his SLG – not his OPS!) in 94 PA since his promotion (5 doubles, 13 HR, 25 RBI, 27 R, 6-for-6 SB, 10.6% BB, 25.5% K). Overall, he is hitting .314/.411/.706 (my goodness) in 302 PA (13 doubles, 29 HR, 57 RBI, 69 R, 16-for-18 SB, 13.9% BB, 31.1% K). So, what does one make of this?  This is one of the most interesting dilemmas I have encountered in a while. In the spirit of full disclosure, he hit all three home runs off a 30-year-old who has yet to make it to MLB. However, you can’t dismiss his day based on only that fact. Last winter, I was for trading him. Now? Like most of you (probably), I would love to see how this plays out, even if there is still an element of high risk in his game. Tough, tough, tough (did I say TOUGH) call.  By the way, while I don’t know what the Yankees’ minor league record is for homers (believe it or not, Tony Lazzeri hit 60 home runs in 197 PCL games in 1925), I have found some for Jones to chase if he isn’t called up: Shane Spencer (32 in 1996; 30 in 1997);  Shelley Duncan (34 in 2005; 30 in 2009), Jorge Vazquez (32, 2011), and Dermis Garcia (31, 2021).
RF Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, 3 R, 2 BB, K
.257/.356/.522 in 295 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 19 HR, 52 RBI, 66 R, 8-for-9 SB, 11.9% BB, 29.8% K)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2B (25), BB
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 4-for-20 (1 HR, 2 RBI, 3 R, 6 BB, 7 K)
3B Jeimer Candelario: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, K
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-5, HR (18), RBI, R, K
SS Nick Lopez: 0-for-4, K
LF Duke Ellis: 3-for-4, 2B (4), R, SB (14), K

RHP Brendan Beck (L, 2-1): 4 IP, 8 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 4 BB, 2 K, 4 HR
Beck, who has pitched well this season, had a tough time this morning. This spikes his Triple-A ERA to 5.93 (27.1 IP, 26 H, 18 R, 18 ER, 8 HR, 7 BB, 24 K). He allowed two home runs in 54.2 Double-A innings.
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Zach Messinger: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
As a reliever: 2.96 ERA (27.1 IP, 22 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 16 BB, 29 K)

Somerset (50-43; 15-9 in second half) (Won a dramatic game over Erie, 4-3)

RF Brendan Jones: 2-for-5, HR (5), 3 RBI, R, SB (10), K
With one out in the top of the 9th, Jones launched a 3-run home run to turn a 3-1 deficit into a 4-3 lead. He is catching on to this level, including home runs in back-to-back games and four total in July. Additionally, he is 8-for-8 stealing bases this month and is 33-for-38 in 82 games between here and Hudson Valley.  He was ranked 29th on the Pipeline list, and they were complimentary towards his ability to play all three outfield positions and “sneaky” pull pop. Can he enter the picture as a #4 outfielder at some point in 2026? Certainly. 
2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, BB, K
Lombard Jr. has a 7-game hitting streak. It’s not one of those “Wow, he’s insanely hot!” kind of streaks (6 one-hit games), but it is still an encouraging stretch.
DH Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, 2B (10), K
Riggio is up to 19 extra-base hits (10 doubles, 9 HR) in 35 games since his promotion.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-5, R, K
Jasso, a 23-year-old who has spent his entire campaign in Somerset, has back-to-back multi-hit efforts (three in his last six games). He has hit safely in eight of his last nine games.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2 K
So far, Avina has held his own since his promotion (8-for-31; 1 double, 2 HR, 8 BB, 9 K).
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, BB
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, R
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-2, 2B (7), RBI, R, SB (13), CI, BB, K
SS Max Burt: 0-for-3, SAC

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
Ranked #2 on Pipeline (and in the Top 100 overall), Lagrange owns a 3.54 ERA since his promotion (40.2 IP, 24 H, 16 R, 16 ER, 3 HR, 26 BB, 55 K). As I have said previously, the walks have spiked since his promotion (I can even claim I predicted this possibility – hey, give me a win in a sea of losses.).  Overall, he owns a 119/38 K/BB over 82.1 innings and will be one of the most talked about prospects by other organizations at the deadline. Arms like his will cause drooling.
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Michael Arias: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin: (W, 3-1)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
It’s been a tough road for the 6’6″ Merda since his promotion. However, he does have four consecutive scoreless outings to build from.

Hudson Valley (53-36; 16-10 second half) (Defeated Rome, 8-1)

CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, R, 2 BB, 2 K
Jackson breaks his 0-for-15. He is now 16-for-57 (.281) with nine walks in July.
DH Dillon Lewis: 2-for-3, 2B (5), RBI, 3 R, BB
It would be so much fun if Lewis could end the season on a strong note. 
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-3, HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 SB (12), 2 BB
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, RBI, SB (6), BB, K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 2-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 SB (2)
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-2, SB (10), 2 BB, 2 K
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, R, K

RHP Cade Smith: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 3 K
Smith is unlikely to ramp up fully for a while.
RHP Matt Keating: (W, 2-1) 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Keating did a nice job as a multi-inning reliever today, as I guess they didn’t have anyone available to piggyback. He owns a 3.03 ERA in 32.2 IP (25 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 37 K). 
RHP Chris Kean: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 1.90 ERA (23.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 15 BB, 30 K)

Tampa (45-44; 9-15 in the second half) (Tied with Dunedin, 0-0, in the 5th. This game was suspended due to rain)

Lineup below without notes – not that there would be anything exciting to add.

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-1, BB
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-2
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-2
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-2, K
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-1
RF Marshall Toole: 0-for-1, K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-1, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-1, 2B (7)

RHP Brandon Decker: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
At least he was able to get in four innings of work before the rain ruined the night. Once this game becomes official, he will own a 3.10 ERA in 49.1 IP (43 H, 24 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 22 BB, 49 K)

FCL (28-30) (Ended their season with a 9-2 loss to the FCL Tigers. The FCL Yankees are typically good enough to make the playoffs, but it isn’t the case in 2025.)

Since this is it for 2025, I will post the full lineup:

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-3, BB, K
.157/.253/.221 in 162 PA. As stated many times this season, Peralta got off to a miserable start. He had no chance to fully recover from it, but he did hit .255/.328/.412 in July.
RF Joe Delossantos: 0-for-2, BB, K
The 24-year-old was their 10th-round pick in 2024. He hit .286/.419/.371 in 86 plate appearances for Low-A Tampa last season but this was his first appearance in 2025. Since their season is over, he’s likely going to Tampa tomorrow.
   1B Johan Contreras: 0-for-1
CF Isael Arias: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, SB (12), BB
Rivera, a 19-year-old catcher signed as an undrafted free agent, finishes at .229/.346/.346 in 185 PA. All of his defensive games were at catcher. He started 13 games at designated hitter. 
2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-3, SB (13), BB, K
1B-LF Santiago Gomez: 0-for-3, CS (4), HBP, K
LF-RF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-4, R, K
.277/.312/.486 in 109 PA. Known for his speed, Lara only went 4-for-9 stealing bases. 
3B Kevin Verde: 0-for-3, K
C Luis Puello: 1-for-3, 2B (7), RBI, R, K
Like Rivera, he is also 19 years old. Unlike Rivera, he wasn’t asked to do much catching (only two starts). Most of his starts were in RF (14 starts). He hit .227/.290/.361 in 131 plate appearances (3 HR, 19 RBI).

RHP Jose M Rodriguez (L, 1-5): 3.2 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
RHP Josh Tiedemann: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Injuries have been an issue for the 13th-round pick in 2023. He has appeared in only seven games, with not-so-good results. The positive is 18 strikeouts in ten innings. The biggest negative is…ten career innings.
RHP Chance Nolan: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
The quarterback-turned-pitcher (a shot for every time I said that this year) finishes his season with a 1.50 ERA in 18 IP (13 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 12 K).
LHP Franyer Herrera: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Stanly Alcantara: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

DSL Yankees (14-23) (Lost to the DSL Rockies, 11-2. The Rockies are 28-9.)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 2-for-4, CS (2)
.291/.408/.350 in 142 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 0 HR, 12 RBI, 28 R, 5-for-7 SB, 14.8% BB, 27.5% K)
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Carlos Bello: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
3B Richard Matic: 2-for-3, 2B (10), RBI, BB
The team is having a rough season, but Matic isn’t. He is hitting .356/.489/.564 in 133 PA (10 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 27 R, 5-for-10 SB, 19.5% BB, 23.3% K). Negative: He is repeating the level. Positive: He was 16 years old last year, so the negative isn’t too negative.
DH Estivenzon Montero: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB
1B Edgar Jimenez: 1-for-4

RHP Jhosneyker Colina (L, 1-2): 3.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
The 17-year-old owns a 4.02 ERA (31.1 IP, 27 H, 19 R, 14 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 23 K

DSL Bombers (20-17) (Outslugged the DSL Cardinals, 10-8)

SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-5, K
It is always annoying when you see that a team scored ten runs, but one of the top prospects at the level didn’t contribute to it.
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-4, 2 R, SB (15), BB, K
.211/.322/.382 in 143 PA
2B Juan Torres: 1-for-4, CS (6), BB
Torres has a 7-game hitting streak and is 15-for-39 (.385/.422/.487) in July.
LF Jose Castro: 0-for-3, 2 R, 2 BB
C Carlos Villarroel: 2-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
.245/.374/.468 in 115 PA (3 doubles, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 21 R). The 18-year-old has eight homers in 64 career games.
   C Carlos Rondon:  1-for-1, 2B (4), RBI
DH Christofer Reyes: 2-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
3B Leni Done: 0-for-1, 3 R, SB (9), 3 HBP
Interesting day for Done. His teammates took full advantage by converting the three HBP into runs.
1B Remy Veldhuisen: 1-for-3, 2B (6), 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
.321/.455/.395 in 101 PA (4-for-5 SB)

RHP Cesar Acosta (W, 1-3): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
I don’t get to see too many “wins” for starters at this level, so this was a pleasant surprise. The 18-year-old (debut season) owns a 6.20 ERA in 24.2 IP. Like many pitchers down here, control has failed him. It didn’t today.
LHP Kevin Centeno (S, 2): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K