Tag: Spencer Jones

Yankees MILB 8/6: Spencer Jones Continues Surge

News:

Today was a mass promotion day. With that, more cuts were required. That is the harsh reality of minor-league baseball.

The biggest name on the promotion list is George Lombard Jr., who is off to Hudson Valley. Last year’s first-round pick didn’t have overwhelming numbers (.232/.344/.348 (105 wRC+); 12.8% BB, 24% K, 30-for-34 SB) but organizations don’t only look at statistical profiles. They feel the 19-year-old is ready for a challenge at the level he will likely start at in 2025. OF Jackson Castillo and 1B Dylan Jasso will join him. Castillo (21) hit .256/.386/.404 (132 wRC+) with 16 stolen bases in 21 attempts while Jasso (21) hit .238/.331/.392 (109 wRC+) with 54 RBI.

Also promoted are big (6’7″) pitching prospects Carlos Lagrange (RHP) and Henry Lalane (LHP). Both pitchers missed most of the season due to injury, so they need innings.

Three of their successful pitchers this season are also on the move: RHP Cam Schlittler (Somerset), RHP Cade Smith (Hudson Valley), and RHP Josh Grosz (Hudson Valley). Grosz had an emergency start for Hudson Valley earlier this season, so this isn’t his first taste.

IF Caleb Durbin was promoted to Scranton. He was in Somerset for what was essentially a rehab stint. It just wasn’t labeled that way.

As for the releases: OF Aaron Palensky, RHP Duane Underwood Jr., RHP Art Warren, and RHP Carlos Gomez were let go today.
Palensky is probably the most recognizable to long-time readers, as he started the 2023 season unconscious for Hudson Valley (.352/.434/.744 in 32 games). He wasn’t able to replicate that success at the higher minors.

Underwood Jr. was a minor-league free agent signing this past winter while Warren was a rehab project. The Yankees hoped to tap into Warren’s 29.5% MLB K rate between 2019 and 2022, but he wasn’t throwing well for Scranton.

Gomez (25) started his Yankees journey in 2018 and pitched fairly well in his minor league career (3.86 ERA in 265.2 IP with 304 strikeouts) but had trouble getting with his control.

Scranton (60-47)

Their game against Lehigh Valley was postponed. It’s going to be a crazy week, weather-wise.

Somerset (52-51) (Lost to Binghamton, 6-4)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, RS, CS (7), K
Last 10 games: 13-for-37 (.351; 5 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 7 BB, 13 K). Overall: .248/.333/.428 in 406 PA (19 doubles, 3 triples, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 56 R, 21-for-28 SB (75%), 10.8% BB, 36.5% K). K%, by month: April: 27.3%; May: 38.5%; June: 36.4%; July: 40.7%; August: 31.8% (only 22 PA). The season ends in mid-September. My wish is for his strikeout percentage to dip down the stretch.
1B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, K
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-3, HR (8), RBI, RS, BB
Flores has 14 HR in 90 games between here and Hudson Valley. Before 2024, he hit 10 homers in 109 games. His 8 Double-A homers have come in 33 games. He is trying to place himself squarely on the prospect map. It is important to note that Flores is not Rule 5 eligible until after the 2025 season.
DH Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (7), K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2B (18), SB (12), K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, RS, SB (19), BB, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (4), CS (1)

RHP Bailey Dees (L, 4-7):  6 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Dees was throwing well but he ran into trouble in the 7th inning. Season: 4.70 ERA (111 IP, 99 H, 63 R, 58 ER, 18 HR, 42 BB, 113 K). How you judge his season is based on your expectations for a reliever-turned-starter.
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Matt Sauer: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (52-48)

Their game against Brooklyn was postponed due to rain. It’s going to be a crazy week, weather-wise.

The debuts of George Lombard Jr., Dylan Jasso, and Jackson Castillo will need to wait.

Tampa (42-58) (Lost to Daytona, 17-10)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, RS, SB (28), 3 BB, K
Yes, Lombard Jr. is ready for Hudson Valley while Arias is not. That’s OK.
LF JoJo Jackson: 1-for-2, RS, BB
Jackson was their 17th-round pick out of Georgia State, where he hit .310/.394/.655 in 199 PA (15 home runs, 45 RBI). He is a switch-hitter attempting to become the third Georgia State graduate to make it to MLB (Hunter Gaddis, David Buchanan). Jackson would be the first positional player to pull it off.
  PH-LF Marshall Toole: 1-for-2, 2B (1), 2 RBI, BB
Toole hit a 2-run double in his first professional AB. He was drafted in the 15th round out of Wofford
DH Tyler Wilson: 0-for-5, 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
Wilson was their 8th-round pick out of Grand Canyon, a school that pulled off an NCAA Tournament upset in 2024. The switch-hitter hit .378/.441/.691 with 17 HR and 65 RBI in 58 games.
RF Willy Montero: 3-for-6, HR (7), RBI, 2 RS, K
Montero’s HR was hit 431 feet at 109.6 MPH.
CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, RS, SB (1), CS (1), 2 BB
The left-handed bat was their 12th-round pick out of Kansas State. He hit .302/.442/.500 with 69 runs scored and 40 stolen bases in 42 attempts over 61 games for the Wildcats. At the very least, he’ll add speed to the organization.
2B Austin Green: 0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, HBP, 2 K
Green was their 14th-round pick out of Texas Tech. He hit .322/.435/.546 in 51 games this season. He is 22 years old and bats right-handed.
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
C Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 SB (28), CS (5), 2 BB, HBP, K

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (L, 4-8)  1.2 IP, 7 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
5.65 ERA (94 IP, 99 H, 63 R, 59 ER, 11 HR, 31 BB, 97 K)
RHP Jordy Luciano: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Kristofer Bow: 1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 2 HR
RHP Luis Pacheco: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Aaron Nixon: 2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (16-28) (Lost to the DSL Tigers, 5-3)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, RS, BB
.230/.310/.324 in 155 PA (22-for-25 SB).
DH Richard Matic: 1-for-4, 2B (7), 2 RBI, K

RHP Alexander Almonte: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
2.66 ERA (23.2 IP, 19 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 3 HR, 10 BB, 25 K). Not bad for a 17-year-old in his debut season.
RHP Miguelangel Rodriguez: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL Bombers (25-21) (Defeated the DSL Twins, 4-3)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB, K
.214/.301/.393 in 133 PA. He is 5-for-12 with 3 HR in August.
DH Queni Pineda: 1-for-3, RS, K
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, K

LHP Franyer Herrera: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
The 19-year-old owns a 50/15 K/BB over 39.1 innings.
RHP Carlos Almonte (W, 2-0): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

Yankees MILB 8/4: Spencer Jones Homers, Doubles Twice

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (60-47) (Defeated Louisville, 5-2. Scranton is having a season where their overall record is good, but they didn’t win the first half and are currently behind in the second half).

DH Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, SB (4), K
For Scranton: .302/.343/.460 in 67 PA. Since his most recent comeback from injury: 5-for-27 (.185) with one extra-base hit (double). Patience.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, BB
SS Oswald Peraza: 2-for-4, 2 HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 RS, K
.243/.348/.376 in 265 PA (9 doubles, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 38 R, 16-for-20 SB). Peraza has 6 HR in his last 12 games. Before this stretch, his triple slash was .229/.344/.279. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-1, HBP, 2 BB
CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, RBI, CS (3), BB, K
RF Jahmai Jones: 0-for-4, 2 K
Jones cleared waivers and was outrighted to Scranton.
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, RS, BB
Since promotion: .356/.482/.511 in 56 PA with more walks (9) than strikeouts (6).
3B Kevin Smith: 1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
LF Josh VanMeter: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Edgar Barclay: (W, 5-8)  7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
6.22 ERA (102.2 IP, 109 H, 76 R, 71 ER, 22 HR, 50 BB, 91 K). Last 4 starts: 23 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 BB, 21 K
LHP Tim Mayza: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (52-50) (Swept a doubleheader against Bowie. The Patriots are 20-13 in the second half as they make a push for the playoffs (1 game out))

Game 1 (Won, 4-1. Because this was the conclusion of a suspended game from last night, it went the full nine innings)

DH Caleb Durbin: 0-for-3, 2 BB
Durbin is only 3-for-24 since being placed here but has six walks and only three strikeouts.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, BB, K
1B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, 2 K
Since promotion: 9-for-45 (.200) with three home runs. He missed a month due to injury.
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
3B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2B (17), 2 RBI, RS, K
LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-2, HR (9), RBI, RS, 2 BB
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, K

RHP Colby White: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Ben Shields: (W, 2-1)  6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, HR
Since promotion: 1.95 ERA (27.2 IP, 22 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 30 K). Overall, he owns a 3.20 ERA in 81.2 IP (65 H, 37 R, 29 ER, 7 HR, 22 BB, 102 K). His ERA was hurt by an emergency appearance in Scranton, where he allowed 9 runs in 1.2 IP.
RHP Joey Gerber (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Game 2 (Won, 6-1. This was a 7-inning game)

CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-4, 2 2B (19), HR (13), 4 RBI, RS
Jones is hitting .245 with a .758 OPS in 402 PA (19 doubles, 3 triples, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 55 R, 21-for-27 SB, 10.9% BB, 36.6% K). This is the 5th time this season he has compiled 6+ total bases. His high is 11, set on June 30th.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RS
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, K
Flores has brought a power game with him to Somerset. He has 6 doubles and 7 HR in 32 games (17 singles).
DH Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, RS
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, 2B (22), SB (12)
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, K
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-2, RS, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-2, RS, BB
3B Max Burt: 1-for-2, RS, BB

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 8-7)  5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
5.22 ERA (112 IP, 116 H, 68 R, 65 ER, 10 HR, 37 BB, 103 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 10.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 16 K. The Yankees set their bullpen for 2024 at the deadline (Reyzelman was a long-shot candidate regardless), but he should be in the mix sometime in 2025.
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Stevens allows his second career HR (43.2 IP). 

Hudson Valley (52-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 7-5)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
.217/.342/.382 in 364 PA (18 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 30 RBI, 56 R, 14.0% BB, 17.3% K, 17-for-22 SB). His BABIP hasn’t normalized much this season (.248). 
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, RS, HBP
.250/.329/.403 in 365 PA (22 doubles, 9 HR, 44 RBI, 43 R, 8.8% BB, 26.3% K). Last season, he owned a 29.6% K in Low-A (for the Brewers’ organization)
1B Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, 2 HR (13), 4 RBI, 2 RS
Martinez’s third career multi-HR game (he had a 3-HR effort on August 1, 2023). He is hitting .236/.367/.419 in 346 PA. 
C Antonio Gomez: 2-for-4, 2B (8), RS, K
Gomez has three multi-hit efforts in his last five games and has doubled in five straight contests. 
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, RS, K
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-1, RS, SB (12), 2 BB, HBP
DH Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, SB (5)

RHP Trent Sellers: 4 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
12 up, 12 down. His ERA is now 2.40 (63.2 IP, 34 H, 25 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 30 BB, 74 K). He has four no-hit performances in his last five games (17.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 18 K). That’s an impressive run.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 5-2) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.60 ERA (35 IP, 28 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 20 BB, 48 K)
LHP Joel Valdez: 0.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
It has been a rehab year for Cohen. Will he get to Somerset this year? He did get there briefly in 2023.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.53 ERA (35.2 IP, 32 H, 19 R, 14 ER, 6 HR, 11 BB, 39 K)
RHP Sebastian Keane (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
4.84 ERA (70.2 IP, 64 H, 39 R, 38 ER, 6 HR, 35 BB, 69 K). Keane started most of the season. They could be limiting his innings down the stretch.

Tampa (43-56)

Their game against Lakeland was canceled due to Tropical Storm Debby. It will not be made up.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (15-27) 

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (23-21) 

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 8/1: Zach Messinger Goes 7 Strong

News:

LHP Chasen Shreve was released from his contract for Scranton. Today is August 1st, so the odds are good that he had an opt-out. He pitched in ten games for Scranton, posting a 2.45 ERA in 11 innings.

As I pointed out yesterday, RHP Nick Burdi has options. Today, his rehab stint ended and he was optioned to Scranton. How far have the Yankees come? Jake Cousins, Michael Tonkin, and Tim Hill are blocking Burdi, who many saw as a potential key contributor when the season began. He still can be, but it will require an injury/implosion for him to get his next chance. If/when RHP Scott Effross is ready, he will join the mix.

Scranton (57-46) (Lost to Louisville, 10-8)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, BB, K
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, 2B (9), 2 RS, SB (16), K
Peraza is attempting to build on his .279/.367/.453 July.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, HR (12), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
Rumfield is hitting .288 with a .803 OPS since his promotion. If Rumfield can combine batting average with home runs, there could be something to work with (before 2023, he was a decent batting average guy with little power. In 2023, he showed off power with a low batting average). 
CF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-2, 2B (16), HR (9), 2 RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB
Trammell has three homers in his last four games. 
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, RS
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, RS, BB
Escarra is 14-for-38 (.371) with four doubles since his promotion.
3B Kevin Smith: 1-for-4, RBI
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-4
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-4, 3 K

LHP Tanner Tully: 4 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
1.13 ERA (32 IP, 21 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 37 K). I hope Mauricio makes it to MLB. It’s been a grind going back to 2017.
RHP Art Warren: (L, 1-1) 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Effross needs clean outings before he is considered for the big club.
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (50-49) (Defeated Bowie, 6-2)

DH Spencer Jones: 1-for-2, 2B (17), 3 RS, 3 BB, K
Jones’ OPS is .745. This is his highest number since May 3rd (.767). In his last 6 games, he is 7-for-21 (.333) with 3 doubles, 1 HR, 5 RBI, and 6 walks.
1B Tyler Hardman: 3-for-5, 2B (3), 2 RBI, RS, 2 SB (6)
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (7), 3 RBI, RS, BB
Flores’ power display has become serious. He has homered in back-to-back games and four times in his last eight games. Overall, he has 13 HR in 86 games between here and Hudson Valley. Last season, he hit 8 HR in 105 games.
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, BB, K
CF Grant Richardson: 2-for-5, 2 K
Richardson has three straight multi-hit efforts.
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, BB, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-4, RS, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-3, CS (5), HBP
Vargas is 29-for-111 (.261/.297/.396) since his promotion. That may not jump out at you, but his defense provides additional value.
3B Max Burt: 0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Zach Messinger:  (W, 3-8) 7 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
3.61 ERA (114.2 IP, 95 H, 63 R, 46 ER, 7 HR, 38 BB, 110 K). Messinger is an interesting prospect who stands 6’6″. He might have that “bulldog” quality. Can he translate that to MLB? We’ll see.
RHP McKinley Moore: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
His arm is worth investing development time in. But it’s going to take a lot of work.
RHP Kevin Stevens: (S, 7)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.37 ERA (38 IP, 28 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 55 K). He has impressed.

Hudson Valley (49-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 4-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, HR (8), RBI, RS
.223/.349/.394 in 351 PA. Much of Riggio’s profile is solid – his .254 BABIP is on the low side.
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-3, HR (9), SF, 2 RBI, RS
Avina and Riggio went back-to-back. Avina needed the calendar change after going 7-for-73 in July.
1B Omar Martinez: 2-for-4
It appears that Martinez is a “one level at a time” prospect. They didn’t move him away from Tampa in 2023 and may not move him away from Hudson Valley in 2024. There is nothing wrong with that. No two players are developed the same.
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (5), 2 K
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, K
DH Christopher Familia:  0-for-2, RS, BB, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, 2B (12), RBI, SB (11), K
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, 2B (7), RS

RHP Blane Abeyta: 4.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 4-2)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.71 ERA (34 IP, 28 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 20 BB, 48 K)
LHP Joel Valdez: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating (S, 3): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.50 ERA (56 IP, 40 H, 31 R, 28 ER, 8 HR, 23 BB, 66 K)

Tampa (41-55)

Their game against Lakeland was postponed. A lineup was never posted.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (15-25)

Their game against DSL Phillies Red was canceled due to a tropical rainstorm. It will not be made up.

DSL Bombers (23-19)

Their game against DSL Mets Orange was canceled due to a tropical rainstorm. It will not be made up.

Yankees MILB 7/31: Jesus Rodriguez: HR, 4 RBI

News:

Brian Cashman said Jack Flaherty‘s medical records didn’t scare the Yankees. Without any evidence to support my theory, I think the Tigers and Yankees had a deal in place (whether the Cardinals were involved, who knows?). The Yankees saw the medicals and tried to amend the terms. The Tigers didn’t like the “secondary” prospects the Yankees switched to (which was confirmed by Bryan Hoch tonight I honestly wrote that sentence before Hoch’s tweet). If true, Cashman and Ken Rosenthal are at least partially telling the truth.

Regardless, the Yankees didn’t have a “wow” deadline. Hardly anyone did. Most of the best players rumored to be on the market went nowhere. While I wish the Yankees did more, this is a good thing. Why? Because I don’t think the Yankees would have been able to compete with other teams regarding prospect packages for top players. Do we think the Yankees had the chips for Tarik Skubal or Garrett Crochet? I don’t.

Scranton (57-45) (Squeaked past Louisville, 2-1)

CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-3, RS, BB
Dominguez’s hitting streak ended yesterday but he still owns a 12-game on-base streak.
  RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-0
2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, CS (5)
Vivas is 8-for-24 (.333) in his last six games.
SS Oswald Peraza: 2-for-4, 2B (8), HR (4), 3 RBI, RS, K
.242/.348/.336 in 248 PA. Entering July, his triple slash was .216/.336/.256.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, RS, K
Rumfield has a 5-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 8 of his last 9 games (12-for-36). 
RF-CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4, HR (8), 2 RBI, RS
1B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-1, 3 BB
3B Kevin Smith: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-2, RS, SB (4), 2 BB

LHP Josh Maciejewski: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
The Railriders’ pitching staff may be running on fumes soon. They’ve had to adjust over the past week. Luckily, Edgar Barclay gave them some length on Tuesday.
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda (W, 6-0): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.71 ERA (51 IP, 32 H, 25 R, 21 ER, 5 HR, 28 BB, 64 K). Under the old rules (didn’t have to face three batters, rosters expanding to 40), Mosqueda would be a September call-up candidate. He is holding left-handed hitters to a .118 batting average.
RHP Nick Burdi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Burdi has options, so they can place him here after his rehab stint ends.
LHP Victor Gonzalez: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Tim Mayza: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (49-49) (Defeated Bowie, 13-12, in a crazy one. The Patriots had a 10-3 lead at one point)

3B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
Durbin is 2-for-17 with four walks and two strikeouts since being placed here.
  3B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-1, K
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (16), SF, 3 RBI, BB, K
.240/.323/.412 in 384 PA (16 doubles, 3 triples, 12 HR, 54 RBI, 51 R, 21-for-26 SB, 10.4% BB, 36.7% K). July: .203/.297/.392.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-6, HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 RS, SB (1)
Rodriguez has homered in back-to-back games. Over his last three games, he has played 1B/3B/C, showing us his unique versatility profile. 
1B Rafael Flores: 3-for-6, 2B (4), HR (6), RBI, RS, 3 K
Since promotion: .239/.325/.440 in 123 PA with 4 doubles and 6 homers (3 HR in last 7 games).
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 RS, HBP
LF Grant Richardson: 3-for-3, RS, SB (11), HBP, BB
Richardson’s 5th 3+ hit game this season. 
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, 3 BB, 2 K
SS Max Burt: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 3 RS, SB (3), 2 BB, K

RHP Bailey Dees: 4 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 3 HR
4.63 ERA (105 IP, 92 H, 59 R, 54 ER, 18 HR, 41 BB, 107 K). Dees’ gas tank may be closing in on empty. The reliever-to-starter transition isn’t easy.
RHP Jesus Liranzo (W, 5-1): 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Joey Gerber: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Colby White: 1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Eric Reyzelman (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
A performance like this stands out in a wild scorefest. At this level: 2.89 ERA (9.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 15 K). With Jack Neely gone, Reyzelman is probably the top relief prospect in the system.

Hudson Valley (48-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 6-5. They scored 4 in the bottom of the 9th to win it)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, 2B (18), RS, K
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, K
   RF Nelson Medina: 0-for-0, RS, HBP, BB
3B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, 2B (10), 3 RBI, BB
Moylan hit a game-winning 3-run single in the bottom of the 9th (the third run scored on an error). He is hitting .252/.372/.372 in 301 PA and has three straight multi-hit games. The most important thing is that his power is starting to show up.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, 2B (11), BB
.229/.363/.399 in 331 PA (11 doubles, 1 triple, 11 HR, 34 RBI, 37 R). 
DH Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, HR (3), RBI, RS, 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-4, RS
LF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, RS, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-4, K

LHP Kyle Carr: 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
5.61 ERA (77 IP, 77 H, 57 R, 48 ER, 5 HR, 45 BB, 70 K). Last 3 starts: 15 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 15 K. Carr appears to be adjusting…
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Cole Ayers: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.15 ERA (54.1 IP, 46 H, 23 R, 19 ER, 5 HR, 20 BB, 66 K)
RHP Huey Morrill (W, 3-2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa (41-55) (Split a doubleheader against Lakeland)

Game 1 (Won, 3-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, HR (8), 2 RBI, RS, K
1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-3, 3B (2), RS
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-1, 2 BB
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, K
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-3
DH Coby Morales: 0-for-3, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB

RHP Bryce Warrecker (W, 1-3): 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
Warrecker’s first career win- congrats (he has only 13 starts, and this was the first time they let him qualify for a win!)
RHP Matt Givin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Montana Semmel (S, 6): 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Lost, 12-5)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, RS, K
Lombard Jr. was in a 4-for-29 slump before his homer. He is hitting .232 with a .702 OPS and 4 of his 5 homers were hit in July.
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, BB, K
Arias finishes 22-for-78 in July (.282) with five doubles and a pair of homers. He walked 13 times and struck out 20 times (41 strikeouts in June).
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
Jasso is tied for third (with Roderick Arias) in the FSL with 54 RBI.
DH Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, K
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (5), RS, K
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3, RS
Gonzalez is 12-for-45 (.267) since his promotion. 
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, RS, 2 K
LF Daury Arias: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 K

RHP Luis Serna: (L, 2-6)  1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Luis, the cousin of Jared Serna (traded yesterday), left tonight’s game due to an injured elbow.
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
2.59 ERA (48.2 IP, 27 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 7 HR, 25 BB, 59 K)
RHP Kristofer Bow: 0 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Bow’s first appearance since June 15th. Tonight’s results aren’t what he wanted, but at least he is back.
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (15-25) (Defeated Padres Gold, 7-5)

DH Dexters Peralta: 2-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, RS
Peralta has four multi-hit efforts in his last eight games.
C Luis Puello: 3-for-4, HR (3), RBI, RS
.313/.421/.475 in 95 PA. He is 18 years old.
LF Gabriel Lara: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, SB (13), CS (4), HBP
.228/.343/.293 in 108 PA. Will the hit tool develop? That’s the question.
RF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, RS, BB

RHP Alexander Almonte: 3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The 17-year-old owns a 2.53 ERA in 21.1 IP (17 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 3 HR, 9 BB, 21 K)

DSL Bombers (23-19)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 7/30: Spencer Jones Homers, Steals 2 Bases

News:

The Yankees released IF Jeter Downs today, allowing him to sign in Japan.  Downs hit .264/.360/.498 (117 wRC+) in 274 plate appearances for Scranton.

The Yankees signed Brett Phillips to a minor-league deal. They signed him as a pitcher, which could be fun. Phillips’ best attribute as a position player was his Immaculate Grid game, as he appeared in 393 games for five different clubs. He recently threw 97 MPH in an NBC World Series game, whatever that is (Update: The NBC World Series is an annual event going back to 1935! I never heard of it).

It will be fun to follow his progress.

Trades:

LHP Caleb Ferguson was traded to Houston for international bonus pool money and RHP Kelly Austin

The Yankees acquired a pair of left-handed relievers from the Dodgers over the winter, and neither panned out. Ferguson pitched to a 5.13 ERA (4.27 FIP) over 33.1 IP with a 26.5% K, 10.3% BB, and 1.35 HR/9. The Yankees acquired him because of his ability to miss bats, and his strikeout rate was his highest since 2020. However, he didn’t impress overall. The Yankees acquired him for LHP Matt Gage and RHP Christian Zazueta. The Dodgers traded Gage to the Mets (he was called up yesterday) while Zazueta owns a 7.10 ERA in 41.1 innings for the Dodgers’ Rookie League/Low-A affiliates.

Austin (23) was signed by the Astros as an undrafted free agent in 2023. The UCLA product owns a 2.21 ERA (3.60 FIP) over 36.2 IP between Low-A/High-A with impressive strikeout (31.1%) and walk (4.7%) rates.

IF Ben Cowles and RHP Jack Neely were traded to the Chicago Cubs for RHP Mark Leiter Jr.

Cowles and Neely have raised their stock in 2024, and the Yankees cashed in the chips. I sound like a broken record, but if you are a Yankees fan, your reality has to be that most prospects are built up as trade chips.

Leiter Jr. doesn’t throw hard, but he generates a ton of strikeouts, a need for the Yankees’ bullpen. A starter in the minors (he made some starts for the Phillies in 2017), Leiter has found a groove as a relief pitcher. Over the past three seasons, he owns a 3.85 ERA (3.62 FIP) over 168.1 innings with a 28.8% K and 8.8% BB. While his ERA is up in 2024 (4.21), his FIP (2.11) is the best of his career.  This season, he abandoned his 4-seam fastball while increasing his slider/sweeper usage. When pitchers move to the bullpen, they dump most of their pitches and concentrate on two or three. That isn’t the case with Leiter, who continues to throw a 5-pitch mix. In back-to-back games in late May, he allowed 7 runs while recording only three outs. Beyond that and a hiccup in mid-June, he has pitched well.

Cowles is hitting .294/.376/.472 (141 wRC+) in 378 plate appearances in Double-A. The University of Maryland product has played second, short, and third base. He could have been in the 2025 mix at second base/utility, but players of his ilk don’t typically make it to the Bronx. He will have an opportunity in Chicago.

Neely was the Yankees’ top relief prospect. The 24-year-old owns a 2.81 ERA in 41.2 IP between Double-A and Triple-A with a 63/16 K/BB. He stands an impressive 6’8″ and will likely debut for the Cubs this season.

While I label Neely as their top relief prospect, the Yankees are good at building up relief prospects. As I stated the other day, the Yankees likely would have considered Neely if they couldn’t find someone on the market.

OF Brandon Lockridge was traded to the San Diego Padres for RHP Enyel De Los Santos and RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.

De Los Santos is a 28-year-old who misses bats (28.2% K). He also allows an insane number of home runs (2.45/9 this season). However, his home run rates were fine in 2022 and 2023. Unlike Leiter, he is traditional as he comes at hitters with a mid-90s fastball, a slider, and an occasional change-up. His profile doesn’t “wow” me, but the Yankees had an obvious objective to acquire relievers who can strike hitters out. If they feel his HR rate will normalize (20.9% HR/FB is ridiculous), maybe they have a diamond in the rough.

Balboni Jr. (it doesn’t appear that he has a relation to former Yankees’ first baseman Steve Balboni) was drafted by the Padres in the 15th round of the 2022 draft out of Northeastern. The 23-year-old pitched for Low-A Lake Eisinore this season, compiling a 4.46 ERA in 34.1 IP with a ridiculous 38.2% strikeout rate. However, he walks batters at a 12.7% clip.

Lockridge is a speedy grinder (34-for-38 stealing bases this year) with a 4th/5th outfielder profile. He hit .295/.405/.383 for Scranton this season. He is 27 years old and might be approaching minor league free agency.

Overall Deadline Thoughts:

Jazz Chisholm Jr. is the headline move. How you think about this deadline is how you evaluate him (so far, so good). The Yankees did not add to their rotation but added a pair of strikeout arms to their bullpen (an obvious need).

The Dodgers pulled off a deal for RHP Jack Flaherty. The return included former Yankees’ farmhand Trey Sweeney. In theory, the Yankees could have beat the Dodgers offer.  However, it is hard to know how organizations value prospects. Hence, when people tweet “comparable packages” on Twitter, that is based on prospect rankings and values that may not (probably don’t) match the Tigers’ internal evaluations.

It wasn’t a bad deadline. I tend to agree that it feels incomplete.

Scranton (57-45) (Squeaked past Louisville, 2-1)

CF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-2, SB (3), BB
When Dominguez starts playing full games in the field, the “call-up” clock starts. They won’t do it unless there is a clear path to playing time.
  LF Josh VanMeter: 0-for-1
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-2, 2 BB
For Scranton: .244/.385/.381 in 221 PA. He owns a 14.9% BB rate at this level.
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
Peraza has a 13.1% BB rate for Scranton (9.7% in 2023)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, RS
DH Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-3, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3
3B Kevin Smith: 2-for-3, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS
Smith’s 2-run HR in the 7th won the game.
RF-CF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-3, K
LF-RF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-3, K

LHP Edgar Barclay: 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
6.59 ERA (95.2 IP, 106 H, 75 R, 70 ER, 21 HR, 49 BB, 84 K). Last 3 starts: 16 IP, 8 H, 1 R, 6 BB, 14 K.
LHP Chasen Shreve (W, 2-1): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Phil Bickford (S, 5): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (48-49) (Lost to Bowie, 7-6)

DH Caleb Durbin: 1-for-4, RS, CS (1), BB, K
Durbin was CS in the top of the 9th, down by a run with no outs and Spencer Jones at the plate. Tsk, tsk.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, HR (12), 2 RBI, RS, 2 SB (21), BB, K
When he has nights like this, you become excited. I believe the Yankees were willing to deal Jones, but not for a rental starter. That would have taken him off the table for Jack Flaherty.
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-5, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, 3 K
Rodriguez is 6-for-31 (.194) since his promotion. He missed a month due to injury.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2 K
RF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, RS, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 2-for-4, HR (8), RBI, RS
Seigler had a home run binge earlier this season. This is his first since June 20th.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Vargas is hitting a respectable .252 with a .676 OPS at this level.

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 5.1 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
5.47 ERA (107 IP, 115 H, 68 R, 65 ER, 10 HR, 35 BB, 97 K). This season has been a learning experience for Vrieling. Here’s hoping he finishes strongly.
RHP Danny Watson: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
With Neely leaving the nest, Watson moves up the list of relief prospects. An injury delayed his progress in 2024, but six of his last seven appearances have been scoreless. 
RHP Luis Velasquez (L, 3-3): 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR

Hudson Valley (47-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 6-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-5
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-5, K
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 3 K
C Antonio Gomez: 2-for-3, 3 RS, 2B (4), HBP
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-2, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
.248/.368/.366 in 296 PA. Last 6 games: 8-for-23 (1 double, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 6 R, 3 BB, 4 K).
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, 2B (11), RS, 2 K
LF Christopher Familia: 2-for-3, 2B (4), 3 RBI, BB
.191/.277/.303 in 101 PA. Familia has struggled somewhat in High-A (.240/.313/.416) after annihilating Low-A pitching (.290/.368/.611).
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
2.56 ERA (59.2 IP, 34 H, 25 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 30 BB, 73 K). As a starter (3 starts): 10.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 14 K. 
RHP Sean Boyle (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Sebastian Keane: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
4.91 ERA (69.2 IP, 64 H, 39 R, 38 ER, 6 HR, 34 BB, 67 K). Keane was a starter until recently. I assume they are controlling his innings down the stretch.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (39-54) 

Their game against Lakeland was postponed.

FCL (35-22)

I was wrong. Will wonders never cease? When the FCL squad lost to the Pirates on Saturday, their season ended. The semi-finals are single elimination.

DSL Yankees (14-25) (Destroyed Arizona Black, 12-1)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (20), 2 BB, 2 K
While strong stolen base rates are common at this level, it impresses me that he is 20-for-23 given his inexperience.
DH Richard Matic: 1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
C Justin Capellan: 1-for-4, 2B (9), 3 RBI, RS, SB (7), 2 BB
CF Gabriel Lara: 2-for-5, RS, SB (12), BB, K
2B Jelson Coca: 2-for-5, 2B (2), 3B (1), 3 RBI, 2 RS
Coca entered the game 4-for-58. This was likely a relief for him!
1B Niurby Asigen: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, BB, K

RHP Edinzo Marquez (W, 1-0): 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
The 19-year-old owns a 1.99 ERA (31.2 IP, 24 H, 11 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 36 K). Goal 1 for an international signee: Get off the island and come stateside. Marquez is likely earning that for 2025.
RHP Jesus Mejia: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The 18-year-old owns a 1.88 ERA (14.1 IP, 12 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 11 K)

DSL Bombers (23-19) (Split a doubleheader against the DSL Rangers Red)

Game 1 (Won, 3-0)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Queni Pineda: 1-for-3, RS, 2 K
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-3, RS, SB (13)
Still 16, Reyes is hitting .200/.313/.227 in 128 PA.
2B Luis Escudero: 2-for-2, 3B (4), RBI, RS, SB (23), BB
1B Carlos Villarroel: 2-for-3, RBI, SB (2), CS (3)

RHP Franyer Herrera (W, 2-1): 5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
2.34 ERA (34.2 IP, 29 H, 13 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 44 K). Herrera hasn’t allowed an HR in 55 career IP.
LHP Jose Ledesma (S, 6): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.10 ERA (16.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 20 K)

Game 2 (Lost, 6-5)

CF Browm Martinez: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RS, SB (17), 2 K
17-for-23 SB in 29 games.
DH Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-1, 2B (3), RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
  PR-DH Luis Escudero: 0-for-1
.303/.479/.472 in 121 PA with a 23-for-28 stolen base rate. He has 28 walks and 11 strikeouts.

Yankees MILB 7/24: Rafael Flores Walks it Off

News:

The Yankees are signing their draftees. As always, some required extra money to sign while others required less. You can find a full list in many places. I don’t need to rehash it. New talent is coming to try to break their 18-year World Series drought in 2027.

Scranton (53-44) (Split a doubleheader against Worcester)

Game 1 (Won, 8-1)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-4, 2B (14), RBI, RS
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, BB
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, RS, K
SS Oswald Peraza: 2-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, HR (11), RBI, RS, K
DH Taylor Trammell: 0-for-2, RS, BB, 2 K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-2, 2B (13), 2 RS
3B Jeter Downs: 1-for-2, 2B (17), RS, BB, K
LF Josh VanMeter: 2-for-3, 2B (9), 3 RBI

LHP Edgar Barclay: (W, 4-8) 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Last 2 outings: 10 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 5 BB, 10 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.78 ERA (47.2 IP, 31 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 4 HR, 27 BB, 61 K). He extends his scoreless streak to ten games.
RHP Art Warren: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Lost, 7-4)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-3, CS (4), BB, 2 K
Lockridge is 7-for-20 with a pair of walks in his last five games.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, 2 K
Vivas, who didn’t play for a week because the Yankees brought him up only to not use him, is 3-for-24 since the All-Star Break. Smart move, geniuses.
1B Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
Ramirez has his Triple-A batting average over .200 (.214) thanks to a 6-game hitting streak (8-for-25, 6 RBI).
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, 2B (7), RS, 2 K
July: 17-for-62 (.274; 4 doubles, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 11 R, 5-for-7 SB). Over a smaller sample (last five games): 9-for-20 with three walks. He started the month with a .592 OPS. It is now .653.
DH T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, RS
Rumfield, who has five 3+ hit games since his promotion, is 5-for-10 in his last three games with a double, homer, and 3 RBI. While his average is down in July, he has homered three times in his last nine games.
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-3, RS, K
3B Kevin Smith: 2-for-3, 2B (9), RBI
LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-3

RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Scranton went with a bullpen game in Game 2. Underwood has a history of starting, but not in recent years. Season: 2.50 ERA (36 IP, 26 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 5 HR, 23 BB, 35 K)
RHP Phil Bickford: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Tim Mayza: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Mayza’s organizational debut isn’t a memorable one.
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Scott Effross: (L, 1-1)  0.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
Supposedly, the Yankees aren’t comfortable with where Effross’ stuff is. This would seem to confirm that discomfort. He missed a lot of time, so that is understandable. You hope it isn’t permanent.
LHP Chasen Shreve: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (48-44) (Defeated Portland, 6-4, in 12 innings. Last week, I said it looked doubtful that any full-season affiliate would make the playoffs. I guess the Patriots want to prove me wrong. They are now 16-7 in the second half (including five wins in a row), giving them the division lead by 2.5 games)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-2, RS, 4 BB (1 intentional), K
Jones’ first career 4 BB game. He is hitting .240/.323/.409 in 356 PA (36.8% K; 10.4% BB). 
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-2
It’s his second game back from injury, so don’t be concerned that he was pulled.
  PH-C Juan Crisp: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
Crisp is a seldom-used (heck, seldom-active) organizational catcher with 182 plate appearances from 2019 to 2024 (140 of those were compiled in 2019). It is fun when players like him earn professional hits.
SS Ben Cowles: 2-for-6, RBI
.294/.372/.472 in 376 PA. He is 19-for-68 (.279) in July (4 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 7 BB, 11 K).
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-6, 4 K
It’s all forgotten when your team wins!
DH Rafael Flores: 2-for-6, HR (4), 3 RBI, 2 RS, K
Flores swats a walk-off 2-run HR with two outs in the 12th. Since promotion: .221/.309/.395 in 97 PA. Overall (including time with Hudson Valley): .265/.376/.444 in 330 PA with 20 doubles, 10 homers, and 46 RBI.
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-5, K
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, RS, HBP, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, SAC, BB, K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-4, SF, RBI, 2 K

RHP Luis Velasquez: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
Velasquez has made a few starts recently, but I don’t think that indicates a role change (he tossed only one inning in his previous start).
RHP Danny Watson: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Joey Gerber: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 3.68 ERA (7.1 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 11 K)
RHP Matt Sauer: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Sauer needed this. Hopefully, he can finish the season strong.
RHP Kevin Stevens: (W, 4-0)  2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
2.55 ERA (35.1 IP, 27 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 50 K). Stevens was masterful at pitching around the ghost runner in extra innings.

Hudson Valley (44-46) (Lost to Wilmington, 4-1. An offensive spectacle, this was not)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (6), K
Riggio increases his hitting streak to 6 (8-for-22; 1 triple, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 6 R, 3 BB)
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-3
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, K
Avina is in a 0-for-19 slump (6-for-53 in July). He is hitting a respectable .257/.339/.417 in 330 PA.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, K
.235/.368/.402 in 307 PA. While he hit .282 in the FCL (2022), most of his performance indicates a kid who isn’t going to hit for much average but draws walks and has some pop. As a left-handed hitting catcher, you hope he can develop into something.
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3
DH Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-3, K
Hall is 3-for-41 at this level. High-A has given him trouble (as have injuries)
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, RS
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 3.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Sellers tossed 51 pitches as he retired all 11 batters he faced. He owns a 2.75 ERA (55.2 IP, 32 H, 25 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 29 BB, 67 K). As for the short outing, he’s been a multi-inning reliever most of the season. This is only his second start. 
RHP Sebastian Keane: (L, 6-7) 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
They may be trying to control Keane’s innings the rest of the way, as this is his first relief appearance. He owns a 5.05 ERA (67.2 IP, 64 H, 39 R, 38 ER, 6 HR, 34 BB, 62 K).
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
4.73 ERA (53.1 IP, 40 H, 31 R, 28 ER, 8 HR, 23 BB, 63 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Diaz’s brief rehab assignment is over.

Tampa (35-53) (They tried to play two games against Clearwater, but it wasn’t meant to be)

Game 1 (They trail, 6-0, in the 3rd inning. This game was suspended and will be resumed tomorrow)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-1
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-1, 2B (14)
Arias has struggled mightily as a right-handed hitter, so it is worth noting that he hit this double batting right-handed.
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-1
DH Caleb Durbin: 0-for-1
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-0
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-0
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-0
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-0
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-0

RHP Bryce Warrecker: 3 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 2 K, HR

Game 2 (This game was postponed due to rain. I do not see a makeup date)

FCL (35-22)

Scheduled day off. The season ends tomorrow. If they beat the Tigers, they clinch the division. If they lose, I believe the Tigers have the tie-breaker.

If they lose, they need either the Pirates or Rays to lose to earn the Wild Card berth.

DSL Yankees (11-23)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (22-15) (Destroyed DSL Colorado, 15-1. This was the conclusion of a game started on July 22nd)

C Queni Pineda: 2-for-3, 2 RS, BB
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS
2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-2, 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (21), BB, HBP
.286/.477/.429 in 107 PA. He has 21 stolen bases in 26 attempts.
LF-CF Angel Ventura: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 RS, HBP
RF David Carrera: 3-for-4, 2 2B (8), 3 RBI, 2 RS, SB (7), BB
The 17-year-old is hitting .270/.427/.429 in 82 PA.

RHP Carlos Almonte (W, 1-0): 4.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Almonte’s first professional win. Congrats!

Yankees MILB 7/23: Spencer Jones Homers

News:

UTIL Caleb Durbin has started a rehab assignment in Tampa. He hasn’t played since May 23rd, so he missed two months after being HBP. Before that unfortunate injury, he hit .299/.413/.458 in 215 PA with 20 stolen bases in 22 attempts. Is there time for him to make an MLB impact? Sure, but I doubt the Yankees are counting on that.

OF Jasson Dominguez will begin another rehab stint with Scranton. He has missed so much time this season that I don’t know how much we should count on him, but the Yankees may not have much choice. Do they try to acquire a veteran outfielder or hope Dominguez is good to go by mid-to-late August?

C/Everything Jesus Rodriguez returned to the Somerset lineup tonight after missing a month due to an undisclosed injury.

Scranton (52-42) (Doubled Up Worcester, 8-4)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-5, 2B (13), 2 RBI
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
C Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-5, 3 RBI, CS (1), K
Ramirez has six 3+ RBI games this season. If the Yankees are willing to talk about Jasson Dominguez (I doubt they will trade him) and Spencer Jones (it will take a perfect deal), you can bet that they will discuss Ramirez.
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-4, RS, SB (13), BB, 2 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, RS, SB (3), BB
Rumfield has struggled in July (9-for-40). Hopefully, this gets him going.
DH J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, RBI, HBP
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 3-for-4, 2 RS
3B Kevin Smith: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-2, 2B (12), RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB, K

LHP Thomas Pannone: (W, 1-0)  5.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
A nice organizational debut for Pannone.
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Victor Gonzalez: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Jack Neely: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Interestingly, they used Neely for one batter. Yes, that can be a development thing: Come in and air it out for one batter rather than come in for a full inning or two. Anyway, since his promotion: 8.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 10 K.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (47-44) (Defeated Portland, 7-5)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, HR (11), 2 RBI, RS, SB (19), K
If you wonder why other organizations want Jones, this is why. He has unlimited power potential and speed. He has 30/30 type of potential but has rough edges to fix. I would trade him in the right deal, but that “right deal” isn’t for a random relief pitcher. He is hitting .241/.317/.412.
DH Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, K
Rodriguez’s first game since June 22nd. It hurts that he missed a month, but at least he wasn’t done for the year. One of the organization’s best hitters before his injury, he is hitting .322/.406/.496 in 266 PA between here and Hudson Valley.
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, 2B (25)
Cowles is second in the Eastern League in doubles.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
Dunham has a 6-game hitting streak and has hit safely in 23 of his last 24 games.
LF Grant Richardson: 3-for-4, 2B (20), HR (6), 3 RBI, RS
Richardson has four 3+ hit games this season. Last year, he hit 7 doubles and 18 HR in 92 games. This year, he has 20 doubles and 6 HR in 69 games.
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, RBI, RS, SB (18), BB, K
Seigler is 18-for-20 in the stolen base department.
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, 3B (3), RBI, RS

LHP Ben Shields: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K
A mixed-bag kind of night for Shields. Since promotion: 17 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 8 BB, 20 K. Minus a rough emergency appearance for Scranton, Shields has been one of the organization’s most consistent performers this season.
RHP Carlos Gomez: (W, 4-1)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Colby White: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo: (S, 2) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (44-45) (Lost to Wilmington, 5-4)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-2, 2 RS, 2 SB (17), 2 BB
Riggio, at his best, is a pest. He is hitting .229/.364/.401 in 320 PA and is on a 5-game hitting streak.
SS Jared Serna: 2-for-4, 2B (24), HR (13), 3 RBI, RS
Serna’s first home run in July (17-game drought overall). Serna tends to hit in spurts, so we’ll see if this is the start of one. He’s hitting .252/.340/.442 in 382 PA. He is second in the league in doubles and tied for the league lead in RBI.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, HR (4), RBI, RS, BB, K
.239/.363/.339 in 278 PA. He has a 14.7% BB and 24.8% K.
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, 3 K
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Baron Stuart: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
3.77 ERA (71.2 IP, 67 H, 31 R, 30 ER, 3 HR, 26 BB, 61 K). That stat line doesn’t include an impressive emergency start for Scranton (7 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 2 K). 
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Cole Ayers (L, 2-4): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 2 HR

Tampa (35-53) (Their game against Clearwater was postponed due to rain)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-0
After spending the weekend at 3B, Lombard Jr. was scheduled to return to SS tonight.
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-0
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-0
DH Caleb Durbin: 0-for-0
He missed a lot of time, so expect them to take their time with Durbin.
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-0
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-0
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-0
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-0
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-0

RHP Bryce Warrecker: 0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (35-22) (Lost to the Phillies, 5-3. The Yankees’ lead over the Tigers is one game with one game remaining. That game is against the Tigers. By my count, and I could be wrong, the teams have split 20 games this season. If I am correct, whoever wins on Thursday wins the division title. There is also a wild card slot open)

FYI: The Tigers played tonight, but the game ended in a 1-1 tie due to rain. The FCL does not require games to finish for playoff purposes. Hence, while the stats count, the game will go down as a meaningless tie.

CF Brando Mayea: 0-for-4, 2 SB (19), 3 K
.281/.370/.326 in 154 PA. He is 19-for-22 stealing bases (41-for-51 in 73 career games)
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, RS, BB
LF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (16), RBI, RS, K
.306/.394/.514 in 198 PA. He is tied for second in the FCL with 16 doubles.
SS Juan Matheus: 2-for-2, RBI, RS, BB
.321/.429/.488 in 196 PA. He has 40 RBI and 30 runs scored.
2B Abrahan Ramirez: 1-for-1, RBI
I am not sure why Ramirez left the game. He is hitting .348/.447/.513 in 189 PA.

RHP Sunayro Martina: 3 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Alejandro Gomez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

DSL Yankees (11-23) (Lost to DSL Miami, 10-2)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-4, RS, 2 SB (16), K
Recently turned 17, Peralta is hitting .208/.286/.248 in 112 PA with 16 stolen bases in 17 attempts.
DH Richard Matic: 1-for-2, 2B (5), RBI, BB
The 16-year-old (turns 17 on 7/26) is hitting .226/.330/.280 in 109 PA.

RHP Alexander Almonte: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The 17-year-old owns a 2.95 ERA in 18.1 IP with an 18/8 K/BB.
RHP Ismael Delgadillo: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K

DSL Bombers (20-15) (Lost to Phillies Red, 3-1)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 2-for-4, 2B (6), K
Vilorio has hit safely in six of his last seven games. He has four doubles during this streak (he increased his triple slash from .180/.242/.279 to .214/.287/.345).

LHP Franyer Herrera: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
The 19-year-old owns a 2.79 ERA in 29 IP with a 38/11 K/BB.

Yankees MILB 7/10: Ben Shields Dazzles Again

News:

The Yankees have signed LHP Tim Mayza to a minor league contract.

Mayza pitched in 352 games from 2017-2024 with the Blue Jays, compiling a 3.87 ERA (3.63 FIP; 111 ERA+) in 283.2 innings. His 24.4% K and 51.9% GB rates are above league average.

Last season, Mayza had his best year to date. He compiled a 1.52 ERA in 53.1 IP with 24.7% K and 58.5% GB.

However, 2024 has been a struggle. In 35 games, he owns a ghastly 8.03 ERA (more respectable 4.92 FIP) over 24.2 IP with a minuscule 13.2% K and an alarming 38.7% GB. A reliever who can miss bats and keep the ball on the ground is gold. A reliever who can’t do either of those things is not.

To Yankees fans, Mayza’s claim to fame was allowing Aaron Judge‘s 61st home run in 2022.

There is no such thing as a bad minor-league deal. If he can figure out how to get back to his norms, he’s a solid relief pitcher. If not, he’ll be out of the organization.

Scranton (48-38) 

Their game against Syracuse was postponed due to the remnants of Beryl. There is a Tornado Watch in effect in that region.

They will attempt to play two tomorrow.

Somerset (42-41) (Defeated Erie, 9-3)

3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, 2B (23), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
.300/.378/.483 in 336 PA (23 doubles, 3 triples, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 49 R, 13-for-15 SB, 10.4% BB, 18.8% K). A reminder that his 2023 K% was 28.0%. Cowles has played 57 games (54 starts) at SS, 18 games (15 starts) at 3B, and 9 games (all starts) at 2B.
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 3B (3), RS, BB, 2 K
.241/.321/.409 in 330 PA (13 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 46 RBI, 47 R, 18-for-22 SB, 10.0% BB, 36.7% K)
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, K
For Somerset: 21-for-79 (.266/.341/.443; 2 doubles, 4 HR, 13 RBI)
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Flores is 11-for-51 (.216) since his promotion but has 3 doubles and 3 home runs. 
LF Elijah Dunham: 2-for-4, 2B (15), SB (10), BB
Dunham has a 17-game hitting streak and is hitting .275/.361/.500 in 227 Double-A plate appearances. In July, he has five multi-hit efforts in eight games.
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, 2B (17), RBI, RS, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
Seigler has 20 walks in 27 June/July games. Discipline is something he has displayed throughout his minor league career.
RF Aaron Palensky: 1-fot-4, 2B (9), RS
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, RS, K

LHP Ben Shields (W, 1-0): 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Shields’ longest outing in his brief professional career. In 2 starts for Somerset: 12.1 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 13 K. Shields wasn’t drafted last year. The Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent out of George Mason. In other words, don’t expect to see him pop up on many “Top Yankees Prospects” lists. But, who cares? If you perform, people will notice.
RHP Joey Gerber: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.00 ERA (30 IP, 26 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 45 K). Like Shields, Stevens is an unheralded, undrafted prospect performing very well. Remember: The draft is shorter nowadays. More talent slips through the draft than in the past.

Hudson Valley (41-40) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 10-4)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, CS (3), K
.221/.365/.381 in 285 PA (16 doubles, 3 triples, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 45 R, 15-for-18 SB, 16.1% BB, 17.9% K).
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-2, BB, HBP
While he wasn’t pulled after the HBP, it worries you that he left the game. That said, he didn’t leave the game until he was pinch-hit for in the 9th inning of a 10-4 game.
   PH Oscar Silverio: 0-for-1, K
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-5, 2 K
.274/.356/.452 in 298 PA (22 doubles, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 36 R, 4-for-5 SB, 9.7% BB, 25.2% K).
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, BB, K
Martinez has an 18.1% BB and 22.5% K.
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, BB, K
Gomez is 6-for-29 with a pair of home runs at this level.
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-2, RS, BB, HBP
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, RS, K
In 64 High-A games (266 PA) going back to last season, Familia is hitting .236/.312/.422 with 13 HR.
1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, RS, BB

LHP Kyle Carr (L, 0-6): 3 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
6.53 ERA (62 IP, 70 H, 54 R, 45 ER, 5 HR, 40 BB, 55 K). It is all about control for last year’s 3rd round pick.
RHP Cole Ayers: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
3.02 ERA (47.2 IP, 39 H, 20 R, 16 ER, 3 HR, 17 BB, 56 K). Going back to 2023, he has appeared in 41 games at this level. I think he gets to Somerset this season.
LHP Joel Valdez: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

Tampa (30-51) (Defeated Dunedin, 9-8)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-6, 2B (13), 2 RS, 2 K
Lombard Jr., who owns a .708 OPS, is 9-for-30 with a double and two home runs in July. 
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (12), RBI, 2 RS, SB (22), BB, K
Back-to-back bullet doubles by Lombard Jr. and Arias brought home a run in the first inning.
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-5, 2B (21), RBI, 2 K
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, SB (13), 2 BB
Castillo continues to float under the radar. He has strong BB (18.0%) and K (19.5%) rates while playing mostly center field (50 starts). If he is a true center fielder, he is someone to watch despite a smallish frame (5’9″).
DH Willy Montero: 1-for-5, RBI, RS, K
3B Hans Montero: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (8), 2 HBP
Montero has a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-16, 3B, 2 HR, 6 RBI)
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, BB, HBP
Since promotion: 7-for-21 with a pair of walks and strikeouts.
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-4, BB, 3 K

RHP Luis Serna: 3.2 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
5.97 ERA (63.1 IP, 59 H, 43 R, 42 ER, 6 HR, 21 BB, 71 K). Before tonight, the 19-year-old had never allowed multiple home runs in a game.
RHP Jordy Luciano: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Luciano (22) dialed it up to 95.5 MPH. Not bad when you stand 5’10”. The issue for him is walks (48/38 K/BB in 41 IP).
RHP Harrison Cohen: (W, 1-0)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Cohen’s rehab assignment continues.
RHP Montana Semmel: (S, 5)  2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K

FCL (29-17)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Yankees (9-16)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (16-10)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 7/2: Spencer Jones Homers

News:

The Yankees’ two representatives in this year’s Futures Game are OF Spencer Jones and LHP Brock Selvidge. Congrats to the Somerset teammates.

IF Caleb Durbin was transferred to the 60-day injured list today. That’s not good news. They made it retroactive to June 27, according to Conor Foley. That doesn’t make sense, since he last played on May 23rd. Whatever – any time a player is moved to the 60-day injured list, it is concerning. The only “good” news (for now) is that he hasn’t been transferred to the full-season list (minor league baseball has a full-season injured list).

Durbin, who has earned cult status amongst Yankees prospect watchers, missed several games last season due to a non-contact injury (he ended up playing in only 69 games). This year, he has missed several weeks due to a HBP. He should be in the conversation to take over second base in 2025, but this setback will cost him valuable development time.

LHP Ben Shields and RHP Eric Reyzelman were promoted from Hudson Valley to Somerset.

Shields compiled a 2.75 ERA (3.00 FIP) over 52.1 innings for Hudson Valley with a 34.8% K and 4.9% BB. That works. He made an emergency start for Scranton that didn’t go well, but it is fair to toss that.

Reyzelman is on the fast track to MLB and should be an option in 2025. The 23-year-old has yet to allow a run this season in 15.1 IP between the FCL (rehab stint) and Hudson Valley. He has 26 strikeouts and 5 walks.

Scranton (45-35) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 5-3)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 1-for-5, 2B (10), 2 K
Lockridge will try to build off a .382/.462/.500 June.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, K
Vivas has an 8-game hitting streak (12-for-31) and a 13-game on-base streak.
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, CS (3), BB, K
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: 4-for-36 (.111) with a homer, five walks, and 11 strikeouts.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, 2B (15), RBI, RS
.298/.350/.471 in 246 PA since his promotion. It’s too bad that he only plays first base.
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-3, BB, K
LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4, RBI, K
3B Jeter Downs: 0-for-4, RBI, 2 K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: (L, 2-4)  3.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, HR
The walks continue to be a problem (30 in 49.1 innings)
RHP Cody Morris: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jack Neely: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 5.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K. 
LHP Chasen Shreve: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (38-39) (Lost to Reading, 4-2)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, HR (10), RBI, RS, K
Jones, who flew out with the bases loaded and two outs in the 9th, has five doubles and three home runs in his last six games, increasing his SLG from .381 to .427.
SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-4, K
Cowles is in a little 0-for-13 slump, which has dropped his average to .288 (before the slump, he compiled a 9-game hitting streak. Baseball!)
3B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4
1B Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB, K
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, RS
DH Elijah Dunham: 2-for-4, K
Dunham has an 11-game hitting streak (16-for-46, .348).
RF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, RBI
Richardson has five 2-hit efforts in his last eight games. He is hitting .260/.324/.400.
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, BB

RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 2-5)  5 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
Messinger had to grind through this one. Season: 3.60 ERA (85 IP, 68 H, 49 R, 34 ER, 6 HR, 29 BB, 92 K). His highest innings total is 101.1 (last year). He’s a big kid (6’6″) and is 24 years old – he can probably get as high as 150 innings this year.
RHP Carlos Gomez: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP McKinley Moore: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Since being placed in Somerset, Moore has walked one batter in 7 IP. It is too small of a sample to get excited, but Moore with even slightly below-average control can be a potent bullpen piece.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Reyzelman’s Double-A debut.

Hudson Valley (39-36) (Lost to Brooklyn, 7-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, SB (11), BB, K
Riggio has a 20-game on-base streak.
DH Jared Serna: 1-for-4
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 2 K
Moylan’s 9-game hitting streak is snapped.
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-2, CI, 2 K
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, K
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-2, BB, K

RHP Sebastian Keane: (L, 6-6)  1.2 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
It wasn’t his night – it required 52 pitches to earn those five outs. Season: 4.98 ERA (65 IP, 60 H, 37 R, 36 ER, 6 HR, 32 BB, 61 K).
RHP Luis Arejula: 2.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Huey Morrill: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
2.52 ERA (25 IP, 18 H, 13 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 37 K)

Tampa (27-47) (Their game against Lakeland was postponed due to wet grounds)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-0
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-0
Tejeda has impressed as a 19-year-old. vs. RHP: .302/.340/.380. vs. LHP: 10-for-28 (.357). 
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-0
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-0
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-0
Castillo has floated under the radar. He owns a solid .251/.377/.415 (131 wRC+) line with ten stolen bases. 45 of his 57 starts have been in CF (10 in LF, 2 at DH)
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-0
LF Willy Montero: 0-for-0
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-0
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-0

RHP Bryce Warrecker: 0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (26-14) (Split a doubleheader against the Tigers)

Game 1 (Won, 8-7, in 8 innings)

CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-5, HR (4), 3 RBI, RS, K
C Edgleen Perez: 4-for-5, RS
Perez’s first career 4-hit game.
DH Anthony Hall: 3-for-5, RS, SB (1)
He should be back in Hudson Valley soon enough.
3B Abrahan Ramirez: 1-for-4, 2B (9), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 BB, K
2B Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-3, RS, SB (10), 2 BB, K
Terrero is a perfect 10-for-10 stealing bases.
RF Fidel Montero: 2-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, CS (3), BB, K

RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz (W, 4-0): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Lost a pitching duel, 18-13)

CF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, 2B (13), 2 RS, BB
.314/.404/.576 in 136 PA (13 doubles, 3 triples, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 28 R, 11-for-13 SB). He turns 20 on the 4th of July. The second piece in the Jake Bauers deal (Jace Avina is considered the better prospect) has the second-best SLG in the FCL. He is pushing for a promotion.
DH Edgleen Perez: 1-for-3, 2 RS, BB
.312/.486/.440 in 148 PA. His .486 OBP is second in the FCL.
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-4, 2 2B (4), 3 RBI, RS, BB
The $275,000 bonus baby from 2022 (the same year they signed Roderick Arias) is trying to make up for lost time after missing 2023.
2B Abrahan Ramirez: 1-for-3, 2B (10), RS
FCL stats should be taken with a grain of salt, but Ramirez’s .396 batting average leads the league by 56 points. He also leads the league in OBP and SLG. Incredible season for the 19-year-old (he doesn’t turn 20 until October).
SS Juan Matheus: 2-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (10), BB
Matheus’ .340 batting average trails only Ramirez’s for the FCL lead.
LF Joel Mendez: 4-for-4, 2 2B (7), 3B (3), 3 RBI, 2 RS
Mendez’s first career 4-hit game.

DSL Yankees (9-12) (Lead the DSL Rockies, 1-0. This game was suspended in the top of the 4th. They will attempt to resume it on July 15th)

DSL Bombers (12-8) (Down to the DSL Tigers 1, 1-0. This game was suspended in the bottom of the second. They will attempt to resume it on July 6th)

Yankees MILB 6/30: Spencer Jones Goes Bananas

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (45-34) (Lost to Worcester, 15-5, in a rain-shortened game)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, BB
Lockridge compiled six multi-hit games in June (he only played in ten games).
SS Oswald Peraza: 3-for-4, 3 RBI, CS (2)
Peraza is hitting .216 with a .592 OPS for Scranton. That said, he has back-to-back 3-hit efforts and has hit safely in 7 of his last 8 games. 
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, SB (7), K
Vivas has a 7-game hitting streak (11-for-27)
1B Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-3, BB, K
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-4, 2B (16)
Narvaez went 24-for-76 (.316) in June (5 doubles, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 18 R, 9 BB, 19 K)
DH Jose Rojas: 0-for-4, K
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-3, RS, BB
3B Jeter Downs: 2-for-4, 2B (14), 2 RS
LF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-2, 2 RS, BB

RHP Will Warren: (L, 5-5)  3.2 IP, 10 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
And things were going so well in June. Season: 7.05 ERA (74 IP, 85 H, 62 R, 58 ER, 16 HR, 29 BB, 85 K). This is a situation where you hope the Yankees have something “internal” that tells them he is pitching better than the numbers. 
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
I will never say that results aren’t important, but Effross is in spring training mode as he continues to work his way back. He did a lot of work before he started pitching in real games, but nothing has more value than facing live, opposing hitters.
RHP Art Warren: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Victor Gonzalez: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR

Somerset (37-38) (Mauled Richmond, 13-3)

CF Spencer Jones: 4-for-5, 2B (12), 2 HR (9), 7 RBI, 3 RS, BB, K
Maybe today is the start of the outburst we are waiting for. One of the home runs was a grand slam. This is Jones’ third career multi-HR game and second 4-hit effort. The 7 RBI are a personal best. Additionally, he has doubled in four straight games. In June, he went 32-for-108 (.296; 7 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 29 RBI, 19 R, 5-for-6 SB, 10 BB, 44 K). Season: .252/.331/.419 in 293 PA (12 doubles, 2 triples, 9 HR, 45 RBI, 42 R, 17-for-21 SB, 10.2% BB, 35.5% K). I was waiting for the slugging percentage to get above .400. Next stop? .800 OPS.
3B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, RS, SB (2), 2 BB, 2 K
1B Rafael Flores: 2-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (1), BB, K
Flores is 5-for-20 (.250) since his promotion with a pair of doubles and a homer. The stolen base is a rare feat (6th in 171 minor league games)
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-5, RS, BB, 2 K
DH Elijah Dunham: 1-for-5, 2B (10), RBI, K
Dunham has a 9-game hitting streak (12-for-37)
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, 2B (14), RS, 2 BB
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-5, 2 RBI, RS
The “RBI” statistic is team-dependent, but it is fun to point out that Seigler drove home 16 runs in 20 June games (10 RBI in 40 April/May games)
LF Aaron Palensky: 2-for-4, 2B (6), 2 RS, BB
SS Max Burt: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, BB

RHP JT Brubaker: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The Yankees moved his rehab here today. Aaron Boone suggested that Brubaker is being built up as a starter but they see many potential roles for him. Once his rehab is complete, they must find a 40-man roster spot for him. However, they can option him to the minors once they do so.
RHP Joey Gerber: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Bailey Dees (W, 4-4): 5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
3.95 ERA (79.2 IP, 70 H, 40 R, 35 ER, 10 HR, 27 BB, 82 K). If you aren’t encouraged by a converted reliever putting up numbers like these, you are hard to please.

Hudson Valley (38-35) (Their game against Wilmington was postponed due to rain)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-0
.225/.367/.397 (119 wRC+) in 251 PA (14 doubles, 3 triples, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 40 R, 15.9% BB, 17.9% K).  He hit .247/.371/.457 in June. We are seeing some encouraging signs from Riggio.
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-0
.261/.355/.467 (129 wRC+) in 318 PA (20 doubles, 12 HR, 52 RBI, 48 R, 11.3% BB, 17.3% K). He hit .276/.324/.429 in June (4.8% BB, 15.2% K). Serna had a 0-for-20 slump during June, which may have been impacted by an HBP. A trip to Somerset will happen sometime in the second half.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-0
.289/.369/.481 (136 wRC+) in 271 PA (21 doubles, 8 HR, 40 RBI, 33 R, 9.6% BB, 24.0% K). In Low-A for Milwaukee in 2023, Avina hit .233/.373/.442, which was good for a 134 wRC+. His walk rate is down but he is hitting for more average and power. Acquired as part of the deal for Jake Bauers, Avina is 21 years old. 
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-0
.239/.379/.403 (125 wRC+) in 248 PA. Thus far, he isn’t hitting for as much power as he did in Low-A but the BB% is up and the K% is down. 
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-0
.254/.373/.349 (111 wRC+) in 228 PA. During his 8-game hitting streak: .433/.469/.733 (3 doubles, 2 HR in 32 PA). 
DH Garrett Martin: 0-for-0
RF Christopher Familia: 0-for-0
After murdering baseballs in Tampa, Familia has a .243/.324/.431 line in 59 games for Hudson Valley (he does have 12 homers in those 59 games)
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-0
LF Nelson Medina: 0-for-0

RHP Baron Stuart: 0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (27-46) (Lost to Fort Myers, 3-2, in a game called after 6 innings. That game was scheduled to go nine innings. Game 2 (scheduled to go 7 innings) was postponed due to rain)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-2, SB (22), CS (3), BB
.229/.362/.319 in 257 PA (12 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 26 RBI, 28 R, 15.95% BB, 22.6% K).  Lombard hit .239/.345/.370 in June.
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-3, K
.314/.357/.379 in 169 PA.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, 2 K
.208/.303/.358 in 320 PA (10 doubles, 7 triples, 6 HR, 43 RBI, 41 R, 10.9% BB, 35.9% K). Arias owned a .430 SLG in June but struck out 41 times. 
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-2, CS (4)
.257/.383/.424 in 235 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 6 HR, 17 RBI, 36 R, 17.4% BB, 20.4% K, 10-for-14 SB)
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-2, RS, SB (6), K
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-2, K
.251/.304/.363 in 273 PA. Entering June, his triple slash was .187/.255/.247.  A 32-hit month will typically have a positive impact on your bottom line.
RF Coby Morales: 2-for-2, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, SB (21)
Morales’ first home run since May 5th. He is hitting .257/.355/.327 in 262 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 36 RBI, 33 R, 21-for-23 SB, 11.8% BB, 28.6% K)
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2

RHP Cade Smith: (L, 3-6)  1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
This will go down as a wasted start, but that is OK.
RHP Gabriel Barbosa: 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
5.13 ERA (73.2 IP, 77 H, 44 R, 42 ER, 7 HR, 22 BB, 73 K). Most of his numbers are solid, including his GB% (52.3 before today).

FCL (24-13)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Yankees (8-12)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (11-8)

Scheduled day off.