Tag: Stiven Marinez

Yankees MILB 8/9: Stiven Marinez is Rolling

Notes:

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

RHP Luis Serna, who hadn’t pitched since July 31, 2024, finally made it back to the hill today. The 21-year-old, who is the cousin of former Yankees’ prospect Jared Serna, jumped on the radar during his 2021 debut season in the DSL. Quickly moved to the FCL in 2022, he pitched to a 1.96 ERA in 41.1 innings with a 56/17 K/BB.

He tossed only 19.1 innings in 2023 before starting the 2024 season in Low-A Tampa. While his ERA was far from good (6.07), there was plenty of bad luck baked into that, as he compiled a 3.83 FIP and 3.55 xFIP. You can see why there is a wide discrepancy: He owned a 27.1% K, 7.9% BB, and 0.78 HR/9. He was ranked 19th in the system by Pipeline in 2023, the last time he appeared on the list.

Injury Log

Scranton (66-44; 28-10 in second half) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 3-0)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, BB
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-3, BB
Escarra singled in the 7th and didn’t come out to play defense in the 8th. Something to monitor, as the Yankees cannot afford to lose any catching depth.
  C Omar Martinez: 0-for-1, K
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 3 K
Jones’ slump (4-for-30 without an extra-base hit in August) has him down to .322/.400/.694 since his promotion. Imagine going into a deep slump and still owning a 1.094 OPS. That is the kind of heater Jones was on for a while.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, BB
.311/.395/.507 in 438 PA. While Rumfield still hits for power, his change in approach is what is allowing him to hit for average. In his first year with the Yankees’ organization (2023), he hit .222/.320/.437 with 17 home runs in 86 games. In the last two years, over 225 games, he is hitting .302 with 56 doubles and 29 home runs.  The home run rate is down, but he is a better overall hitter.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-4, 4 K
DH Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, 2B (12), 2 K
Candelario is 8-for-29 (.276) with four doubles in August. At this point, he is playing for a 2026 contract.
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, SB (1)
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, K
LF Duke Ellis: 1-for-4, SB (22), K

RHP Kenta Maeda (L, 0-1): 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
You hope he isn’t needed in MLB, but a solid organizational debut for Maeda, the 37-year-old who was still an effective MLB pitcher as recently as 2023.
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 1.65 ERA (16.1 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 17 K)

Somerset (57-50; 22-16 in second half) (Defeated Binghamton, 3-2, in ten innings)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, RBI, R, SB (11), BB
Jones, who has 34 stolen bases, is one behind Juan Matheus for the organizational lead. He won the game with a walkoff single in the 10th.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, R, SB (18), BB, K
After going 0-for-1 stealing bases in July, Lombard Jr. is 4-for-4 in August.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 K
Jasso is 10-for-29 (.345) with a double, a homer, and five RBI in August. This is after hitting .317/.356/.463 in July. The undrafted free agent (2023) has worked his way into the prospect conversation and it doesn’t hurt that he can play a few positions. 
LF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, SF, RBI
DH Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, 3 K
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, CI, 2 K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4
   PR Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-0, R
2B Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 4 K
3.69 ERA (85.1 IP, 69 H, 38 R, 35 ER, 8 HR, 43 BB, 98 K). 
RHP Hayden Merda: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Last 8 appearances: 10 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 7 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Michael Arias: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
LHP Ryan Anderson: (W, 4-1)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (65-39; 27-13 second half) (Shutout Brooklyn for the second day in a row, 6-0)

CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, 2B (8), SF, 2 RBI, K
Lewis’ High-A triple slash was .204/.250/.327 on June 14th. A nice power surge has lifted that to .237/.308/.460. 
SS Kaeden Kent: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI
Kent’s first professional extra-base hit. Like many draftees, there will be questions about his future at shortstop. That’s why you draft shortstops in the first place – typically, if they can’t handle the position, they can handle other positions. 
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, R, K
2B Core Jackson: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
Jackson’s first professional hit.
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, RBI, R
RF Robbie Burnett: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
A few eyebrows were raised when I mentioned his numbers this season while playing for an SEC school. Additionally, he was named to the second team in the all-SEC vote. That would seemingly add up to a player being chosen in the early rounds of a draft, right? So, how did the Yankees get him as an undrafted free agent? He isn’t big (5’10”) and doesn’t profile as an exceptional defender anywhere. I will argue that a kid who hits like he did in the SEC still feels like a steal as an undrafted free agent, but there are limitations to his game. The Yankees hope he can continue to achieve above those limitations.
C John Cristino: 1-for-2, 2B (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, CI, K
DH Joe Delossantos: 0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Andrew Landry (W, 2-1): 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
Landry has tossed seven shutout innings twice this season (the first was with Tampa). Hudson Valley is short-handed in the starting pitching department (thanks to injuries, trades, and promotions), and Landry is doing a nice job filling the void.
RHP Carson Coleman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Still on his rehab stint, Coleman has tossed three scoreless innings at this level (0 H, 1 BB, 3).
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Tampa (48-55; 12-26 in the second half) (Lost a doubleheader to St. Lucie)

Game 1 (Lost, 5-2)

3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-1, R, 2 BB
RF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 3B (11), 2 RBI, SB (32), K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, SB (26), K
For the first time this season, a game ends with Arias hitting .200+.
1B Kyle West: 0-for-3, 3 K
CF Willy Montero: 0-for-3, K
DH Richie Bonomolo: 0-for-3, 3 K
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-3, K
Since promotion: .219/.322/.315 in 87 PA (2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 10 R, 11.5% BB, 19.5% K).
2B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-3, K
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-1, R, HBP

RHP Edinzo Marquez (L, 0-1): 4.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
The 20-year-old’s second start since his promotion.
RHP Gus Hughes: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
3.82 ERA (37.2 IP, 35 H, 23 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 14 BB, 36 K)
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Lost, 8-6)

DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
At this level: .214/.327/.333 with a pair of doubles and a homer in 53 PA. He has 11 walks and seven strikeouts.
RF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
Toole is on a 5-game hitting streak. Season: .302/.406/.480 in 293 PA (13 doubles, 11 triples, 3 HR, 35 RBI, 53 R, 32-for-35 SB, 14.3% BB, 21.2% K). I am not predicting stardom or that he will even make it to MLB. However, he is a fun prospect to follow.  He leads the league in average, triples, slugging percentage, and OPS.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, K
That .200+ batting average dipped right back under (.199/.318/.303 in 363 PA with a 26-for-32 stolen base rate)
1B Kyle West: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
CF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Eric Genther: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
Genther has a pair of 1-for-3 games to begin his career.
3B  Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-2, RBI, R, BB, K
Martin-Grudzielanek in 2-for-9 with an RBI and two walks. 
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, RBI, R, BB, 2 K
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 K

RHP Luis Serna (L, 0-1): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Serna is still young enough to develop into something. First things first: Stay healthy.
RHP Cade Austin: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
3.05 ERA (44.1 IP, 38 H, 22 R, 15 ER, 4 HR, 19 BB, 49 K)
LHP Tanner Bauman: 1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Juan Sanchez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Sanchez is a catcher who has yet to catch in 2025. He’s made a pair of relief appearances.

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) (Defeated the DSL Phillies Red, 5-1)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, 2B (8), 2 RBI, R, SB (8), BB
.277/.383/.361 in 196 PA. The 18-year-old bonus baby has bounced back nicely from his .196/.294/.345 campaign.
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-2, R, SB (21), BB, K
Cedeno has 11 walks and six stolen bases in seven August games.
2B Carlos Bello: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, K
Bello is on a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-19, 2 doubles, 1 HR, 6 RBI)
DH Isaias Castillo: 1-for-3, K
C Jose Lavagnino: 1-for-1, 2 R, SB (1), 2 BB

RHP Hector Moreno: 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Moreno is 16 years old and stands 6’6″. Crazy to think there could be additional growth. As you may suspect with a kid this young, tall, and raw, the road has been bumpy in his first season (22.24 ERA; 11.1 IP, 16 H, 31 R, 28 ER, 0 HR, 28 BB, 15 K). Now for the good news: In his last two appearances: 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 10 K.
RHP Anthony Mena (W, 3-1): 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K
3.38 ERA (42.2 IP, 42 H, 19 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 53 K). A solid campaign for the 20-year-old (second year at the level)

DSL Bombers (26-23) (Defeated the DSL Mets Blue, 6-2)

SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-2, 3B (3), RBI, R, 2 BB
Marinez is hitting .273/.421/.377 in 197 PA. He is scorching, as he is on an 8-game hitting streak that features five multi-hit games (14-for-33; 2 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR).  What an impressive debut – no other way to put it.
DH Ruben Castillo: 1-for-4
CF Jose Castro: 1-for-4, RBI, CS (4), K
2B Juan Torres: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
C Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-2, RBI, R, SB (7), CS (3), HBP, K
LF David Carrera: 1-for-3, R, SB (12), BB, K
RF Richard Meran: 3-for-3, 3B (2), RBI, R
.333/.495/.597 in 95 PA. This is his first career 3-hit effort.

RHP Luis Burgos (W, 3-4): 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
2.76 ERA (45.2 IP, 37 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 20 BB, 44 K)
RHP Alexis Gonzalez: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Yankees MILB 8/8: Dax Kilby Debuts

Notes:

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

First-round pick Dax Kilby made his professional debut this evening for Tampa.

Injury Log

Scranton (66-43; 28-9 in second half) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 10-5)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-1, SF, RBI, 3 BB
LF Spencer Jones: 0-for-5
Since returning from back spasms: 7-for-37 (.189) with one extra-base hit (double). 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, 2 R, BB
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, HR (20), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
Rojas has hit 20+ home runs four times in his minor league career.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 3-for-4, BB
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-5
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, 2 K
CF Duke Ellis: 3-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 2 R, SAC, SB (21)
Ellis is 12-for-24 with five stolen bases in August (he is 21-for-36 (.583) over his last 11 games).

RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 7-8)  4.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
4.57 ERA (102.1 IP, 92 H, 59 R, 52 ER, 13 HR, 35 BB, 101 K)
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (56-50; 21-16 in second half) (Lost to Binghamton, 5-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, R, SB (17), BB
Lombard Jr. is 28-for-33 (84.8%) stealing bases this year.
LF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, SB (2)
1B-3B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, BB
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, HR (10), RBI, R, BB, K
Martin hit eight home runs in 44 April/May games (two in 33 games since).
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, BB, K
Since promotion: 8-for-25 with a double and a homer.
RF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
DH Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, K
2B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, SB (10), K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-2, 2 K
   1B Coby Morales: 0-for-1, K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (L, 2-4)  5 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 1 K, HR
Selvidge’s struggles continue. He owns a 5.14 ERA at this level (42 IP, 36 H, 26 R, 24 ER, 4 HR, 28 BB, 33 K).
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
5.93 ERA (41 IP, 50 H, 28 R, 27 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 44 K).  His streak of walkless innings is up to 28.2 (28 strikeouts; 3.77 ERA)
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.21 ERA (42 IP, 29 H, 17 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 36 K). By month: April: 9.58 ERA (10.1 IP); May: 2.57 ERA (7 IP); June: 0.75 ERA (12 IP); July: 0.00 ERA (9.2 IP); August: 3.00 ERA (3 IP)

Hudson Valley (64-39; 26-13 second half) (Shut down Brooklyn, 2-0)

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Kaeden Kent: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
Kent makes his first professional hit count: A 2-run single with one out in the bottom of the 8th.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, 3 K
DH Core Jackson: 0-for-3, K
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, 2B (1), R, 2 K
Wilson’s High-A debut after hitting .283/.375/.372 in 77 games for Tampa.
RF Camden Troyer: 1-for-2, R, BB
Always nice to see the most recent draftees contribute to a win.
2B Connor McGinnis: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Xavier Rivas: 5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Rivas puts together a solid High-A debut. He struck out 69 batters in 56 Low-A innings (4.50 ERA), including a 13-strikeout effort in 5.2 innings on June 27th. He was the Yankees’ 16th-round pick in 2024 out of Ole Miss.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.93 ERA (27.2 IP, 20 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 30 K). 
RHP Chris Kean (W, 6-2): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.44 ERA (34 IP, 30 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 34 K). He has allowed one run over his last nine appearances (9 IP).

Tampa (48-53; 12-24 in the second half) (Lost to St. Lucie, 10-4. They were scheduled to play a doubleheader, but Game 2 was postponed due to rain. They will try to play a doubleheader tomorrow.)

SS Dax Kilby: 0-for-3
Dilby makes his professional debut.  The Georgia high-schooler is known for his advanced (for his age) pitch recognition and ability to make contact. Will he develop power? We’ll see. There are questions about whether he is a long-term shortstop.
   SS Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-0, R, BB
3B Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (14), RBI, R, SB (25), K
.199/.315/.305 in 356 PA. He is 7-for-26 in August (three multi-hit games; three hitless games).
1B Kyle West: 0-for-4, 3 K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, K
LF Eric Genther: 1-for-3
Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Rhode Island, the 23-year-old left-handed bat earns a hit in his professional debut. 
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, R
DH Hans Montero:  0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Jose M. Rodriguez (L, 1-1): 4.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 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 (21-27) (Defeated the DSL Phillies White, 5-4, in 8 innings)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-4, R, SB (7), 3 K
.276/.380/.356 in 192 PA. He’s hitting better in his second campaign, though he hasn’t homered (four home runs in 170 PA last year).
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
The 16-year-old is taking his walks and stealing bases. The hit tool has been inconsistent (some may say non-existent), but there is plenty of time for him to develop his game. 
2B Carlos Bello: 1-for-3, 2B (8), RBI, BB
.234/.380/.394 in 171 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 32 R, 12-for-15 SB, 14.6% BB, 26.3% K). The 17-year-old has put together a solid debut season.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-2, 2 R, SB (10), 2 BB
LF Estivenzon Montero: 0-for-3, R, SB (9), BB, 2 K
RF Isaias Castillo: 1-for-3, RBI, CS (2), BB, K
DH Wilberson De Pena: 1-for-3, 3B (2), 2 RBI, SB (7), BB, K
De Pena’s first hit since being acquired for Oswald Peraza (who is 1-for-5 in three games for the Angels).

RHP Jhosneyker Colina: 4 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
4.08 ERA (39.2 IP, 39 H, 24 R, 18 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 29 K). Colina is a 17-year-old in his debut season.
LHP Luis Rodriguez (W, 2-2): 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Rafael Arias (S, 2): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

DSL Bombers (25-23) (Lost to the DSL Marlins, 8-2)

DH Stiven Marinez: 2-for-4, 3B (2), 2 RBI, K
.263/.409/.355 in 193 PA (7 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 34 R, 21-for-27 SB, 19.2% BB, 23.3% K). He is on a 7-game hitting streak (12-for-31). Before the streak, he was hitting .231/.410/.289. 
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-3
SS Leni Done: 1-for-2, SB (12), HBP, K
LF Richard Meran: 0-for-1, 2 R, 2 HBP, K

LHP Fredy Penuelas: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K

Yankees MILB 7/25: Jesus Rodriguez Extends Hitting Streak

Notes:

In case you missed it, here is my article on the Ryan McMahon transaction.

A day after hitting 1,200+ feet of home runs, OF Spencer Jones was out of tonight’s lineup due to back spasms. The Yankees are unlikely to mess with this, but as someone who has back spasms, I know how they can come and go. I am not a prized professional athlete though (I am not a prized anything), so I wouldn’t be shocked if he at least missed this weekend.

Injury Log

Scranton (57-39; 19-5 in second half) (Defeated Rochester, 7-5. July has been a good month for Scranton hitters.)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, 3B (3), RBI, 2 R, SB (14), K
Rodriguez increases his hitting streak to 13 (18-for-54 (.333); 2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 14 R, 9 BB, 7 K)
LF Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, R, SB (9), K
Pereira is hitting .299/.405/.687 in July (3 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 18 RBI, 20 R, 4-for-4 SB). 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, 2B (26), SF, RBI, R, BB, K
.308/.392/.498 in 378 PA. Rumfield has gone crazy in July: 28-for-71 (.394/.471/.606; 9 doubles, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 15 R, 12 BB). He leads the organization in doubles (26) and RBI (67).  He is second in the International League in both categories. 
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 5-for-24 (1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 R, 7 BB, 10 K).
3B Jeimer Candelario: 2-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, K
If Candelario hoped to get back to MLB this year, it likely won’t be with the Yankees now. He has four multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-5, K
2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-4
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, BB, K
   SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-0
CF Duke Ellis: 4-for-4, 3 2B (7), 2 R, 2 SB (16), CS (4)
Fun night from the #9 spot in the lineup. 

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 6-7) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
5.50 ERA (86.2 IP, 79 H, 60 R, 53 ER, 21 HR, 35 BB, 96 K). The veteran has provided solid innings over his last five starts but is no threat to make it to MLB. He’s doing what he was signed to do in an organization that has a reputation for helping middling veteran pitchers.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Since signing: 7.1 IP, 11 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 1 BB, 8 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (50-44; 15-10 in second half) (Lost to Erie, 5-4)

LF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
The end of his 7-game hitting streak. He is hitting .207/.327/.332 in 278 PA since his promotion.
2B Roc Riggio: 2-for-3, HR (10), RBI, R, SB (7), BB
Since promotion: .261/.338/.551 in 154 PA (10 doubles, 10 HR, 26 RBI, 24 R, 7-for-10 SB, 7.8% BB, 23.4% K). The extra-base hits stand out (he has 17 HR and 32 extra-base hits overall in 58 games this season)
DH Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, R
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, HR (3), RBI, R, K
Martinez has never hit for much average, but has flashed some pop and ability to take walks (though his walk rate has fallen since his promotion)
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 3B (1), HR (15), 2 RBI, R, K
It’s nice to see Hardman launch home runs again. Maybe it gets him noticed by another organization. You think I am knocking the Yankees with that comment, but I’m not. Players like Hardman tend to get their chances with teams looking for cheap talent.
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Cam Eden: 1-for-4, K
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, 2B (9), K

LHP Brock Selvidge: 4 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
At this level: 3.78 ERA (33.1 IP, 26 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 29 K). He started the season on the injured list, so he is likely still bouncing back. However, I think it is fair to point out that Selvidge has allowed 61 walks in 118 Double-A innings.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson (L, 1-4): 0.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (55-36; 18-10 second half) (Defeated Rome, 3-0. They went with a bullpen game, and it worked perfectly)

CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-4, R, K
.243/.341/.332 in 364 PA (14 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 42 R, 18-for-19 SB, 12.1% BB, 20.1% K). 
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
Morales has a 5-game hitting streak.
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-4, HR (6), 3 RBI, R, K
His 3-run blast in the 6th inning accounted for the game’s only runs.  Colmenares has homered in back-to-back games.
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, 2 K
Moylan is hitting .277/.404/.468 in July.
DH Manuel Palencia: 1-for-3
LF Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, 2 K
C John Cristino: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, K

RHP Chris Kean: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
It feels like yesterday when I talked about the surplus of pitching at Hudson Valley. Now? Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz and Carlos Lagrange are in Somerset, Bryce Cunningham is on the injured list, and Griffin Herring/Josh Grosz are off to pitch in the Rockies’ organization. That leaves Hudson Valley with three healthy starters: Ben Hess (who has been closely monitored since missing a month), Cade Smith (who has pitched in only two games due to injury), and Kyle Carr. They don’t make trades without a plan, though.
RHP Huey Morrill: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
0.26 ERA (34.2 IP, 13 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 27 K). He also made one appearance for Somerset earlier this season, a level I think he deserves an extended look at.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: (W, 3-2)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3.16 ERA (25.2 IP, 24 H, 14 R, 9 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 25 K). Over his last 15.1 innings: 8 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 15 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: (S, 2)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
2.28 ERA (27.2 IP, 21 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 42 K). Gilbert (24) has a 2.46 career ERA over 84 IP with a 110/42 K/BB. 

Tampa (45-45; 9-16 in the second half) (Lost to Clearwater, 5-0. They only played seven innings after a long rain delay to start the evening. Tampa recorded only one hit)

2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-3
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-2, BB
DH Willy Montero: 0-for-2, K
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-2, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-2
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-2, K
1B Hans Montero: 0-for-1, CS (5), BB

RHP Cade Austin: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Tampa also had to go with a bullpen game tonight. Season: 3.11 ERA (37.2 IP, 33 H, 20 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 41 K)
LHP Tanner Bauman: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jack Sokol: (L, 4-2) 0.2 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Veach: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.71 ERA (42 IP, 38 H, 26 R, 22 ER, 8 HR, 26 BB, 34 K).

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (15-23) (Squeaked past to the DSL Cardinals, 4-3)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, R, K
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-2, BB, K
.186/.370/.248 in 146 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 28 R, 11-for-12 SB, 18.5% BB, 35.6% K). 
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-2, R, BB, K
DH Justin Capellan: 0-for-2, RBI, R, BB
LF Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-3, HR (7), 3 RBI, R
Montero is within two of the DSL home run lead. He is hitting .288/.380/.538 in 121 plate appearances.
1B Diego Flores: 1-for-2, K

LHP Carlos De La Rosa: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
The 17-year-old owns a 5.32 ERA in 22 innings (27 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 36 K). You have to love the strikeout and walk rates.
RHP Rafael Arias (W, 4-0): 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
4.34 ERA (29 IP, 31 H, 17 R, 14 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 38 K)
LHP Luis Rodriguez (S, 3): 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

DSL Bombers (21-17) (Mauled the DSL Rangers Blue, 16-6)

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Marinez is hitting .250/.430/.313 in 151 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 0 HR, 12 RBI, 29 R, 19-for-24 SB, 23.2% BB, 25.2% K). His encouraging debut season continues.
CF Ruben Castillo: 2-for-5, 2 R, BB, K
.219/.329/.383 in 149 PA (6 doubles, 3 triples, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 26 R, 15-for-19 SB, 10.7% BB, 26.8% K)
DH Jose Castro: 1-for-4, 3 RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
3B Juan Torres: 3-for-6, 2B (5), HR (4), 4 RBI, 2 R, K
.344/.404/.521 in 109 PA (5 doubles, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 23 R, 10-for-16 SB, 4.6% BB, 12.8% K). The 17-year-old, who is in his debut campaign, has impressed all year. Do I worry about that crazy low BB%? No. He is making a lot of loud contact.
RF David Carrera: 1-for-4, R, SB (11), 2 BB, K
2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-6, 2B (4), R, SB (20), 2 K
LF Richard Meran: 0-for-1, RBI, R, CS (4), 4 BB
C Carlos Rondon: 2-for-3, HR (1), 4 RBI, 2 R, 3 BB, K
The 19-year-old launches his first professional home run.
1B Jesus Guerrero: 1-for-4, 2 R, 2 BB, K

RHP Carlos Hampshire (W, 3-2): 4.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Yankees MILB 7/8: Carlos Lagrange Ks 8

Notes:

RHP Cade Smith, ranked 14th in the organization by Pipeline, made a rehab appearance for the FCL yesterday. He went two perfect innings, striking out three.

Last season, in 93.2 innings between Tampa and Hudson Valley (8 innings), Smith went 6-7 with a 3.65 ERA (3.37 FIP). 42.8% GB, 30.6% K, and 11.1% BB. He was drafted in the 6th round in the 2023 draft out of Mississippi State.

OF Everson Pereira being pulled from tonight’s lineup in Scranton is interesting, only because the Yankees are (obviously) in the third base and bullpen markets. Most of the time, this is just a way for people on Twitter to get impressions by making you think a trade is imminent. It could be a trade. It could be an injury. It could be an illness. It could be a mistake in the original lineup. It could be that he is about to be summoned to MLB for some reason. Have fun with it, but don’t automatically think a trade is imminent.

As for the debut of RHP Cam Schlittler, I like the move. At the very least, he will get his feet wet in MLB, which I find more valuable than going with Carlos Carrasco. How will he do? We know he throws hard. We know that one concern was his ability to command pitches. I never expect much from rookie pitchers, but he has the swing-and-miss stuff that intrigues and can get through an order a few times. Either way, whether he sticks for a while or not, it will be a learning experience.

Injury Log

Scranton (47-37) (Defeated Buffalo, 5-2)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 3-for-4, RBI, BB, K
Vivas has seven 3-hit efforts this season. He is hitting .285/.408/.394 in 242 PA with more walks (34) than strikeouts (23).
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB
Rodriguez is 7-for-23 with seven walks in July. 
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, SB (3), 2 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 13-for-35 (3 doubles, 4 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R, 3-for-3 SB, 8 BB, 14 K). We focus on the power (11 doubles, 20 HR) and the strikeouts, but we shouldn’t ignore the 40 walks in 58 games.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-5, K
DH Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
Candelario’s Scranton debut. 
2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-4, K
LF Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 2 2B (20), R, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, R, SB (20)
RF Ismael Munguia: 3-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, SB (20), K
.231/.304/.314 in 259 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 33 R, 20-for-25 SB). This is his first career 20+ SB season.

RHP Carlos Carrasco: (W, 1-2)  5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 8 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 7 K. 13 of his 18 pitches tonight were cutters, and he generated four whiffs on six swings with that pitch. His 4-seamer sits comfortably in the low 90s.
RHY Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.71 ERA (34 IP, 21 H, 14 R, 14 ER, 4 HR, 37 BB, 35 K). He’s done a decent job of preventing runs lately, but we need to see a consistent run of good control. By the way, he reached 96.2 MPH with his 4-seamer (averaged 94.9).
RHP Joel Kuhnel (S, 3): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
First save as a member of the Yankees’ organization (had two for Lehigh Valley this year).

Somerset (43-39) (Defeated New Hampshire, 5-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, R
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4
Riggio is 10-for-25 in July (4 doubles, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 4 BB, 2 K)
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (15), RBI, R
Flores is third in the Eastern League in HR, behind Ryan Clifford (Binghamton) and former teammate Spencer Jones.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-3, 2 R, BB
CF Brendan Jones: 3-for-4, 2 2B (7), RBI, R
Jones is 8-for-22 with three doubles in July. He has seven doubles in 27 games since his promotion. 
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4, K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, 2B (3), SF, 3 RBI, K
Martinez is 8-for-34 with three doubles, a homer, and five RBI since his promotion.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, HBP, BB
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange: 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 8 K
Since promotion: 4.40 ERA (30.2 IP, 20 H, 15 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 42 K). Pure talent. Between here and Hudson Valley, he owns a 106/33 K/BB over 72.1 innings. Yes, his BB rate has risen considerably since his promotion. That does not shock me.
RHP Luis Pacheco (W, 2-0): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (48-32) (Defeated Asheville, 7-6)

CF Jace Avina: 3-for-4, 2 HR (6), 4 RBI, 2 R, K
One of the homers was a lead-off blast. This is his fourth career 2-HR game (last one was in 2023) and he is on a 6-game hitting streak (9-for-22). He is hitting .294/.406/.476.
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, SB (5), BB
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-4, SB (13), K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, R, CS (1), BB, 2 K
Castillo is now 14-for-15 stealing bases. He is 8-for-24 (.333) with three walks and five strikeouts in July.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, R
Vargas increases his hitting streak to 16 (this was his 8th straight 1-hit game). He is 23-for-59 (.390) during the streak.
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, CS (4), HBP, K
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, R, K
DH Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, HR (4), 3 RBI, R, K
Moylan is on a bit of a run (10-for-28 with two homers in his last eight games). 
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, R, 2 K

RHP Ben Hess: 3.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K
In his third start back, Hess tossed 53 pitches. He owns a 4.20 ERA in 49.1 IP (32 H, 27 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 31 BB, 72 K). Missing bats, missing the strike zone. There is plenty of time to work on the latter.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Sebastian Keane (W, 5-0): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
3.32 ERA (19 IP, 13 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 22 K). His stay in Somerset was short-lived (one game), so it was likely a “need” thing.

Tampa (43-37) (Lost to Lakeland, 10-5)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, HBP, BB, K
RF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-3, 3B (5), R, 2 BB
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, K
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-2
In the inning before he was pulled, Urena was wiped off the basepaths due to a line drive double play. Hopefully, no injury occurred on that play. I will let others try to tell you that the Yankees are packaging Pereira and Urena for a random superstar.
   C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R, HBP
The presence of Perez and Urena hasn’t allowed Gonzalez to get much time behind the plate (5 games, 1 start).
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, R, HBP
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, 2B (1), 3B (1), 2 RBI, R
Montero’s rehab stint is over.
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-4, BB
Since promotion: 1-for-12 with a stolen base, four walks, and only one strikeout.
1B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, BB
2B Owen Cobb: 2-for-4, 3B (3), RBI

RHP Gage Ziehl: (L, 4-4)  5 IP, 10 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
4.08 ERA (68.1 IP, 70 H, 39 R, 31 ER, 6 HR, 11 BB, 57 K). He’s pitched well lately, so we’ll toss this one aside.
LHP Tanner Bauman: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Justin Lange: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

FCL (23-24) (Defeated the FCL Blue Jays, 4-2. By the way, the regular season ends on July 24th)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-2, SB (6), BB, 2 K
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-2, K
Tejeda has played 2B/SS/3B in his career (one game in LF).
1B John Cristino: 2-for-2, 3B (1), RBI, 2 R, HBP
Cristino continues to beat up FCL competition. He is hitting .323/.397/.538 in 73 plate appearances and will hopefully make his way to Tampa after the FCL season ends (at the latest).
2B Luis Escudero: 2-for-3, HR (2), 3 RBI, R, CS (5)
.223/.338/.317 in 151 PA (23 BB, 21 K, 12-for-17 SB)

RHP Jose Martinez: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

DSL Yankees (12-15) (Lost to the DSL Tigers, 13-1)

SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-3
Since the rookie leagues are the only leagues in action, I tend to skip Monday reports. Of course, Cedeno had one of his better games yesterday (2-for-4, 3 runs, 2 BB). That temporarily moved his average over .200. After today, he’s hitting .195/.374/.247.
CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3
Vilorio has reached base safely in 21 of his 22 games (14 straight).
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-1, 2 BB, K
.314/.444/.571 in 90 PA. He has reached base safely in 21 of his 22 games (20 straight).
LF Estivenzon Montero: 2-for-2, 2 2B (3), RBI, BB
.338/.427/.549 in 82 PA (3 doubles, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 10 R, 5-for-7 SB, 12.2% BB, 29.3% K). Montero (18) is having a solid year in his second tour at this level.

RHP Enixon Sanchez (L, 0-2): 3.1 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
3.00 ERA (21 IP, 21 H, 11 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 18 BB, 29 K). The 18-year-old hasn’t allowed a home run in his first 50 professional innings.

DSL Bombers (13-13) (Outscored the DSL Cardinals, 10-9)

SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-5, RBI, R, CS (4), K
.286/.469/.357 in 98 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 18 R, 13-for-17 SB, 24.5% BB, 19.4% K). He is on a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-17).
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-4, 2B (4), R, SB (10), BB, K
.216/.310/.432 in 100 PA (4 doubles, 3 triples, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 15 R, 10-for-13 SB)
2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-4, 2 R, SB (16)
Reyes is 16-for-17 stealing bases in 19 games.
RF Jose Castro: 0-for-2, 2 R, SB (2), 2 BB, K
3B Juan Torres: 3-for-5, 2B (4), 3 RBI, 3 R
The 17-year-old records his first career 3-hit game.
DH Remy Veldhuisen: 3-for-5, 2B (3), 2 RBI, K
Veldhuisen’s 7th multi-hit game. He had a 4-hit game on 7/5.
LF Richard Meran: 2-for-4, R, BB, 2 K

RHP Alexander Almonte: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
3.32 ERA (21.2 IP, 16 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 23 K). In 14 DSL starts, the 18-year-old owns a 3.42 ERA in 47.1 IP (36 H, 25 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 22 BB, 49 K)

Yankees MILB 6/2: Isaias Castillo (16) Homers in Professional Debut

Notes:

If you missed it yesterday (it was a late addition to my report), 1B/OF Dominic Smith exercised his opt-out clause. Given how the season has played out, there wasn’t a path to MLB for Smith with the Yankees. He is hoping to convert his hot May into an MLB contract somewhere.

Injury Log

Scranton (25-29)

Day off

Somerset (24-26)

Day off

Hudson Valley (31-19)

Day off

Tampa (26-23)

Day off

FCL (11-11) (Swept a doubleheader against the Phillies. Brando Mayea, who left the game the other day due to some sort of injury, did not play)

Game 1 (Won, 8-7)

RF Isael Arias: 1-for-4, 2 R, 3 SB (7), 2 K
SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-1, 3 R, SB (4), 3 BB
Sometimes, pitchers in the rookie leagues can be incredibly wild. In this game, however, Peralta drew the only three walks.
C Ediel Rivera: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, 3 R, HBP
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (2), 3 RBI
3B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-3, 2 SB (11)
11 stolen bases in 19 games.

LHP Ben Shields: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
One of the Yankees’ most surprising prospects in 2024 is on a rehab stint. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023, Shields pitched at three levels in his 2024 debut season (Hudson Valley, Somerset, Scranton (one start)). Combined, he went 5-5 with a 3.48 ERA (3.23 FIP) over 106 innings with a 31.1% K and 7.5% BB. His numbers were solid, yet skewed negatively by that one emergency Scranton appearance (1.2 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 7 ER).
RHP Sunayro Martina (W, 2-3): 2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Alexis Paulino (S, 1): 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Not all saves are pretty.

Game 2 (Won, 7-1)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-3, 2 R, HBP, K
C Manuel Palencia: 4-for-4, 2 2B (6), 3B (1), HR (1), 5 RBI, R
It finally happened! Palencia hits his first career home run in his 150th game. Yes, it’s one of those baseball things that he hits his first career home run on a day he falls a single short of the cycle (he hit a double in his final at-bat. Jeff Frye would have stopped at first base). He is 22 years old and has played only as high as Low-A, but this is a nice moment of him.
DH Ediel Rivera: 1-for-3, 2B (4), SF, 2 RBI, K
.296/.400/.426 in 65 PA. A solid start to his professional career.

RHP Greysen Carter (W, 2-0): 6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
His control struggles are well-documented, so this is good to see.

DSL Yankees (0-1) (Lost to the Rockies, 13-6. The Rockies should promote all these guys to the MLB club immediately)

SS Mani Cedeno: 1-for-5, R, 3 K
Their most hyped DSL prospect earns his first professional hit. Want to feel old? Cedeno is 16 and was born in 2008.
CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
As I said the other day, this is a huge year for the bonus baby. Ideally, he would have crushed this league in 2024 and would be in the FCL right now. That didn’t happen, so he has to crush this league now.
2B Carlos Bello: 1-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Nothing like getting that first professional home run out of the way in your first professional game. Bello signed for $350,000.
3B Richard Matic: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
Matic hits his first professional home run. Matic signed for $850,000. Like Vilorio, he struggled here in 2024 (.196/.333/.248 in 186 PA)
C Justin Capellan: 2-for-4, 2B (1), R
The 18-year-old hit .242/.365/.359 with 12 doubles in 41 games at this level in 2024. The Yankees used money acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates for Billy McKinney to sign Capellan. “Why didn’t the Pirates simply use that money for international prospects instead of trading it for a retread like McKinney?”  Do you even need to ask?
DH Carlos Villarroel: 0-for-4, K
Villarroel returns coming off of an impressive .299/.390/.410 campaign in 2024. Last season, he split time between catcher and first base.
LF Isaias Castillo: 2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, K
A 16-year-old launching a home run in his professional debut is impressive. Castillo was a $750,000 investment during the 2025 signing period. He is a right-handed bat.
RF Angel Ventura: 1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI
The 19-year-old hit .245/.336/.276 in 113 plate appearances here in 2024.
1B Diego Flores: 2-for-3, 2B (1), BB, K
Flores compiles his first career extra-base hit (the 18-year-old played in 15 games at this level in 2024)

RHP Manuel Cruz (L, 0-1): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Cruz (19) makes his professional debut.
RHP Anthony Mena: 1 IP, 2 H, 6 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 0 K
Crazy pitching lines aren’t abnormal in the DSL!
LHP Luis Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
He’s already 20, but this was his professional debut.
RHP Varis Villarreal: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
The 19-year-old pitched in 17 games at this level last year, compiling a 4.43 ERA and 20/11 K/BB over 22.1 innings.
RHP Jesus Guerrero: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The 18-year-old’s professional debut. Interestingly, his debut is on the hill even though he is listed as a catcher. Don’t ask me, folks. I just report what I see.

DSL Bombers (1-0) (Defeated Rangers Blue, 10-8, in a crazy game that featured a walk-off 3-run home run for Browm Martinez. This came after the Rangers scored three runs in the top of the 9th to take the lead)

CF Ruben Castillo: 0-for-4, R, BB, K
Castillo was a $875,000 signing.
SS Stiven Marinez: 2-for-3, 3 R, SB (1), BB
Impressive professional debut for the 17-year-old. The Yankees gave Marinez a $1.65 million signing bonus near the end of the 2024 signing period (Cedeno, who received $2.5 million, was part of the 2025 class)
C Queni Pineda: 0-for-3, SB (1), BB, K
I remember Pineda from last year, and it isn’t because of his unique first name. He hit .254/.434/.438 in 44 games with nine doubles and five home runs. He drew an impressive 41 walks in 173 PA (23.7%).  He signed for $350,000 in 2024.
DH David Carrera: 0-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
The 18-year-old played well down here in 2024 (.278/.402/.418). When it comes to kids who don’t get the extreme signing bonuses, they just need to put their heads down and keep performing to get noticed. Not the same situation, but Andy Pettitte always talked about needing to prove himself every step of the way.
2B Christofer Reyes: 1-for-4, R, SB (1), BB, 3 K
Reyes signed for $100,000 in 2024. Last year, as a 16-year-old, he hit .250/.346/.314 in 179 plate appearances.
RF Browm Martinez: 2-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 SB (2)
You may as well make your first professional home run a memorable one. Martinez is coming off a solid 2024 (.278/.386/.313 with 21 stolen bases in 27 attempts). He is an 18-year-old right-handed batter.
1B Leni Done: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
Done’s professional debut. There isn’t any information I can find on his signing bonus (which means he signed for little)
3B Juan Torres: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, CS (1), 2 K
Torres’s professional debut. Like with Done, no information on what he signed for.
LF Eddinson Charles: 0-for-4, 4 K
Not the debut the 6’4″ 17-year-old wanted, but it can only get better from here. He was a $300,000 signing.

RHP Randy Angomas: 3.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
Angomas (17) makes his professional debut.
RHP Luis Burgos: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
The 19-year-old pitched in 14 games here last season.
LHP Ronald Tejada: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Tough day today, but he was good in last year’s debut season (1.75 ERA and 24/12 K/BB over 25.2 IP).
RHP Josue Silvestre (W, 1-0): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Silvestre’s first professional win.