Tag: T.J. Rumfield

Yankees MILB 4/18: Roderick Arias Hits a Slam

Notes:

I don’t typically write much about releases, as they happen often (especially in the lower minors and DSL), but I saw today that the Yankees released RHP Kristofer Bow, their 14th-round pick in 2022.

Bow didn’t lack talent, but control is an issue. Last season, for Tampa, he went 3-2 with a pair of saves and a 5.45 ERA. He owned a 24.0% K, 15.6% BB, and 46.9% GB.

Nowadays, with roster limits, prospects have to show something to stay. Even if the Yankees think there is something here to work with, roster space is an issue, and talented but erratic prospects feel the squeeze.

Scranton placed veteran LHP Brandon Leibrandt on the 7-day injured list.

Scranton (11-7) (Defeated Durham, 5-0)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 3-for-4, 2 R, SB (3), HBP
Vivas has four multi-hit efforts during his 6-game hitting streak (13-for-24). He has five 3-hit games this season and has a strikeout rate of 5% (BB% is 11.3). Crazy start to his campaign (.364/.443/.530).
LF Everson Pereira: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, R
.286/.400/.571 in 75 PA (6 doubles, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 15 R, 13.3% BB, 13.3% K). I will say it again: Rumfield will likely make his MLB debut at some point. The odds aren’t high it will happen with the Yankees.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, R, SB (1), 2 K
Since the promotion: 5-for-15 (..333). Rodriguez stole 21 bases in 2023, but that number fell to 9 last season.
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, R, SB (4), HBP
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, 2B (6), 2 RBI, BB, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, BB, K
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, 2B (2), 2 K
2B Max Burt: 0-for-4, K
Burt has been grinding through the system since being drafted in the 28th round in 2018. This is his 44th Triple-A contest (329 games at Double-A)

RHP Allan Winans: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
RHP Sean Boyle: (W, 2-2)  5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Boyle’s last two games: 10 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 10 K. He could make his MLB debut in 2025. I can envision that in an “emergency” situation (ie, second game of a double-header, etc.)
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
6.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K

Somerset (6-7) (Annihilated Altoona, 12-1)

2B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, R, BB
.278/.350/.472 in 40 PA (2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 10 R, 3 BB, 6 K). He started the season 2-for-15 without an extra-base hit. He is 8-for-21 with four extra-base hits since.
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB
It was not an eventful night, but it dropped Jones’s K% below 30 (29.82%).
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-5, 2B (2), 4 RBI
Flores equals his personal best for RBI in a game (6th time in his career)
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-5, 2B (5), R, K
Hardman has four doubles and a homer in his last six games.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-5, R, 4 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, 2B (4), SF, 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, K
.333/.406/.481 in 32 PA. He hit well in limited spring training time and has carried that over into the early regular season.
3B Jake Gatewood: 2-for-5, HR (1), 3 RBI, R
Gatewood has 125 career minor league home runs (842 games). 
DH Antonio Gomez: 2-for-5, 2 R, K
RF Christopher Familia: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 3B (1), RBI, 2 R, K
A nice 2025/Double-A debut for Familia

RHP Baron Stuart: 4.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Luis Pacheco (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Cole Percival: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (9-4) (Defeated Wilmington, 2-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, R, SB (7)
.167/.314/.381 in 51 PA.
3B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, BB
His 10th career game at 3B (first this season). He is on a 6-game hitting streak (9-for-19; 6 BB). If you want a blossoming prospect, Lombard Jr. is doing that before your very eyes.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, CS (1), BB, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-2, RBI, CI, K
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-1, HBP
   PR-1B Coby Morales: 0-for-1

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (W, 1-1)  6.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K
3.38 ERA (16 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 18 K). He falls one short of his personal best for strikeouts in a game.
RHP Chris Kean: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.1 IP, 6 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Sebastian Keane (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Keane’s third career save (one in each year of his career – 2023, 2024, 2025)

Tampa (7-6) (Outlasted St. Lucie, 14-9)

3B Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, HR (1, grand slam), 4 RBI, 2 R, SB (5), HBP, 2 BB, K
This kind of night shows you the raw potential Arias has. He is hitting .167/.322/.315 in 59 PA (5-for-5 SB).
C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-4, RBI, R, 2 BB, K
Perez is 3-for-8 with a double and three walks the last two nights. Perhaps the 18-year-old is starting to get comfortable.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, R, 2 BB, 2 K
1B Parks Harber: 2-for-5, RBI, BB
Harber’s hits were 110.8 and 110.5 MPH.
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-5, 2 R, 3 K
RF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-5, RBI, 2 R, 3 K
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, 2 R, CS (1), 2 BB, K
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, RBI, R, 2 BB, 2 K
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-2, 2B (2), SF, 4 RBI, 3 R, SB (3), 2 BB
Matheus has shown off his discipline. It is nice to see him have a productive night beyond that. He came up one short of his personal best for RBI in a game (set in 2022 in the DSL).  His 2025 BB%/K%:  22.9/8.6.

LHP Tanner Bauman: 2.2 IP, 4 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
After a solid first career start, his last two haven’t gone according to plan. If you are concerned about that, you worry too much. 
RHP Jackson Fristoe: (W, 1-0)  4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
Fristoe threw 44% cutters (average 91 MPH), 31% 4-seamers (max 95.4; average 92.6), 21% sliders, and 4% change-ups.
RHP Jack Sokol: 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Gamecast registered six different pitches, so he was featuring a starter’s arsenal out of the pen. This makes sense, as he was a starter in college.
RHP Alex Bustamante: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/13: Spencer Jones Homers Twice

Notes:

I have nothing fun to report.

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

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

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

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

Game 2 (Won, 8-0)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/11: Roderick Arias: 2 Hits, BB

Notes:

“Are you ever returning to the Twitter platform for your minor league stuff?”

I don’t know. However, I rather enjoy not being on that platform at the moment. Why try to play Whack-a-Mole with a bunch of dumb blue-check takes when I can ignore it altogether?  I miss some aspects of interacting with other minor league fans, families of the players, and even the prospects themselves. But I am enjoying what feels like going back to my roots of providing minor league content at my pace with no stress attached.

Scranton (7-5) (Defeated Rochester, 8-7, in 11 innings, on a 2-out, pinch-hit walk-off home run!)

RF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-4, SF, RBI, SAC
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, CI, 2 BB
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-6, 2B (1), R, 3 K
10-for-37 (1 double, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R, 2-for-2 SB, 5 BB, 15 K). One thing I don’t worry about with Pereira is power – it will come.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, 2 R, BB
14-for-48 (4 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 12 R, 8 BB, 7 K).  He owns a .967 OPS.
DH-P Cooper Hummel: 0-for-4, R, 2 BB, 2 K
LF Dominic Smith: 0-for-2, R, 3 BB, K
   PR-LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-1
C Alex Jackson: 2-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, R, BB, K
   PH Ronaldo Hernandez: 1-for-1, HR (2), 2 RBI, R
Walk-off HR for Hernandez with two outs in the 11th!
3B Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, BB, K
   3B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-1
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, R, SB (1), BB, HBP
Shewmake is an impressive 54-for-61 (88.5%) stealing bases in his minor league career (5-for-6 in his MLB career)

RHP Jake Woodford: 3.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Woodford, a sinker/sweeper type, maxed at 92.3 with his sinker and 92.7 with his 4-seamer. He needs to be watched because he has MLB experience and is somewhere on the depth chart.
RHP Colten Brewer: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Brewer maxed at 94.1 with his sinker.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman:  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Reyzelman threw 18 4-seamers and six sweepers. He maxed at 96 MPH (good) and averaged 93.5.
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Castro walked in the tying run (9th) but got out of quite a pickle. He then struck out two to strand the ghost runner in the 10th, but Hummel allowed his ghost runner in the 11th. The Yankees signed the 26-year-old last year, but he missed the season due to injury.
RHP Cooper Hummel: (W, 1-0)  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Hummel’s 5th career minor league pitching appearance results in a win!

Somerset (2-4)

Their game against Reading was postponed due to rain. They will attempt to play two tomorrow.

Hudson Valley (4-2) 

Their game against Brooklyn was postponed due to rain. They will attempt to play two tomorrow.

Tampa (4-3) (Lost to Fort Myers, 6-3)

3B-SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, RBI, R, BB
Arias’s first start away from SS this season (third career start at 3B).  After a horrible start to his campaign, Arias has back-to-back multi-hit efforts.
C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-5, 4 K
It has been a struggle (3-for-20, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 9 K). Why shouldn’t we worry? He is an 18-year-old catcher getting his first taste of full-season ball.  He deserves a LOT of rope.
1B-3B Parks Harber: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K
DH Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, SB (2)
RF Austin Green: 0-for-2
  1B Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-2, 2B (1), RBI
No better feeling than earning a pair of hits on a night when you don’t start.
2B-RF Hans Montero: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (3), BB
It is never wise to walk Toole. The 22-year-old is 11-for-13 stealing bases in his brief 21-game career.
SS-2B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, 2B (1), K
The 20-year-old had a big season in the FCL last year (.321/.429/.488 with five homers and 40 RBI in 49 games). He is off to a slow start here (2-for-12), but it’s early. By the way, he has more career walks (91) than strikeouts (84).

LHP Tanner Bauman: (L, 0-1)  2.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
After a successful first start, Bauman struggles in his second. He tossed 75 pitches tonight, mixing a slider (35%), sinker (29%), curve (20%), and change (16%). He maxed out at 93.2 with the sinker.
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 3.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Fristoe was cutter-heavy tonight (57%). He maxed at 94.9 with his 4-seam fastball (27%). It is nice to see the zero walks, as control has eluded him in his career.
RHP Cade Austin: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
Nice bounceback after a tough 2025 debut.

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/4: Griffin Herring Dazzles in Debut

Notes:

The Yankees have signed C/OF Cooper Hummel to a minor league deal after he elected free agency yesterday. The Astros outrighted him off their 40-man roster, and he had the right to declare free agency.

While listed as a C/OF, Hummell hasn’t caught at any level since 2023 (96 innings). Offensively, the 30-year-old hasn’t done much with his limited MLB playing time, hitting .159/.255/.275 (51 OPS+) over 235 PA. He has clubbed three homers and driven home 17. If tomorrow’s Immaculate Grid has any combination of Diamondbacks, Mariners, and Astros, remember his name. He has appeared in MLB for all three organizations.

For the Yankees, he is depth.

Scranton (4-3) (Mauled Syracuse, 12-4)

LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-5, R, SB (1), HBP, 2 K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 3-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, K
Despite what “scouts” say, the Yankees continue to give Vivas reps at third base. It doesn’t hurt to try, and it would increase his trade value if he impresses.
DH T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-6, 2 RBI
9-for-30 (2 doubles, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R, 3 BB, 5 K). If one continues to hit, they eventually get a chance somewhere.
1B Dominic Smith: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
RF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
  PR-RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-0, SF, RBI, R
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, 2 R, 2 BB, 3 K
2B Braden Shewmake: 3-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, 2 R, BB
Season: 6-for-24 (2 HR, 4 RBI, 4 R, 6 BB, 6 K). The Railriders are using him at 2B/SS/3B.
SS Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, R, SB (4), SAC, BB, 2 K
CF Duke Ellis: 2-for-5, 3 RBI, R, K

RHP Jake Woodford:  3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
Woodford’s organizational debut.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
The Yankees have many bullpen options, making a Pestana debut difficult to imagine. However, if he can stay healthy, he could make things interesting. There is talent here.
RHP Ian Hamilton: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Supposedly, he’ll be back in Detroit?
LHP Ryan Anderson: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
J.C. Escarra is a great story. Rodriguez would be a good one as well – he hasn’t appeared in MLB in 11 years.  I am going to root for it to happen.

Somerset (0-1) (Lost a heartbreaker to Hartford, 5-4, on a 9th-inning walk-off HR)

3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, BB, K
The Yankees added the versatile Rodriguez to the 40-man roster this past winter. Listed as a catcher, he also has minor league experience at 1B/2B/3B/LF. So far in his career, he has hit everywhere they place him. Double-A (where he struggled a bit in 23 games last year) will be his ultimate test.
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
Must I say anything? Jones remains the ultimate boom-bust prospect in a sport where boom-bust prospects are more the norm than the exception. He must show more progress in 2025. The clock has started to tick (Rule 5 eligible this winter).
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, SB (1), 2 K
Flores (24) has jumped up on prospect radars. Upon his promotion here in 2024, he hit .274/.359/.519 with 15 home runs in only 65 games. Can he catch long-term or is first base his future calling?  We should expect to hear his name thrown around at the trade deadline if he continues to rake.
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, R, K
Only 22, Jasso hit 30 doubles in 120 games in 2024.
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, 3 K
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, R, BB
The 24-year-old showed off some HR pop in Hudson Valley last year (12 HR in 87 games). However, he struck out 97 times in 346 PA (28.0%).
2B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-2, 2B (1), R
Vargas had a fun spring, going 8-for-14 with two doubles, three homers, and 7 RBI. While that doesn’t tell us anything, it was a nice story for him. He was once a highly-regarded bonus baby. He is trying to regain some steam.
   2B Max Burt: 0-for-1, SF, RBI, K
SS Jake Gatewood: 2-for-3, 3 RBI, CS (1), BB
Where do the Yankees find these guys? Tonight was his first appearance in affiliated ball since 2022, where he hit .211/.261/.439 in 108 games for the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake. Last year, he was the Bobby Witt Jr. of the independent Atlantic League. He hit .295/.395/.607 in 506 PA with 34 doubles, 33 HR, and 121 RBI.

RHP Cam Schlittler: 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, HR
The Yankees invited Schlittler to spring training. Yes, I think you should read into that – who gets invited vs. who doesn’t can show you where the Yankees currently stand with a prospect (especially those at the upper levels). Can he get to MLB in 2025? It’s not impossible.
RHP Mason Vinyard: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Originally with the Mets organization, Ventura elected free agency this past winter. He is a 24-year-old with experience as a starter and reliever.
RHP Indigo Diaz: (L, 0-1): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (0-1) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 3-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-5, 2 K
The 22-year-old left-handed bat made an immediate impression in his debut 2024 season. In 24 games, he hit .267/.471/.453 with 5 doubles, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 16 R, 29 BB, 21 K, and 18 stolen bases in 18 attempts. He was their 12th round pick out of Kansas State.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, R, BB, K
Spring training certainly raised the hype for the teenager, but let’s calm down for a second. He is still more projection than production. He may not make it to Somerset as a teenager (he turns 20 on 6/2), but we’ll see.
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, K
In a late-season trial at this level, Castillo thrived (.314/.383/.514 in 21 games). 
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, BB, K
Acquired from the Brewers for Jake Bauers, Avina (21) hit .245/.317/.399 in 397 PA at this level in 2024. 
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, SB (1), K
The Yankees had Martinez play a full season at Tampa in 2023 and Hudson Valley in 2024. They decided not to start him at Somerset in 2025. Is there anything to read into that? Nah.
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, 2 BB
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, SB (1), HBP, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2 K
Once considered (by me and others!) as the top pure catching prospect in the system, Gomez has never put the entire package together. That said, even though it seems he has been here for an eternity, he is only 23, and late-blooming catchers aren’t uncommon. 
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, K

LHP Kyle Carr: (L, 0-1)  4.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
It’s not the most efficient outing, but it is an effective one. The Yankees aggressively placed Carr at this level in 2024 without any experience anywhere else, and he went 1-8 with a 4.76 ERA over 104 IP (95/55 K/BB). They are hoping that experience translates into better results in 2025.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
After an effective 2023 debut season for Tampa, Gilbert was limited to only five games in 2024. He will hopefully pick up from where he left off.
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (1-0) (Squeaked past Lakeland, 2-1)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
It’s a big season for Arias, who hit .233/.335/.393 with 21 doubles, 8 triples, 13 HR, 74 RBI, 78 R, and 37 stolen bases in 50 attempts at this level last year. When asked how I would describe him, I always say his athletic ability carries him. In other words, he can make up for his shortcomings with his pure athleticism. As you move up the chain, that’s not enough to become MLB-viable. We’ll see how 2025 unfolds.
DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-2
Full-season league debut for Perez, a catcher who hit .283/.444/.380 in 216 PA for the FCL squad last year. He had more walks (45) than strikeouts (35). We’ll see if he can keep a strong ratio at a more advanced level (don’t expect more BB than K!). As for why he left the game, I am not sure.
   PH-DH Juan Matheus: 1-for-2
The 20-year-old switch-hitter dominated in the FCL last season. At this level, he went 1-for-13 with a pair of stolen bases.
CF Brian Sanchez: 3-for-4, 2B (1), RBI
Also acquired in the Bauers’ deal, Sanchez earned his promotion by hitting .306/.394/.514 with 16 stolen bases in 19 attempts in the FCL last year.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, BB
Only 20, Urena destroyed the FCL (.301/.420/.564 in 162 PA) to earn his spot here in 2025. He’s a fun long-range lottery ticket to follow.
3B Parks Harber: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-2, R, SB (1), 2 BB
Last year’s 8th-round pick out of Grand Canyon had a rough start to his professional career, though he did walk 14 times in 92 PA (15.2%). Many players do. It’s all about whether they can bounce back.
LF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-4, SB (1)
2B Austin Green: 0-for-3
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, K

LHP Griffin Herring: (W, 1-0) 5.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
The professional debut for the Yankees’ 6th-round pick in the 2024 draft out of LSU. Standing 6’2″, he went 6-1 with a 1.79 ERA and 67/13 K/BB over 50.1 innings last season. He was used primarily from the bullpen (21 of his 22 appearances).
RHP Sean Hermann: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Hermann, their 14th-round pick in 2021, missed 2024 due to injury.
RHP Brady Kirtner (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Drafted by the Mets in 2023, Kirtner never made his debut. The Yankees signed him last July, and he finally makes his professional debut tonight. I pay close attention when the Yankees target a random arm sitting on the market.

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 3/30: Jorbit Vivas: 3 Hits, 3 RBI

Notes:

I wasn’t around last night to report on it, but T.J. Rumfield hit the organization’s first home run of 2025.

Scranton (1-2) (Crushed Lehigh Valley, 14-3)

LF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, BB, K
Pereira is 4-for-11 with three RBI to start his campaign.
  PR-LF Duke Ellis: 1-for-1, RBI, R
The Yankees continue to take it easy with Pereira. He will play a full game in the field soon enough.
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-5, 2B (2), R, HBP, K
5-for-13 with a pair of doubles.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 3-for-5, 2B (2), 3 RBI, 2 R, SB (1), BB
Vivas stole 20+ bases in 2023 and 2024.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-5, HR (2), RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Like Andres Chaparro and Eric Wagaman, Rumfield could get an opportunity in another organization when his clock runs out. I don’t foresee him getting a call-up to New York, though. We’ll see.
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-6, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 K
C Ronaldo Hernandez: 2-for-4, 2B (1), HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
Hernandez has shown pop in the minors (21 HR in 2018; 61 HR from 2021-2024 (366 games)).
SS Andrew Velazquez: 3-for-5, 2 R, SB (3), BB, K
Nice day for the depth infielder.
3B Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
Shewmake has played three positions (2B, SS, 3B) in the first three games. 
RF Grant Richardson: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Richardson’s Triple-A debut. Richardson has pop and speed (25 doubles, 9 HR, 16 SB in 431 PA for Somerset in 2024) and can play the three outfield positions. 

LHP Edgar Barclay: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Depth lefty seemed to have a path to MLB in 2023. However, he had a tough year in 2024 (7-9, 5.98 ERA in 143 IP with a 118/70 K/BB). 
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Moved permanently to the bullpen in 2024, Pestana (26) has MLB ability. What he doesn’t have is a good health history. This is his Triple-A debut.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Anderson (26) is 6’6″. This is his Triple-A debut after pitching to a 3.00 ERA in 30 IP for Somerset in 2024. He is a mix guy over a velocity guy (4-seam/sinker/slider/change).
RHP McKinley Moore: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Good arm, doesn’t always know where the ball is going. The Yankees signed him to a minor league deal last year.
RHP Colten Brewer: (S, 1) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
A welcome back for Brewer, who pitched in the organization in 2023 (appeared in three games for the big league club).

Somerset (0-0)

Their season starts on Friday.

Hudson Valley (0-0)

Their season starts on Friday.

Tampa (0-0)

Their season starts on Friday.

FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 3/28: Let the Games Begin!

I am not going to be home to do this report tomorrow.

I am not a fan of the current state of the farm system, but there is talent here. If Spencer Jones can put more pieces of the puzzle together while Roderick Arias/George Lombard Jr. continue their development, we’ll think differently by the end of the year. The Yankees are good at developing college arms, which they love to package in trades. They hope the same will be true with many of their 2024 draftees.

Scranton (0-1) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 5-4)

LF Everson Pereira: 1-for-3, RS, SB (1), K
The most recognizable Yankees prospect at this level, Pereira has an impressive power profile (10 HR in 40 games in 2024; 66 in 331 career games). The issues? Two things: 1. How much contact will he make?; 2. Can he get over his injury history?  Why was he pulled tonight? He is coming off of Tommy John Surgery, so my assumption is they didn’t want to give him a full game in the field yet.
   LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-2, K
Ellis can’t hit, but he can run. 57-for-61 stealing bases in the minors last season.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, SF, RBI, K
Acquired in a deal with the Dodgers before the 2024 season, Vivas’ big issue is that he is likely anchored at second base despite having experience at 3B. On the 40-man roster, he can make his official debut this season (he was called up in 2024 but never appeared in a game)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, 2B (1), RBI, CS (1)
An organization will typically tell us how they feel about a player without actually telling us how they feel about a player. Rumfield wasn’t protected in the Rule 5 and received zero chances to take over 1B after Anthony Rizzo‘s injury last year. That said, he has a solid defensive reputation and is coming off of a good year at the plate.
C Alex Jackson: 1-for-3, 2 RS, BB, K
The Yankees acquired him in an off-season trade with the Reds (along with current Yankees’ bullpen member Fernando Cruz). The Yankees released him on March 22nd, only to re-sign him on March 23rd. Obvious paperwork move.  Jackson can’t hit (understatement), which makes his cleanup assignment funny, even in a minor league game.
CF Ismael Munguia: 3-for-4, 2B (1)
The left-handed hitting 26-year-old earns the system’s first hit this season. He was a spring sensation (.372/.400/.488) for the second straight year (.410/.477/.641 in Giants’ camp last year). He has yet to make his MLB debut.
RF Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, 2B (1), BB, K
Rojas is your typical Triple-A filler/depth guy. The 32-year-old spent 67 games here in 2024 before the Yankees released him (signed with the Pirates). The Yankees re-signed him this winter. “Why would they re-sign someone they released?”  Simple: He was likely released by request to take advantage of another opportunity. No biggie. Rojas has experience at the “four corners” and at second base.
DH Ronaldo Hernandez: 0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, K
Before 2019, Hernandez (a catcher) made it on the Top 100 prospects lists. He hasn’t lived up to that standard and has yet to make his MLB debut. However, no harm in giving the 27-year-old a spot in Triple-A.
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Perhaps the player you least recognize on the roster, Shewmake has 31 games of MLB experience. His time is mostly spent at 2B/3B, though he has a few games at 3B. He is 53-for-60 stealing bases in his MILB career, including 27-for-28 in 2023.
3B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-3, RS, 2 SB (2), BB, K
The Bronx native and fan favorite during the 2021 season (hit his first career HR in Yankee Stadium), Velazquez is back to provide some infield depth. There is speed to tap into (40-for-47 stealing bases in his MLB career), but no bat.

LHP Brandon Leibrandt: 4 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, HR
The 32-year-old has toiled in professional baseball since 2014, the year he was drafted by the Phillies. He has seven games of MLB experience (2020 with the Marlins and 2024 with the Reds). He is your prototypical mix-and-match lefty, featuring 6 pitches including a 4-seamer that maxed out at 89.9 MPH. Old school!
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
The veteran lefty has spent parts of six seasons in MLB. His biggest opportunity was in 2023, when he posted a 4.79 ERA in 21 games for the Pirates.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: (L, 0-1)  1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
Reyzelman maxed at 95.7 MPH (averaged 94.4) with his heater tonight, which can be concerning to the prospect world. Anyway, he is the rookie most likely to make his bullpen debut in 2025. That doesn’t mean he *will* be the first rookie to make his debut this year.
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Eligible for minor league free agency after the 2024 season, the Yankees blocked it by placing him on the 40-man roster. One of the final cuts before Opening Day, he is a sinker-baller with consistent 50%+ ground ball rates.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
The 31-year-old has a nice arm, but control is an issue (55 BB in 79.1 MLB innings).

Yankees MILB 9/20: T.J. Rumfield Homers

News:

The Yankees activated RHP Cody Poteet from his rehab stint and demoted him to Scranton. To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Ron Marinaccio was designated for assignment.

The 29-year-old Marinaccio was a breakout reliever in 2022. He posted a 2.05 ERA (3.20 FIP) over 44 innings with a 30.9% K, 13.3% BB, 41.5% GB, and 4.7% HR/FB.

However, in 2023-2024, Marinaccio appeared in 61 games, posting a 3.95 ERA (4.77 FIP) over 70.2 IP with a 26.6% K, 12.2% BB, 38.8% GB, and 13.5% HR/FB. His average fastball dropped by one MPH in 2024 compared to 2022.

I hate speculating on whether a player will be claimed or not. Many players I think are guaranteed to be claimed aren’t. Many players I think will slip through waivers are claimed. My instinct is that this is a tough time of the season to be DFA. Most teams have a set 40-man roster and playoff teams are unlikely to see Marinaccio as a difference-maker with a week left. He has not earned the right to reject an outright assignment if he clears.

By the way, it’s odd that many are upset over this. The Yankees specialize in cheap, controllable relief pitchers. Marinaccio is exactly what they look for, not someone they look to bury. They gave him chances to succeed and it didn’t work out in their mind. It happens.

As for Poteet, he is depth. If Jake Cousins is OK, there isn’t any room on the MLB roster.

Scranton (87-60) (Defeated Buffalo, 5-1)

SS Caleb Durbin: 1-for-5, 2B (21), RBI, K
Durbin’s 23rd overall double (he hit a pair during his rehab stint) sets a new personal best. 
2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, SF, RBI
1B Ben Rice: 0-for-4
3B Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, 2B (13), RS, 2 K
DH T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, HR (15), RBI, RS
Rumfield has homered in back-to-back games and 3 times in his last seven games. He has 32 HR in 870 PA in 2023-2024 (4 in the first 344 PA in his career)
   PR-DH Duke Ellis: 0-for-0, RS, SB (5)
Between all minor league and MLB action, Ellis is 61-for-65 stealing bases.
LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (20), BB, K
Trammell needs to hit two homers this weekend to compile a 20/20 campaign.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, K
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-4, RS
Escarra has four multi-hit efforts in his last seven games and is 18-for-57 (.333) with four doubles and six homers in September.
CF Greg Allen: 0-for-2, SAC, BB, K

LHP Thomas Pannone: (W, 10-9)  6.1 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Since signing with the Yankees: 11 starts, 6-1, 2.34 ERA; 61.2 IP, 57 H, 18 R, 16 ER, 6 HR, 6 BB, 49 K. I wonder if they will try to retain him this winter (given how well he pitched, he may want to stick with the organization).
RHP Joey Gerber: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Phil Bickford: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (2-0)

Scheduled day off. The championship series begins on Sunday against either Erie or Akron. Erie leads Game 3, 2-1, in the 6th inning.

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

Their season is over.

Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/23: Jasson Dominguez is Smoking

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (69-53) (Lost to St. Paul, 14-6)

3B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-5, RS
CF Jasson Dominguez: 2-for-5, 2B (6), HR (4), 2 RBI, 3 RS, SB (11), 2 K
Last 9 minor league games: 16-for-37 (.432; 1 double, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 10 R, 7-for-8 SB, 4 BB, 9 K). Everything is starting to point to a player who is ready to return.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, 2B (12), RBI, RS, BB, K
Vivas has three multi-hit efforts in his last four games.
DH T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, RBI, RS
Rumfield’s second straight 3-hit effort. He is hitting .291 with a .819 OPS at this level.
  P Peter Serruto: 0-for-1
C Carlos Narvaez: 1-for-5, RBI, K
1B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, K
LF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-2, 2 BB
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-4
Gonzalez’s first game since August 3rd.
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-4

LHP Josh Maciejewski: (L, 1-3) 2.2 IP, 9 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Joey Gerber: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
3.97 ERA (68 IP, 48 H, 31 R, 30 ER, 9 HR, 35 BB, 71 K)
RHP Peter Serruto: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The catcher does nearly as much pitching as he does hitting (4 games/6 plate appearances as a hitter, 3 games, 3 IP as a pitcher)

Somerset (59-57) (Lost to Portland, 2-1. They have split the first four games with the Sea Dogs, which isn’t good. The Patriots fall 5.5 games out with 21 games to play. They must win both games this weekend)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
DH Anthony Rizzo: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB
Rizzo’s first rehab stint lasts 3 plate appearances at DH. The plan is to use him at DH for several days before he plays first base. 
  PH-DH Grant Richardson: 0-for-1
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4
3B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
LF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-4, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-1, 3 BB
Seigler has a 14.4% BB rate (his career rate is 17.7%). Plate discipline hasn’t been an issue for Seigler throughout his career. 
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, K
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, HBP, 2 K
1B Max Burt: 0-for-3, BB, K

RHP Clarke Schmidt: 3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
Schmidt’s first rehab start is encouraging. He tossed 48 pitches (30 strikes). He may only need one more rehab start before returning to MLB.
RHP Sean Boyle: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Lou Trivino: 1 IP, 0 H,0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
On his rehab stint: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K. As I mentioned last night, Trivino doesn’t have options. Once his rehab stint is over, 40-man/26-man roster decisions are needed.
RHP Cam Schlittler: (L, 0-3)  3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Schlittler piggybacked the rehab assignments tonight. Since his promotion: 14.1 IP, 16 H, 11 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 7 BB, 13 K. Overall: 3.33 ERA (102.2 IP, 77 H, 50 R, 38 ER, 8 HR, 49 BB, 124 K)

Hudson Valley (63-54) (Defeated Wilmington, 2-1, in 10 innings. They trailed 1-0 heading to the bottom of the 9th but came back)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-5, RS, K
RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 2 SB (7), BB
Jones has reached base safely in all 14 professional games and is 12-for-12 stealing bases.
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, 2B (14), HBP, BB, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (1), HBP
It’s good to see that Castillo’s injury (suffered in a collision in the outfield) wasn’t serious. He hit the walk-off single in the 10th. Since promotion: 9-for-27 (2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 5 R). Overall: .263/.387/.431 in 364 PA (19 doubles, 2 triples, 9 HR, 44 RBI, 56 R, 17-for-22 SB, 16.5% BB, 19.8% K). The 21-year-old is having a nice, consistent campaign.
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2B (6), BB, 2 K
  PR-1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-0, RS
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-4, RBI, K
His RBI single in the bottom of the 9th tied the game at 1. He is 8-for-18 since his promotion (hit safely in all five games).
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K

LHP Kyle Carr: 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Carr continues his recent stretch of strong pitching. His last 7 starts: 1.01 ERA (26.2 IP, 19 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 14 BB, 21 K). Overall: 4.69 ERA (96 IP, 86 H, 60 R, 50 ER, 5 HR, 51 BB, 89 K). He entered his debut season with a lot of buzz. However, he stumbled for a while before finding his footing. I don’t think they give him a late-season Double-A start, but it is possible.
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
At this level: 3.30 ERA (43.2 IP, 38 H, 21 R, 16 ER, 6 HR, 14 BB, 45 K). Morrill was listed as a shortstop when the Yankees signed him as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State last year (for good reason: He played 148 games in the field for Oklahoma State while making only 17 appearances on the hill)
RHP Kelly Austin: (W,4-0) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
This is how you keep the “Manfred Man” from scoring. Since being acquired: 6.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K. The Yankees acquired the 23-year-old from the Astros for Caleb Ferguson.

Tampa (48-66)

The Tarpons had a rare Friday off. They are playing a scheduled doubleheader tomorrow.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over. The Bombers had a good season but it wasn’t enough to make the playoffs.

Yankees MILB 8/22: Jasson Dominguez: 2 More Hard Hits

News:

Most of the time, roster crunches work themselves out.

In 2024, that might not be the case for the Yankees. The first move was easy, as Oswald Peraza was demoted to make room for Jazz Chisholm Jr. However, it won’t get easier from here.

Utilityman Jon Berti is about to begin a rehab stint, as is 1B Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo can replace Ben Rice, who has options and hasn’t hit much lately. Berti? Good luck with this one. From a management standpoint, the Yankees can do the easy thing:  Demote Oswaldo Cabrera and keep everyone else. Berti would, in theory, be taking most of Cabrera’s playing time and the Yankees can justify it by saying DJ LeMahieu is their only viable defensive first baseman after Rizzo. Berti has never played the position and Cabrera has 28.1 innings there.

Is that what I would do? No.

Beyond that, OF Jasson Dominguez is finding his groove. While we have to factor in a potential adjustment period, it is hard to argue that Alex Verdugo is a better option.

As messy as that is, the pitching staff could be messier. Scott Effross, Nick Burdi, Lou Trivino, Clarke Schmidt, Ian Hamilton, and Cody Poteet are potential MLB options, and Luis Gil will come off the injured list at some point. Schmidt will be promoted as soon as he is ready. The others? They will be in a logjam. The Yankees can demote Will Warren (when Schmidt is ready) and DFA Tim Mayza. Unlike Effross and Hamilton, Trivino is out of options. Once his rehab is over, a roster move must be made. It’s a situation where the Yankees bullpen hasn’t been top-notch, but some of their scrap heap pickups (Tim Hill, Michael Tonkin) have pitched well enough to keep their jobs. Jake Cousins is pitching too well (and missing bats) to send down.

My not-so-educated guess?  They will demote Warren for Schmidt and DFA Mayza for Trivino. Effross, Burdi, Hamilton, and Poteet may have to “wait their turn”. Hamilton has yet to start his rehab stint, so we don’t know what to expect. Keeping Poteet stretched out in Scranton would be prudent. Effross’ rehab ended a while ago. The Yankees aren’t convinced he is ready to contribute, but he is pitching well lately. They have the ability, through options, to keep Gil down in Scranton beyond his IL stint. They can use it as a reset and give him a few innings there to ensure he doesn’t go cold.

Yes, one position player and pitcher will be promoted on September 1st. That helps but doesn’t completely relieve the jam.

Scranton (69-52) (Lost to St. Paul, 8-7)

3B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-4, 2 RS, BB
The pesky Durbin is 15-for-55 (.273) in August with more walks (13) than strikeouts (8).
DH Jasson Dominguez: 2-for-5, RS, SB (10), CS (1)
Dominguez’s two singles were hit at 108.3 and 108.2 MPH and he has four multi-hit efforts in his last 7 games. By the way, Dominguez is now 97-for-116 (83.6%) stealing bases in his minor league career. I have written a lot about his stats since his latest comeback without mentioning his overall season for Scranton: He is hitting .304 with a .786 OPS in 125 PA.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, 2 2B (24), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Rumfield has six doubles in his last 10 games. 
CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-5, 3B (1), 3 RBI, RS
Trammell has 20 RBI in 18 August games.
C J.C. Escarra: 2-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, K
Escarra has a 7-game hitting streak (10-for-27 with four doubles)
LF Jahmai Jones: 2-for-5, 2B (3), RBI, 2 K
RF Greg Allen: 0-for-2, HBP, 2 BB
SS Kevin Smith: 1-for-5, 3 K

LHP Edgar Barclay: 5 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 3 HR
RHP Ron Marinaccio: (L, 1-3)  1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Last 6 games: 8.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K

Somerset (59-56) (Lost to Portland, 3-1. They are now 4.5 games out. Before this series started, I said the Patriots needed to take 5 out of 6 to make the race interesting. So far, they are 2-1. 4 out of 6 would be acceptable, but the calendar is starting to run out (22 games left))

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 3 K
.248/.329/.419 in 453 PA (20 doubles, 3 triples, 14 HR, 63 RBI, 59 R, 21-for-29 SB, 10.4% BB, 37.1% K).
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, SB (9), K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 2-for-4, 2 2B (20), SB (21)
.217/.328/.395 in 349 PA (20 doubles, 11 HR, 39 RBI, 47 R, 21-for-24 SB, 13.8% BB, 18.1% K; .240 BABIP).  Moving Seigler to 2B is doing the job to keep him healthy, at least.  He is four games away from his first 100-game campaign.
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-3, 2B (5), SB (7), HBP
Vargas is 17-for-58 (.293/.359/.500; 2 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR) in August. Entering tonight, he was hitting .301/.347/.504 (138 wRC+) in 121 PA since June 7th (yes, he missed time due to injury)
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Zach Messinger: 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
Messinger had to push himself through 90 pitches tonight. Season: 3.40 ERA (132.1 IP, 107 H, 67 R, 50 ER, 8 HR, 44 BB, 123 K). In his last 6 starts: 1.98 ERA (36.1 IP, 27 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 23 K). No, it isn’t lost on me that his hot stretch comes with a reduced K%.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson: (L, 1-5) 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 2.87 ERA (15.2 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 24 K)

Hudson Valley (62-54) (Swept a doubleheader against Wilmington)

Game 1 (Won, 7-6)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, SB (4), K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, RS, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, RS, BB
LF Garrett Martin: 2-for-3, HR (10), 3 RBI, RS, BB, K
This was the appetizer (scroll down to Game 2 for more)…
RF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2 RS, SB (3)
DH Dylan Jasso: 2-for-3, 2B (5), RBI, RS
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, BB, K
C Edison Vivas: 2-for-3, 3 RBI, K
With Omar Martinez on the IL, Hudson Valley needed another catcher. Enter the 18-year-old Vivas, who entered this game with 27 games of professional experience (26 in the DSL, 1 in the FCL). He hit .217/.333/.253 with no homers and 8 RBI in those games. So, naturally, he is promoted to High-A and has a solid debut. I have zero information on him. His signing bonus isn’t listed, so they signed him for a small number. Additionally, I searched my website for his name and this is the first time I have typed it. In other words, I won’t pretend to know who he is. 
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-2, BB, K

RHP Brian Hendry: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
If you forgot about the 24-year-old, it is understandable. This was his first appearance since April 25th. He hasn’t allowed an earned run in his professional career (12 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 7 BB, 17 K). He was the Yankees’ 10th-round pick in the 2023 draft out of Oklahoma State.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Matt Keating (W, 4-3): 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Blane Abeyta: 2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Won, 6-0. Three pitchers combined on a 7-inning no-hitter)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-2, RS, SB (24), BB, 2 K
Riggio didn’t finish the game last night and missed Game 1 today. However, he was back out there in Game 2. 
LF Brandon Jones: 0-for-2, RS, SB (5), BB
With Tampa/Hudson Valley: 12-for-38 (.316/.544/.553; 3 doubles, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 11 R, 10-for-10 SB, 19 BB, 11 K). This is how you make an early impression.
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3
CF Garrett Martin: 2-for-3, 2 HR (12), 4 RBI, 2 RS
Martin has a 3-HR, 7 RBI day. It pushes his season to .210/.310/.436 in 289 PA (13 doubles, 3 triples, 12 HR, 41 RBI, 45 R, 13-for-15 SB, 9.7% BB, 28.0% K). 
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, RS, 2 K
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-3, 2B (1), RS, CS (1)
Morales is 6-for-14 since his promotion and is hitting .256/.362/.326 in 398 PA overall (10 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 50 RBI, 56 R, 34-for-42 SB (80.95%), 12.6% BB, 28.9% K). He is 22 years old, so there is room for growth. He spends time at 1B/LF/RF. 
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, RBI, K
Gomez has a 7-game hitting streak (8-for-23) and a 17-game on-base streak (21-for-56 (.375); 8 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 6 BB)
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-2

RHP Trent Sellers: 4.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
At this level: 2.28 ERA (75 IP, 39 H, 27 R, 19 ER, 3 HR, 34 BB, 88 K). As a starter: 0.69 ERA (26 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 29 K). The walk rate has fallen considerably as a starter.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 6-2)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.07 ERA (41 IP, 29 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 55 K). I told you to pay attention to Cole Ayers last night because, amongst a group of potential Somerset call-ups, the Yankees chose him. That is nothing against Vinyard, Keating, or whoever you think of. 
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
If you are going to finish off a no-hitter, you may as well do so in style. With Enyel De Los Santos‘ stint being among the quickest in history, Balboni is left carrying the torch for the deadline deal with the Padres (for Brandon Lockridge).

Tampa (48-66)

Their game against Ft. Myers was canceled due to inclement weather. It won’t be made up.

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over. The Bombers had a good season but it wasn’t enough to make the playoffs.

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.