Yankees MILB 5/28: Carlos Lagrange’s Big Effort

Notes:

Early-season standout Griffin Herring was promoted from Tampa to Hudson Valley.

The Yankees went heavy on SEC pitchers in the 2024 draft, and the left-handed Herring was no exception. Out of LSU, the Yankees drafted him in the 6th round and signed him to an overslot bonus (as a draft-eligible sophomore, he had leverage). He was an instant sensation for Tampa, pitching to a 0.39 ERA in his four April starts.

While no pitcher at any level can keep up that pace forever, Herring came close. In eight starts, he went 4-1 with a 1.21 ERA (2.87 FIP) over 44.2 innings with a 33.3% K and 9.2% BB. The K rate matches what he did for LSU in 2024. As you may suspect from a pitcher with his numbers, there is some luck involved. He owned a whopping 89% strand rate.

At any rate, he joins fellow 2024 SEC draftees Bryce Cunningham (Vanderbilt) and Ben Hess (Alabama) in the Hudson Valley rotation. The rotation also includes Carlos Lagrange, Kyle CarrJosh Grosz, and Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz. Amongst this group, only Grosz (who has talent) isn’t on the MLB Pipeline Top 30 Yankees Prospects list.

No, I don’t expect them to go with a 7-man rotation. They will either do some piggybacking, or someone is on their way to Somerset.

Injury Log


Scranton (23-27) (Lost to Worcester, 5-4)

3B Jesus Rodriguez0-for-4, SF, RBI
Is he receiving more time at 3B?  Four of his last six games have been at third base, including back-to-back games. Before this stretch, he caught three straight games. The not-so-fulfilling answer is that I don’t know, but one thing is showing up this year: They haven’t asked him to play 1B/2B/OF at all (second base was never likely to happen, and he doesn’t really *need* to play first base regularly). I think they want him to get comfortable at third base while showing other organizations what he can do behind the plate. 
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, 2 BB
.297/.392/.493 in 176 PA. Rumfield is 23-for-61 (.377) with four doubles and a pair of homers in May. He will likely go down the path of Dermis Garcia, Andres Chaparroand Eric Wagaman – eventually making MLB on squads that can afford them the opportunity. 
DH Everson Pereira1-for-5, 2 RBI
The long May layoff interrupted what was a good month (.255/.406/.617 with a double and 6 home runs).
RF Bryan De La Cruz0-for-3, 2 BB, 2 K
LF Jose Rojas0-for-5, K
C Ronaldo Hernandez2-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
This is Hernandez’s first game since May 7th. If you want to get on the “Rodriguez is playing more 3B!” train, perhaps adding Hernandez back to the roster is a sign for you (the other catcher is Alex Jackson). 
CF Ismael Munguia0-for-3, R, HBP
SS Andrew Velazquez0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
2B Jake Gatewood0-for-1, R, HBP, 2 BB, K

LHP Brandon Leibrandt4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Scott Effross1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Effross has a 27.00 ERA for Scranton (2 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 3 K).
RHP Geoff Hartlieb2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.57 ERA (21 IP, 23 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 22 K). It may be hard to remember that Hartlieb was amongst the final spring training cuts.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (L, 1-2)  1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR


Somerset (22-24) (Lost to Akron, 1-0. The Patriots have scored one run in their last two games.

SS George Lombard Jr.1-for-5, 2 K
When the leadoff hitter gets five plate appearances in a shutout loss, you know there was some annoyance. In this case, Somerset left ten runners on base and went 1-for-12 with RISP. As for Lombard Jr., I know we have been waiting for the power to show up, and it hasn’t. Patience.  He went on an extra-base hit splurge just before his promotion here.
DH Rafael Flores0-for-3, BB, 3 K
Flores is having a strong season (.300/.355/.533), but it is reasonable to worry about those darn strikeouts (28.9%). You can live with that if a player mashes, but it could limit his upside. By the way, watching the Yankees-Angels last night gave me an interesting comparison: Logan O’Hoppe
RF Garrett Martin0-for-2, HBP, BB
2B Dylan Jasso1-for-4, 2 K
.286/.339/.497 in 174 PA. 
LF Cole Gabrielson2-for-3, SB (10), BB, K
Gabrielson can take walks (.351 career OBP) and steal bases (28-for-35 in 138 career games) but the rest of the tools haven’t shown up (.225/.351/.335 career triple slash).
CF Grant Richardson0-for-3, BB, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-4, K
3B Alexander Vargas1-for-2, SB (9), HBP, K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-3, K

RHP Trent Sellers3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
His stay on the inactive list was a short one. Season: 3.19 ERA (36.2 IP, 20 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 16 BB, 47 K)
RHP Danny Watson: (L, 1-2)  1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.55 ERA (17.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 24 K). Cohen has been steady since entering the organization in 2023, compiling a 2.79 ERA over 96.2 IP with only 66 hits allowed and a 120/44 K/BB.
RHP Luis Pacheco1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Indigo Diaz1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kelly Austin1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.80 ERA (15 IP, 11 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 16 K). He needed a boost to the strikeout rate, and today provided that!


Hudson Valley (30-16) (Defeated Wilmington, 7-1. I love baseball – Somerset turned over the lineup for a fifth time while being shut out. Hudson Valley? Three of their hitters didn’t get to the plate four times in a 7-run effort!)

DH Roc Riggio0-for-3, CS (4), BB, 2 K
.246/.434/.614 in 76 PA. He came out of his rehab stint smoking but has settled down (0-for-10 in his last three games). He is 2-for-6 stealing bases after going 27-for-33 in 2024.
CF Jace Avina3-for-4, 2 2B (11), HR (4), 2 RBI, 3 R, K
.296/.418/.480 in 158 PA (11 doubles, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 26 R, 14.6% BB, 25.3% K). This is his 4th 3-hit effort this season (the other three were in consecutive games from 4/26 – 4/29).
RF Coby Morales2-for-4, RBI, SB (8), 2 K
1B Parks Harber0-for-4, K
Since promotion: .333/.389/.540 in 95 PA. He has been feast-or-famine lately (in his last 9 games, he has two 4-hit efforts, one 3-hit effort, one 1-hit effort, and five no-hit efforts)
C Omar Martinez0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Jose Colmenares1-for-4, HR (3), RBI, 2 R
3B Josh Moylan1-for-3, 2B (9), RBI
LF Luis Durango1-for-3, R, K
Durango is 5-for-13 since returning from his rehab stint (3-for-3 SB)
2B Duncan Pastore1-for-3, RBI, R, K

RHP Carlos Lagrange (W, 4-2): 6.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, HR
4.10 ERA (41.2 IP, 31 H, 20 R, 19 ER, 4 HR, 12 BB, 64 K). Other than the hiccup (4 BB in 3.2 innings) in his last start, Lagrange continues to show tremendous growth in that department. 
RHP Chris Kean1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.26 ERA (19.1 IP, 18 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 18 K)
RHP Tony Rossi1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 9 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 10 K. Overall: 16.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 22 K


Tampa (24-21) (Tried to play a doubleheader, but rain got in the way. Game 1 was suspended. Game 2 was canceled and will not be made up)

Game 1 (Lead, 2-0, in the 5th inning)

SS Roderick Arias0-for-1, BB
CF Cam Eden1-for-2
His rehab was moved to Tampa.
DH Edgleen Perez0-for-1, BB, K
C Engelth Urena0-for-2
RF Dillon Lewis0-for-2, K
3B Juan Matheus1-for-2, R, K
LF Tyler Wilson0-for-2, K
2B Austin Green1-for-2, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, K
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-2

RHP Carson Coleman1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Coleman’s rehab was moved here from the FCL.
RHP Andrew Landry3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K


FCL (8-10)

Day off.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/17: Roc Riggio Homers Twice

Notes:

The rumblings about Jesus Rodriguez are starting. I get it – the Yankees have an issue with offense at third base, and Rodriguez can further help balance the lineup.

But is he a third baseman?  The Yankees have tried various positions with him. A natural catcher, he also has experience at 1B/2B (limited)/3B/LF. MLB Pipeline’s write-up on his defense was rather…scary? Pipeline, however, isn’t the only source for your prospect needs. Fangraphs was more flattering, even talking him up as potentially above-average at the hot corner.

I have been bullish on his offense for several years now. He crushed the Complex League in 2022 (which should always come with hesitation) before his promotion to Low-A in 2023.  While with the Tampa Tarpons, he showed his FCL game was no fluke, as he hit .297/.378/.426, earning a promotion to High-A after 84 games. All he did in Hudson Valley the rest of that season was hit .356/.464/.533 in 25 games. His 2024 season was similarly exciting, though he ran into trouble after his promotion to Somerset. That trouble continued into 2025, and his current Double-A triple slash is .196/.250/.339 in 30 games. When Alex Jackson was injured earlier this season, the Yankees moved Rodriguez to Scranton, where he started flourishing again. His issues in Double-A may be sample-size related. His BABIP there is only .207.  You want a prospect to conquer Double-A. It’s Prospect Following 101. He didn’t, but it’s hard to argue against his success.

Rodriguez isn’t your traditional corner power hitter, but we need to look at what he is up against: Strong defender Oswald Peraza, who the organization hasn’t shown much faith in; Jorbit Vivas, who isn’t seen as much of a defender at third base and has struggled to hit; Pablo Reyes, who Rodriguez could replace right now and nobody would flinch; DJ LeMahieu, who I think the Yankees want to play mostly at second base until Jazz Chisholm Jr. returns. The Yankees wouldn’t ask him to take over for current MLB All-Stars. We are talking about being better than replacement level.

Would I do it? It’s tempting. Even if you are skeptical about his profile, you can ride a hot streak for a while. Or, maybe your skepticism is misguided, and his bat will play just fine in MLB. Most of the hesitation comes from an aggressive approach and the questions about whether he can hit velocity. The problem with the latter is that he hasn’t faced enough velocity to draw any conclusions.

What is working against this possibility? The Yankees aren’t playing him every day at third base in the minors. If the plan was for Rodriguez to play third, that would be his position nearly every night. He has played third base in only nine of his 33 games between Somerset and Scranton.

Injury Log


Scranton (21-21) (Defeated Toledo, 7-2)

C Jesus Rodriguez2-for-5, 3B (2), R, CS (2), 2 K
Rodriguez owns a 9-game hitting streak that includes five multi-hit games (four consecutive). He is hitting .385/.479/.510 in 117 PA. Fire is too soft a word to use.
LF Dominic Smith2-for-4, RBI, 2 R
A veteran like Smith is not only auditioning for the Yankees, as veterans can easily ask out of their minor league deals (or, like with Luis Torrens last year, can be traded in small deals). Smith is 16-for-42 (.381) with four homers and 16 RBI in May.
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, R, HBP, K
RF Everson Pereira0-for-4, 3 K
DH Cooper Hummel1-for-2, 2B (1), SF, RBI, BB
3B Jose Rojas1-for-3, HR (8, grand slam), 4 RBI, BB, K
Rojas has three grand slams this month (5/1, 5/7, 5/17). He has 8 HR and 34 RBI in 36 games. If only he weren’t a 32-year-old journeyman.
2B Braden Shewmake1-for-3, R, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-4, 2 K
CF Ismael Munguia1-for-4, 3B (1), RBI
A fun story in spring training, Munguia is hitting only .219/.321/.328 in 164 PA. He is 8-for-10 stealing bases.

RHP Anthony DeSclafani4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
He touched 95.3 MPH with his sinker, which likely has Matt Blake drooling.
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Headrick, a victim of the numbers game earlier this season, reached 97.1 MPH with his fastball today.
RHP Allan Winans: (W, 2-0) 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
0.00 ERA (23 IP, 16 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 31 K). They used him in a piggyback role today, which doesn’t bother me. His season has been impressive.


Somerset (17-20) (Defeated Portland, 11-5)

3B George Lombard Jr.1-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 R, BB
Lombard Jr. plays third base for the second day in a row (hadn’t played the position before that since his promotion). For Somerset: 6-for-31 (3 RBI, 7 R, 3-for-3 SB, 9 BB, 8 K). Overall, he is at .292/.461/.407 in 152 PA with more walks (32) than strikeouts (30). He is 14-for-16 stealing bases.
C Rafael Flores: 3-for-5, HR (8), 3 RBI, 3 R
Flores has homered in back-to-back games and is surging. His triple slash is .303/.350/.538 in 145 PA (10 doubles, 8 HR, 29 RBI, 19 R, 6.4% BB, 29.9% K). He has three 3-hit games in May. By the way, his 8 HR are tied for second in the Eastern League. Spencer Jones (who has missed several games now) still leads with 9.
CF Garrett Martin: 3-for-5, 2B (7), 3 RBI, R
.222/.336/.398 in 128 PA. He isn’t striking out much (20.3%). I don’t have info on his quality of contact, though.
2B Dylan Jasso3-for-5, 3 RBI
.284/.338/.507 (7 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 20 R).  Last 9 games: 13-for-36 (.361; 2 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI). 
LF Coby Morales0-for-5
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, R, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-2, 2B (7), R, 2 SB (7), CS (4), 2 BB
.250/.333/.402 in 105 PA. Vargas is having a strong May (.282/.378/.513).
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (3), BB
DH Antonio Gomez0-for-3, BB, 3 K
He left the game after an “injury delay.” That is not encouraging.
  PR-DH Grant Richardson0-for-0, R

RHP Trent Sellers5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 2 HR
Sellers was cruising until he allowed a 2-run HR with two outs in the 6th. The 6th inning remains his “blocker” as he has yet to complete six full innings during his career. Season: 3.48 ERA (33.2 IP, 19 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 14 BB, 44 K)
RHP Danny Watson0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
A tough outing for Effross, who has struggled to get back to MLB.
RHP Luis Pacheco1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.11 ERA (15.1 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 20 K)
RHP Kelly Austin1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.54 ERA (11.2 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 3 BB, 11 K)


Hudson Valley (25-12) (Outlasted Aberdeen, 10-7)

LF Brendan Jones1-for-4, 2 RBI, SB (16), BB
.229/.338/.366 in 157 PA. 
2B Roc Riggio2-for-5, 2 HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 R
Riggio’s first career multi-HR game. He is 8-for-34 (.235) since returning from his rehab stint (2 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI)
DH Parks Harber: 4-for-5, 3B (1), HR (3), 3 RBI, 2 R
Harber’s first career 4-hit effort.  Since promotion: .362/.413/.603 in 63 PA (3 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 12 R). Overall, Harber is hitting .331/.418/.575 in 146 PA (7 doubles, 3 triples, 6 HR, 26 RBI). Yes, he may move two levels this season and get to Somerset.
RF Jace Avina0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
  RF Luis Durango0-for-1, SB (1)
Durango was 21-for-22 in the stolen base department in 2024.
CF Jackson Castillo2-for-5, R, K
C Omar Martinez0-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-2, 3 R, SB (4), HBP, BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-2, 2B (7), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-3, BB, 2 K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz4.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
He didn’t have it today, but his teammates bailed him out. Season: 3.22 ERA (36.1 IP, 22 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 0 HR, 17 BB, 43 K). Rodriguez-Cruz has allowed only 9 HR in 219.2 career innings.
RHP Sebastian Keane: (W, 3-0)  1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.80 ERA (10 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 10 K)
RHP Hayden Merda2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
3.78 ERA (16.2 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 22 K). As a starter in 2023 (he missed 2024 due to injury), he allowed ten homers in 95.2 innings.
RHP Bryce Warrecker (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Warrecker’s first career save. His dominant season continues: 0.53 ERA (17 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 23 K)


Tampa (18-20) (Lost to Palm Beach, 5-4)

DH Edgleen Perez1-for-4, BB, 2 K
Perez is 15-for-53 (.283) in May after going 10-for-56 (.179/.373/.196) in April. I’ve said it multiple times: The only thing missing is power. That isn’t concerning as he is 18 years old. You hope he grows into some pop.
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, BB
RF Dillon Lewis1-for-5, R, SB (8), 2 K
SS Juan Matheus1-for-4, R, SB (10), 2 K
Matheus is 13-for-22 (.591) during his 6-game hitting streak. He is an under-the-radar switch-hitting middle infielder prospect.
LF Tyler Wilson1-for-4, R, K
2B Hans Montero2-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI
Sneakily, Montero is up to .278 with a .846 OPS. He is 12-for-33 (.364) in May with four doubles and two home runs.
3B Owen Cobb1-for-4, 2B (6), RBI
Cobb has 11 extra-base hits (6 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR) in 13 games.
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, 2B (6), R, K
Toole is 7-for-19 (.368) during his 6-game hitting streak. He has four doubles and a triple during the streak. 
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-4, K

RHP Greysen Carter: (L, 1-3)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 6 BB, 1 K
Carter is why the Development List exists. I advocate for continuing to throw kids out there to learn, but he is lost (6.75 ERA in 24 IP with a 25/27 K/BB)
RHP Brandon Decker2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.59 ERA (17 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 20 K)
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
This line defines Sandridge’s career. Looking at the data, Sandridge peaked at 95.8 MPH (averaged 94.2) and generated four whiffs (on 11 pitches) with his slider. The Yankees are trying to unlock the 26-year-old who allows few hits, walks half the ballpark, and strikes out the other half.
RHP Chris Veach1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
1.80 ERA (15 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 26 K). I know Savant isn’t always perfect, but Veach used six different pitches to earn four outs (change, curve, sinker, 4-seamer, cutter, slider). You may ask if Veach was a starter in college. The answer is no, as none of his 57 college appearances (mostly with South Carolina) were starts.
RHP Cade Austin1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Brady Kirtner1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K


FCL (5-6) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 5-1. The Yankees compiled only two hits)

CF Brando Mayea1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, R, 2 K
It’s not so bad when one of those hits is a home run by their best prospect at the level. I don’t love the strikeouts for a big prospect repeating the level (27.7%), but his start remains encouraging (.293/.370/.512).
RF Brennen Davis1-for-3, K

RHP Jose Rodriguez (L, 0-1): 2.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Jose Martinez1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Martinez’s 2025 debut. The Yankees grabbed him after the Red Sox released him in February. Not that DSL numbers tell a full story, but Martinez put together a 45/9 K/BB over 41.1 IP (3.48 ERA) for Boston’s DSL squad last year.
RHP Mariano Salomon2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Franyer Herrera0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Jose Ledesma0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Ledesma’s 2025 debut. Last season, the 22-year-old pitched to a 1.25 ERA in 21.2 IP with a 28/14 K/BB in the DSL.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/10: Everson Pereira is Scorching

Notes:

I have nothing to offer you.

Injury Log


Scranton (18-18) (Split a doubleheader against Rochester)

Game 1 (Won, 7-6, in 8 innings)

DH Cooper Hummel1-for-4
The veteran was activated off the injured list today.
  PR-DH Andrew Velazquez0-for-0
CF Everson Pereira1-for-3, 2 R, BB
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-3, R, HBP, K
  PR Ismael Munguia0-for-0, R
3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-3, RBI, R, BB
LF Dominic Smith1-for-3, HR (3, grand slam), 4 RBI, R, BB
RF Bryan De La Cruz0-for-3, BB, 2 K
DH Alex Jackson0-for-4, RBI, 2 K
.311/.436/.600 in 55 PA (3 HR, 13 RBI). It is a good idea to keep an eye on the #3 catcher on the depth chart.
SS Braden Shewmake0-for-3, 2 K
2B Jake Gatewood1-for-3, 2B (1), R

RHP Zach McAllister3 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
The tough start to his 2025 campaign continues.
RHP Eric Reyzelman1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
2.45 ERA (14.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 17 K). Solid ERA, but the walks are worrisome. I don’t care if a dominant reliever walks some hitters (Dellin Betances, for example). But you better be dominant if you are going to carry a high BB rate.
RHP Clayton Beeter1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
23 pitches/13 strikes. Beeter has options, so the Yankees can option him to this level when his rehab is complete (if they don’t have a slot for him in MLB).
RHP Geoff Hartlieb1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.21 ERA (14 IP, 15 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 4 BB, 14 K)
RHP Wilking Rodriguez (W, 1-0): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Lost, 5-4)

DH Everson Pereira1-for-2, HR (8), RBI, 3 R, 2 BB, K
.301/.385/.602 in 96 PA. Pereira is on a 7-game hitting streak (10-for-23 with five home runs). When Pereira hits a hot streak, they tend to be crazy.
2B DJ LeMahieu2-for-4, K
The rumors are out there that LeMahieu will be back in time for the Mariners’ series. As the likely everyday Yankees’ 2B, this scares me considerably. But what can you do?
1B T.J. Rumfield2-for-3, HR (5), SF, 2 RBI, R, SB (2)
.295/.396/.509 in 134 PA (9 doubles, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 25 R, 11.9% BB, 19.4% K). The Yankees haven’t used him and he slipped through the Rule 5. That is telling, but I bet he gets an opportunity somewhere. After all, eventually Andres Chaparro and Eric Wagaman received opportunities.
C Jesus Rodriguez2-for-4, RBI
Rodriguez is hitting .357/.472/.443 in 89 PA since his promotion. Can a player outplay their scouting report? The answer is yes. I just can’t ignore someone who continues to hit like Rodriguez does.
LF Jose Rojas1-for-4, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz0-for-4
3B Jake Gatewood1-for-3, K
CF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, K
SS Andrew Velazquez0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Erick Leal (L, 1-4):  5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
RHP Kervin Castro1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
0.98 ERA (18.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 22 K). He is pitching well, though he isn’t overpowering (averaged 92.3 MPH with his 4-seamer today). 
RHP Colten Brewer1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K


Somerset (14-18) (Shut down Akron, 5-0)

SS George Lombard Jr.1-for-3, RBI, SB (2), BB
4-for-18 since promotion (2 RBI, 3 R, 2-for-2 SB, 3 BB, 3 K). He still needs to fill the extra-base hit column, but he is not showing signs of being overwhelmed here. His overall triple slash sits at .310/.470/.440 in 132 PA with more walks (26) than strikeouts (25).
DH Rafael Flores1-for-4, RBI
CF Garrett Martin:  1-for-4, R, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RBI, R, 2 K
.270/.328/.470 in 125 PA. He has three multi-hit efforts in his last six games.
CF Grant Richardson1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, K
Richardson is bouncing back and forth between Somerset and Scranton. He has three HR between the two levels.
3B Alexander Vargas0-for-3, BB
RF Jared Wegner0-for-4, R, K
LF Tyler Hardman1-for-5, 2 K
2B Max Burt1-for-4, R, K
C Antonio Gomez1-for-3, SAC, SB (1), K

RHP Trent Sellers (W, 1-1): 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
3.21 ERA (28 IP, 15 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 37 K). He isn’t talked about often, but is it time to count him amongst the Yankees’ pitching depth? The 25-year-old has pitched well since being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
RHP Scott Effross1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Like Beeter, Effross has minor league options.
RHP Mason Vinyard1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
After initially struggling here, Vinyard has back-to-back scoreless appearances. It’s a start.
RHP Danny Watson1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Hudson Valley (22-9) (Defeated Wilmington, 5-2, in ten innings)

RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, R, BB, K
Jones has a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-24)
2B Roc Riggio1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, 2 R, BB
1B Parks Harber2-for-4, 2B (3), 3 RBI, BB
The raking continues for Harber, who is 15-for-44 (.341/.396/.477) since his promotion and .319/.412/.522 in 131 PA overall. He has three consecutive 2-hit efforts (four in his last five games)
LF Coby Morales3-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, CS (2), K
.242/.342/.421 in 111 PA.
CF Jackson Castillo0-for-5
DH Omar Martinez0-for-3, CS (2), 2 BB, K
The 9-game hitting streak is over, but he draws a pair of walks to increase the on-base streak to ten.
3B Jose Colmenares1-for-4, SB (2)
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-3, 3B (1), BB
C Tomas Frick0-for-3, 2 R, HBP, K

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz4 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
1.97 ERA (32 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 41 K). He needed 89 pitches to get 12 outs today, but damage was limited. 
RHP Tyrone Yulie1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Sebastian Keane0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Bryce Warrecker2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
0.66 ERA (13.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 20 K). The 6’8″ Warrecker is a beast out of the bullpen. Will they ask him to start again, or let him stay in this role?
RHP Matt Keating (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2.79 ERA (9.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 7 K)


Tampa (14-18) (Defeated Daytona, 10-7, in 10 innings)

DH Edgleen Perez1-for-4, 2B (3), R, 2 BB
Perez is 9-for-35 (.257) with a pair of doubles, five runs, and six walks in May.
CF Brian Sanchez: 3-for-5, 2B (10), 4 RBI, 2 SB (8), BB
Sanchez hit a big 3-run double in the 10th. His ten doubles are tops in the Florida State League, and he has four straight multi-hit games (9-for-18 – 1 double, 2 triples, 10 RBI, 4 R, 3 BB, 1 K, 3 SB). Sanchez has been a fun surprise since the Yankees acquired him.
C Engelth Urena0-for-5, 2 K
SS Juan Matheus0-for-5, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson0-for-4, SB (9), BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez2-for-4, 3B (1), R, BB
RF Marshall Toole0-for-4, RBI, R, BB, K
2B Hans Montero2-for-3, 2B (2), 3 R, SB (5), 2 BB
3B Owen Cobb2-for-4, 2B (5), HR (2), SF, 4 RBI, 2 R, K
Cobb maintains his .500 pace (11-for-22, 5 doubles, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 13 R, 5-for-6 SB, 5 BB, 4 K). That is an insane start to anyone’s season.

RHP Greysen Carter2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 R, 4 BB, 2 K
The only way he will learn is by throwing him out there.
RHP Cole Zaffiro2.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Sean Hermann2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.25 ERA (16 IP, 10 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 16 BB, 17 K)
RHP Jackson Fristoe: (W, 2-1)  3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
6.38 ERA (18.1 IP, 24 H, 17 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 10 BB, 15 K)


FCL (4-2) (Defeated the Blue Jays, 4-3, walk-off style. What kind of walk-off?  How about a walk-off steal of home? Oh, how I love the rookie leagues!)

CF Brando Mayea2-for-2, R, SB (3), BB
Mayea is 7-for-22 (.318) and has hit safely in five straight games. Encouraging.
LF Isael Arias2-for-4, 2B (3), 2 R, SB (3), K
Arias stole home to win the game. It was a straight steal.
RF Brennen Davis2-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, BB
The rehabbing Davis hits his first HR as a member of the Yankees’ organization.
1B John Cristino1-for-2, BB, K
The 25-year-old out of Towson makes his professional debut. The Yankees signed him in March. He is a local kid out of Voorhees, NJ.

RHP Jose M. Rodriguez: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
The 21-year-old pitched in six games for the DSL in 2024, and it wasn’t pretty. It’s a new year!
RHP Josh Tiedemann1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
The 13th round pick in 2023 (High School) in 20 years old. He has only 5.2 innings of professional experience.
RHP Alexis Paulino2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
4 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 5/3: George Lombard Jr. is Scorching

Notes:

Will the Yankees dodge a bullet with Clarke Schmidt? “Soreness in the side” is scary, but I hope so.

The Yankees lack rotation depth. This should not come as a surprise to people who read these reports. The Triple-A rotation consists of prospects Zach Messinger and Sean Boyle, along with veterans Allan Winans, Brandon Leibrandt, Erick Lealand Jake Woodford.

Winans is on the 40-man roster and would seemingly have a leg up. In 2025, the right-hander has a whopping strikeout rate of 42.9%. Even though it’s Triple-A, it’s considerably higher than any previous season at any level. He has yet to allow an earned run in 14 innings.

Fangraphs labeled Messinger as a “depth starter” in its annual prospects report. He has an innings-eater profile, including 150 for Somerset in 2024 (6th most in minor league baseball). He hasn’t pitched well for Scranton thus far (6.48 ERA/5.18 FIP in 25 innings). Boyle has tossed three strong starts and three less-than-ideal starts. Woodford has 89 games (25 starts) of MLB experience, posting a 4.88 ERA (4.94 FIP) and 15.2% K rate.

If I don’t sound enthusiastic, that is a good observation. Their 6th starter depth is not ideal. Hence, it is imperative that Schmidt feels better when he wakes up on Sunday.

LHP Edgar Barclay was placed on the injured list for Somerset.

Injury Log


Scranton (15-16) (Lost to Syracuse, 8-2)

CF Ismael Munguia0-for-5
LF Everson Pereira1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, R, K
Pereira has three home runs in his last two games (5 HR in his last 8 games)
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-4, 2 K
C Jesus Rodriguez1-for-3, BB
Rodriguez has an 8-game hitting streak (15-for-31).  Since his promotion, he has more walks (13) than strikeouts (10).
DH Dominic Smith1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, R, BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz1-for-4, 2 K
His first hit as a member of the Yankees’ organization.
3B Jose Rojas1-for-4
2B Jake Gatewood0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-3, BB, K

RHP Erick Leal (L, 1-3): 0.2 IP, 3 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 1 K, 2 HR
RHP Leonardo Pestana2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
3.95 ERA (13.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 HR, 10 BB, 18 K). He did a nice job settling the game down.
RHP Eric Reyzelman2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.63 ERA (13.2 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 16 K). This is his longest career outing.
RHP Yerry De Los Santos1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Wilking Rodriguez1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
1.50 ERA (12 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 18 K)
LHP Grant Richardson0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The outfielder makes his first career pitching appearance.


Somerset (11-15) (Lost to Richmond, 4-1)

3B Dylan Jasso0-for-3, CS (2), BB, 2 K
LF Spencer Jones0-for-3, 3 K
.228/.372/.554 in 113 PA (3 doubles, 9 HR, 16 RBI, 20 R, 6-for-7 SB, 17.7% BB, 36.3% K).  Even if Jones is a viable MLB player, games like tonight will be relatively common.  You take the good with the bad.
DH Rafael Flores0-for-3, K
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-3, K
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-3, 2 K
CF Cole Gabrielson0-for-3, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin0-for-3
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-3, 2B (6), R
Vargas breaks up the no-hitter with one out in the 9th.  He is hitting .270/.338/.397 in 71 PA.
C Antonio Gomez0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB
Gomez’s first Double-A RBI.

RHP Trent Sellers (L, 0-1): 4.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, HR
3.91 ERA (23 IP, 14 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 11 BB, 31 K). The undrafted free agent out of Oregon State (2023) has pitched well enough to get on the radar. 
RHP Indigo Diaz1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Luis Pacheco2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K


Hudson Valley (18-8) (Walked it off against Jersey Shore, 5-4)

RF Jace Avina2-for-3, 2 2B (6), 2 R, HBP, BB, K
.329/.467/.439 in 105 PA (6 doubles, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 18 R, 2-for-3 SB, 16.2% BB, 23.8% K). Avina has reached base safely in 24 of 25 games this season. He was ejected after his first AB in the only game where he hasn’t reached base.
SS George Lombard Jr.3-for-5, 2 2B (8), 2 RBI, 2 R
.329/.495/.488 in 111 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 22 R, 11-for-13 SB, 20.7% BB, 19.8% K). Lombard Jr. has six doubles in his last seven games and is starting to make his case for a promotion. No, I am not there yet. However, last I checked, my vote doesn’t count.
CF Jackson Castillo0-for-4, BB
3B Parks Harber1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, K
1B Coby Morales2-for-5, 2B (2), RBI, R, K
Morales’ double with one out in the 9th tied the game (brought home Lombard Jr.)
DH Omar Martinez1-for-4, 2B (4), BB
Martinez has a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-18).
1B Josh Moylan0-for-4, BB, 4 K
2B Brenny Escanio2-for-4, RBI, CI, K
Escanio with the walk-off single with one out in the 9th.
C Tomas Frick1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Bryce Cunningham6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
2.10 ERA (30 IP, 23 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 34 K). Cunningham is cruising, as he hasn’t allowed an earned run (one unearned run) in his last three starts (19 IP). This is how you earn a spot in Double-A.
RHP Tony Rossi1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Between here and Tampa: 10.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 17 K. He’s 25, so moving him up another level could be in the cards soon.
RHP Chris Kean1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Sebastian Keane: (W, 2-0)  0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Tampa (10-16) (Destroyed Fort Myers, 12-5)

C Edgleen Perez1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
.179/.364/.194 in 88 PA. Perez owns a .409 career OBP with more walks (94) than strikeouts (88). It will be interesting to see how his career blossoms as he matures.
CF Brian Sanchez0-for-4, SB (5), 2 K
DH Engelth Urena1-for-4, 2 R, 2 K
.183/.337/.317 in 104 PA. 
LF Dillon Lewis3-for-4, 2 HR (3), 6 RBI, 3 R, BB
Lewis improves his triple slash from .159/.233/.244 to .186/.263/.337 in one day.  He sets personal bests for hits, homers, and RBI.
SS Juan Matheus1-for-5, 2 RBI, K
RF Tyler Wilson3-for-5, RBI, SB (7), K
.239/.343/.250 in 102 PA. 
1B Josue Gonzalez0-for-4, CS (1), K
2B Hans Montero2-for-3, 2B (1), 3 R, SB (3), BB, K
.229/.327/.313 in 55 PA.
3B Owen Cobb2-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 2 R, BB
Cobb’s first professional home run (21st game)!  Congrats!

RHP Greysen Carter (W, 1-2): 5 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 2 K
“Somebody teach this kid some control before he kills somebody!” Carter is a fun project for someone whose job it is to work with projects. We are just along for the ride.
RHP Jackson Fristoe2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Brady Kirtner2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
1.69 ERA (16 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 14 K)


FCL (0-1) (Lost to the Tigers, 3-1. Another “modern” aspect of the FCL is that the Yankees will play the same teams constantly. Tigers, Phillies, Blue Jays. They play in a 4-team division. It’s essentially a drawn-out round robin.)

It’s Opening Day so I will give you the full lineup:

CF Brando Mayea0-for-3, CS (1), BB, 3 K
Mayea was their buzzy millionaire signing a few years back. The 19-year-old showed discipline last year (.281/.370/.326), but no power (2 doubles, 2 triples). He is repeating this level, which I don’t like to see. You don’t give out big bonuses, hoping the player will languish in mid-season leagues for several years. Hopefully, he will break out and get to Low-A later.
2B Roc Riggio1-for-2, RBI
First rehab game for Riggio, who hit .221/.349/.397 in 480 plate appearances for Hudson Valley in 2024.
  2B Luis Escudero0-for-1, SB (1), BB
LF Luis Durango0-for-3, CS (1), 2 K
First rehab game for Durango. As stated yesterday, the Yankees chose him in the Triple-A phase of the 2024 Rule 5 draft (from Cleveland).
   LF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-0, BB
Known for elite speed, Lara showed offensive chops in his 2023 debut season in the DSL (.267/.401/.411 with 18 stolen bases). However, he flattened out at this level in 2024 (.202/.322/.250; 14 stolen bases). That said, he only struck out 13% of the time and had a crazy low BABIP for someone with his speed reputation (.231). I am watching him for a breakout.
C Manuel Palencia0-for-4
The 22-year-old may be an organizational floater. I keep rooting for him to put one over the fence (0 HR in 134 career games).
RF Isael Arias0-for-2, SB (1), 2 BB
In his 2024 debut campaign in the DSL, he hit .246/.379/.325 with a 10-for-11 stolen base rate.
DH Ediel Rivera1-for-3, BB
“Who is this guy?” There are always a few in the crowd whom I don’t recognize. However, there is a good reason for that: This is the 19-year-old’s professional debut. The Yankees signed him out of Puerto Rico last July. He is listed as a catcher.
1B Luis Puello0-for-4, 3 K
The 19-year-old spent his first two professional seasons in the DSL. He didn’t fare well in 2023 but bounced back to hit .361/.439/.516 in 37 games last year.
3B Santiago Gomez1-for-4, R, SB (1), 2 K
Gomez is 21 and spending his 4th season in the DSL/FCL. He has significant time at 2B/SS/3B.
SS Kevin Verde0-for-3, BB
The 19-year-old’s FCL debut. He didn’t do much hitting in the DSL.

RHP Trystan Vrieling3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
First rehab start. The Yankees threw him into the Double-A fire in his 2024 debut season. He responded by going 13-7 with a 4.58 ERA in 147.1 IP. He finished strongly (1.57 ERA in August, 3.12 ERA in September).  I assume he will be back in Somerset once his rehab is complete.
RHP Sunayro Martina (L, 0-1): 3.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Martina struggled in 19 innings here last year (8.53 ERA), though he did strike out 23 batters.
RHP Stanly Alcantara2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
FCL debut. He will want to forget his 2024 season (34 walks in 18.2 innings).


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/27: Rafael Flores Doubles, Homers

Notes:

OF Everson Pereira is listed as active but hasn’t played since April 19th. Injuries are a part of Pereira’s story. He has never played in more than 102 games. His second-highest total is 82. You have to be available to be useful.

George Lombard Jr. and Roderick Arias left their games early yesterday. Lombard Jr. was back in the lineup today while Arias was not. Hudson Valley pulled Lombard Jr. during a blowout, so there was nothing to worry about.

The Yankees have released RHP Alex Bustamante. The 24-year-old was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2022.

Injury Log


Scranton (12-13) (Lost to Charlotte, 13-12, in 12 innings)

CF Ismael Munguia0-for-4, RBI, 3 R, SB (6), HBP, 2 BB
11.4% BB, 7.0% K. He is doing what you want a leadoff hitter to do.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-6, RBI, R, BB, 2 K
Vivas is hitting .322 with a .878 OPS (5 doubles, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 14 R; 13.9% BB, 6.5% K)
DH-C Jesus Rodriguez1-for-4, HR (1), SF, 4 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
Rodriguez swats his first Triple-A homer. He is hitting .325 with a .913 OPS since his promotion. This ties his personal best for RBI in a game.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, 2B (7), 3 RBI, R, SB (1), HBP, 2 BB, K
Hopefully, this is the start of a hot streak.
LF Dominic Smith1-for-7, RBI, 3 K
RF Jose Rojas: 1-for-5, 2B (7), 2 R, SB (1), 2 BB, 2 K
C Ronaldo Hernandez1-for-5, R, BB, K
   PR-P Edinson Duran0-for-0
SS Jake Gatewood: 1-for-4, RBI, R, 2 BB
2B Andrew Velazquez2-for-6, R, SB (7), 3 K

RHP Jake Woodford4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3 K, HR
4.32 ERA (16.2 IP, 22 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 4 HR, 9 BB, 12 K). While not prospects, veterans in Triple-A are fighting for depth chart placement. You never know when an emergency will present itself in MLB. Woodford hasn’t pitched well in 2025.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (W, 2-1)  2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
4.76 ERA (11.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 HR, 8 BB, 16 K)
RHP McKinley Moore0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR
LHP Rob Zastryzny1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Wilking Rodriguez1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Kervin Castro2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
1.23 ERA (14.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 17 K). Nice start to the season for the 26-year-old with 20 games of MLB experience (Giants, Cubs).
RHP Edinson Duran: (L, 0-1):  1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
Duran’s second career pitching appearance (first was in 2022) 


Somerset (9-12) (Lost to Hartford, 13-5)

3B Dylan Jasso0-for-4, K
.258/.329/.485 in 73 PA
2B DJ LeMahieu1-for-2
LeMahieu plays in back-to-back games for the first time during his rehab stint.
   PH-2B Jose Colmenares0-for-2
CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, R, 2 K
.230/.360/.541 in 89 PA (2 doubles, 7 HR, 12 RBI, 15 R, 4-for-5 SB, 15.7% BB, 34.8% K). His .541 SLG ranks fifth in the Eastern League.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, 2B (6), HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 K
.266/.322/.494 in 87 PA (6 doubles, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 10 R, 8.0% BB, 33.3% K). Last season, he struck out 25.3% of the time. 33.3% is too high – I am not saying anything groundbreaking.
RF Garrett Martin1-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, R, K
Martin has homered in back-to-back games (3 HR in his last five games)
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-4, 2 K
The 26-year-old Hardman hasn’t been the same since his 2023 injury (26 HR in 77 games that year; 11 HR in 113 games since).
LF Jared Wegner1-for-3, R, K
DH Antonio Gomez0-for-3, K
Gomez is 2-for-25 since his promotion.
SS Max Burt1-for-2, 2B (3), SF, RBI, K

RHP Trent Sellers5.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
3.86 ERA (18.2 IP, 12 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 24 K). Sellers had a rough first start (3 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER) but has settled in since. He had an under-the-radar 2024 debut season, pitching to a 2.26 ERA in 83.1 IP with a 100/40 K/BB.
RHP Harrison Cohen0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 2 HR
LHP Ryan Anderson1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson0.1 IP, 2 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
RHP Cole Ayers0.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Watson dug the hole. Ayers lit it on fire, allowing three of Watson’s runs to score on a grand slam.


Hudson Valley (15-6) (Doubled up Asheville, 8-4. There is so much intriguing talent at this level. The next wave of Yankees prospects to watch closely.)

DH Brendan Jones1-for-4, SF, 2 RBI, R, CS (2), BB, K
.236/.349/.444 in 86 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 18 R, 11-for-13 SB, 12.8% BB, 22.1% K). 
SS George Lombard Jr.1-for-3, 2B (4), HBP, 2 BB, 2 K
.306/.494/.452 in 87 PA (4 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 16 R, 9-for-11 SB, 22.99% BB, 20.7% K). He has three doubles in his last five games, so the extra-base power is starting to show. The .494 OBP ranks second in the South Atlantic League.
LF Jackson Castillo1-for-5, RBI, K
.267/.375/.417 in 72 PA (6 doubles, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 6 R, 3-for-3 SB, 15.3% BB, 27.8% K)
CF Jace Avina: 3-for-4, 2B (3), RBI, R, BB
Avina has back-to-back 3-hit efforts and is 12-for-22 during his 6-game hitting streak. He is up to .313/.458/.406 in 83 PA (18.1% BB, 21.7% K). The .458 OBP ranks fifth in the South Atlantic League.
1B Coby Morales1-for-5, SB (5), K
3B Josh Moylan0-for-4, R, BB, 3 K
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-2, 3 R, 2 HBP, BB
Not the typical way to reach base four times, but he’ll take it.
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, RBI, R, BB, 3 K
2B Duncan Pastore3-for-5, 2 2B (2), 3 RBI, R, K
Pastore doesn’t play often but is 14-for-42 (.333) in 16 career games with a 5-for-5 stolen base rate. 

LHP Kyle Carr 4.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
2.16 ERA (16.2 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 16 K). He threw 69 pitches, so they aren’t yet pushing him (has yet to throw more than 4.2 innings this season).
RHP Chris Kean: (W, 2-0) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
8 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
RHP Matt Keating1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Huey Morrill0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Hayden Merda: (S, 1) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Merda’s first career save.


Tampa (8-13) (Lost to Dunedin, 8-5. Edgleen Perez remains out of the lineup but is not on the injured list. Yes, I am keeping this note here until his status changes!)

CF Dillon Lewis0-for-4, BB
Lewis is struggling to get on track (.171/.247/.257). The 21-year-old was their 13th-round pick in 2024.
C Engelth Urena1-for-3, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
.185/.341/.354 in 82 PA (2 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 11 R, 17.1% BB, 20.7% K). His start was slow (2-for-22)
DH Parks Harber1-for-3, R, SB (4), HBP, BB
Yes, Harber is too old for this level and will need to be moved up at some point. He played at major Division I schools, swatting 54 HR in 206 games for Georgia and North Carolina. This level of competition isn’t challenging him.
RF Tyler Wilson0-for-3, SB (6), 2 BB
2B Austin Green0-for-4, RBI, R, SB (3), BB, K
3B Hans Montero0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Juan Matheus0-for-4, K
LF Marshall Toole2-for-4, R, SB (4), K
Toole has three multi-hit efforts in his last five games. His triple slash has jumped from .208/.345/.208 to .286/.375/.310.
1B Josue Gonzalez2-for-4, RBI, R, 2 SB (4)
Gonzalez is having a tough start to 2025 (7-for-51). Today’s performance was needed.

RHP Gage Ziehl: (L, 0-2)  4 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Last year’s 4th-round pick had a solid debut (4.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K), but his last two starts haven’t been up to the standard. No need to be worried, as that’s baseball.
RHP Chris Veach2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
2.89 ERA (9.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 15 K)
RHP Jackson Fristoe1.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR
Fristoe is throwing hard (maxed out at 96.5), so the hope is that his early-season struggles are due to rust (he didn’t pitch after June 23rd last season due to injury).
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
1.64 ERA (11 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 6 BB, 9 K). Kirtner was drafted by the Mets in 2023, but decided to return to Virginia Tech. In 2024, he went undrafted and signed with the Yankees.


FCL (0-0)

Their season starts on May 3rd.


DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.

Yankees MILB 4/20: Spencer Jones Homers

Notes:

RHP Zach Greene, who was on the Development List, is no longer with the organization. The 28-year-old Greene was drafted by the Yankees in the 8th round in the 2019 draft (South Alabama). In December 2022, the Mets selected Greene in the Rule 5 draft. However, he was returned to the Yankees before the start of the 2023 campaign.

RHP Clayton Beeter is back. He began his rehab assignment in Low-A Tampa. Beeter is on the 15-day IL and has a pair of options left. Hence, when he is ready, the Yankees can option him to Scranton if need be.

Injury Log


Scranton (11-9) (Lost to Durham, 4-3)

CF Ismael Munguia2-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R, BB
Munguia’s first HR as a member of the Yankees’ organization (27th in 533 career games)
3B Jorbit Vivas1-for-3, SB (4), BB
C Jesus Rodriguez0-for-2, RBI, R, SB (3), 3 BB
Rodriguez’s third career 3 BB game.
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-5, 4 K
LF Dominic Smith1-for-5
2B Jose Rojas2-for-4
The 32-year-old plays almost everywhere, but this is his first game at 2B since 2022.
DH Ronaldo Hernandez0-for-3, 3 K
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-2, R, BB
RF Grant Richardson0-for-2, SAC, 2 K

RHP Erick Leal4 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, HR
4.66 ERA (19.1 IP, 20 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 24 K). 
RHP Kervin Castro1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Wilking Rodriguez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
6.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 7 K
LHP Tyler Matzek: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: (L, 1-1) 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR


Somerset (6-9) (Lost to Altoona, 9-3)

2B Dylan Jasso0-for-4
CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, R, 2 K
Jones leads the Eastern League with six home runs.
C Rafael Flores1-for-4, HR (3), RBI, R, K
Flores has 18 homers in 80 Double-A games.
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-4, 3 K
3B Jake Gatewood0-for-4
RF Cole Gabrielson1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R
Gabrielson’s first home run since August 30, 2023 (zero HR in 82 games last year)
LF Garrett Martin1-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-3
DH Antonio Gomez0-for-3, 2 K
Gomez is 2-for-15 with seven strikeouts since his promotion.

RHP Trent Sellers5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 7 K
4.15 ERA (13 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 17 K). Sellers has allowed four HR in 96.2 career innings (0.37 HR/9)
RHP Luis Pacheco0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
LHP Ryan Anderson (L, 0-1): 0.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Danny Watson0.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
A tough night for the middle of the bullpen.
RHP Colby White1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Hudson Valley (11-4) (Defeated Wilmington, 3-1)

CF Jace Avina0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
Tough start to Avina’s season (.190/.364/.214). He is taking some walks, which is good at least.
SS George Lombard Jr.0-for-4, 2 K
.302/.466/.442 in 58 PA (1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 11 R, 7-for-8 SB, 20.7% BB, 22.4% K).  His .466 OBP leads the South Atlantic League.
DH Omar Martinez1-for-4, RBI
.241/.305/.270 in 59 PA.
2B Jose Colmenares1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI
1B Coby Morales0-for-2, CS (1), BB, K
3B Brenny Escanio0-for-3, 2 K
LF Josh Moylan1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R, K
Moylan’s first career game in the outfield. 
C Tomas Frick0-for-2, R, BB, K
RF Anthony Hall1-for-3, SB (1)

LHP Kyle Carr3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Carr tossed 62 pitches. He owns a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings (7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 11 K)
RHP Huey Morrill2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
After making 20 starts for Tampa in 2023, he has been used as a short reliever in 2025 (missed the entire 2024 season, so they might just be building him up)
RHP Cole Ayers (S, 2): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
6.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K


Tampa (7-8) (Lost to St. Lucie, 8-2. St. Lucie (Mets) starter Raimon Gomez averaged 100.1 MPH with his 4-seamer, topping out at 102.3. Like Greysen Carter, controlling that nastiness is the project.)

C Edgleen Perez0-for-1, 4 BB, K
His second career 4 BB game helps the OBP (.159/.351/.182 in 57 PA). Last 3 games: 3-for-9 with 7 walks.
RF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-5, RBI, SB (3), 3 K
.255/.305/.418 in 59 PA (5 doubles, 2 triples, 5 RBI, 3 R, 3-for-4 sB, 6.8% BB, 30.5% K)
DH Engelth Urena1-for-4, BB, 2 K
.174/.361/.413 in 61 PA (2 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R, 2-for-3 SB, 19.7% BB, 24.6% K). Urena has hit safely in six of his last seven games and has reached base safely in all 13 games.
1B Parks Harber0-for-4, K
LF Dillon Lewis1-for-4, SB (4), K
2B Austin Green0-for-4, K
3B Hans Montero0-for-4, 4 K
SS Juan Matheus2-for-4, 2 2B (4), R, K
Matheus, hitting .087 on April 16th, is 5-for-10 in his last three games and is now hitting .212/.349/.333.
CF Marshall Toole1-for-4, RBI, R, K

RHP Gage Ziehl: (L, 0-1)  2.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
The Yankees loaded up on talented arms in last year’s draft. There will be growing pains at times. Ziehl likes to throw his cutter but is dialing up the 4-seamer as high as 95.2 MPH.
RHP Chris Veach1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Clayton Beeter1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Beeter averaged 97 MPH with his 4-seam fastball (topped out at 97.9).
RHP Sean Hermann2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
RHP Cade Austin0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 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. Rumfield0-for-0, R, BB
2B Jorbit Vivas1-for-3, RBI, BB
Vivas walked it off in the bottom of the 7th.
LF Everson Pereira0-for-3, 2 K
.250/.326/.350 in 46 PA (10.9% BB, 36.9% K).
RF Ismael Munguia0-for-2, R, BB
1B Dominic Smith0-for-3
3B Jose Rojas1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, R
C Ronaldo Hernandez1-for-2, BB
SS Andrew Velazquez1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI
CF Duke Ellis0-for-3, K

RHP Zach Messinger3.2 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 Santos1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Tyler Matzek1 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 Munguia2-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 Vivas3-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 Smith1-for-4
DH Jose Rojas0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
2B Andrew Velazquez0-for-3
SS Braden Shewmake2-for-3, 2B (1), R
CF Duke Ellis1-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 Rodriguez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Brent Headrick1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K


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

2B Dylan Jasso2-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 Flores0-for-5, 2 K
.219/.324/.438 in 37 PA. He is in a little 1-for-15 slide.
RF Garrett Martin0-for-4, K
1B Tyler Hardman2-for-4, 2B (4), SB (2), K
Hardman has doubled in three straight games.
LF Grant Richardson1-for-4, K
DH Jared Wegner0-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 Vargas1-for-3, RBI, R, BB, K

RHP Trent Sellers4.1 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 Ventura1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
RHP Luis Pacheco0.1 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 Jones0-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 Castillo1-for-3, BB, K
.276/.400/.379 in 35 PA.
CF Jace Avina0-for-3, HBP, K
C Omar Martinez0-for-4, K
2B Jose Colmenares1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, R
Colmenares (23) hit 7 HR in 26 games for Low-A Tampa last year.
1B Coby Morales0-for-3, BB
3B Brenny Escanio0-for-3, 2 K
DH Kiko Romero0-for-3

RHP Bryce Cunningham6 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 Morrill1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Hayden Merda1 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 Perez0-for-4, R, BB, K
CF Brian Sanchez2-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 Urena1-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 Harber2-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 Wilson0-for-4, 4 K
RF Dillon Lewis2-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 Montero1-for-4, K
SS Juan Matheus0-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 Gonzalez0-for-3, SB (2), BB, K

RHP Gage Ziehl4.1 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 Rossi1.2 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 9/18: Will Warren Tosses 5 Strong Innings

News:

I have nothing to offer.


Scranton (85-60) (Lost to Buffalo, 7-6, in 10 innings. Worcester allowed three runs in the bottom of the 9th to lose, 4-3. Hence, they remain tied with four games left. Scranton holds the tie-breaker (better head-to-head record in the second half))

2B Caleb Durbin0-for-4, BB
Durbin is down to .285 thanks to an 8-for-43 September.
3B Jorbit Vivas1-for-4, RBI, HBP, K
1B Ben Rice: 1-for-4, 2B (4), SF, RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-4, SF, RBI, K
DH T.J. Rumfield0-for-2, RS, HBP, BB, K
   PR-DH-RF Duke Ellis0-for-1, 2 SB (3)
RF-LF Taylor Trammell0-for-3, RS, SB (19), 2 BB, K
C J.C. Escarra1-for-4, RBI, K
LF Jahmai Jones0-for-0, RS, HBP
Jones stayed in the game (and scored) after the HBP but left in the next inning.
  LF Cam Eden0-for-1
  PH-RF-P Oscar Gonzalez0-for-2, SB (6), K
CF Greg Allen1-for-4, RBI, RS, K

RHP Will Warren5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
Final Triple-A numbers: 5.91 ERA (109.2 IP, 114 H, 79 R, 72 ER, 19 HR, 39 BB, 136 K)
RHP Nick Burdi1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz0.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 2 HR
RHP Scott Effross1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Oscar Gonzalez (L, 0-1): 0 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
Yeah, in a game with major playoff implications, Scranton ran out of pitchers. They needed to use Gonzalez in an attempt to lock down a 6-5 lead in the bottom of the 10th. I love MILB.


Somerset (1-0)

Scheduled day off (travel day to Hartford). They resume the best-of-3 series tomorrow night.


Hudson Valley (3-3) (Lost to Bowling Green, 4-1, to lose the best-of-3 series 2-1. Bowling Green’s absurd pitching (allowed 10 hits in three games) leads them to the promised land. The Renegades had a strong season and should be proud of all they accomplished)

2B Roc Riggio0-for-3, CS (1), BB, 2 K
Riggio is an infield prospect without any doubt where his future lies as he didn’t play any position other than second base. I expect him to start 2025 in Somerset.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, BB, K
Including the playoffs, Lombard Jr. hit 12 doubles in his final 18 games.
1B Josh Moylan0-for-4, 4 K
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-4, 2B (2)
DH Omar Martinez0-for-4, 2 K
Martinez’s grand slam in Game 2 was the only mistake the Bowling Green pitching staff made in the series. The Yankees have moved him up one level per season. If that trend continues, he will be in Somerset to start 2025.
LF Jackson Castillo0-for-3, K
3B Dylan Jasso0-for-3, 2 K
CF Brendan Jones1-for-3, RS
After a hot start, Jones’s numbers normalized down the stretch. I expect him to begin 2025 at this level.
C Antonio Gomez1-for-3, 2 K

RHP Trent Sellers: (L, 0-1)  5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Full season (including playoffs): 2.23 ERA (92.2 IP, 50 H, 31 R, 23 ER, 42 BB, 113 K).  Sellers wasn’t asked to stretch out much in 2024 but was outstanding. Signed as an undrafted free agent last year, Sellers will be 25 in October. There is zero doubt he will begin 2025 in Somerset.
RHP Harrison Cohen1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
At this level (including playoffs): 24 IP, 11 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 27 K.
RHP Huey Morrill1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Matt Keating1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


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 9/10: George Lombard Jr.: 3 Doubles, 3 RBI

News:

Nothing


Scranton (79-58) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 5-3. Worcester swept two games against Syracuse, so this was a bad night. Worcester is 38-26. Scranton is 36-27)

3B Jorbit Vivas0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
2B Caleb Durbin0-for-4
.298/.410/.481 in 318 PA at this level.
DH Ben Rice0-for-3, RS, BB, 3 K
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-4, K
CF Taylor Trammell0-for-4, 2 K
1B J.C. Escarra0-for-4, K
C Carlos Narvaez: 3-for-4, 2B (20), RS, K
.271/.387/.442 in 375 PA. 
  PR Cam Eden0-for-0
RF Oscar Gonzalez1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
LF Jahmai Jones1-for-2, BB

LHP Josh Maciejewski4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 5 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: (L, 4-2)  1.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
LHP Victor Gonzalez0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Lou Trivino1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
The rehab clock is closing in on zero…
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Somerset (71-61) (Defeated New Hampshire, 8-2. Portland lost, so the Patriots are 0.5 games out in the race for the second-half title with five games to play. No effort is made to ensure teams play an equal amount of games, so the half-game is important. By the way, New Hampshire is not having a good year. They are destined to finish in last place in both halves)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-3, 3B (6), RBI, SB (25), BB, K
Jones has a .786 OPS. Can he get to .800? It will take a strong week. That said, his OPS in 2024 is higher than 2023 (.780). In 117 games last year, Jones swatted 29 doubles, 4 triples and 16 home runs. In 117 games this year, he has compiled 29 doubles, 6 triples, and 16 home runs. Interesting.
C Rafael Flores0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman0-for-4, 3 K
DH Jared Wegner0-for-3, RS, HBP, K
2B Anthony Seigler2-for-3, 2 2B (24), RBI, 2 RS, BB
.234/.347/.405 in 413 PA. Seigler’s highest SLG prior to this season was .391 in 2021.
LF Cole Gabrielson0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB, 2 K
RF Elijah Dunham2-for-4, 2 HR (13), 6 RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
Dunham picks a good night to set a personal best for RBI (he hit two 3-run home runs). It is his second multi-HR game in his career (first one was during his 2021 debut season)
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-3, RS, 2 SB (14), BB
Vargas is 12-for-34 in September
3B Max Burt0-for-4, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 12-7)  6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
4.76 ERA (141.2 IP, 138 H, 78 R, 75 ER, 13 HR, 44 BB, 126 K). Vrieling has been strong down the stretch (2.60 ERA in 34.2 innings over his last 6 starts). He could still start again on Sunday, so I am not labeling this as his final start.
RHP Luis Velasquez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Can Beeter be an MLB bullpen option this season? If he impresses, why not? It isn’t like the current MLB options are cementing their spots.


Hudson Valley (Defeated Greensboro, 6-0, to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-3 series. The final two games will be played in Greensboro (Thursday and Friday (if necessary)).

2B Roc Riggio2-for-5, 2B (1), RS
SS George Lombard Jr.: 3-for-5, 3 2B (3), 3 RBI, K
Including the regular season, Lombard Jr. has 11 doubles in his last 13 games. That is what I call “impressive.”
1B Josh Moylan0-for-4, BB, K
RF Garrett Martin0-for-2, RS, 3 BB
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo0-for-4, BB, K
3B Dylan Jasso2-for-4, HR (1), 3 RBI, RS
Jasso’s 3-run homer in the 7th made a 1-0 game a 4-0 game.
CF Brendan Jones0-for-4, 2 K
C Antonio Gomez0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB, K

RHP Trent Sellers4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K
Sellers continues to dazzle. After allowing 5 runs in 1.2 innings on June 25th, he has allowed zero earned runs in 14 of his 15 appearances. The Yankees haven’t stetched him out beyond 4.2 innings, but that is an amazing footnote. The best part of his season is that his walk rate dipped considerably upon being placed in the rotation.
RHP Indigo Diaz1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Kelly Austin: (W, 1-0) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Blane Abeyta2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K


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 8/22: 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 RizzoRizzo 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 MayzaUnlike 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 Tonkinhave 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 Durbin1-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 Vivas2-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 Trammell1-for-5, 3B (1), 3 RBI, RS
Trammell has 20 RBI in 18 August games.
C J.C. Escarra2-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, K
Escarra has a 7-game hitting streak (10-for-27 with four doubles)
LF Jahmai Jones2-for-5, 2B (3), RBI, 2 K
RF Greg Allen0-for-2, HBP, 2 BB
SS Kevin Smith1-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 Effross1.1 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 Jones0-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 Flores0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman1-for-4, SB (9), K
RF Grant Richardson0-for-4, 2 K
CF Cole Gabrielson1-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler2-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 Wegner0-for-4, 3 K
SS Alexander Vargas2-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 Burt0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Zach Messinger5 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 Pestana0.2 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 Reyzelman1 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 Jones1-for-4, SB (4), K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, RS, K
1B Josh Moylan1-for-3, RS, BB
LF Garrett Martin2-for-3, HR (10), 3 RBI, RS, BB, K
This was the appetizer (scroll down to Game 2 for more)…
RF Coby Morales1-for-4, 2 RS, SB (3)
DH Dylan Jasso2-for-3, 2B (5), RBI, RS
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, BB, K
C Edison Vivas2-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 Escanio0-for-2, BB, K

RHP Brian Hendry1 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 Keane1.2 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 Abeyta2 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 Riggio0-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 Jones0-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 Moylan0-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 Jasso1-for-3, RS, 2 K
DH Coby Morales2-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 Gomez1-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 Hall0-for-2, K
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-2

RHP Trent Sellers4.2 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.