Tag: Trystan Vrieling

My Take: Yankees Acquire Jose Caballero & Camilo Doval

Other takes:

David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

The details:

The Yankees acquire UTIL Jose Caballero, RHP Camilo Doval, OF Wilberson De Pena, and international bonus pool money.
The Rays acquire OF Everson Pereira
The Giants acquire C/3B Jesus Rodriguez, 1B/3B Parks Harber, RHP Trystan Vrieling, and LHP Carlos De La Rosa
The Angels acquire UTIL Oswald Peraza

This trade deadline was wacky, and the Yankees have roster decisions to make. And they have to make them in a hurry.

They took care of three 40-man roster slots by dealing Pereira, Rodriguez, and Peraza.

What the Yankees get:

I didn’t expect these trades after the first two. But one theme of this trade deadline was improving at the margins. Could they have kept Peraza around as the last guy on the bench? Yes. However, they wanted more. I like the aggressiveness.

Caballero can play anywhere and has elite speed. The Rays, who always value versatility, have played him at second base, shortstop, third base, and all three outfield positions in 2025. Like their other acquisitions, he has a platoon split, hitting .241/.348/.392 against LHP and only .219/.318/.271 against RHP. His value is more in his versatility and speed. He leads baseball with 34 stolen bases this season after leading the American League with 44 last year. One thing he has done this year is improve his efficiency (73.3% in 2024; 80.9% in 2025). The entire profile adds up to being worth 1.0 fWAR this year after posting a 1.9 fWAR in 2023 and 2024.

Doval has a lot of talent in his right-handed arm, including a cutter that averages 98.1 MPH. He is mostly a cutter/slider pitcher, though he mixes in a sinker.  It adds up to a profile that includes a 52.6% ground ball and 26.2% K. The walk rate (12.6%) is high, but his talent can overshadow that (3.09 ERA/3.18 FIP). Doval screams, “Matt Blake Special.” He is the type of arm that Blake will likely love to work with to go the next level. The arm talent is as good as anybody’s, and the results have mostly been good. It’s not like he is a project like Clay Holmes was. During his recent run of success, only his 2024 campaign can be seen as below average. And even that came with a 3.71 FIP. In other words, don’t underestimate his value. The Yankees have him through 2027. He can close games, but will go into the middle inning mix, a mix that is filled with impressive arms and the weirdness that is Tim Hill.

De Pena, who was acquired for Peraza, is the only prospect the Yankees acquired at the deadline. He is a DSL outfielder who is hitting .211/.296/.451 with four homers in 31 games. Sometimes, there is a backstory to these acquisitions.  I wouldn’t be shocked if the Yankees scouted De Pena at some point before he signed with the Angels and grabbed him when they had a chance. It doesn’t matter, as they did this deal for the 40-man roster space. Peraza had no future with the organization.

What the Rays get:

Pereira has the power to tap into. The biggest question is whether he has enough contact to support that power. He is a good fit for a high-contact Tampa team that needs pop. While his first MLB audition didn’t go well (.151/.233/.194 in 103 plate appearances in 2023), I am confident he has the tools to hit against the world’s best competition. Even if that is a low-average, high SLG type, that’s valuable. I think I said it last week: Sometimes, we are too enamored with the “perfect player.” Pereira doesn’t need to be perfect.

What the Angels get:

I hide nothing. I was once very high on Peraza, and it didn’t work out. With the Angels, he should earn some extra playing time to see if he can get into a groove. That won’t be as a shortstop, as the Angels have Zach Neto. However, he can play second base (Kyren Paris is hitting .190/.266/.381 in 44 games) and third base (Luis Rengifo is hitting .244/.286/.327 in 102 games) as well. The Yankees were also working him out in the outfield. We’ll see if the Angels decide to stick with that.

Can he still become a valuable player? The odds don’t seem great, but the Angels have the bandwidth to find out.

What the Giants get:

Rodriguez was the latest fan favorite, given his ability to make contact (and his current 17-game hitting streak). After struggling in Somerset to begin 2025, the Yankees promoted him to Scranton after Alex Jackson went on the injured list. He hit very well for Scranton, putting up a .317/.409/.430 (129 wRC+) line over 362 plate appearances. There are questions about his defensive position. The Yankees have tried him at catcher, first base, second base (small sample), third base, and the outfield. This year, the Yankees have limited him to catcher and third base, and they have cut back his third base time considerably over the past several weeks. While some of that was due to signing Jeimer Candelario and trading Alex Jackson, it likely was also done as a showcase.

Harber got off to an incredible start in the lower minors this season, but has been missing in action for a while. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina, the 23-year-old hit .319/.404/.510 in 54 games between Tampa and Hudson Valley. College bats tend to murder the ball in the lower minors, but not all of them do. For now, Harber has done enough to earn a shot in the upper minors. He probably falls somewhere in the Andres Chaparro or Eric Wagaman lane, which means MLB is a reasonable goal.

The Yankees were very aggressive with Vrieling, placing him instantly in Double-A to start his debut 2024 season. He did OK after being fed to the sharks, going 13-7 with a 4.58 ERA (3.73 FIP) with a 21.3% K over 147.1 innings. An injury delayed the start to his 2025 campaign, and he owns a 4.50 ERA in 46 Double-A innings. This is the type of prospect the Yankees have traditionally dealt over the past several seasons. I see him continuing as a starter with a back-of-the-rotation type of ceiling.

De La Rosa is your typical lottery ticket. Signed for $400,000 (the Yankees typically don’t spend high on international starters, so this stands out), the 17-year-old owns a 5.32 ERA in 22 innings with a 36/5 K/BB. 17-year-old pitchers in the DSL are as volatile as you can get, but that’s an impressive K/BB for a kid his age. I will watch him closely as he moves up.

The Bottom Line:

This is the craziest deadline in recent history, all across baseball. Cashman revamped the bullpen and the position player mix immensely. I am not shocked about the bullpen. I am shocked by the bench pieces they acquired. It feels as if he found the light, no longer mostly ignoring the bench. Aaron Boone has a lot of versatility to work with, and we will see how he deploys it all. When Aaron Judge returns, someone has to go. I hate to say it, but Cabellero has options. I don’t know if that is the path they will go down, or what other paths are possible. Technically, they can go with 12 pitches and 14 position players (the only rule is that you can’t have more than 13 pitchers), but that would be unusual, and it just shifts the logjam elsewhere. Until Judge comes back, there is nothing to worry about.

The Yankees made these moves while trading only one top ten prospect (Rafael Flores). It looks like they aimed high with starting pitchers instead of looking at 4th/5th starter types who would come with lower price tags. You can criticize that part, but none of the big starters were moved today. The “aim-high” guy (Minnesota’s Joe Ryan) required a massive package that the Red Sox supposedly weren’t even close to meeting. We don’t know what the Marlins wanted for Sandy Alcantara or Edward Cabrera, but Spencer Jones‘ name likely came up. The Padres didn’t move Dylan Cease. Most of the starters traded today were mid-to-lower-rotation types, and Cashman likely wasn’t interested in pitchers at that level. Criticizing that is fine, but if you like Cam Schlittler, it may buy him more time in the rotation.  I am not as upset with that as I expected to be, as I thought they would at least look to acquire a #3 type. They decided against it at the prices being asked.

Overall, I am a fan of the deadline. I like some of the prospects they traded, but is there a high-impact MLB player in that mix? I am not so sure. As stated above, not every player needs to be high-impact to be valuable. But those are also the type of prospects you shouldn’t be scared to trade.

 

Yankees MILB 7/23: Jesus Rodriguez Extends Hitting Streak

Notes:

Pipeline released a new Top 30 list, and Carlos Lagrange has jumped all the way to #2 (behind George Lombard Jr.). He also joined the Top 100. RHP Cam Schlittler is now third while Spencer Jones, despite his incredible hot streak, dropped to 4th.  LHP Griffin Herring surged up the list to 8th. Seven of their top ten prospects are pitchers (Lombard Jr., Jones, and Rafael Flores are the position players.)

This was not a “full” update, which will come in August. They decided to update the list to better reflect prospect value at the Trade Deadline.  Hence, no recent draftees appear on the list.

Injury Log

Scranton (56-38; 18-4 in second half) (Defeated Rochester, 8-6, in 11 innings)

DH Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-6, R, CS (8), K
Rodriguez increases his hitting streak to 11 (14-for-44 (.318), 9 BB). 
LF Everson Pereira: 2-for-6, HR (19), 3 RBI, R, K
Pereira has homered in four of his last five games. He is tied for third in the International League in homers (though I don’t know how the players he is tied with did today/tonight).
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, SF, RBI, R, HBP, K
His Triple-A average drops below .400 (the horrors!)
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, R, 3 BB, 2 K
Flores has an interesting power profile that is elevated if he can catch even part-time (think Ben Rice, in that regard). If another organization projects him as a viable catcher, that should increase his trade value. He is Rule 5 eligible this winter. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-6, RBI, 2 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-5
If you thought he could help the third base situation, look somewhere else. He is 7-for-49 since signing.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-4, 2 2B (9), R, BB, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-2, K
Shewmake was activated off the injured list today.
  2B Jose Rojas: 2-for-2, 2B (24), RBI, R
  PR Duke Ellis: 0-for-0
Ellis came in to pinch run and was instantly picked off. That would fit in perfectly with the big club.
  2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-1, R, SB (3)
2B-SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-4, 2B (13), R, BB

RHP Luis Gil: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, HR
The numbers weren’t impressive, but he got in his work. Gil used his fastball (36%), slider (43%), and changeup (21%) mix, topping out at 96.2 with the fastball (94.4 average). He generated 11 whiffs on 32 swings.
RHP Kervin Castro: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Castro hit 95.3 MPH, generating six whiffs on ten swings with his fastball. He owns a 1.69 ERA (26.2 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 36 K)
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Beeter’s live arm (maxed at 98.7) will allow him to get plenty of MLB chances. Can he harness fastball/slider combo to develop into a consistent option?
RHP Baron Stuart: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Reyzelman was humming in his first inning of work, reaching 98.4 MPH while striking out the side. They put him out there in the 10th, and the velocity was down, though he did record a 4th strikeout. Season: 4.03 ERA (38 IP, 24 H, 17 R, 17 ER, 5 HR, 39 BB, 40 K).
RHP Leonardo Pestana: (W, 2-3)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Edinson Duran (S, 1): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Scranton ran out of pitchers, so they trotted out their #3 catcher to get the final out. It was his second career pitching appearance (2022). 

Somerset (49-43; 14-9 in second half) (Defeated Erie, 3-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 R, BB, 2 K
Since promotion: .231/.322/.408 in 152 PA (7 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 19 R, 9-for-10 SB, 12.5% BB, 21.1% K). It’s not always a perfect barometer, but one way to gauge a team’s sentiment about a prospect is their lineup placement. 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, 2B (11), R, 3 K
Lombard Jr. has a 6-game hitting streak (7-for-26; 3 doubles, 2 HR). He owns a .404 SLG in July. While he showed off his plate discipline upon promotion, he is now showcasing more power. If he is good enough, the package will come together.
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, 2B (9), RBI, K
18 of his 33 Double-A hits have gone for extra bases (9 doubles, 9 HR).
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-2, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: 6-for-27 (2 doubles, 1 HR, 8 BB, 7 K). While he is hitting only .222, his small sample OBP (.400) and SLG (.481) are solid.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RBI
.263/.334/.449 in 353 PA (13 doubles, 5 triples, 12 HR, 47 RBI, 48 R, 7.9% BB, 21.8% K).  Jasso’s game features a reverse split (.833 OPS vs. RHP; .615 vs. LHP)
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4
Since promotion: .227/.303/.379 in 76 PA
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, BB, K
Frick’s Double-A debut (.227/.344/.383 in 44 High-A games)
RF Cam Eden: 1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
Vrieling was pulled after 73 pitches. He owns a 4.39 ERA in 41 IP (45 H, 22 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 38 K). In July: 13.2 IP, 10 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 0 BB, 16 K. 
RHP Cole Ayers (W, 1-1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Danny Watson (S, 3): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
6.48 ERA (33.1 IP, 42 H, 25 R, 24 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 36 K). July: 6 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 0 BB, 7 K.  Watson hasn’t allowed a walk over his last 15 appearances. 

Hudson Valley (52-36; 15-10 second half) (Lost to Rome, 6-1)

CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
.239/.335/.330 in 355 PA (14 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 40 R, 18-for-19 SB, 11.8% BB, 19.7% K). After a red-hot start to July, he is in a 0-for-15 slide (his July triple slash is still .278/.371/.426).
DH Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4
Since promotion: .221/.280/.416 in 162 PA (4 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 21 RBI, 14 R, 6-for-6 SB, 6.8% BB, 19.8% K). His BABIP is .236.
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-3, R, BB
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 2B (14), RBI, K
.191/.328/.321. He entered July at .170/.311/.282. Moylan had some hype as an undrafted free agent but the bat has yet to come around.
C John Cristino: 0-for-4, SB (1), 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, BB, K
2B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3
RF Anthony Hall: 1-for-3

RHP Josh Grosz (L, 4-8): 6.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
4.14 ERA (87 IP, 66 H, 46 R, 40 ER, 5 HR, 35 BB, 94 K). 
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 0.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 2 HR
His first full year as a reliever hasn’t gone to plan: 6.23 ERA (26 IP, 23 H, 19 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 16 BB, 35 K). June and July have been especially rough.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.33 ERA (40.2 IP, 20 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 42 K). Hitters have a .147/.203/.199 triple slash off of him.
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (45-44; 9-15 in the second half)

Their game against Dunedin was postponed due to rain.

FCL (28-29)

Day off. Their season concludes with a game against the Tigers tomorrow.

DSL Yankees (14-22)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (19-17)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 7/12: George Lombard Jr.’s Futures Game Performance

Notes:

George Lombard Jr. went 1-for-2 with a double, an RBI, a stolen base, and a run scored in today’s Futures Game. He played second base and shortstop.

A reminder that full-season affiliates take the same four days off as their MLB counterparts. Tomorrow is their last game until next Friday.

Injury Log

Scranton (51-37; 13-3 in second half) (Defeated Buffalo, 6-3)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, 2B (14), SB (12), HBP, BB
Rodriguez has an 8-game hitting streak (9-for-30; .300). Rodriguez has stolen as many as 21 bases (2023).
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-5, 2 K
Slump!
RF Everson Pereira: 1-for-4, 2B (8), K
Pereira is 13-for-31 (3 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR) in July.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2B (22), R
Rumfield continues his recent hot stretch (15-for-40 (.375) in July). 
DH Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-3, HBP, K
Candelario is 2-for-20 since signing.
SS Nicky Lopez: 3-for-4, RBI, 2 R, SB (2)
Lopez is hitting .407 (11-for-27) since signing. This is his second 3-hit effort in his last three games.
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-3, HR (13), 2 RBI, 2 R, BB
3B Jake Gatewood: 2-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, R
Gatewood’s first game since June 6th.
LF Ismael Munguia: 1-for-3, BB

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 5-7) 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
5.87 ERA (76.2 IP, 72 H, 56 R, 50 ER, 20 HR (that’s not a typo), 31 BB, 88 K). To his credit, the 30-year-old has pitched well recently, going 4-0 with a 2.63 ERA in his last four starts (24 IP, 13 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 7 BB, 22 K).
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (44-41; 11-6 in second half) (Lost to New Hampshire, 6-3)

CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-4, K
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RBI
Somerset numbers: 37 doubles, 30 HR, 89 RBI in 150 games.
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, K
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-3, R, SB (1), BB, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, 2 K
Since promotion: 10-for-43 (.233) with three doubles, two homers, and eight RBI.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, SB (9), BB, 2 K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, R, K
2B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-4, 3 K
Pastore’s Double-A debut.
SS Max Burt: 2-for-3, 2 2B (8), 2 RBI, R

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (L, 0-1) 6 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
Rodriguez-Cruz’s Double-A debut. For Hudson Valley, he was dominant (2.26 ERA in 83.2 IP with 52 hits allowed and a 99/37 K/BB). Including tonight’s game, Rodriguez-Cruz has allowed one home run in 89.2 innings this season.
RHP Trystan Vrieling: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
4.95 ERA (36.1 IP, 43 H, 22 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 31 K). This was likely a “piggyback” situation.

Hudson Valley (51-33; 13-7 second half) (Lost to Asheville, 6-3)

CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, R, SB (18), BB, 2 K
Castillo’s surge continues. He is hitting .251/.347/.348 in 334 PA (14 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 39 R, 18-for-19 SB, 11.98% BB, 20.1% K). He is hitting .400 (14-for-35) in July.
DH Dillon Lewis: 1-for-2, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
Lewis has homered in back-to-back games and three times in his last six games. Since promotion: .197/.262/.401 in 150 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 7 HR, 20 RBI, 13 R, 6-for-6 SB, 7.3% BB, 20.7% K). His K% for Tampa earlier this season was 28.2. 
1B-LF Coby Morales: 0-for-4, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 1-for-3, 2B (13), RBI, BB, K
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, HBP, K
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-4, K
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-1, SB (6), CS (6), BB
   1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-1, HBP
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2, R, SB (5), 2 BB, K

RHP Andrew Landry (L, 0-1): 5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
Landry’s High-A debut (4.20 ERA in 64.1 IP with a 63/26 K/BB for Tampa)
RHP Michael Arias: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 1.69 ERA (21.1 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 27 K). Overall: 1.24 ERA (29 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 13 BB, 39 K)
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
4.81 ERA (24.1 IP, 17 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 33 K). A mixed bag in his first season as a reliever.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.27 ERA (22 IP, 15 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 23 K)

Tampa (45-39; 9-10 in second half) (Lost to Lakeland, 6-3)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-5, K
CF Brian Sanchez: 2-for-5, 2B (16), R
.276/.366/.435 in 281 PA. 
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4
C Engelth Urena: 2-for-4, 2B (13), RBI, 2 R, K
.212/.339/.340 in 348 PA (13 doubles, 8 HR, 38 RBI, 49 R, 8-for-9 SB, 13.8% BB, 18.97% K). 
LF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 K
Montero is 8-for-21 since coming back from his rehab stint.
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, 2B (19), RBI, K
Matheus has 20 multi-hit games this season.
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-4
Rodriguez is 7-for-28 since his promotion. He has four walks and only two strikeouts.
1B Hans Montero: 2-for-4
Montero is 9-for-33 with two doubles and two homers in July.
2B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4

RHP Brandon Decker: (L, 1-3)  4.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
3.38 ERA (45.1 IP, 41 H, 24 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 44 K). He is up to nine starts after starting the season with eight relief appearances. As a starter, he owns a 4.45 ERA in 28.1 carefully monitored innings with a 24/16 K/BB.
LHP Tanner Bauman: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 1 K
RHP Jack Sokol: 2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Cole Zaffiro: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (25-26) (Split two games against the FCL Phillies)

Game 1 (Lost, 2-1. This was the conclusion of a game started on 7/5)

LF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-2, 2B (5), K
  PH-LF Santiago Gomez: 1-for-1, BB
RF Luis Puello: 1-for-3, R, SB (3)
2B Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-3, RBI, K

RHP Edinzo Marquez: 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
This isn’t the first time you’ll see Marquez’s name today.
RHP Jose Martinez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Won, 1-0)

SS Dexters Peralta: 0-for-2, SB (7), BB, K
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-2, BB, K
C Ediel Rivera: 1-for-3, 2B (10), K
Rivera has ten doubles in 41 games (.238/.346/.354 in 156 PA).
CF Isael Arias: 0-for-1, SF, RBI, SB (20), BB
Arias is 20-for-21 stealing bases in 49 games. He’s only hitting .183/.255/.238.
LF Santiago Gomez: 0-for-2, SB (15), HBP, K
It looks like they are trying to give Gomez some outfield time (9.1 innings in LF/RF in his career before this season. He is up to 48.2 innings this year).
RF Gabriel Lara: 0-for-3, K
DH Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-3, R, 2 SB (9), K

RHP Cade Smith: 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
Smith’s second rehab game.
RHP Edinzo Marquez (W, 2-2): 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Marquez shows up twice in today’s report. That’s 9.2 scoreless innings added to his ledger. Season: 2.40 ERA (48.2 IP, 40 H, 18 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 37 K)

DSL Yankees (12-18) (Lost to the DSL White Sox, 9-4)

SS Mani Cedeno: 1-for-4, 3B (2), R, 2 K
.180/.365/.247 in 115 PA (2 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 8 RBI, 24 R, 4-for-5 SB, 17.4% BB, 35.7% K).
DH Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Richard Matic: 1-for-3
Matic has reached base safely in 24 of his 25 games (23 in a row). He is hitting .313/.437/.550 in 103 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 22 R, 4-for-7 SB, 16.5% BB, 24.3% K).
1B Jose Lavagnino: 2-for-3, R
The 18-year-old is 8-for-30 in his debut season.
2B Emmanuel Orozco: 0-for-2, R, HBP, 2 SB (7)
Orozco (16) has struggled with the bat (3-for-31 with a double and triple). His saving grace is a .317 OBP, which isn’t special but when compared to a .097 BA…
CF Angel Ventura: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (12)

RHP Anthony Mena: 5 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, HR
Mena owns a 4.21 ERA and 28/11 K/BB over 25.2 innings.

DSL Bombers (15-15) (Defeated the DSL Phillies Red, 5-3)

SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-4
CF Jose Castro: 0-for-2, R, SB (5), BB
2B Juan Torres: 2-for-3, R, SB (9)
The 17-year-old continues to impress in his debut season, hitting .324/.386/.459 in 83 PA (4 doubles, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 18 R, 9-for-12 SB)
RF Eddinson Charles: 1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, R, K
.200/.273/.325 in 44 PA
C Edgar Jimenez: 0-for-1, 2 BB

RHP Randy Angomas: 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K
Like many 17-year-olds, his debut season has been a struggle. This is comfortably his best start.
RHP Jose Vargas (W, 1-0): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
The 17-year-old earns his first professional win.

Yankees MILB 7/6: Spencer Jones Launches a Bomb

Notes:

The Yankees traded veteran catcher Alex Jackson to the Orioles for international bonus pool money. Yesterday, the Yankees released Ronaldo Hernandez. Their catching depth has taken a (minor) hit, but they are comfortable with Ben Rice. Their Scranton depth now consists of Jesus Rodriguez and Edinson Duran, a 22-year-old who has appeared in three games this season. Rafael Flores and Omar Martinez provide additional depth in Somerset.  It wouldn’t be shocking if they look around for a veteran depth piece. Is Erik Kratz available?

Jackson probably had another opt-out coming up. He already opted out twice, only to come back (likely for more money). Teams don’t typically hold back veterans if an opportunity presents itself. It’s the same thing that happened with Luis Torrens last year.

For Scranton, he hit .226/.308/.463 (101 wRC+) with ten homers and 34 RBI in 44 games. Providing offense in the minors has never been an issue for Jackson. The majors? It’s hard to find a worse stat line than his .132/.224/.232 (29 wRC+) line in 340 plate appearances. To put it in perspective, Oswald Peraza has a 42 wRC+ this season.

Injury Log

Scranton (46-37) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 9-6)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 2 R, CI, BB, K
C Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, R, SB (11), HBP, K
Rodriguez may be coming out of his funk, as he is 6-for-20 with five walks in July. He is hitting .315/.412/.407 at this level.
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, HR (4), SF, 4 RBI, K
This wasn’t a garden variety homer, as Jones hit it 445 feet at 113.4 MPH. Wow. He is up to 20 HR in 57 games between Somerset/Scranton. The minor league leaders entering today are Ryan Ward (27 years old; LAA) and Bob Seymour (26; TB), who have hit 22 in considerably more games.
LF Everson Pereira: 0-for-3, R, SB (6), 2 BB, K
Known for his power, Pereira shows off some plate discipline and speed today. He is hitting .262/.350/.514 in 246 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR, 45 RBI, 52 R, 6-for-7 SB). He has stolen as many as 21 bases in a season, but that was three years ago.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 3-for-4, 2 2B (20), 2 RBI, R, BB
.294/.378/.476 in 315 PA. He has back-to-back 3-hit efforts (six 3+ hit efforts this season). I point out that Rumfield wasn’t chosen in the Rule 5 draft last year. While true, that doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of interest. Most teams go into the Rule 5 looking for bullpen help or versatility. Rumfield offers neither.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-4, 2B (7), HR (9), SF, 3 RBI, R
De La Cruz has six doubles and nine homers in 47 games for Scranton. He has added a 6-for-6 stolen base rate, but his entire game is the ability to swat extra-base hits.
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, BB, K
2B Nicky Lopez: 0-for-4, K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, 2 R, SB (19), HBP

RHP Erick Leal: (W, 4-7) 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
From 1-7 to 4-7. He isn’t viable in MLB, but nice to see the veteran get on a little roll and provide some Triple-A innings.
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Castro’s first appearance since May 18th. The 26-year-old owns a 2.08 ERA in 21.2 IP (8 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 26 K). He hasn’t pitched in MLB since 2022. In 2021, he allowed one run (unearned) in 13.1 innings. The next year, he allowed 14 runs in 12.1 innings.
RHP Baron Stuart: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 K
Double-A is the toughest level to conquer. That doesn’t mean Triple-A is “easy”.
RHP Zach Messinger: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR

Somerset (42-39) (Defeated Reading, 4-2)

3B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2B (8), R, HBP, K
Lombard Jr. has four doubles in his last 11 games. Because he is having trouble getting on base lately, the stolen bases have disappeared (one in his last 15 games). My level of concern remains extremely low.
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-2, HBP, BB
At this level: .286/.353/.590 in 116 PA. He’s hitting during his first taste at this level. Encouraging.
DH Rafael Flores: 0-for-4, RBI
.285/.345/.495 in 342 PA (23 doubles, 14 HR, 54 RBI, 44 R, 5-for-5 SB, 8.5% BB, 26% K). Will they move him up to Scranton during tomorrow’s off day? I wouldn’t discount it. He is up to 615 Double-A plate appearances (.280/.351/.505; 37 doubles, 29 HR, 87 RBI)
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, R, K
LF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, R, K
We have seen a few signs of life from Jones (mostly from his 4-hit game, however), though he hasn’t “broken out” yet at this level. 
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 2B (15), HR (12), 2 RBI, R, SB (8), K
.216/.257/.435 in 245 PA (15 doubles, 12 HR, 36 RBI, 28 R, 8-for-9 SB, 5.3% BB, 31.8% K)
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Max Burt: 0-for-2, SB (8), HBP, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 1-2)  6 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, HR
Vrieling tossed 72 pitches today, so they are close to letting him fully stretch out. He is up to 41 innings since coming back from injury.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
As a reliever: 2.76 ERA (16.1 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 5 BB, 17 K). 
RHP Danny Watson (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
I remember dreaming of Dees/Watson/Jack Neely as three tall right-handed relievers in the pen.  Season: 6.90 ERA (30 IP, 35 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 34 K).  Watson, who stands 6’7″, was having a big year in 2023 before an injury ended his campaign.  He hasn’t been the same since, though he’s had some solid outings lately.

Hudson Valley (47-32) (Defeated Brooklyn, 2-1. Thank goodness for tomorrow’s offday, as the bullpen was worked today!)

CF Jace Avina: 1-for-4, R, K
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, R, K
Lewis has 14 HR in 75 games between here and Tampa. He is only hitting .185/.242/.370 since his promotion, with ten extra-base hits (22 hits overall)
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 3 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-4, 2B (13)
Castillo is heating up. He is 12-for-30 in his last eight games, raising his triple slash from .221/.318/.303 to .241/.334/.328.
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-3, SB (8), HBP, K
Vargas’ hitting streak reaches an impressive 15.
3B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, K
2B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, 2B (8),

LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
About a month ago, I bragged about their pitching logjam. Today, they used a reliever to start. Sue me. Season: 2.59 ERA (24.1 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 11 BB, 36 K). This was his first professional start (made five starts for Clemson in 2022)
RHP Bryce Warrecker (W, 1-0): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.77 ERA (35 IP, 15 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 38 K). He is having a ridiculous season. Yes, I see the low BABIP – it’s almost impossible to be this good without a low BABIP!
RHP Chris Kean: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
0.31 ERA (28.1 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 21 K). The Warrecker/Morrill duo has been lights out. 
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 3): 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The easiest kind of save. He owns a 0.99 ERA between here and Tampa (27.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 35 K)

Tampa (43-36) (Lost a crazy game against Clearwater, 14-9)

C Edgleen Perez: 3-for-4, 2 BB
Reaching base five times works, even if it didn’t lead to a win. He is hitting .225/.383/.253 in 316 PA and has five multi-hit efforts in his last nine games. The Yankees haven’t wavered all season, even when he was struggling mightily early. It’s paying off.
LF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-6, RBI, R, K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, 2 BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
Known more for speed than pop (10th HR in 183 career games), Matheus hits his first HR since July 13, 2024. 
RF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
1B-2B Hans Montero: 3-for-5, 2 2B (8), HR (8), 3 RBI, 2 R, K
Eight total bases make for a strong afternoon. He is hitting .250/.338/.410 in 229 PA (8 doubles, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 32 R, 15-for-19 SB) and is on an 8-game hitting streak (10-for-33). His personal best for stolen bases is 17, set in 2023.
CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-3, 3B (9), RBI, R, CS (3), 2 BB, K
Fun fact: Toole is the first Yankees’ farmhand to hit 9 triples since Everson Pereira in 2022. The last Yankees prospect to reach ten? Jorge Mateo, who hit 11 in 2017.  Toole’s season: .305/.412/.484 in 226 PA (10 doubles, 9 triples, 2 HR, 23 RBI, 43 R, 26-for-29 SB). 
2B Austin Green: 1-for-3, K
  1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-1, R, BB, K

RHP Brandon Decker: (L, 1-2)  2.2 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
A little misstep in his transition to starting. He owns a 3.10 ERA in 40.2 IP (37 H, 21 R, 14 ER, 1 HR, 19 BB, 38 K). 
RHP Jack Sokol: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.43 ERA (37.2 IP, 20 H, 13 R, 6 ER, 26 BB, 30 K)
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR

FCL (20-24)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (11-14)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (11-13)

Day off.

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 Leal, and 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 Munguia: 0-for-5
LF Everson Pereira: 1-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. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2 K
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-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 Smith: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, R, BB, K
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-4, 2 K
His first hit as a member of the Yankees’ organization.
3B Jose Rojas: 1-for-4
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-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 Pestana: 2.1 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 Reyzelman: 2.1 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 Santos: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1.1 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 Richardson: 0.1 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 Jasso: 0-for-3, CS (2), BB, 2 K
LF Spencer Jones: 0-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 Flores: 0-for-3, K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-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 Gomez: 0-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 Diaz: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Luis Pacheco: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K

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

RF Jace Avina: 2-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 Castillo: 0-for-4, BB
3B Parks Harber: 1-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, K
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-5, 2B (2), RBI, R, K
Morales’ double with one out in the 9th tied the game (brought home Lombard Jr.)
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, 2B (4), BB
Martinez has a 5-game hitting streak (6-for-18).
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, BB, 4 K
2B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, RBI, CI, K
Escanio with the walk-off single with one out in the 9th.
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Bryce Cunningham: 6 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 Rossi: 1 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 Kean: 1.1 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 Perez: 1-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 Sanchez: 0-for-4, SB (5), 2 K
DH Engelth Urena: 1-for-4, 2 R, 2 K
.183/.337/.317 in 104 PA. 
LF Dillon Lewis: 3-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 Matheus: 1-for-5, 2 RBI, K
RF Tyler Wilson: 3-for-5, RBI, SB (7), K
.239/.343/.250 in 102 PA. 
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, CS (1), K
2B Hans Montero: 2-for-3, 2B (1), 3 R, SB (3), BB, K
.229/.327/.313 in 55 PA.
3B Owen Cobb: 2-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 Fristoe: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 2 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 Mayea: 0-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 Riggio: 1-for-2, RBI
First rehab game for Riggio, who hit .221/.349/.397 in 480 plate appearances for Hudson Valley in 2024.
  2B Luis Escudero: 0-for-1, SB (1), BB
LF Luis Durango: 0-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 Palencia: 0-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 Arias: 0-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 Rivera: 1-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 Puello: 0-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 Gomez: 1-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 Verde: 0-for-3, BB
The 19-year-old’s FCL debut. He didn’t do much hitting in the DSL.

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 3.2 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 Alcantara: 2 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 9/15: Caleb Durbin, Spencer Jones, Roc Riggio: Leadoff Homers

News:

Nothing

Scranton (84-59) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 5-4. Worcester won, so the two teams will enter the final week tied for first place in the second-half title chase)

SS Caleb Durbin: 1-for-2, HR (10), RBI, 3 RS, SB (28), HBP, BB, K
Durbin hits a leadoff home run (the beginning of a trend today?). Durbin’s first double-digit HR campaign. He is hitting .295/.409/.488 in 344 PA at this level (20 doubles, 2 triples, 10 HR, 57 RBI, 54 R, 28-for-30 SB, 13.1% BB, 9.9% K). He also has 11 HBP this season and 43 in 275 career games.
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, 2B (18), 2 RBI
.231/.354/.364 in 393 plate appearances. Vivas is 12-for-50 with seven extra-base hits (5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR) in September.
3B Oswald Peraza: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
1B Ben Rice: 2-for-4, RBI, K
Rice is hitting .294/.440/.612 in 109 Triple-A plate appearances. Triple-A isn’t a problem. So, we’ll see if he can be a productive MLB player.
CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-4, K
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-4, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, RS
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-3
LF Jahmai Jones: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Josh Maciejewski: 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
RHP JT Brubaker: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Brubaker will be a 2025 rotation/bullpen/swingman option – assuming he is healthy.
RHP Phil Bickford: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 6-1)  0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Effross will have an offseason to work on getting back to the pitcher he was before his injuries.
RHP Nick Burdi: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio (S, 8): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (75-62) (Defeated New Hampshire, 5-1, to win the second-half title. Portland lost, so they were covered both ways. The first round starts on Tuesday, when Hartford comes in for a visit. There is a tropical rainstorm that might impact the area that night)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (30), HR (17), RBI, 2 RS
Jones hits a leadoff home run (sense a trend?). Final stats: .259/.336/.452 in 544 PA (30 doubles, 6 triples, 17 HR, 78 RBI, 73 R, 25-for-34 SB (73.5%), 54 BB (9.9%), 200 K (36.8%)). I agree: 200 strikeouts at Double-A is not ideal and a .401 BABIP benefited him. However, he also displayed the power/speed combination that tantalizes scouts. He is one of the most interesting prospects I have ever covered. And that is saying something.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB
Final Somerset numbers: .274/.359/.519 in 273 PA. Overall, he hit .279/.379/.495 in 506 PA with 31 doubles and 21 home runs. He is a breakout prospect in 2024.
1B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, RBI
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-3, RS, SB (29), HBP, K
.234/.350/.398 in 433 PA (24 doubles, 12 HR, 49 RBI, 61 R, 29-for-32 SB). I am happy that Seigler played in 118 games (his previous high was 97) and contributed to the team’s success. It’s been a grind for the kid.
DH Elijah Dunham: 2-for-4, HR (15), RBI, RS, SB (19)
Dunham played a big role this week. He has homered four times in his last five games.
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-3, HR (9), RBI, RS, CS (6), BB
Last season, Richardson hit 7 doubles and 18 home runs. This season, he hit 25 doubles and 9 home runs. He just missed his third consecutive double-digit HR/SB campaign.
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, 2 K
Vargas hit .254/.293/.375 in 256 PA after his promotion.
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling (W, 13-7): 5.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
4.58 ERA (147.1 IP, 140 H, 79 R, 75 ER, 13 HR, 46 BB, 132 K). In his first professional season, the Yankees shipped Vrieling directly to Somerset which is highly unusual. He had ups and downs but finished very strongly (2.23 ERA in 40.1 August/September innings). He can be in the conversation for MLB innings as early as mid-2025.
RHP Sean Boyle: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
At this level: 3.18 ERA (22.2 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 28 K). If Pestana can stay healthy, he has potential as a relief pitcher. However, health has been a concern.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
Since I talk him up often, it is fair to comment on a flaw: Reyzelman’s walk rate isn’t ideal (14 BB in 23.1 innings for Somerset). He doesn’t have to improve it by much if his ability to miss bats translates to MLB.

Hudson Valley (2-2) (Lost to Bowling Green, 5-1. They are down 1-0 in the best-of-3 series, which will continue on Tuesday in Hudson Valley)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, RS, BB, K
Riggio hits a lead-off homer (yes, there was a trend). However, this was Hudson Valley’s lone hit.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 3 K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-3
CF Brendan Jones: 0-for-3, K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-2, 2 K
  PH Coby Morales: 0-for-1, K

RHP Baron Stuart: (L, 0-1)  2.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Cohen continues to dominate High-A hitters.
LHP Joel Valdez: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Blane Abeyta: 1 IP, 1 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 Vivas: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
2B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-4
.298/.410/.481 in 318 PA at this level.
DH Ben Rice: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 3 K
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-4, K
CF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, K
C Carlos Narvaez: 3-for-4, 2B (20), RS, K
.271/.387/.442 in 375 PA. 
  PR Cam Eden: 0-for-0
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K
LF Jahmai Jones: 1-for-2, BB

LHP Josh Maciejewski: 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 4 BB, 5 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 1.1 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 Gonzalez: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Lou Trivino: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
The rehab clock is closing in on zero…
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 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 Flores: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, RS, HBP, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 2-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 Gabrielson: 0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB, 2 K
RF Elijah Dunham: 2-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 Vargas: 1-for-3, RS, 2 SB (14), BB
Vargas is 12-for-34 in September
3B Max Burt: 0-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 Velasquez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Clayton Beeter: 2 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 Riggio: 2-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 Moylan: 0-for-4, BB, K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-2, RS, 3 BB
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, BB, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-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 Jones: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 4 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 Diaz: 1 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 Abeyta: 2 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 8/27: Spencer Jones’ Big Night

News:

The Yankees claimed OF Duke Ellis off waivers from the Mariners as they continue to stockpile speed options for the postseason. Note that just because they are adding these players doesn’t mean they will use them in the playoffs. It is good to have flexibility for the last roster spot.

The Yankees are Ellis’ fourth organization this year. He started with the White Sox, where he went 0-for-4 in four games. Importantly for this exercise, he went 4-for-4 in the stolen base department. The Mets selected him off waivers when the White Sox were done with him, followed by the Mariners doing the same once the Mets were done with him. He didn’t appear in MLB for either team.

In 75 minor league games, he is hitting .235/.315/.336 in 273 PA with 51 stolen bases in 55 attempts. He stole 57 bases in 66 attempts in 2022.

Unlike Cam Eden, who was previously acquired, Ellis required a 40-man roster spot. The Yankees made room by moving RHP Ian Hamilton to the 60-day injured list. This is a paper move. However, they’ll need to make another 40-man roster move once Hamilton is ready.

Scranton (72-53) (Held off Rochester, 9-7)

2B Caleb Durbin: 3-for-5, 3B (2), 2 RBI, RS
.299/.416/.467 in 298 PA at this level. 
CF Jasson Dominguez: 2-for-5, 3B (1), RS
Dominguez hit the triple at 110.5 MPH. He also hit balls at 110.4 and 104.6 tonight. This was his fifth multi-hit effort in his last seven games. You think he might be ready? If only he had a lane…
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (16), BB
SS Oswald Peraza: 2-for-3, 2 RS, BB, HBP
Peraza has back-to-back multi-hit efforts. 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, RS, BB
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, RBI
DH Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (18), 2 RBI, RS, K
RF Greg Allen: 0-for-3, RS, SB (9), BB
As they bring in players like Ellis and Eden, we shouldn’t forget that Allen has speed. His bat is better, too.

LHP Edgar Barclay: (W, 6-9) 5.1 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
Barclay threw strikes with a 9-0 lead, but it made the game too close for comfort.
LHP Victor Gonzalez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Joey Gerber: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio (S, 5): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (62-57) (Defeated Reading, 4-2)

3B Jon Berti: 0-for-3, K
  3B Max Burt: 0-for-1
1B Anthony Rizzo: 2-for-2, HR (1), RBI, RS
Rizzo’s first game in the field.
   1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-1, RS, SB (10), BB
CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-4, 2B (22), 3B (4), 2 RBI
Jones doesn’t want August to end, as he is now 24-for-77 (.312; 5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 14 RBI). He has three 3-hit games (eight multi-hit efforts) during the month.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, HBP, K
LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, SB (15), BB
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-4, SB (25)
Seigler is 25-for-28 stealing bases.
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3, 3B (4), RS, BB, 2 K
DH Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, 2B (13), RBI, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, RS, SB (10), K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, HR
4.78 ERA (130 IP, 126 H, 72 R, 69 ER, 12 HR, 41 BB, 119 K).  August: 1.57 ERA (23 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 6 BB, 22 K). Vrieling has turned it up multiple notches down the stretch.
RHP Colby White: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
It shouldn’t be much longer…
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 5.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 11 K. Pay attention.
RHP Eric Reyzelman (S, 4): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 2.55 ERA (17.2 IP, 13 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 27 K). You already were paying attention.

Hudson Valley (65-55) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 6-5)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, 2B (2), CS (2), BB
Lombard Jr. has three multi-hit games since his promotion. He is hitting .151 (11-for-73) at this level with 9 walks and 17 strikeouts.
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RS
DH Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 3B (2), RS, K
3B-1B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K
LF Coby Morales: 2-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (12), RBI, RS
Gomez has 8 doubles, a triple, and three homers in August (20 games)
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, K
  3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-1
  DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-1, K
Thankfully, Martinez’s IL stint wasn’t a long one.

RHP Brian Hendry:  1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Hendry allows his first career earned run (13.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 8 BB, 19 K)
RHP Kelly Austin: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since being acquired: 8.2 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K. K/BB ratio is a strong suit (56/10 in his career)
RHP Matt Keating: (L, 4-4)  1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
LHP Joel Valdez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (49-69) (Lost to Bradenton, 7-2)

SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, K
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-4
.251/.308/.368 in 442 PA. 
2B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, HBP, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-4
RF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RS
Lewis is 6-for-15 with a pair of doubles and stolen bases to begin his career.
1B Parks Harber: 0-for-4, K
DH JoJo Jackson: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, RBI, BB, K
3B Duncan Pastore: 1-for-3
Pastore is 9-for-18 with 3 walks and 2 strikeouts. He has a 6-game hitting streak to begin his career.

RHP Andrew Landry: (L, 0-2) 2.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
As I said last week, the results aren’t meaningful right now. He is getting his feet wet.
RHP Matt Givin: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Alejandro Gomez: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kristofer Bow: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

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 8/20: Jasson Dominguez: 4 Hits

News:

Nothing

Scranton (69-50) (Defeated St. Paul, 9-4. A rare trip outside the Eastern timezone this week for Scranton. I believe they went to Omaha in 2023)

2B Caleb Durbin: 0-for-4, RS, 2 BB
Durbin has 11 walks in 14 August games.
CF Jasson Dominguez: 4-for-5, 3 RS, SB (9)
Dominguez is 11-for-22 in his last six minor league games.
3B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
1B Carlos Narvaez: 3-for-4, HR (10), 3 RBI, RS, BB
I don’t think Narvaez will be a high-average guy in MLB, but he is at .271 this season.  This is his third consecutive 10+ HR campaign.
DH Taylor Trammell: 0-for-4, BB, K
RF Jahmai Jones: 1-for-5, 3B (1), 2 RBI, RS, K
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-5, 2B (7), RS
Escarra has a 5-game hitting streak.
LF Cam Eden: 0-for-4, BB, K
SS Kevin Smith: 1-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, 2 K

LHP Thomas Pannone: (W, 7-9)  6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Another strong effort for Pannone. Since signing with the Yankees: 2.25 ERA (32 IP, 30 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 4 HR, 2 BB, 30 K)
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Ron Marinaccio:  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Effross has five straight scoreless outings (7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K)

Somerset (58-55) (Defeated Portland, 1-0, to move to within 4.5 games)

CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-4, K
.251/.332/.423 in 449 PA. Jones has five hits in his last two games and is 18-for-58 (.310) with four doubles and two home runs in August. While the K% is high (36.7%), the rest of his statistical profile looks pretty good – especially considering he was hitting .220/.314/.327 on May 31st.
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, K
   LF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-0
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4
Since promotion: .267/.348/.522 in 181 PA (8 doubles, 11 HR, 22 RBI, 25 R)
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-3, BB, K
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
LF-1B Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2B (19), K
Dunham’s double in the 9th brought home Richardson (Richardson scored on an error, which is why Dunham didn’t get credit for an RBI)
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B-3B Max Burt: 1-for-3, K

RHP Cody Poteet: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Poteet’s first rehab appearance. It will be interesting to see how the Yankees arrange their pitching staff as we enter the last several weeks. Poteet may be used as a depth guy waiting in the minors. 
RHP Lou Trivino: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Trivino’s third rehab appearance.
RHP Trystan Vrieling (W, 10-7): 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K
4.82 ERA (125 IP, 120 H, 70 R, 67 ER, 11 HR, 41 BB, 114 K). At a time when pitchers may start to tire, Vrieling is thriving. August: 18 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 17 K.  This is impressive for a kid spending his debut season in Double-A.

Hudson Valley (59-54) (Slaughtered Wilmington, 10-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-1, 2 SB (22), 4 BB, K
Riggio has two 4 BB games this season (he had one in his debut last year). His career BB% is 16.1%.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 SB (4), K
After a slow start following his promotion, Lombard has reached base safely six times in his last three games (4-for-11, 2 BB, 3 SB). He is 34-for-39 stealing bases between here and Tampa.
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-5, RBI, 3 K
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, 2B (13), RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-2, HR (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (1), 3 BB, K
Jones is the first 2024 draftee to make it to High-A. He walked 13 times and stole 5 bases in 9 games for Low-A Tampa. Drafted in the 12th round out of Kansas State, he is making an early impression.
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, RS, BB, K
Jasso is 9-for-38 (.237) with four doubles, a triple, and a homer since his promotion.
DH Coby Morales: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Morales’ High-A debut.
C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-4, 2B (11), RBI, RS
Gomez has 7 doubles in 14 August games (16-for-46).
LF Anthony Hall: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, K

RHP Baron Stuart: (W, 7-4) 6 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Between here and Scranton (one emergency start): 3.65 ERA (101 IP, 88 H, 44 R, 41 ER, 4 HR, 38 BB, 84 K). He won’t be on prospect lists, but he has pitched well.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
At this level: 11.1 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 12 K. Cohen finished 2023 with Somerset, so I hope he gets there again in 2024.
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (46-65) (Lost to Fort Myers, 7-6)

CF Marshall Toole: 2-for-4, RBI, HBP, K
Toole is 10-for-29 with a pair of doubles and 8 RBI. He is 6-for-8 stealing bases.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, RS, 3 K
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, 2B (21), RBI, BB, 2 K
Montero has doubled in four straight games and has hit safely in 15 of his last 16 games. 
LF Tyler Wilson: 0-for-5, RBI, 2 K
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-5, HR (7), RBI, RS
1B Parks Harber: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, RS, BB
Harber hits his first professional home run. He is 9-for-31 with two doubles, a triple, and a homer.
DH Joe Delossantos: 0-for-3, RS, 2 SB (4), BB, K
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, K
Gonzalez launches his first Low-A HR. The 20-year-old hit 6 HR in 36 games in the FCL this year. 
3B Duncan Pastore: 2-for-3, RS, BB
Pastore has reached base 8 times in his first two professional games (5-for-6, 2 BB, HBP)

RHP Andrew Landry: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
This is essentially a “get your feet wet” season for Landry. He has tossed only 20 innings between here and the FCL.
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Matt Givin (L, 0-1): 0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Jordy Luciano: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-36)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (30-25) (Destroyed the DSL Rangers Blue, 16-2)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, 3 RS, SB (8), 2 BB, K
.196/.294/.345 in 170 PA. This is the bonus baby’s debut season, and while I like that he is showing some power (8 doubles, 4 HR), he also has a 32.9% K rate. 
C Queni Pineda: 1-for-1, HR (5), RBI, RS
I am not sure why Pineda only batted once. He is at .254/.434/.438 in an impressive debut season.
  C Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-3, RBI, RS
Villarroel also left the game early. Like Pineda, he has composed a strong debut season: .299/.390/.410 in 136 PA.
SS Christofer Reyes: 4-for-5, 2 RBI, 2 RS, 3 SB (21)
Still only 16 (he turns 17 on 8/23), Reyes is hitting .250/.346/.314 in 179 PA with a 21-for-30 stolen base rate. He has two 4-hit games.
2B Luis Escudero: 2-for-2, 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (26), BB
The 18-year-old is hitting .287/.450/.418 with a 26-for-31 stolen base rate.
DH-C Justin Capellan: 2-for-5, HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 RS, K
Like Pineda and Villarroel, Capellan is a catcher in his debut campaign. He is hitting .242/.365/.359 in 156 PA.
LF Richard Meran: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
RF David Carrera: 1-for-3, 3B (2), 2 RBI, RS, K
Only 17, Carrera is hitting .276/.402/.418 in 122 PA.  He has 25 RBI in 35 games

LHP Franyer Herrera (W, 5-1): 5 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
2.01 ERA (49.1 IP, 43 H, 17 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 64 K). Herrera is 19 years old. This is his third season here, but he tossed only 20.1 innings in the first two seasons.

Yankees MILB 8/13: Jackson Castillo: 2 HR, 7 RBI

News:

Former farmhand Andres Chaparro made his debut for the Washington Nationals tonight. He hit three doubles as Washington helped the Yankees by beating the Orioles.

Chaparro spent several years in the Yankees organization before being lost to minor league free agency to the Arizona Diamondbacks last winter. The Diamondbacks traded him to the Nationals at the trade deadline.

A rebuilding team like Washington is a perfect spot for a prospect like Chaparro, who should get playing time over the next several weeks in an attempt to establish himself as a piece of the Nationals’ future. Good luck to him.

While the Yankees could have tried him as they struggled to hit, I don’t consider it a missed opportunity. The Rule 5 and minor league free agency exist for a reason – to give blocked players like Chaparro a chance to perform elsewhere. One game doesn’t define whether the Yankees made a mistake or not. I hope he has a productive MLB career.

Scranton (65-48) (Defeated Buffalo, 6-4)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, SB (14), BB, 2 K
Vivas is likely on a potential call-up list, but they didn’t use him in a series against the Orioles before the All-Star Break. I think they’ll leave him down here.  Plus, if they want someone who can handle 3B, there are questions about Vivas playing there.
3B Caleb Durbin: 1-for-3, HR (5), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Durbin has homered in back-to-back games. He is hitting .301/.421/.480 in 242 PA at this level. He should be considered for MLB playing time. However, the easiest solution will be Oswald Peraza. 
CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-4, RS, K
Dominguez is 8-for-51 since coming back from his latest injury.
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (17), K
Peraza has hit better lately (5-game hitting streak, though it features only one hit per game). His 40-man roster status benefits him.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, 2B (20), RBI, RS, CS (3), BB
Rumfield is 7-for-30 with 10 walks in August.
DH Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, RBI, K
RF Cam Eden: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (27)
Speed is his game.
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, BB
LF Greg Allen: 1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI

LHP Tanner Tully: (W, 2-6) 5 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Nick Burdi: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Tim Mayza: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Scott Effross (S, 1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Effross is starting to string together some scoreless outings, but it comes down to how his stuff looks, not statistics. Once he is ready, they aren’t going to hold him back.

Somerset (54-54) (Defeated Hartford, 6-2)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, K
Jones is 12-for-36 (.333) in August (3 doubles, 2 HR, 7 RBI).
C Jose Trevino: 0-for-2
   C Rafael Flores: 1-for-2, 2B (8), K
Flores has 8 doubles and 9 HR in 38 games since his promotion.
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, HR (5), 4 RBI, RS
Rodriguez, who has homered in back-to-back games, turns a 2-1 deficit into a 5-2 lead with a grand slam in the 8th inning. He is hitting .239/.301/.463 in 73 PA since his promotion and .309/.386/.496 with 10 HR and 46 RBI overall. In addition to the bat, he is versatile (games at 1B, 2B, 3B, LF, and C this season).
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, RS, 2 SB (14)
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, RS, BB, K
DH Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, RS, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, 2B (4), RBI
2B Max Burt: 1-for-2, RS, SB (6), BB

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (W, 9-7)  7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
5.07 ERA (119 IP, 120 H, 70 R, 67 ER, 11 HR, 38 BB, 108 K). In his two August starts: 12 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 11 K. The Yankees sent him straight to Double-A, never pitching at any other level. That comes with many challenges, and Vrieling has done well enough to meet those challenges.
RHP Danny Watson: (S, 1): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
6.15 ERA (26.1 IP, 28 H, 22 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 12 BB, 17 K). I consider 2024 to be a rehab season for Watson, but he still has a month to end on a strong note.

Hudson Valley (56-51) (Smoked Hickory, 13-0)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-5, 2 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, RS, HBP, 2 K
Since promotion: 1-for-25. What do they do about this? The answer is simple: Keep throwing him out there.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-1, 2 RS, HBP, 2 BB
  PH-1B Kiko Romero: 1-for-1, 2B (12), RBI
DH Omar Martinez: 0-for-1, 3 RS, 2 HBP, 2 BB
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, 3B (1), HR (1), 3 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Since promotion: 6-for-19 (2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 3 RBI). Jasso has 10 HR and 57 RBI between here and Tampa.
CF Jackson Castillo: 2-for-4, 2 HR (2), 7 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Castillo sets a personal best for RBI in a game, a mark he may never top (7 RBI is hard!). Since his promotion, he is 8-for-21 (2 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR, 11 RBI). He is one of their most consistent prospects in 2024.
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
RF Garrett Martin: 3-for-5, HR (8), 2 RBI, 2 RS
LF Anthony Hall: 2-for-3, 2 BB
Hall has four multi-hit efforts in his last nine games.

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 1-6) 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Carr, in his debut season, earns his first professional win. Season: 5.13 ERA (86 IP, 80 H, 58 R, 49 ER, 5 HR, 50 BB, 80 K).  Last 5 games: 24 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 25 K. This is a sign of a pitcher figuring things out.
RHP Kelly Austin: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Since being acquired: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3.35 ERA (37.2 IP, 29 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 52 K)
RHP Matt Keating: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa (43-63) (Lost to Clearwater, 7-2)

CF Brandon Jones: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, K
Jones is 5-for-15 with 6 walks to begin his professional career.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, K
Arias is 5-for-36 with 7 walks and 15 strikeouts in August.
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, RS, K
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 K
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, RS, 2 SB (31), BB, K
31-for-37 in the stolen base category. He is hitting .256/.363/.328 in 372 PA.
DH Joe Delossantos: 0-for-1, HBP, 2 BB
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, HBP

RHP Bryce Warrecker: (L, 1-5)  4 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Not a fun night for Rodriguez, who allowed three inherited runners to score.
RHP Jordy Luciano: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-33) (Lost to the DSL Mets Orange, 7-1)

1B Luis Puello: 2-for-4, RS
.342/.430/.514 in 128 PA. The 18-year-old has shown vast improvement over his debut 2023 season.
CF Isael Arias: 1-for-4, 3B (2), RBI

RHP Luis Burgos: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (29-21) (Defeated the DSL Mets Blue, 9-5)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-5, RS, 2 K
DH Queni Pineda: 3-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, RS
.252/.427/.395 in 157 PA (8 doubles, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 22.9% BB, 23.6% K)
SS Christofer Reyes: 2-for-5, 2B (5), HR (1), 4 RBI, RS, K
The 16-year-old blasts his first professional home run (.239/.335/.312; 16-for-25 SB)
C Carlos Villarroel: 1-for-3, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
LF Browm Martinez: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB
2B Juan Araujo: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB
  2B Luis Suarez: 2-for-2, 2B (3), RBI

LHP Franyer Herrera (W, 4-1): 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, HR
2.23 ERA (44.1 IP, 36 H, 16 R, 11 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 58 K)
RHP Jose Rosario (S, 1): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K