Yankees MILB 9/24: The Finale

News:

Thanks to everyone for reading.

I say it every year: By the time we get to this point, I am ready for a break. Yes, there are fall and winter leagues to follow but I don’t pay as much attention. I certainly do not write full reports.

I have a “Where are they now?” (a look at past Yankees prospects) post ready for tomorrow. That will be my final entry for a while. I might write a full recap after the Yankees’ season ends.


Scranton (89-60)

Their season is over.


Somerset (75-62 (regular season); 2-2 (playoffs)) (Lost to Erie, 3-2. Erie takes the championship series, 2-0)

CF Spencer Jones0-for-4, 3 K
The kind of MLB player Jones becomes depends heavily on the strikeout rate. A 36.8% rate in Double-A is scary. He knows that. The Yankees know that. We’ll see if he can adjust his game to cut that down.
C Rafael Flores0-for-3, 2 K
He was named the Organizational Player of the Year by Baseball America. Once Agustin Ramirez was traded, the competition opened up, and the “big-name prospects” (Jones, Roderick Arias, etc.) didn’t establish themselves enough. Flores hit .279/.379/.495 in 506 PA with a 13% BB and 25.3% K. He hit 31 doubles, 21 home runs, and drove home 68. As for his future, he isn’t Rule 5 eligible until 2025, so the Yankees get one more evaluation year. He may make his MLB debut in 2025.
  C Juan Crisp: 0-for-1, K
2B Anthony Seigler1-for-4, RS
Seigler had a decent season in his first year as a second baseman (he didn’t catch once all year). Once again: He is beyond the point of being a “prospect,” but it was nice to see him healthy and contributing.
LF Grant Richardson1-for-4, K
1B Tyler Hardman1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, K
Hardman had 26 HR in 77 games for Somerset in 2023 before an injury ended his season (he had a legitimate chance at 35+ HR). His comeback in 2024 didn’t go well (10 HR in 96 regular season games), and I wonder if his injury played a role. 
RF Cole Gabrielson0-for-2, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-3
DH Kiko Romero1-for-3, 2 K
3B Max Burt0-for-3, K

RHP Cam Schlittler4 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
To his credit, Schlittler needed 61 pitches to get through a rough first two innings. He bounced back to put up a pair of zeroes before leaving the game. He is in the running for Organizational Pitcher of the Year (he won the Sally League (High-A) Pitcher of the Year Award) and should make his way to Scranton sometime in 2025.
LHP Ryan Anderson1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
While the 6’6″ Anderson has missed bats in the minors (28.3% K heading into tonight), his calling card is the ground ball (63.4%). Anderson survived the 2023 Rule 5 draft without being picked but he is the type who is at risk.
RHP Luis Velasquez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Velasquez always puts up solid strikeout numbers but control has been an issue during his development.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Ayers earned a promotion to Double-A down the stretch, which is significant. After the promotion, he pitched to a 5.00 ERA in 9 IP (4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 11 K). Four of those runs were allowed in one outing.
RHP Matt Sauer: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Sauer initially struggled after the Royals sent him back. He pitched well out of the Somerset bullpen down the stretch. 


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

Their season is over.


Tampa (54-74)

Their season is over.


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (17-36)

Their season is over.


DSL Bombers (30-25) 

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 9/2: Spencer Jones: Double, Triple

News:

Nothing.


Scranton (74-56)

The Railriders had the day off.  Rochester and Worcester, the two teams Scranton is battling for the second-half title, play each other this week. Tonight, Worcester won to pull within 0.5 games of first.

Second-half standings:
Rochester: 33-25
Worcester: 32-25
Scranton: 31-25

They do not makeup games for playoff purposes in the minors. Hence, the “loss column” isn’t quite as important.


Somerset (66-59) (Defeated Binghamton, 6-5. They are within 2 games of Portland with two weeks left in the season (Somerset has 12 more games))

CF Spencer Jones2-for-4, 2B (26), 3B (5), RS, 2 K
Jones has a 9-game hitting streak (15-for-36; 6 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR). Somerset’s season ends on 9/15, one week before Scranton’s. In 2021, the Yankees promoted Oswald Peraza to Scranton for 8 games. In 2022, Anthony Volpe played 22 games for the Railriders. Jones may receive a cup of coffee to finish out 2024.
C Rafael Flores0-for-4, RBI, 3 K
1B Tyler Hardman1-for-4, HR (8), 2 RBI, RS, 3 K
Hardman has 34 homers in 139 Double-A games. The rest of his offensive game hasn’t been there this season, and one wonders if last year’s injury is playing a role. 
DH Grant Richardson2-for-4, RS
RF Elijah Dunham0-for-4, 2 K
LF Jared Wegner1-for-4, RS
2B Anthony Seigler0-for-3, BB, K
SS Alexander Vargas: 3-for-4, 2B (6), 2 RBI, RS, K
The fact that Vargas has shown some bat in Double-A (.717 OPS) increases his chances to be selected in the Rule 5 this winter. Strange things happen, but I doubt the Yankees will protect him.
3B Max Burt0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K

RHP Clarke Schmidt4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, HR
Schmidt had a strict 70-pitch limit (they pulled him in the middle of an AB, with a 1-2 count)
RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 1-3)  4.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K


Hudson Valley (68-57)

The Renegades had the day off.

Their season ends on Sunday. With six games left, the second-half standings look like this:

Hudson Valley: 35-25
Jersey Shore: 32-28
Greensboro: 31-28
Aberdeen: 31-29

A 4-2 week clinches a playoff berth regardless of what other teams do.


Tampa (54-69) 

The Tarpons had the day off.

Their season ends on Sunday. With six games left, the second-half standings look like this:

Fort Myers: 33-21
Lakeland: 34-25
Tampa: 30-27

Their chances are non-existent as Fort Myers and Lakeland play this week.

Correct, the number of games played is uneven. That’s the nature of this league, where weather-related cancellations are common.


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 8/2: Francisco Vilorio Homers Twice

News:

Since the Olympics are front and center, the last few days with the “thrill of victory” (promotions) and the “agony of defeat” (releases). It’s the unfortunate reality of prospect-watching.

The releases are RHP Montana Semmel, RHP Nicio Rodriguez, RHP Nick Paciorek, 3B Beau Brewerand CF Nelson Medina. There are other players down in the FCL/DSL, as well. You have seen me write about most of these players. Rodriguez hadn’t pitched since 2021 due to injuries. Paciorek pitched well in Hudson Valley in 2023 but was also a victim of the injury bug.

Hopefully, they can find jobs with other organizations or independent ball.

Veteran infielder Rougned Odor (who never appeared in a game after the Yankees signed him to a minor league deal) was also released.

With releases come promotions. I will report on them as they start playing.


Scranton (58-47) (Lost to Louisville, 4-2)

CF Jasson Dominguez0-for-4, 3 K
Dominguez’s first full game in the field since coming back.
2B Jorbit Vivas2-for-4, 2B (8)
Vivas has four multi-hit efforts in his last seven games.
3B Oswald Peraza0-for-4
1B T.J. Rumfield2-for-3, 2B (18), RS, BB
Since promotion: .291/.343/.470 in 329 PA (18 doubles, 12 HR, 51 RBI, 50 R, 6.7% BB, 17.6% K). He is on a 7-game hitting streak (9-for-30).
DH Oscar Gonzalez2-for-4
RF Taylor Trammell1-for-4
SS Kevin Smith1-for-4, 2B (11), RBI, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, K
14-for-39 (.359) with four doubles and a homer since his promotion. He is 29 years old, but didn’t convert to catching until recently.
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-4, K

LHP Thomas Pannone (L, 5-9): 4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
LHP Victor Gonzalez1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Phil Bickford: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Tim Mayza1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K


Somerset (50-50) (Lost to Bowie, 3-2)

2B Caleb Durbin1-for-4, 2B (2), K
CF Spencer Jones0-for-4, 4 K
Yes, I get the frustration of fans who see Jones go on a run only to have a night like this. The Yankees love him and are willing to live through the growing pains. That could change if the right trade opportunity comes along this winter. Yes, signing Juan Soto long-term can be a factor.
C Jesus Rodriguez0-for-4, 2 K
DH Rafael Flores1-for-4, RS
3B Tyler Hardman1-for-2, HR (6), RBI, RS, CS (1), 2 BB
Hardman has 32 home runs in 118 Double-A games.
LF Elijah Dunham0-for-2, 2 BB
RF Jared Wegner: 1-for-4, RBI, K
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-3, BB, 2 K
1B Max Burt0-for-3, K

RHP Chase Hampton3.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
Hampton’s first Somerset appearance this season. I can see him finishing the year in Scranton if all goes well.
RHP Matt Sauer1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Danny Watson (L, 1-3): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
I mentioned Eric Reyzelman as the organization’s best relief prospect. A healthy Watson is high on the list, as well. I am not worried about his overall 2024 statistics.
RHP Jesus Liranzo1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Carlos Gomez0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Hudson Valley (50-48) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 7-1, in a 7-inning game. The game started late due to rain, so they cut it short)

2B Roc Riggio0-for-4
CF Jace Avina1-for-3, RS, K
1B Omar Martinez0-for-2, RS, BB
C Antonio Gomez1-for-3, 2B (6), RBI, RS
I wish Gomez’s bat would develop, as he is one of the few catching prospects who has few questions about sticking there. 
DH Garrett Martin0-for-3, RS, SB (10), K
3B Kiko Romero: 2-for-3, HR (6), RBI, 2 RS
Romero’s first home run since July 4th. 
LF Cole Gabrielson0-for-2, RBI, RS, BB
RF Anthony Hall2-for-3, 2 RBI
Hall has a pair of multi-hit efforts in his last three games. Hopefully, this is a sign that he will finish strongly.
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: (W, 6-4) 5 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
2.60 ERA (86.2 IP, 60 H, 34 R, 25 ER, 7 HR, 38 BB, 108 K). Schlittler tied his personal best for strikeouts in a game and may be their most consistent minor league starter this season. 
RHP Kelly Austin1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The organizational debut for Austin, who was acquired from the Houston Astros for Caleb Ferguson. He pitched to a 2.21 ERA in 36.2 innings for Houston’s Low-A/High-A clubs.
RHP Luis Arejula1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Tampa (41-56) (Lost to Lakeland, 4-3)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, RS, SB (29), 2 K
Lombard Jr. is 29-for-33 (87.9%) in the stolen base department.
SS Roderick Arias1-for-3, RS, SB (27), BB
Arias is 27-for-38 (71.1%) in the stolen base department. That should improve with experience. His strikeout rate is 32.5%, which is an improvement over where he was earlier this season.
1B Dylan Jasso2-for-4, RS, SB (2)
Jasso has three multi-hit efforts in his last six games.
CF Jackson Castillo1-for-3, BB, K
.255/.388/.407 in 327 PA. 
RF Willy Montero1-for-4, 2 RBI, K
3B Hans Montero0-for-2, 2 BB
C Josue Gonzalez0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
LF Coby Morales0-for-4, 3 K
DH Tomas Frick0-for-2, 2 K
   PH-DH Joe Delossantos0-for-1, BB, K
Delossantos is the first 2024 draftee to make his debut. He was their 10th-round pick, signing for a mere $7,500 (he had zero leverage). The right-handed hitting outfielder out of William & Mary is 23 years old, so it makes sense that they would place him here out of the shoot. He hit .330/.431/.584 in 57 games for the Tribe this season.

RHP Andrew Landry2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Last year’s 16th-round pick makes his Tampa debut. In the FCL, he tossed 9.1 innings, giving up two runs on nine hits with a 14/3 K/BB. He showed off a 6-pitch mix tonight, maxing out at 95.7 with his 4-seam fastball and 95 with his sinker. He mixed in a slider, curve, change, and cutter. The Yankees have a track record of success with mid-round pitching, so watch him.
LHP Will Brian2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
This is not the 25-year-old’s Tampa debut, as he appeared in 2022 and 2023. The 10th-round pick in 2022 out of Eastern Kentucky is 25 years old and features a sinker/curve combo. He generated an impressive ten whiffs tonight.
RHP Jordy Luciano1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Pacheco1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia (L, 3-3): 0.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K


FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.


DSL Yankees (15-26) (Lost to DSL Cardinals, 11-9. This was the TAME game down in the DSL today)

SS Dexters Peralta2-for-5, 2 RS, SB (21), 2 K
Peralta has three multi-hit efforts in his last four games and is 21-for-24 in the stolen base category.
3B Richard Matic0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
C Luis Puello2-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 RS, K
.321/.424/.512 in 99 PA (4 doubles, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 16 R, 3-for-3 SB). He is only 18 years old.
2B Geyber Blanco2-for-4, 2B (6), RBI, RS
LF Estivenzon Montero1-for-3, 2B (5), 3 RBI, RS, K
CF Louis Pierre2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, 2 SB (12)
1B Niurby Asigen2-for-4, SB (7), K
DH Diego Gonzalez1-for-3, 2 RBI, BB, K
The 17-year-old left-handed hitting outfielder makes his professional debut.


DSL Bombers (23-20) (Lost to the DSL Twins, 21-19, in 13 innings. That isn’t a typo)

DH Francisco Vilorio3-for-7, 2B (7), 2 HR (3), 5 RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
A big day for the bonus baby outfielder. This increases his triple slash from .190/.265/.295 to .205/.280/.366. He is only 17.
C Queni Pineda2-for-5, 2B (7), HR (3), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
The 17-year-old has a .245/.437/.415 line in 126 plate appearances.
SS Christofer Reyes3-for-7, 3 RS, SB (14), 1 BB, 3 K
2B-1B Luis Escudero: 1-for-4, 2 RS, 2 BB, K
1B Carlos Villarroel: 2-for-4, 2 2B (5), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
LF David Carrera2-for-6, 3 RBI, RS, K
CF Angel Ventura2-for-7, RBI, 3 RS, CS (2), 2 K

RHP Mariano Salomon5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
Yes, the game got out of hand after he left the game. They used nine total pitchers. Salomon (21) has a 1.75 ERA and 40/10 K/BB over 36 innings.

Yankees MILB 7/28: Brandon Lockridge: 3 BB, 3 SB

News:

We are nearing August 1st and haven’t seen any “mass promotions” yet. That will likely happen after the deadline.

Because we no longer have short-season leagues, promotions come with cuts. It is a harsh reality. While Agustin Ramirez, Jared Sernaand Abrahan Ramirez were in no danger of being cut, Brian Cashman is considering many angles with his deals. The Rule 5 draft, the current 40-man roster, players they want to promote, etc.

As I said yesterday, it’s easy to get attached to prospects. If you read this report, I tend to have a positive slant while mixing in some reality (I think that is fair).

The best advice I can offer: The kids you love to follow will have better MLB opportunities elsewhere. Serna’s probability of making it to MLB increased when the trade was announced.


Scranton (56-45) (Lost to Worcester, 6-5)

CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-2, 3 SB (34), 3 BB, K
In 164 games over the last two seasons, Lockridge is 74-for-83 stealing bases.
DH Jasson Dominguez1-for-5, 2 K
He was out for a while, so I forgot about his hitting streak. He owns a 10-game hitting streak (16-for-42).
3B Jorbit Vivas1-for-4, RS, HBP
For Scranton: .247/.383/.385 in 217 PA. With the acquisition of Jazz Chisholm Jr., Vivas can concentrate on finishing strong here and see what opportunities arise in 2025.
SS Oswald Peraza1-for-4, RS, SB (15)
July: .275/.356/.413 (7-for-9 SB)
1B T.J. Rumfield2-for-4, 2 RBI, K
Rumfield has 7 RBI in his last 6 games (zero RBI in the previous five games)
C J.C. Escarra2-for-4, RS
Escarra has four multi-hit efforts in eight games since his promotion (12-for-28)
2B Kevin Smith0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
RF Taylor Trammell2-for-4, HR (7), 3 RBI, RS
LF Josh VanMeter: 0-for-4, 2 K

LHP Thomas Pannone5 IP, 9 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
One reason why you bring in Pannone: If you trade from your pitching depth, you have someone who can eat minor league innings. The Triple-A season is nearly as much of a grind as the MLB season, minus the insane travel.
RHP Nick Burdi1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Burdi averaged 95.4 MPH with his 4-seamer (averaged 97.5 MPH in MLB this season)
RHP Alex Mauricio1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
For Scranton: 1.16 ERA (31 IP, 20 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 37 K). Mauricio allowed three runs in his second outing this season (April 11th). He’s been dominant since. He relies on a cutter/slider combination with a 4-seamer that he throws in the 92-93 range.
RHP Jack Neely: (L, 1-1) 1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
Neely, a call-up candidate, didn’t have it today. Due to his small sample size at this level, this spiked his ERA from 0.93 to 3.38.
LHP Tim Mayza1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K


Somerset (48-48) (Lost to Portland, 4-2. Ever since I pointed out how well they are playing, their offense has gone into the tank)

3B Caleb Durbin0-for-3
Durbin is 1-for-10 since being placed here. He hasn’t struck out. He is still on a rehab stint that isn’t labeled that way – don’t place him on a “hug” watch because he was pulled.
  2B Anthony Seigler1-for-1, RS
CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, K
1B Jesus Rodriguez0-for-3, K
No need to place Rodriguez on a “hug” watch – he is still on the “rehab plan”. This is his first game at 1B this season (15 last season).
  RF Grant Richardson0-for-0, SF, RBI
C Rafael Flores0-for-3, BB, K
DH Tyler Hardman1-for-4, HR (5), RBI, RS, 3 K
Hardman has 5 HR in 33 games for Somerset this year (31 in 110 games going back to last year). That is solid pop, though he has struggled with other aspects of his offensive game this year.
RF-1B Elijah Dunham1-for-3, BB, K
LF Jared Wegner1-for-3, K
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-3
2B-3B Max Burt0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Ben Shields: (L, 1-1) 4.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 2.08 ERA (21.2 IP, 17 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 23 K). Between here, Scranton, and Hudson Valley, Shields is up to 75.2 innings in his debut season.
RHP Matt Sauer1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP McKinley Moore1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Carlos Gomez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Kevin Stevens1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.48 ERA (36.1 IP, 27 H, 10 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 52 K). Stevens has impressed and I would like to see him promoted to Scranton. That way, we can get some Savant data.


Hudson Valley (46-48) (Defeated Wilmington, 5-4)

2B Roc Riggio1-for-4, RS, BB, K
.227/.357/.392 in 337 PA. Splits: .282/.417/.385 against LHP and .218/.347/.393 vs. RHP. He is a left-handed bat.
LF Garrett Martin1-for-5, RBI
C Omar Martinez0-for-4
DH Antonio Gomez0-for-4
Gomez is 10-for-68 (.147) since joining this level.
3B Josh Moylan2-for-4, HR (6), RBI, 2 RS, K
Moylan has homered three times in his last five games. He is hitting .242/.360/.361 in 292 PA.
1B Kiko Romero0-for-2, 2 BB
CF Cole Gabrielson: 2-for-3, RS, HBP
RF Anthony Hall: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 3B (1), RBI, RS
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-2, SB (4), CS (2), 2 BB

RHP Baron Stuart: 4 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, HR
3.70 ERA (82.2 IP, 72 H, 36 R, 34 ER, 4 HR, 32 BB, 68 K)
RHP Cole Ayers: (W, 3-4)  1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.27 ERA (52.1 IP, 45 H, 23 R, 19 ER, 5 HR, 19 BB, 64 K). 
RHP Matt Keating1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.64 ERA (54.1 IP, 40 H, 31 R, 28 ER, 8 HR, 23 BB, 64 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.78 ERA (33.1 IP, 32 H, 19 R, 14 ER, 6 HR, 10 BB, 37 K)
RHP Mason Vinyard (S, 2): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
3.90 ERA (32.1 IP, 27 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 20 BB, 46 K)
All these relievers likely have a case to go to Somerset, though it’s hard to find room for everyone. 


Tampa (39-54) (Defeated Clearwater, 3-2, in a rain-shortened game. Tampa improves to 16-12 in the second half and 9-1 in their last 10 games)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2
.235/.354/.349 in 345 PA (17 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 33 RBI, 43 R, 28-for-32 SB, 13.6% BB, 24.1% K). He has 41 games at SS, 17 at 2B, and 9 at 3B.
2B Roderick Arias0-for-2
.222/.319/.365 in 405 PA (15 doubles, 7 triples, 7 HR, 52 RBI, 55 R, 26-for-37 SB, 11.6% BB, 32.8% K). He has 55 games (51 starts) at SS, 30 at SS, and 2 at 3B. I have talked about his extreme splits, but he has improved somewhat against LHP. His average is higher against southpaws (.239 to .218) but everything else continues to show the extremeness.
3B Dylan Jasso1-for-1, RS, BB
CF Jackson Castillo1-for-2, 2B (17), RS
.258/.388/.414 in 317 PA (17 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 29 RBI, 50 R, 16-for-20 SB, 17.4% BB, 19.6% K)
LF Willy Montero1-fo-2, 2 RBI, RS
His 2-run single in the bottom of the 4th tied the game at 2. He is hitting .243/.302/.360 in 348 PA (15 doubles, 2 triples, 6 HR, 43 RBI, 45 R, 9-for-10 SB)
DH Hans Montero0-for-1, BB, K
1B Coby Morales1-for-2, K
C Diomedes Hernandez0-for-2, RBI, K
Little did he know that his RBI fielder’s choice would prove to be the game-winner. He is 3-for-11 since his promotion.
RF Daury Arias0-for-2

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (W, 4-7) 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, HR
Barbosa records his second complete game (neither was 9 innings, obviously). Season: 4.87 ERA (92.1 IP, 92 H, 54 R, 50 ER, 9 HR, 28 BB, 95 K). Barbosa features a 6-pitch mix, throwing five of those pitches 10%+ of the time today. Interestingly, his two most-used pitches are a slider and curve. 


FCL (35-22)

Day off. They must beat the Pirates tomorrow to force a Game 3 in the semi-finals.


DSL Yankees (13-25)

Scheduled day off.


DSL Bombers (22-17)

Scheduled day off. The Bombers are in third place, two games behind the Marlins. In the DSL, eight teams make the playoffs (6 division winners + 2 wild cards).

Yankees MILB 6/16: George Lombard Jr. Triples, Drives in 3

News:

OF Jasson Dominguez is back on the injured list. According to Aaron Boone, he felt something in his side while swinging. That instantly makes one think of oblique, but we’ll wait until testing is complete.

Dominguez, who was pulled early last night, has consistently hit the ball hard since returning from his injury. This was significant, as one of the early signs of his arm injury was how the ball came off his bat.

Any setback is not good news as Dominguez needs as much playing time as possible. In 2024, Dominguez has only 94 plate appearances and 72.2 innings in the field.

At this point, if you think Dominguez will be an MLB option before the All-Star Break, you are a “glass is full” person. Not half-full. Full. I don’t see it.

Depth OF Greg Allen is also on the injured list. The Railriders activated OF Brandon Lockridge.

In Hudson Valley, one day after leaving a game due to a HBP, Jared Serna was out of the lineup. He is not currently on the injured list but that should be monitored. Hopefully, with Monday off, they decided it would be prudent to give him today off. Serna is hitting .280/.380/.504 (145 wRC+) with 19 doubles, 11 homers, 48 RBI, and 44 runs. Entering today, he is second in the South Atlantic League in homers and runs scored. His wRC+ ranks 8th. Assuming all is OK, he should get to Somerset this season.

Scranton (40-28) (Lost to Rochester, 7-3)

DH Jorbit Vivas1-for-4
C Ben Rice0-for-3, BB
Rice is 2-for-15 in his last four games. Is that a cause for alarm? No.
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-4, 2B (13)
Rumfield has a 7-game hitting streak (14-for-31). When you can average 2 hits per game during a hitting streak, you are doing something right. While his power is questioned, he has 18 extra-base hits in 47 games for Scranton.
LF Jose Rojas0-for-3, BB, K
.230/.360/.521 in 203 PA.
RF Oscar Gonzalez0-for-4, K
.276/.331/.431 in 133 PA (for Scranton)
CF Taylor Trammell1-for-4, SB (3)
The three players above represent the current outfield depth (along with Lockridge). Hopefully, Alex Verdugo/Aaron Judge/Juan Soto can remain healthy.
3B Jeter Downs: 2-for-3, HR (8), RBI, RS, SB (9)
.264/.354/.509 in 190 PA. After a 12-game homerless streak, Downs has homered in back-to-back games.
2B Josh VanMeter0-for-3, K
SS Kevin Smith0-for-3, K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: (L, 2-3)  4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
3.13 ERA (46 IP, 28 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 26 BB, 54 K). He tossed 72 pitches today. I still don’t know what the plan is for Gomez. They may be using starting in the minors to prepare him for a long-man/swingman type in MLB. Or, the best way to showcase him is through starting!
RHP Cody Morris1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Cousins1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K


Somerset (31-32) (Lost to Binghamton, 7-2. Somerset has been toiling around .500 all season)

CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, RS, 2 K
.232/.321/.372 in 237 PA (7 doubles, 2 triples, 6 HR, 31 RBI, 35 R, 16-for-20 SB, 10.97% BB, 33.8% K). In 2023, his K% was 28.9% between Hudson Valley and Somerset (28.2% in 78 PA after his promotion).
C Agustin Ramirez0-for-4, K
.290/.374/.571 in 257 PA (13 doubles, 1 triple, 16 HR, 47 RBI, 46 R, 13-for-14 SB, 10.9% BB, 16.3% K). He checks every box you want to be checked offensively. Defensively? He needs work.
1B Tyler Hardman2-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS
Hardman is 6-for-11 with a double and homer since joining Somerset. While his rehab stint is over, they are not giving him full games in the field.
  1B Max Burt0-for-1
DH J.C. Escarra1-for-4, K
LF Elijah Dunham1-for-4, 2B (7)
RF Jared Wegner0-for-3, 3 K
3B Jordan Groshans1-for-3
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-3
13-for-66 (.197/.229/.303) in 23 games since joining Somerset.

RHP Bailey Dees: (L, 2-4)  5 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
This is the first time Dees allowed 4+ earned runs since his first start (11 straight starts of 3 earned runs or less). Season: 3.86 ERA (67.2 IP, 60 H, 33 R, 29 ER, 9 HR, 24 BB, 74 K). He is likely exceeding expectations as a starter. 
RHP Danny Watson1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Dees left the game with two runners on base and nobody out. Watson stranded them both. Due to injury, the 6’7″ Watson has only 7 innings this season (8 H, 6 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K)
LHP Ryan Anderson0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Kevin Stevens1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K


Hudson Valley (33-29) (Defeated Brooklyn, 8-7, in 10 innings)

2B Roc Riggio1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 RS, SB (9), 2 BB, 2 K
Riggio has homered in back-to-back games. So far, he has shown strong plate discipline (15.7% BB) while not hitting for much average or power. Maybe things are beginning to click.
CF Jace Avina1-for-4, HR (6), SF, 3 RBI, RS, BB
Avina’s first home run since May 27th. His sac fly in the bottom of the 10th won the game.
C Rafael Flores1-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
LF Christopher Familia: 2-for-4, RS, BB
4-for-16 since joining Hudson Valley.
  PR-LF Cole Gabrielson0-for-0
DH Garrett Martin2-for-5, 2B (7), RBI, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB
3B Kiko Romero1-for-4, 2B (6), HBP
RF Nelson Medina0-for-5, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 2-for-5, 2B (2), RBI, 2 RS, SB (1), K
Escanio’s double in the bottom of the 10th tied the game.

RHP Cam Schlittler: 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
2.32 ERA (54.1 IP, 31 H, 21 R, 14 ER, 5 HR, 28 BB, 71 K). His 2.32 ERA leads the South Atlantic League.
RHP McKinley Moore0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.37 ERA (19 IP, 12 H, 10 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 29 K). He turns 25 in a week, so he should be making his way up the chain.
RHP Trent Sellers1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
3.21 ERA (35.1 IP, 24 H, 20 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 24 BB, 43 K)
RHP Matt Keating: (W, 1-1)  2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
2.87 ERA (37.2 IP, 25 H, 14 R, 12 ER, 3 HR, 15 BB, 44 K)


Tampa (23-40) (Lost to Clearwater, 4-3)

3B Enmanuel Tejeda0-for-4, RS, SB (16)
For Tampa: .322/.375/.391 in 129 PA (6.98% BB, 22.5% K). 
DH George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 3B (2), 3 RBI, K
13 of his 21 RBI have come in four games. He is hitting .220/.357/.295 in 213 PA. Lombard Jr. is looking for that elusive first home run.  His triple was hit 378 feet.
SS Roderick Arias0-for-4, K
Despite the 0-for-4, Arias hit balls at 102.3 MPH and 103.9 MPH. Season: .216/.310/.378 in 277 PA (11.2% BB; 36.5% K). He has over 100 strikeouts (101). I have mentioned it all season: The raw talent stands out – positively and negatively.
1B Dylan Jasso0-for-3, BB, K
CF Jackson Castillo0-for-3, BB
His June hasn’t been as hot as May, but he is generating walks (11 this month; 22 in May).
2B Hans Montero0-for-4
RF Willy Montero1-for-4, RS
Montero increases his hitting streak to 12.  Before the streak: .182/.250/.241. Now: .235/.285/.364. The 19-year-old (20 on August 4th) is showing progress but is a lottery ticket type. That’s not a knock – lottery tickets have value.
LF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, 3 K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-3, 2B (8), 2 RS
Frick had two of Tampa’s four hits. He is hitting .278/.400/.407 in 130 PA. This is his debut season.

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 1-5) 5.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Between here and Hudson Valley: 6.37 ERA (53.2 IP, 64 H, 52 R, 38 ER, 10 HR, 28 BB, 69 K). There is a lot to dissect in that stat line. Your reminder that he is 21 and in his debut season. He topped out at 95.9 MPH and generated 12 whiffs (5 with his fastball, 7 with his slider).
RHP Jordy Luciano1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Aaron Nixon1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K


FCL (18-12)

Scheduled day off.


DSL Yankees (3-7)

Scheduled day off.


DSL Bombers (5-4) 

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 5/8: Everson Pereira Walks it Off

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (24-10) (Walked it off against Rochester, 5-3. Scranton compiled ten walks but couldn’t do much with the baserunners. In the end, however, it didn’t matter)

2B Caleb Durbin2-for-5, 2B (13), RBI, 2 RS, K
His double in the 9th tied the game. Slugging percentage, by year: 2021: .304 (17 games); 2022: .372; 2023: .427; 2024: .461.  
RF Everson Pereira1-for-4, HR (9), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
Pereira hit a walk-off 2-run homer with one out in the 9th. He has 17 homers in 66 Triple-A games and 61 in 263 games from 2021-2024.
1B Carlos Narvaez0-for-0, 4 BB
Narvaez compiles his second career 4-BB game. Drawing walks is a part of his game (.362 career OBP)
DH Oscar Gonzalez0-for-2, K
  PH-DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-2
It’s too early to tell, but maybe his 17 HR in 86 games last year will not be the norm. That said, he hit .222 while hitting those home runs while he is hitting .314 in 2024 – an interesting storyline to follow.
C Luis Torrens: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K
3B Jeter Downs: 0-for-3, RBI, BB
CF Greg Allen0-for-3, CS (1), BB, K
SS Kevin Smith0-for-3, BB
LF Brandon Lockridge1-for-3, 2 RS, SB (14), BB, K
.213/.352/.280 in 91 PA (5 doubles, 10 RBI, 15 R, 14-for-15 SB).

RHP Clayton Beeter5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, HR
2.89 ERA (28 IP, 17 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 41 K)
RHP Cody Morris1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.50 ERA (18 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 23 K)
RHP Phil Bickford (W, 2-0): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.92 ERA (12.1 IP, 13 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 16 K). With Nick Burdi and Tommy Kahnle on rehab stints, slots in the Yankees’ bullpen are about to become tight. They do have nice veteran depth to tap into whenever needed.


Somerset (13-15) (Fell asleep against Altoona, 3-0)

CF Spencer Jones0-for-4, 2 K
Jones is 2-for-26 with 11 strikeouts in May and his slugging percentage has dipped under .400 (.395). I am not concerned but, if you listened to some of the “experts,” they said Jones needs time. He’ll get it going again.
1B Ben Rice0-for-3, SB (5), BB
Rice has “sneaky” stolen base ability (21-for-25 in his career) but that won’t be his calling card!
DH Agustin Ramirez0-for-4, 2 K
SS Ben Cowles2-for-3, BB
.337/.414/.564 in 116 PA with an 11.2% BB and 16.4% K. His .388 BABIP is high, but his career mark is .368 in 1,046 PA.
C J.C. Escarra0-for-4, K
3B Jordan Groshans0-for-2, BB
LF Elijah Dunham0-for-2, CS (3), BB, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler1-for-3, 2B (6), SB (3)
RF Aaron Palensky0-f0r-3, 2 K

RHP Trystan Vrieling: (L, 2-3): 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
3.34 ERA (35 IP, 26 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 35 K). This is your reminder that Vrieling was shipped straight to Double-A to make his professional debut. Sometimes, you want to give an advanced kid some time in the lower minors to get his feet wet. The Yankees didn’t deem that necessary. It seems like the correct call.
RHP Leonardo Pestana1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
In 14 innings between here and Hudson Valley, Pestana has allowed two hits with a 19/6 K/BB. Is the move to the bullpen unlocking something? So far, the results are encouraging.
RHP Luis Velasquez1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K


Hudson Valley (14-12) (Lost to Aberdeen, 6-5)

2B Roc Riggio1-for-4, HR (2), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Riggio led off the game with a home run.
SS Jared Serna1-for-5, 2 RBI, K
Serna increases his hitting streak to 7.
RF Jace Avina1-for-4, 2B (6), RS, K
Avina has eight extra-base hits in 16 games. 76 of his 153 career hits have gone for extra bases. Having nearly 50% of your hits go for extra bases seems like a high rate, no?
3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI
Rodriguez is hitting .328 with a .948 OPS. He is hitting .316 in 209 career games while playing several positions, including catcher. I will once again say that performance matters.
C Omar Martinez0-for-2, 2 BB, K
DH Josh Moylan0-for-2, 2 BB, K
CF Nelson Medina0-for-4, 3 K
1B Kiko Romero1-for-2, HR (3), RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
LF Kyle Battle1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Baron Stuart4.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
4.50 ERA (18 IP, 20 H, 10 R, 9 ER,0 HR, 10 BB, 12 K). 
RHP Trent Sellers: (L, 3-1)  0.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R,0 ER, 4 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
4.32 ERA (16.2 IP, 10 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 20 K)
RHP Cole Ayers1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.69 ERA (16 IP, 10 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 21 K)


Tampa (10-20) (Outlasted Clearwater, 9-8)

2B-SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 SB (7), 2 BB
Arias has holes in his game but can impact games. Can we remember that he is only 19 and nobody knows exactly where his career is going?
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-2, RS, BB, K
I wouldn’t worry about him being pulled – it is his second rehab game (first in the field). It is how the Yankees typically do things.
   2B Dayro Perez0-for-2, K
DH Tyler Hardman3-for-5, 2 2B (2), HR (1), 4 RBI, 2 RS, CS (1), K
If you kept Hardman down here for 50 games, he might just hit 35 home runs. That said, he is swinging the bat well in the early days of his rehab stint.
1B Dylan Jasso: 3-for-5, 2B (10), RBI, RS, 2 K
Jasso has 13 RBI in eight May games and is hitting .292 with a .911 OPS.  Furthermore, he has a 5-game hitting streak that features three multi-hit efforts. Would they consider an early promotion to Hudson Valley? If he keeps this up, do they have a choice?
CF Willy Montero1-for-5, RS, K
3B Hans Montero2-for-4, 2B (1), 3B (1), RS, BB, 2 K
Montero’s first career multi-extra-base hit game.
RF Coby Morales: 3-for-5, RBI, RS, SB (7), K
Morales has five multi-hit games and 10 RBI in May (eight games played). During this stretch, he has improved his triple slash from .195/.333/.208 to .269/.375/.324.
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-4, 2 2B (5), 2 RBI, RS, K
Frick increases his season-long on-base streak to 14 (12 games feature at least one hit)
LF Tayler Aguilar0-for-3, BB, 3 K

RHP Tommy Kahnle1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Kahnle maxed out at 95.5 MPH. His signature changeup resulted in two whiffs (as did his slider)
RHP Cade Smith4.2 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 1 HR
I wonder if a starter being asked to follow a rehabbing pitcher throws them off. I have no data to support any theory, and Smith’s first inning of work was scoreless so it could just be a tough night. Season: 2.77 ERA (26 IP, 16 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 38 K)
RHP Aaron Nixon: (W, 1-0) 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Nixon’s first professional win – congrats!
RHP Ocean Gabonia: (S, 1) 2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K


FCL (1-2)

Scheduled day off.


DSL (0-0)

It will be a while before their season starts!

Yankees MILB 7/28: Tyler Hardman’s Big Night

News:

The Yankees have their reasons for everything but I am befuddled by how Oswald Peraza is being handled. That’s all I am going to say about that (I said enough about it on Twitter).

Scranton (46-51; 12-10 in the second half) (Lost to Buffalo, 12-2)

CF Estevan Florial: 3-for-4, 2B (16), 2 RBI, BB, CS (10)
Florial, who is hitting .301 with a .990 OPS, has five 3+ hit games this season. He has four doubles and a homer in his last five games (8-game hitting streak)
SS Oswaldo Cabrera0-for-5, K
RF Everson Pereira3-for-5, 2B (4), 2 K
Pereira is hitting .343 with a .971 OPS since his promotion (4 doubles, 4 HR, 17 RBI). He does have 20 strikeouts in 72 PA (27.8%).
C Austin Wells1-for-4, BB, 2 K
Wells is hitting .280 (7-for-25) since his promotion with four walks and ten strikeouts.
DH Andres Chaparro0-for-2, RS, 2 BB
1B Carlos Narvaez0-for-4, 3 K
3B Jake Lamb: 2-for-3, RS, BB, K
2B Jesus Bastidas1-for-4
LF Brandon Lockridge1-for-3, BB, K

RHP Will Warren: (L, 4-4)  3 IP, 7 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 6 BB, 2 K
A rough night for Warren spikes his ERA to 5.52 at this level (44 IP, 43 H, 35 R, 27 ER, 8 HR, 26 BB, 46 K)
RHP Michael Gomez2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Zac Houston1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (56-36; 14-10 in the second half) (Blasted Bowie, 10-0)

SS Trey Sweeney1-for-5, RBI, RS, K, SB (14)
11-game hitting streak. Sweeney had a .765 OPS in Hudson Valley (100 games) and now owns a .789 OPS for Somerset (98 games)
DH Jasson Dominguez1-for-5, 2 RBI, RS, K, SB (28)
Dominguez is not only hitting in July – he is frisky on the basepaths. He is now 10-for-13 stealing bases this month.
3B Tyler Hardman: 4-for-4, 2 HR (26), SF, 6 RBI, 3 RS
Not only is Hardman leading the Yankees organization in home runs, but he is also tied in the overall minor league lead (entering tonight, Shay Whitcomb (AAA, HOU) also had 26 home runs). Additionally, the six RBI sets a new personal best. Overall, Hardman is hitting .236/.328/.561 in 326 PA (9 doubles, 2 triples, 26 HR, 55 RBI, 55 R, 39 BB, 109 K, 9-for-12 SB). He has five multi-HR games.
CF Elijah Dunham1-for-5, 2B (4), RBI, SB (10)
1B Mickey Gasper1-for-4, K
2B Max Burt0-for-3, BB, K, SB (11)
C Anthony Seigler0-for-2, RS, BB
  C Josh Breaux1-for-1
LF Aaron Palensky0-for-3, RS, HBP, K
RF Jeisson Rosario: 3-for-3, 2 2B (11), 3 RS, BB
.207/.343/.359 in 306 PA (11 doubles, 9 HR, 32 RBI, 36 R, 52 BB, 98 K, 9-for-14 SB). He had a 3-hit game on July 19th as well.

LHP Nestor Cortes4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
He appears to be on track to get back into the rotation soon.
LHP Ryan Anderson: (W, 1-0) 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Lisandro Santos1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.63 ERA (48 IP, 28 H, 23 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 33 BB, 52 K). He is a hard-throwing lefty with a lot of control issues.
RHP Bailey Dees1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Double-A debut is a clean enough one.
RHP Blas Castano1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (53-40; 14-13 in the second half) (Mauled Hickory, 11-2)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (24), RS, BB, K, SB (24)
Jones has four doubles and three stolen bases in his last six games. 
LF Christopher Familia: 2-for-5, HR (5), RBI, RS, 3 K
Familia has homered in four straight games and has 16 HR and 45 RBI in 40 games between here and Tampa. In his last 9 games: 13-for-37 (.351) with four home runs and nine runs batted in. 
DH Agustin Ramirez1-for-4, RS, BB
Ramirez decided to let his teammates do most of the heavy lifting tonight. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (has hit safely in 13 of his last 14 games) and is hitting .395 since his promotion. 
C Rafael Flores0-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas2-for-4, HR (7), 4 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Vargas has two 4-RBI games in his last three games played. It would be nice to see him get on a late-season surge.
1B Spencer Henson: 1-for-4, RS, HBP, K
RF Aldenis Sanchez1-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Obviously not known for his power, Sanchez has homered in back-to-back games.
2B Luis Santos0-for-4, RBI, BB, 3 K
3B Marcos Cabrera: 2-for-5, HR (6), 3 RBI, RS, 2 K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (W, 1-0)  7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K
Absolutely brilliant performance in his second High-A start. Between here and Tampa, he now owns a 101/24 K/BB over 88.2 IP. There is little to complain about in his 2023 profile.
RHP Shane Gray: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa (45-48; 14-13 in the second half) 

The game against Dunedin was postponed. They will try their best to play two tomorrow. The starting lineup was posted and is below.

SS Jared Serna0-for-0
Serna is hitting .283/.351/.486 (125 wRC+; 9.2% BB, 16.3% K) in 404 PA. He is 19-for-25 stealing bases. While Serna is playing a lot of shortstop, I have yet to read a report that suggests that will be his future gig. It doesn’t hurt to give him a lot of reps there, of course.
3B Jesus Rodriguez0-for-0
Rodriguez is hitting .297/.368/.434 (120 wRC+; 9.8% BB, 14.2% K) in 316 PA. He is 15-for-17 stealing bases.
C Omar Martinez0-for-0
Martinez is hitting .249/.364/.433 (120 wRC+; 14.4% BB, 27.5% K) in 291 PA. You have to like the ability to take walks but the strikeout rate will need to come down somewhat.
CF Daury Arias0-for-0
.233/.328/.343 in 323 PA (89 wRC+; 11.8% BB, 20.1% K) in 323 PA. 
DH Tayler Aguilar0-for-0
2B Brett Barrera0-for-0
LF Jake Palmer0-for-0
1B Beau Brewer0-for-0
RF Felix Negueis0-for-0

RHP Leonardo Pestana0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL Yankees (21-14) (Defeated the Tigers, 4-2)

2B Keiner Delgado1-for-4, 2B (11), RS, SB (21)
Delgado now has a 9-game hitting streak (12-for-35; 1 double, 2 HR, 6-for-7 SB)
3B Enmanuel Tejeda0-for-3, BB, K
CF Willy Montero1-for-4, RBI, RS, 2 K
.331/.382/.446′ in 144 PA. Montero has 31 RBI in 32 games.
SS Hans Montero1-for-4, RS, K
With Roderick Arias out, Montero will get a lot of time at shortstop.

LHP Henry Lalane3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, HR
The 6’7″ 19-year-old has a 14/1 K/BB over 11 innings.
RHP Eric Reyzelman1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
The hard thrower hopefully won’t be here for long.
LHP Allen Facundo (W, 4-0): 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
1.64 ERA (22 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 30 K). 

DSL Yankees (22-14) (Had a tough day against Rangers Red, 12-3)

CF Brando Mayea1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (16)
C Jose Gonzalez0-for-3, BB, 2 K
After a .462/.633/.808 start, Gonzalez has “shockingly” dipped to .375/.558/.656.
1B Jhon Imbert0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K, SB (12)
The 19-year-old is hitting .307/.459/.560 in 98 PA with 12 stolen bases in 13 attempts. Imbert is officially listed as a shortstop but has never played a game there professionally.

RHP Joshua Quezada5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K
3.98 ERA (31.2 IP, 29 H, 17 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 35 K)

DSL Bombers (18-19) (Lost to the DSL Marlins, 7-4)

CF Richard Meran1-for-4, 2 BB, K, CS (1)
3B-2B Gabriel Terrero1-for-3, 2B (7), RBI, RS, 2 BB, HBP, SB (12)
.319/.413/.574 in 109 PA (7 doubles, 1 triple, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 24 R, 13 BB, 21 K, 12-for-16 SB)
RF Gabriel Lara0-for-2, HBP, 2 K
2B-RF Geyber Blanco1-for-2, RBI, RS, 3 HBP
Ouch! By the way, he moved to RF after Lara left the game (I assume due to the HBP)

 

Yankees MILB 7/23: Everson Pereira: 2 HR

News:

I have nothing I wish to report.

Scranton (45-48; 11-7 in the second half) (Squeaked past Worcester, 6-5)

LF Estevan Florial: 2-for-4, 2B (13), RS, K
.294/.389/.585 in 342 PA. Despite some thinking that he was sitting due to the rehab assignments for veteran players, that is not accurate. He was healing up from a minor injury.
CF Everson Pereira2-for-3, 2 HR (4), 4 RBI, 2 RS, HBP
One of the home runs went 455 feet at 107.7 MPH.  Since promotion: .352/.407/.630 in 59 PA (3 doubles, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 13 R, 3 BB, 14 K). Overall, he is hitting .306/.373/.566 in 244 PA (13 doubles, 1 triple, 14 HR, 48 RBI, 37 R, 22 BB, 68 K, 7-for-9 SB)
DH Austin Wells1-for-4, 2B (1), 2 K
Wells is 3-for-11 since his promotion (but he has six strikeouts)
1B Andres Chaparro1-for-3, RS, BB
.253/.343/.488 in 388 PA (18 doubles, 2 triples, 19 HR, 68 RBI, 59 R, 45 BB (11.6%), 84 K (21.6%)). In July, he is 20-for-60 (.333) with four home runs and 19 RBI.
C Carlos Narvaez1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, K
.279/.414/.479 in 174 PA at this level. He now has an 8-game hitting streak (9-for-30)
3B Jake Lamb0-for-3, 2 K
2B Jamie Westbrook: 2-for-3, HR (14), RBI, RS, K
SS Jesus Bastidas0-for-3, K
RF Brandon Lockridge1-for-3, RS, 2 K

RHP Mitch Spence: (W, 8-5) 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
4.56 ERA (102.2 IP, 102 H, 58 R, 52 ER, 20 HR, 36 BB, 89 K)
RHP Zach Greene1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Matt Bowman1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Greg Weissert (S, 7): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (53-35; 11-9 in the second half) (Crusied past Hartford, 7-2)

SS Trey Sweeney: 3-for-5, 2B (18), RBI, K
Sweeney now has a 7-game hitting streak (12-for-32; .375). This brings him line up to .253/.370/.430. Nice to see him get the OPS up to .800.
DH Willie Calhoun0-for-3
  PH-DH Aaron Palensky0-for-2, K
CF Jasson Dominguez: 2-for-5, RS, K, CS (5)
.219/.348/.369 in 388 PA. He has hit safely in eight of his last nine games (13-for-35)
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-5, HR (17), RBI, RS, 3 K
LF Elijah Dunham: 3-for-4, 2B (3), HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 SB (8)
Since demotion: .320/.414/.620 in 58 PA. This brings his overall line up to .233/.343/.385 in 361 PA with a 20-for-25 stolen base rate. Hopefully, they get him back to Scranton to see if this stretch can carry over.
3B Tyler Hardman2-for-4, HR (24), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 K, SB (9)
Hardman has homered in three straight games (4 HR total). He is hitting .232/.321/.551 in 308 PA. 
2B Mickey Gasper0-for-3, RS, BB, K
C Josh Breaux2-for-4, 2B (1), K
RF Jeisson Rosario0-for-4, 3 K

LHP Nestor Cortes2.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Blas Castano0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Sauer: (W, 2-2) 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, HR
At this level: 4.79 ERA in 20.2 IP (18 H, 12 R, 11 ER, 4 HR, 10 BB, 25 K)
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 1.40 ERA (19.1 IP, 9 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 20 K). I wonder if they will give him a taste of Scranton before the season is over

Hudson Valley (50-39; 11-12 in the second half) (Lost to Brooklyn, 7-4)

2B Ben Cowles2-for-4, 2 HR (9), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K, SB (11)
Cowles has two 2-HR games this season (the other came back on 4/30). He is now 16-for-53 (.302) in July.
SS Alexander Vargas1-for-4, RS, BB, K
C Agustin Ramirez1-for-4, HR (4), 2 RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Since promotion: .397 (27-for-68; 10 doubles, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 10 R, 5 BB, 10 K)
DH Rafael Flores2-for-4, K
Flores has 19 multi-hit games this season (70 games played)
1B Spencer Henson1-for-4
LF Anthony Garcia0-for-3, BB, K
CF Grant Richardson0-for-4, 2 K
RF Aldenis Sanchez1-for-4, K
3B Marcos Cabrera1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Juan Carela4 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 7 K, HR
He allowed three walks and a grand slam in the 4th. Damn. Season: 3.78 ERA (81 IP, 64 H, 40 R, 34 ER, 7 HR, 32 BB, 105 K). So, his 4th inning wasn’t great but his season has been more than fine (he is only 21)
LHP Joel Valdez2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Shane Gray: (L, 0-1)  1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
RHP Bailey Dees2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.74 ERA (41.1 IP, 20 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 59 K). July: 9 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 BB, 10 K

Tampa (43-47; 12-12 in the second half) (Split a doubleheader with Clearwater)

Game 1 (Lost, 12-3)

2B Jared Serna0-for-4
C Jesus Rodriguez3-for-4, 3B (3)
Rodriguez has five 3-hit games this season (he had four such games in 2022)
DH Omar Martinez1-for-4, RS, K
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-3, BB
CF Daury Arias: 2-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, RS
3B Brett Barrera: 2-for-3, 2B (2), K
LF Jake Palmer0-for-2, HBP, K
1B Ronny Rojas1-for-3, K
RF Felix Negueis0-for-3, K

RHP Hayden Merda: (L, 1-4) 2.1 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 3 BB, 1 K,  2 HR
RHP Alex Bustamante2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
3.69 ERA (39 IP, 27 H, 20 R, 16 ER, 1 HR, 27 BB, 41 K). This is the first HR he has allowed in his brief MILB career.
RHP Cole Ayers1.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
4.08 ERA (39.2 IP, 40 H, 21 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 14 BB, 55 K)

Game 2 (Won, 5-1)

2B Jared Serna1-for-2, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, K, SB (18)
Serna is hitting .290 (.856 OPS) in 390 PA (18 doubles, 1 triple, 18 HR, 65 RBI, 66 R, 35 BB (8.97%), 65 K (16.7%), 18-for-24 SB)
DH Jesus Rodriguez1-for-4, RS
Rodriguez continues to flirt with a .300 season (.298). He is 22-for-71 (.310) in July.
C Omar Martinez1-for-4, 2B (9), 2 RBI, 2 K
Martinez has 18 RBI in 16 July games.
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-3, SF, RBI, 2 K
CF Daury Arias1-for-3, 2B (12), RBI, 2 K
.234/.329/.347 in 313 PA (12 doubles, 2 triples, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 34 R, 37 BB, 61 K, 9-for-10 SB)
LF Jake Palmer0-for-2, HBP, K
1B Beau Brewer3-for-3, RS
Brewer’s first career 3-hit game.
RF Felix Negueis0-for-2, BB, K
3B Jose Colmenares0-for-3, RS, 2 K

RHP Ryan Harvey: 5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
Harvey’s Low-A debut. He was their 11th-round pick in 2022 out of UC Santa Barbara. For the FCL, he pitched to 3.72 ERA in 19.1 IP with a 29/7 K/BB ratio.
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.79 ERA (38.2 IP, 28 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 1 HR, 21 BB, 45 K)
RHP Osiel Rodriguez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

FCL Yankees (18-14) 

Day off.

DSL Yankees (21-11) 

Day off.

DSL Bombers (16-17)

Day off.

Yankees MILB 7/21: Spencer Jones Collects 3 Hits

News:

C Austin Wells was promoted to Scranton today, and instantly placed in the cleanup spot.

Wells, the Yankees’ first-round pick in the 2020 COVID draft, hit .248/.343/.460 in 113 Double-A games with 22 doubles, 1 triple, 23 HR, and 93 RBI. Whether he can stick behind the plate is still a matter of debate.

Scranton (43-47; 9-6 in the second half) (Lead Worcester, 4-0, in the 4th. The game was suspended due to a power outage. They will conclude this tomorrow afternoon (playing out the entire 9 innings) before a 7-inning nightcap)

CF Greg Allen0-for-1, RS, HBP
DH Jake Bauers: 2-for-2, 2B (7), RS
LF Everson Pereira0-for-2, 2 K
C Austin Wells1-for-1, RS, BB
Triple-A debut.
3B Andres Chaparro0-for-1, BB
1B Carlos Narvaez1-for-2, HR (8), 2 RBI, RS, K
2B Jamie Westbrook0-for-0, RBI, BB, CI, CS (4)
RF Brandon Lockridge0-for-2
SS Wilmer Difo0-for-1, K

RHP Will Warren3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
Warren was throwing well, but his outing will be cut short. At this level: 4.39 ERA (41 IP, 36 H, 26 R, 20 ER, 8 HR, 20 BB, 44 K)

Somerset (51-35; 9-9 in the second half) (Crushed Hartford, 9-2)

SS Trey Sweeney1-for-5, RBI, RS, K
Sweeney increases his hitting streak to five (8-for-25; 2 doubles, 1 triple, 8 RBI). 
CF Jasson Dominguez1-for-5, RBI, RS, K
.216/.349/.371 in 378 PA (8 doubles, 2 triples, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 60 R, 64 BB, 103 K, 25-for-29 SB). There is still plenty of time to go, but I wonder how his season will be judged when all is said and done.
3B Tyler Hardman1-for-3, HR (23), 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
A new career best (23 HR in 71 games this year; 22 in 111 games last year). Hardman hits his bombs in bunches. He hit home runs in three straight games in early June and had a stretch where he hit six home runs in six games (including three in one game). While he has enough pop to make it to the big leagues, it is the strikeouts that are a problem: 101 in 302 PA (33.4%).
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-5, 2 K
RF Elijah Dunham1-for-5, HR (3), RBI, RS, K
Dunham has homered in back-to-back games and has hit safely in nine of his last ten games.
DH Ben Rice2-for-5, RS
Rice has back-to-back 2-for-5 efforts to begin his Double-A journey.
LF Aaron Palensky1-for-5, 2B (6), RS, K
C Josh Breaux1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Breaux is 5-for-25 at this level. Overall, in 23 games, he is hitting .191/.250/.303.
2B Max Burt: 2-for-2, 2B (5), RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
.268/.358/.500 at this level. 

RHP Yoendrys Gomez3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
1.26 ERA (28.2 IP, 15 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 17 BB, 34 K). He is throwing very well in his limited spurts. Tonight, he tossed 57 pitches.
LHP Edgar Barclay: (W, 3-1) 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
1.20 ERA (30 IP, 23 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 45 K). Barclay hadn’t allowed a home run since September 15, 2021. He tossed 67.1 homerless innings in 2022. You are looking at a legit swingman type of prospect here who can probably start, pitch in the middle innings, and even give you some late-inning production. You are probably thinking about guys like Ramiro Mendoza or Alfredo Aceves, etc.
LHP Josh Maciejewski1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (49-38; 10-11 in the second half) (Lost to Brooklyn, 8-7)

CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-5, 2B (21), RBI, 3 RS, SB (22)
Jones has nine 3+ hit games this season. He is 15-for-43 (.349) in July (2 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R, 10 BB, 9 K, 4 SB)
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, 2B (12), SF, RBI
C Rafael Flores0-for-1, 3 BB, HBP
Flores collects his first career 3-BB game.
RF Christopher Familia3-for-5, 2B (3), 2 RBI, RS
Familia has been struggling a bit since his promotion, so this game was needed. He is now 14-for-63 (.222; 3 doubles, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 9 R). Overall, he has 10 doubles, 2 triples, 12 HR, 38 RBI, and 34 runs scored in 36 games between here and Tampa.
DH Antonio Gomez0-for-5, 4 K
1B Spencer Henson1-for-5, HR (10), RBI, RS, K
Henson ties his personal best for HR in a season (61 games this year; 71 games in 2022). Overall, he has 28 HR and 98 RBI in 160 career games.
LF Anthony Garcia0-for-4, RS, BB, 3 K
2B Eduardo Torrealba1-for-3, 2B (5), RS, BB, HBP
3B Marcos Cabrera1-for-5

LHP Brock Selvidge4.2 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
It wasn’t a spectacular High-A debut, but he battled to keep runs off the board. 
RHP Luis Velasquez1.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Clay Aguilar: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
3.98 ERA (20.1 IP, 16 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 10 BB, 31 K)
RHP Carlos Gomez: (L, 2-3)  1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Harrison Cohen0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (42-46; 11-11 in the second half) (Lost to Clearwater, 7-0. After a pair of slugfests, Tampa hasn’t scored a run in the last two games)

2B Jared Serna1-for-4, BB, SB (17)
This is Serna’s first stolen base since June 20th. It was only his second attempt this month. Just one of those weird things. Serna is 21-for-69 (.304). He hit .310 in April, .305 in May, and .263 in June (though that came with five home runs and 21 RBI). Just remarkable consistency.
3B Jesus Rodriguez0-for-4, K
.292/.369/.432 in 294 PA. His 6-game hitting streak is snapped.
C Omar Martinez0-for-3, BB, 2 K
.244/.364/.409 in 269 PA. He is 16-for-54 (.296) in July with four home runs and 16 RBI. 
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-3, HBP
Escanio draws walks (52; .335 OBP) but hasn’t done enough in the contact department. The Yankees took him as a lottery ticket from the Brewers for J.P. Feyereisen.
CF Daury Arias0-for-3, BB, 2 K
DH Brett Barrera0-for-1, 2 HBP
  PR-DH Beau Brewer0-for-1
LF Jake Palmer1-for-3, BB
1B Ronny Rojas0-for-4, 2 K
RF Felix Negueis1-for-3, BB

RHP Leonardo Pestana: (L, 0-4)  2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
4.87 ERA (40.2 IP, 38 H, 23 R, 22 ER, 7 HR, 21 BB, 54 K). This is his new personal best for innings in a season – beating the mark he set in 2019. Injuries, injuries, injuries. By the way, the Yankees are unlikely to give up on this kid, as he is pumping upper-90s fastballs. 
RHP Ocean Gabonia2.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Yorlin Calderon2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.00 ERA (51 IP, 41 H, 20 R, 17 ER, 13 BB, 64 K). Calderon doesn’t throw hard, but he does have a starter’s arsenal (sinker, slider, change, curve). 
RHP Montana Semmel1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL Yankees (18-13) (Lost to the Tigers, 4-3, in ten innings)

DH Keiner Delgado: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, 2 SB (20)
Delgado has ten multi-hit games (29 games played). 
SS Hans Montero0-for-5, 4 K
It happens to everyone….
RF Willy Montero0-for-4, BB, K
3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-5, RBI, 2 K
CF John Cruz1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, RS, 2 K
Cruz, still only 17, has 11 home runs in 52 minor league games.
LF Joel Mendez3-for-4, 2B (4)

RHP Luis Serna2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
7.1 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 4 BB, 10 K. The important thing is that he is showing signs of being back on track after missing a vast majority of the season.
RHP Anderson Munoz2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
The 24-year-old is on a rehab assignment. He has made it as high as High-A Hudson Valley, where he pitched to a 4.41 ERA in 32.2 innings last season (48/12 K/BB)
LHP Miguel Pozo2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Steven Fulgencio (L, 0-1): 2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
The 22-year-old was signed all the way back in 2018, but didn’t make his debut until 2022.

DSL Yankees (20-10) (Lost to DSL Tampa Bay, 8-3)

CF Brando Mayea1-for-4, BB
Mayea is 9-for-41 in July, but has walked 12 times.
SS Santiago Gomez0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
1B Jhon Imbert0-for-1, 3 BB
3B Luis Ogando3-for-4, 2B (9), HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 RS, SB (10)
Ogando is a 19-year-old right-handed bat who has played in 58 games at this level over the last two seasons (.330/.406/.519 in 226 PA)

RHP Yordanny Sosa2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Sosa pitched in 12 games back in his 2019 debut season, posting a 2.21 ERA (though that came with a 9/12 K/BB ratio), Then, he disappeared for four years and is back now. Injuries suck.

DSL Bombers (15-17) (Destroyed DSL Miami, 12-1. Talk about a bunch of baserunners: They compiled 13 hits and 14 walks while Miami commited three errors. This game had real 28-1 DSL potential. Trust me, stuff like that has happened before at this level!)

SS Ovandy Frias3-for-5, RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 K, 3 SB (10)
Have yourself a morning/afternoon, Ovandy! It is hard to find much out there on the 19-year-old, who is in his debut season.
C Johan Contreras3-for-5, 2B (3), 4 RBI, RS, BB, K, CS (1)
The 18-year-old right-handed bat hit very well in his debut 2022 season but has yet to repeat that in 2023. Perhaps today is the start of something good.
CF Geyber Blanco3-for-5, 2 2B (11), 2 RBI, K
I pay close attention when 17-year-olds start raking in their debut season. So far, Blanco is doing that: .333/.405/.480 with 11 doubles in 84 plate appearances. He was just signed back in February.
DH Abrahan Ramirez1-for-2, 2 BB, K
The 18-year-old left-handed bat is hitting .314/.442/.446 in 45 games at this level going back to last season.
RF Luis Puello1-for-3, 2B (2), 2 RS, 2 BB, K
1B Johan Ferreira1-for-3, HR (1), 2 RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB, 2 K, SB (5)
Ferreira is already 20 years old. This is his first professional home run!

RHP Daniel Guerrero3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 6 K
RHP Mariano Salomon (W, 2-1): 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K
He is 20 years old but this is his first professional season. Salomon has a 40/6 K/BB ratio over 29.1 innings.
LHP Luis Urbano1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

 

Yankees MILB 7/20: Everson Pereira Goes Boom!

News:

Both Jake Bauers (Scranton) and Willie Calhoun (Somerset) started their rehab assignments, meaning the Yankees have three mediocre left fielders (along with Greg Allen) who are nearing their return. Yay us!

RHP Matt Bowman opted out of his minor league contract the other day. Today, the Yankees signed him to a major league contract and optioned him to Scranton. To make room for Bowman on the 40-man roster, 3B Josh Donaldson was transferred to the 60-day injured list, effectively ending his season.

Scranton (43-47; 9-6 in the second half) (Lost a marathon to Worcester, 10-8)

LF Jake Bauers: 2-for-3, 2B (6), HR (10), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, SB (6)
Welcome back!
   LF Michael Hermosillo0-for-0, SF, RBI
CF Everson Pereira: 2-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
Pereira has hit safely in all ten games since his promotion (.372 (16-for-43; 3 doubles, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 11 R)). Overall, he has 12 home runs and 42 RBI in 56 games between Somerset and Scranton.
C Ben Rortvedt0-for-2
  PH-C Rodolfo Duran0-for-2, BB, K
1B Andres Chaparro: 2-for-5, 2B (18), 2 RBI, 2 K
Chaparro has 18 RBI in 13 July games and is hitting .253/.340/.485 in 377 PA with 18 doubles, 18 HR, and 67 RBI.
3B Jake Lamb0-for-4, BB, 2 K
2B Jamie Westbrook1-for-2, RS, 3 BB
SS Jesus Bastidas1-for-5, RS, 3 K
RF Brandon Lockridge1-for-4, 2 RS, BB, K
DH Wilmer Difo0-for-5, 2 K

RHP Randy Vasquez4 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
Vasquez has a 5.21 ERA at this level, but does it really matter? He has impressed at the level that matters most.
RHP Zach Greene1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Aaron McGarity1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Matt Bowman1.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 2 HR
This is not how one wishes to celebrate their addition to the 40-man roster.
RHP Greg Weissert: (L, 3-3)  1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR

Somerset (50-35; 8-9 in the second half) (Defeated Hartford, 6-4, in 11 innings)

SS Trey Sweeney: 2-for-5, 2B (17), K
Sweeney has two doubles and a triple in his last three games. 
DH Willie Calhoun0-for-3, K
  PH Josh Breaux0-for-1
  PR-DH Aaron Palensky0-for-1, RS
CF Jasson Dominguez1-for-5, RBI, RS, 2 K
C Austin Wells0-for-4, HBP, K
His July struggles continue. My question is: Would Wells’ offense be better if they told him to not worry about catching anymore? That’s not an excuse for a slump – that is me saying that it isn’t easy to put in all the work behind the plate while maintaining what you can do at the plate. 
3B Tyler Hardman: 3-for-5, 2 HR (22), 4 RBI, 2 RS, K
Hardman, who has four multi-HR games this season, is your new organizational HR leader, taking the spot away from Estevan Florial. He is hitting .227 with 9 doubles, 2 triples, 22 HR, 45 RBI, and 46 runs scored. 
RF Elijah Dunham1-for-5, HR (2), RBI, RS, K
Dunham is hitting .293 (12-for-41) since his demotion. His home run tonight was his 8th overall between here and Scranton.
1B Eric Wagaman1-for-3, HBP, CS (3)
  PH-1B Mickey Gasper0-for-1, K
2B Max Burt1-for-4, 2B (4), K
LF Jeisson Rosario0-for-3, RS, BB, K

RHP Chase Hampton: 7 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 3 HR
A bit of a mixed bag by Hampton, who allowed a pair of home runs during a tough 6th inning. Since his promotion: 4.15 ERA (34.2 IP, 31 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 9 BB, 40 K). Overall, he now has 117 strikeouts in 81.2 innings.
LHP Ryan Anderson1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson: (W, 3-0)  2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Since promotion: 1.47 ERA (18.1 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 7 BB, 19 K). In his first seven innings at this level, he struck out only three hitters. He has 16 K in 11.1 IP since.
RHP Zac Houston (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (49-37; 10-10 in the second half) (Defeated Brooklyn, 6-4)

CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, RBI, BB
Jones is now 12-for-38 in July with nine walks. 
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-4, K
C Agustin Ramirez3-for-4, 2B (10), HR (3), RBI, RS
Since his promotion: .426 in 15 games (10 doubles, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 9 R, 3 BB, 8 K). He is on an 8-game hitting streak (14-for-31). Overall, he is hitting .290/.401/.482 in 297 PA (17 doubles, 10 HR, 46 RBI, 44 R, 46 BB, 49 K). Is he the organization’s top catching prospect? I guess that depends on what you think of Austin Wells, but Ramirez must be in the conversation.
DH Christopher Familia0-for-4, K
1B Spencer Henson1-for-3, 2B (13), BB, K, CS (2)
LF Grant Richardson1-for-2, HR (9), RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
RF Aldenis Sanchez0-for-4, 2 K
3B Eduardo Torrealba1-for-4, RS, K, SB (7)
2B Luis Santos0-for-2, 2 BB, SB (5), CS (3)

RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 1-8)  4.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 6 K
4.04 ERA (78 IP, 69 H, 46 R, 35 ER, 11 HR, 40 BB, 95 K)
RHP Mason Vinyard2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 3.24 ERA (16.2 IP, 15 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 17 K)
RHP Bailey Dees: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.83 ERA (39.1 IP, 20 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 58 K). He allowed seven of those earned runs through May 16th and one since (23.1 IP)

Tampa (42-45; 11-10 in the second half) (Lost a pitching duel to Clearwater, 1-0)

SS Jared Serna2-for-4, K
Serna is now 20-for-65 (.308) in July. He is up to 100 hits this season (.292/.355/.509)
3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-4, K
Rodriguez now has a 6-game hitting streak (10-for-27; .370). He is hitting .296/.374/.439 in 290 impressive plate appearances.
C Omar Martinez2-for-4
Martinez has three multi-hit games in his last four games. He is 16-for-51 (.314) in July with four home runs and 16 runs batted in. 
CF Daury Arias1-for-3, BB
DH Brett Barrera0-for-3, BB, K
LF Jake Palmer0-for-4, K
1B Ronny Rojas0-for-4, 3 K
RF Felix Negueis2-for-4, 2B (3)
2B Jose Colmenares0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Baron Stuart: (L, 2-6) 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
4.26 ERA (57 IP, 52 H, 34 R, 27 ER, 7 HR, 24 BB, 51 K). In July: 18.1 IP, 13 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 12 K
RHP Kris Bow2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Bow needed a clean outing. Last year’s 14th-round pick has struggled with the move to Tampa.

FCL Yankees (18-12) (Swept a doubleheader against the Tigers)

Game 1 (Won, 2-1)

2B Keiner Delgado: 1-for-3, 3B (1), RBI, RS, BB, K
.280/.397/.508 in 141 PA. If you loved Delgado after 2022, you should still love him now. One thing to watch: He owned a 50.5% ground ball rate entering today (it was 28.8% in 2022)
SS Roderick Arias0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K, 2 SB (16), CS (6)
DH Hans Montero0-for-1, 2 BB, K, SB (14)
3B Enmanuel Tejeda0-for-2, BB, K, CS (4)
.319/.492/.479 in 128 PA (2 doubles, 2 triples, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 26 R, 28 BB, 28 K, 17-for-21 SB)
RF Willy Montero0-for-2, BB
LF Dayro Perez0-for-1, RS, HBP, SB (7)

RHP Carlos Lagrange3.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
2.92 ERA (24.2 IP, 14 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 16 BB, 33 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman (W, 1-0): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2023 debut for the 5th-round pick in the 2022 draft out of LSU (he tossed four innings at this level in 2022). He supposedly can get it up to 100 MPH – and that was before entering the Yankees Pitching Factory.
RHP Jordy Luciano (S, 1): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
His first career save. Congrats!

Game 2 (Won, 9-4)

DH Roderick Arias1-for-4, RBI, RS, 2 K, SB (17)
Arias only went 1-for-6 today, but it was still a productive afternoon. He is hitting .267/.423/.505 in 130 PA (2 doubles, 2 triples, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 32 R, 27 BB (20.8%), 29 K (22.3%), 17-for-23 SB)
SS Hans Montero0-for-3, RS, HBP
.294/.478/.500 in 138 PA. In 140 PA down in the DSL last year, he hit only .180/.345/.261. Something has clicked.
CF Willy Montero3-for-4, 2B (7), 2 RBI, RS, SB (2), CS (3)
.318/.374/.455 in 123 PA. He didn’t fare well in his 2021 debut season but started earning a little buzz in 2022. This year, he is building off that.

RHP Cam Schlittler3.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
2.89 ERA (18.2 IP, 16 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 22 K
RHP Hueston Morrill (W, 1-0): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
This is the 22-year-old’s professional debut. He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Oklahoma State in June 2022.

DSL Yankees (20-10) (Knocked off Mets Blue, 7-6)

DH Brando Mayea2-for-4, RS, BB, K, SB (14)
Mayea’s .267/.396/.387 triple slash has to be considered a success in his debut season. Entering today, he had a 60% ground ball rate – which he has plenty of time to grow out of.
LF Jose Castro1-for-5, 2B (3), 2 RBI, RS, K, SB (7)
C Josue Gonzalez0-for-4, RBI, RS, K
3B Luis Ogando1-for-5, RS, 2 K, SB (9)
.346/.446/.556 in 101 PA. This is after hitting .300/.417/.440 in 121 PA at this same level last year.
SS Anthony Pena2-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
.318/.412/.545 in 51 PA.
LF Andry Javier1-for-3, 2 RS, BB

RHP Sabier Marte5 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K

DSL Bombers (14-17) (Defeated the Marlins, 9-7)

CF Richard Meran2-for-5, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, K
Meran homers in his second career game.
2B Gabriel Terrero1-for-4, RS, SB (11)
LF-CF Gabriel Lara3-for-5, HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 RS
The fact that the 17-year-old speedster is flashing some early pop can make one very excited.
SS Kevin Verde3-for-5, 2B (6), RS, K
Verde also had a 3-hit game on 7/17.

RHP Joshawn Lampson2.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, HR