Tag: Willy Montero

Yankees MILB 8/11: Spencer Jones Homers

News:

Nothing.

Scranton (64-48) (Defeated Lehigh Valley, 6-2)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
2B Caleb Durbin: 2-for-3, HR (4), RBI, 2 RS, BB, HBP
For Scranton: .301/.419/.466 in 238 PA (18 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 40 RBI, 37 R, 14.3% BB, 9.7% K, 20-for-22 sB). The injury sucked but one has to be encouraged by his season.
RF Jasson Dominguez: 0-for-4, BB
Dominguez grounded into two double plays. Bring him up!
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-3, 2B (10), RBI, RS, CS (6), 2 BB
.244/.352/.384 in 285 PA (10 doubles, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 41 R, 16-for-22 SB). Where does Peraza fit into the 2025 picture? It’s still up in the air. Let’s see what they do with him in the off-season.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 BB
CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, HR (14), 3 RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Trammell has 8 HR in his last 12 games. 
LF Jahmai Jones: 1-for-4, CS (1), K
DH Josh VanMeter: 0-for-1, RS, 3 BB
C Peter Serruto: 1-for-3, SAC, 2 K
Serruto’s first professional hit. It isn’t common for a first professional hit to occur in Triple-A. Some background: Serruto is a 24-year-old who the Yankees signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Before today, he was 0-for-2 in his career. Both ABs were taken in the FCL last year. This year, he appeared in one game for Somerset but didn’t get to bat. He is here because the Yankees need a backup for J.C. Escarra, and they aren’t going to use someone like Rafael Flores or Jesus Rodriguez as a Triple-A backup. 

LHP Josh Maciejewski: 3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
LHP Tim Mayza: (W, 1-0)  0.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
1.82 ERA (34.2 IP, 25 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 20 BB, 38 K)
RHP Phil Bickford: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.43 ERA (42.2 IP, 52 H, 29 R, 21 ER, 8 HR, 17 BB, 41 K)
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (53-54) (Lost to Binghamton, 6-4, in 10 innings)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-5, HR (14), 2 RBI, RS, 3 K
Since May 31st: .278/.357/.520 in 255 PA (14 doubles, 2 triples, 12 HR, 45 RBI, 38 R). I won’t hide that his K% is 37.6% during this stretch and a high BABIP is aiding him. However, it’s still an impressive stretch over an extended period.
C Jose Trevino: 0-for-1, BB
Trevino starts his journey back to MLB. How will he be used? Hopefully as a backup catcher, not a 50/50 catcher.
  C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-4, HR (4), RBI, RS, BB
Rodriguez has two multi-hit efforts in his last three games. Given the small sample size at this level, it boosts his OPS to .733. Between here and Hudson Valley, he has 9 HR in 73 games. Last season, he hit 9 HR in 109 games.
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-5, 2 K
RF Greg Allen: 0-for-4, K
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB
DH Jared Wegner: 0-for-4, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-4, RS
SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, 3B (5), RBI, K
Vargas has 12 triples in 152 games over the last two seasons.

LHP Ben Shields: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K
Since promotion: 2.53 ERA (32 IP, 26 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 13 BB, 37 K). Overall: 3,35 ERA (86 IP, 69 H, 40 R, 32 ER, 7 HR, 25 BB, 109 K). He might not be their minor league Pitcher of the Year but he could be the Surprise of the Year.
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Nice to see Pestana back. It’s his first appearance since June 7th. Pestana is Rule 5 eligible but injuries have likely limited interest. Now that he is in Double-A, however, someone might bite.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: (L, 1-1)  1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
Reyzelman had a lights-out 9th inning but allowed a 3-run home run in the 10th. Since promotion: 3.55 ERA (12.2 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 21 K)
RHP Colby White: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (55-51) (Swept in a doubleheader by Brooklyn)

Game 1 (Lost, 4-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-3, 2 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3
CF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, HR (10), RBI, RS, K
.251/.326/.407 in 384 PA (23 doubles, 10 HR, 48 RBI, 44 R, 8.3% BB, 26.8% K, 4-for-5 SB)
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-3, 2B (12), RS, K
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-3
DH Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, RBI, K
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3
LF Anthony Hall: 0-for-3, K
3B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, K

RHP Cade Smith: 4.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
Smith was perfect through four innings before allowing a walk and homer in the 5th. Overall, this is a solid High-A debut.
RHP Huey Morrill (L, 3-3): 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Game 2 (Lost, 3-1)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-2, SB (19), BB, K
.213/.339/.372 in 384 PA (19 doubles, 4 triples, 8 HR, 33 RBI, 58 R, 14.3% BB, 18.2% K, 19-for-24 SB). I like the profile beyond the batting average. The .247 BABIP refuses to normalize in 2024.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3
Since promotion: 1-for-21. The good news is that he is making contact (4 strikeouts in 23 PA). His BABIP is a ridiculous .059.
DH Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, K
1B Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 2 K
.235/.361/.413 in 360 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 13 HR, 38 RBI, 42 R, 16.1% BB, 23.1% K). Pop and walks define his offensive game.
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-2, RS, BB
Gomez’s 8-game hitting streak is snapped.
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, K
Since promotion: 6-for-17 with two doubles and a triple.
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-2, 2 K
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-2, SB (6)

RHP Trent Sellers: (L, 6-3)  2.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, HR
2.58 ERA (66.1 IP, 37 H, 27 R, 19 ER, 3 HR, 32 BB, 79 K). As a starter: 1.04 ERA (17.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 20 K)
RHP Blane Abeyta: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Thomas Balboni Jr.: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Tampa (43-62) (Lost to Daytona, 4-1)

CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, 2B (2), 2 RBI, BB, K
Jones is off to a nice start in his career: 4-for-13 (2 doubles, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R, 4 BB, 3 K, 2-for-2 SB)
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, RBI, CS (12), BB, K
DH Willy Montero: 2-for-4, RS
Montero has a 10-game hitting streak (14-for-36 (.389); 2 doubles, 1 HR).  His triple slash was .241/.299/.357 before the streak and .256/.313/375 now.
LF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2B (2), BB, K
Toole is also off to a nice start to his career: 4-for-13 (2 doubles, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 4 K, 3-for-4 SB)
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
2B Austin Green: 0-for-4, 2 K
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, RS, SB (29), BB, K
29-for-35 stealing bases.
1B Parks Harber: 0-for-3, RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, RS, BB

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (W, 5-8)  5 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
5.36 ERA (99 IP, 102 H, 64 R, 59 ER, 11 HR, 33 BB, 100 K). 
RHP Yoljeldriz Diaz: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Luis Arejula (S, 1): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (17-31)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (27-21)

Scheduled day off.

Yankees MILB 8/6: Spencer Jones Continues Surge

News:

Today was a mass promotion day. With that, more cuts were required. That is the harsh reality of minor-league baseball.

The biggest name on the promotion list is George Lombard Jr., who is off to Hudson Valley. Last year’s first-round pick didn’t have overwhelming numbers (.232/.344/.348 (105 wRC+); 12.8% BB, 24% K, 30-for-34 SB) but organizations don’t only look at statistical profiles. They feel the 19-year-old is ready for a challenge at the level he will likely start at in 2025. OF Jackson Castillo and 1B Dylan Jasso will join him. Castillo (21) hit .256/.386/.404 (132 wRC+) with 16 stolen bases in 21 attempts while Jasso (21) hit .238/.331/.392 (109 wRC+) with 54 RBI.

Also promoted are big (6’7″) pitching prospects Carlos Lagrange (RHP) and Henry Lalane (LHP). Both pitchers missed most of the season due to injury, so they need innings.

Three of their successful pitchers this season are also on the move: RHP Cam Schlittler (Somerset), RHP Cade Smith (Hudson Valley), and RHP Josh Grosz (Hudson Valley). Grosz had an emergency start for Hudson Valley earlier this season, so this isn’t his first taste.

IF Caleb Durbin was promoted to Scranton. He was in Somerset for what was essentially a rehab stint. It just wasn’t labeled that way.

As for the releases: OF Aaron Palensky, RHP Duane Underwood Jr., RHP Art Warren, and RHP Carlos Gomez were let go today.
Palensky is probably the most recognizable to long-time readers, as he started the 2023 season unconscious for Hudson Valley (.352/.434/.744 in 32 games). He wasn’t able to replicate that success at the higher minors.

Underwood Jr. was a minor-league free agent signing this past winter while Warren was a rehab project. The Yankees hoped to tap into Warren’s 29.5% MLB K rate between 2019 and 2022, but he wasn’t throwing well for Scranton.

Gomez (25) started his Yankees journey in 2018 and pitched fairly well in his minor league career (3.86 ERA in 265.2 IP with 304 strikeouts) but had trouble getting with his control.

Scranton (60-47)

Their game against Lehigh Valley was postponed. It’s going to be a crazy week, weather-wise.

Somerset (52-51) (Lost to Binghamton, 6-4)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, RS, CS (7), K
Last 10 games: 13-for-37 (.351; 5 doubles, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 7 BB, 13 K). Overall: .248/.333/.428 in 406 PA (19 doubles, 3 triples, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 56 R, 21-for-28 SB (75%), 10.8% BB, 36.5% K). K%, by month: April: 27.3%; May: 38.5%; June: 36.4%; July: 40.7%; August: 31.8% (only 22 PA). The season ends in mid-September. My wish is for his strikeout percentage to dip down the stretch.
1B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, K
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-3, HR (8), RBI, RS, BB
Flores has 14 HR in 90 games between here and Hudson Valley. Before 2024, he hit 10 homers in 109 games. His 8 Double-A homers have come in 33 games. He is trying to place himself squarely on the prospect map. It is important to note that Flores is not Rule 5 eligible until after the 2025 season.
DH Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (7), K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2B (18), SB (12), K
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, RS, SB (19), BB, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Max Burt: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (4), CS (1)

RHP Bailey Dees (L, 4-7):  6 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Dees was throwing well but he ran into trouble in the 7th inning. Season: 4.70 ERA (111 IP, 99 H, 63 R, 58 ER, 18 HR, 42 BB, 113 K). How you judge his season is based on your expectations for a reliever-turned-starter.
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Matt Sauer: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (52-48)

Their game against Brooklyn was postponed due to rain. It’s going to be a crazy week, weather-wise.

The debuts of George Lombard Jr., Dylan Jasso, and Jackson Castillo will need to wait.

Tampa (42-58) (Lost to Daytona, 17-10)

SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, RS, SB (28), 3 BB, K
Yes, Lombard Jr. is ready for Hudson Valley while Arias is not. That’s OK.
LF JoJo Jackson: 1-for-2, RS, BB
Jackson was their 17th-round pick out of Georgia State, where he hit .310/.394/.655 in 199 PA (15 home runs, 45 RBI). He is a switch-hitter attempting to become the third Georgia State graduate to make it to MLB (Hunter Gaddis, David Buchanan). Jackson would be the first positional player to pull it off.
  PH-LF Marshall Toole: 1-for-2, 2B (1), 2 RBI, BB
Toole hit a 2-run double in his first professional AB. He was drafted in the 15th round out of Wofford
DH Tyler Wilson: 0-for-5, 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
Wilson was their 8th-round pick out of Grand Canyon, a school that pulled off an NCAA Tournament upset in 2024. The switch-hitter hit .378/.441/.691 with 17 HR and 65 RBI in 58 games.
RF Willy Montero: 3-for-6, HR (7), RBI, 2 RS, K
Montero’s HR was hit 431 feet at 109.6 MPH.
CF Brendan Jones: 2-for-3, 2B (1), RBI, RS, SB (1), CS (1), 2 BB
The left-handed bat was their 12th-round pick out of Kansas State. He hit .302/.442/.500 with 69 runs scored and 40 stolen bases in 42 attempts over 61 games for the Wildcats. At the very least, he’ll add speed to the organization.
2B Austin Green: 0-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, HBP, 2 K
Green was their 14th-round pick out of Texas Tech. He hit .322/.435/.546 in 51 games this season. He is 22 years old and bats right-handed.
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, RS, BB, K
C Josue Gonzalez: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, SB (1), BB, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 SB (28), CS (5), 2 BB, HBP, K

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (L, 4-8)  1.2 IP, 7 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 2 HR
5.65 ERA (94 IP, 99 H, 63 R, 59 ER, 11 HR, 31 BB, 97 K)
RHP Jordy Luciano: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Kristofer Bow: 1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, 2 HR
RHP Luis Pacheco: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Aaron Nixon: 2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

FCL (35-22)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (16-28) (Lost to the DSL Tigers, 5-3)

SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-3, HR (2), RBI, RS, BB
.230/.310/.324 in 155 PA (22-for-25 SB).
DH Richard Matic: 1-for-4, 2B (7), 2 RBI, K

RHP Alexander Almonte: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
2.66 ERA (23.2 IP, 19 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 3 HR, 10 BB, 25 K). Not bad for a 17-year-old in his debut season.
RHP Miguelangel Rodriguez: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL Bombers (25-21) (Defeated the DSL Twins, 4-3)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB, K
.214/.301/.393 in 133 PA. He is 5-for-12 with 3 HR in August.
DH Queni Pineda: 1-for-3, RS, K
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-3, 2B (4), RBI, K

LHP Franyer Herrera: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K
The 19-year-old owns a 50/15 K/BB over 39.1 innings.
RHP Carlos Almonte (W, 2-0): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

Yankees MILB 7/14: George Lombard Jr.: 2 Doubles

News

RHP JT Brubaker has an oblique injury, which will temporarily shut down his rehab stint.

As for where the system is at the midway point, it is a mixed bag that leans slightly towards disappointment. Some of that is due to injuries. Some of it is because we don’t have Drew Thorpe throwing 7 shutout innings every five days. Some of it is underperformance by upper-tier prospects.

It isn’t all negative – Ben Rice ascended to the majors, Agustin Ramirez has raked since Day 1 (despite a bumpy road in Scranton), and George Lombard Jr. is showing signs of adjusting to Low-A pitching. RHP Cade Smith has pitched well in Tampa.

Many depth prospects have played above expectations. Whether that is attractive to trade partners remains to be seen. When a system isn’t performing, it lessens your trade capital. The Yankees have routinely moved pitchers up the chain and used them in trades. This year? In my opinion, that supply isn’t as robust. However, one of my favorite mantras is that you never know how other organizations view your system.

There are still several weeks left in the season for the kids to end on a good note.

Tonight is the MLB Draft. Judging by social media and general buzz, you may not even know about it. I am not a draft expert. I will watch the draft and read everything I can about the Yankees’ selections. That way, I can give you a general idea about who they are when they begin playing. On Twitter, you can look up VirginiaYankee1 and BobbyMilone29 for analysis. VirginiaYankee1 writes up a post-draft report which I will retweet.

As you may suspect, writing these things every night can be a little tiring by the time we get to mid-July. I cherish the next four days off. Maybe I will write quick blurbs (like usual) for the FCL and DSL, but that’s it. I did a “midseason Top 30” a few years ago. It drove me crazy. Never again.

Scranton (49-42) (Defeated Syracuse, 3-2, in a thriller)

2B Oswald Peraza: 0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
.210/.325/.251 in 198 PA. Peraza hasn’t earned a promotion but I don’t know why they chose Jorbit Vivas for bench-riding purposes. 
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, K
Rumfield is 7-for-24 in July with a double and a pair of homers.
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-3, SF, RBI, K
His full profile at the break (including his time with Somerset): .262/.355/.518 in 349 PA (15 doubles, 1 triple, 20 HR, 61 RBI, 55 R, 11.5% BB, 17.5% K, 17-for-18 SB). Offensively, he is a legitimate MLB prospect. Where does he fit defensively? We’ll see.
1B Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Jeter Downs: 1-for-4, 2B (16), RS, K
.266/.364/.505 in 262 PA (16 doubles, 3 triples, 10 HR, 37 RBI, 42 R, 15-for-21 SB)
CF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, HR (6), 2 RBI, RS, SB (9)
Trammell hit a game-winning 2-run HR in the top of the 9th (it followed Downs’ double)
   CF Brandon Lockridge: 0-for-0
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-4, K
3B Kevin Smith: 2-for-4, CS (2), K
LF Josh VanMeter: 1-for-3, 2B (8), BB

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
4.20 ERA (55.2 IP, 39 H, 27 R, 26 ER, 7 HR, 34 BB, 61 K). I wouldn’t be surprised to see him included in a deadline deal, but he won’t be a headliner.
RHP Alex Mauricio: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
0.98 ERA (27.2 IP, 19 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 32 K)
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Back-to-back scoreless outings as he works his way back to MLB. His rehab clock doesn’t have much time left, but they can ask for an extension if need be.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio (W, 1-2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda (S, 3): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.94 ERA (45.2 IP, 30 H, 24 R, 20 ER, 4 HR, 27 BB, 60 K). He has eight consecutive scoreless outings (10.1 IP).

Somerset (43-44) (Lost to Erie, 6-1. The Patriots have teetered around .500 all season).

SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-2, 2 BB
.298 with a .854 OPS (24 doubles, 3 triples, 8 HR, 49 RBI, 50 R, 10.5% BB, 17.8% K, 14-for-16 SB). You are impossible to please if you find fault in Cowles’ profile this season. He has played 2B (10 games)/SS (60)/3B (19).
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
Hardman is hitting .240 with a .696 OPS for Somerset (107 PA).
C Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2 K
Since promotion: 13-for-66 (.197; 3 doubles, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 11 R, 9 BB, 24 K). His 31.6% K rate for Somerset is high but he didn’t get here long ago.
CF Elijah Dunham: 2-for-3, HR (10), RBI, RS, BB
July: 18-for-44 (.409; 6 doubles, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 7 R). He has hit safely in 19 of his last 20 games (9 multi-hit efforts).
3B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, 2B (18)
DH Grant Richardson: 0-for-4
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
Seigler has a 13.8% BB (9/6 BB/K in July). He has played his entire season at second base.
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
LF Aaron Palensky: 0-for-3, BB

RHP Zach Messinger: (L, 2-7) 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, HR
3.94 ERA (96 IP, 80 H, 57 R, 42 ER, 7 HR, 31 BB, 100 K). Messinger is the first to record 100 strikeouts in the system (he leads the Eastern League). I think other organizations would have an interest in trade talks. He is 6’6″ and durability hasn’t been a concern (he has never been on the injured list).
RHP Colby White: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Watson has three consecutive scoreless outings (four of his last five). Before the season started, you could have placed him in the same realm as Jack Neely. An injury left him behind.
RHP Matt Sauer: 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (42-43) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 5-3)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, 2 RS
Riggio’s HR was a lead-off blast. He enters the break at .218/.354/.379 in 303 PA (16 doubles, 3 triples, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 48 R, 15-for-18 SB, 15.2% BB, 18.2% K). The average hasn’t shown up consistently yet but I think it will. 
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-2, RBI, CS (7), HBP, BB
.254/.347/.441 in 366 PA (23 doubles, 12 HR, 53 RBI, 49 R, 10-for-17 SB, 10.7% BB, 16.1% K). Serna played 107 games at Low-A Tampa and has 108 games at High-A Hudson Valley. I expect him to be called up soon.
LF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 2 K
.271/.356/.440 in 315 PA. He has performed well in his first taste of High-A and should stay here for the season (he is only 21)
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
.240/.378/.403 in 288 PA (9 doubles, 1 triple, 9 HR, 31 RBI, 34 R, 17.7% BB, 22.6% K). Statistically, a similar profile to 2023. The “under the hood” stuff shows a kid hitting more balls in the air. 
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-4, K
RF Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-3, SB (6), BB, 2 K
3B Beau Brewer: 0-for-4
CF Nelson Medina: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RS, 2 K

RHP Trent Sellers: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Sellers, a starter for Oregon State last year, makes his first professional start. He struck out the side in his final inning. Season: 3.12 ERA (49 IP, 32 H, 25 R, 17 ER, 2 HR, 29 BB, 60 K)
RHP Matt Keating: (L, 3-3)  1.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
4.93 ERA (49.1 IP, 38 H, 29 R, 27 ER, 7 HR, 21 BB, 61 K). Some players don’t want a 4-day break, while others welcome it. Keating can use the rest.
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
LHP Joel Valdez: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
3.24 ERA (41.2 IP, 29 H, 19 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 21 BB, 48 K). His BB rate still needs work but it is down considerably from 2023.

Tampa (32-53) (Defeated Dunedin, 9-5)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-6, 2 2B (15), 2 RS, SB (25), 3 K
.234/.350/.352 in 311 PA (15 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 29 RBI, 38 R, 25-for-29 SB, 14.1% BB, 23.5% K). April: 2 extra-base hits (both doubles); May: 4 extra-base hits (3 doubles, 1 triple); June: 9 extra-base hits (7 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR); July: 6 extra-base hits (3 doubles, 3 HR). It is fun to watch a prospect adjust to a level.
DH Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 3 RS, SB (24), 2 BB, K
.220/.320/.360 in 372 PA (13 doubles, 7 triples, 6 HR, 44 RBI, 50 R, 24-for-35 SB, 11.8% BB, 33.6% K). He owns a .423 OBP in July.  As I keep saying, you look for positive signs as he tries to iron out the rest of his game.
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, HR (9), SF, 3 RBI, RS, BB, K
Jasso doesn’t want the All-Star Break, as he is 6-for-8 in his last two games. 
LF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-4, 2B (15), 2 RBI, 2 RS, HBP, BB, K
Castillo ends the first half on a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-19) and is 12-for-40 (.300/.440/.450) in July. Overall, he is hitting .264/.393/.429 in 285 PA (15 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 46 R, 13-for-17 SB, 17.5% BB, 18.9% K)
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-6, HR (6), 3 RBI, RS, K
Montero has 6 RBI in his last two games. He is hitting .243/.293/.363 in 317 PA.
2B Hans Montero: 1-for-4, BB, 2 K
You don’t want anyone to get hurt, and Montero would have received playing time regardless of Enmanuel Tejeda‘s status. That said, he is 12-for-38 (.316/.435/.579) in July with a pair of triples and homers.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 BB, 2 K
RF Anthony Hall: 0-for-4, BB, 3 K
C Diomedes Hernandez: 0-for-3, 2 BB

RHP Bryce Warrecker: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Warrecker tossed 61 pitches today. They are understandably taking it easy with him (11 starts, 32 IP) in his first professional season.
RHP Harrison Cohen: (W, 2-0) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
I will assume that Cohen’s rehab is nearing completion and a trip to Somerset is upcoming.
LHP Rafelin Nivar: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Aaron Nixon: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Montana Semmell: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
4.40 ERA (43 IP, 44 H, 24 R, 21 ER, 4 HR, 11 BB, 49 K). He entered June with a 6.14 ERA and has steadily brought it down.

FCL (31-18)

Scheduled day off. Unlike the full-season leagues, the FCL does not go on break.

DSL Yankees (11-17)

Scheduled day off. Unlike the full-season leagues, the DSL does not go on break.

DSL Bombers (18-11)

Scheduled day off. Unlike the full-season leagues, the DSL does not go on break.

Yankees MILB 6/23: Carlos Narvaez Goes 5-for-5

News:

The Yankees acquired 1B/3B J.D. Davis (and cash) from the Oakland Athletics for IF Jordan Groshans. The money will likely cover most (if not all) of what remains on Davis’ 1-year deal. It isn’t much.

Davis is hitting .236/.304/.366 (98 wRC+) in 135 PA. He has four home runs and five runs batted in. Interesting. The defensive metrics don’t love his performance, so he better hit if he wishes to keep a job. He had a run between 2019-2022 where he hit .276/.363/.457 (127 wRC+) over 1,258 plate appearances with a 10.5% BB and 27.3% K. However, the numbers haven’t been as strong in 2023-2024.

The Yankees need offense with Giancarlo Stanton out and there isn’t much available. They are not ready to give Agustin Ramirez a role, and none of the veterans in Triple-A excite you.

The bottom line? They wouldn’t need to do a signing like this if Gleyber Torres or DJ LeMahieu were producing. LeMahieu is showing no signs of life with the bat. He is moving towards “sunk cost” territory (if he isn’t there already).  I hope he doesn’t impact Ben Rice‘s playing time much. With the DH spot open, they can be flexible with playing time.

Scranton (42-32) (Mauled Buffalo, 18-9. They scored 12 runs in the 5th inning. As for last night’s postponed game, it is now listed as canceled. Instead of playing two in today’s heat (and pitching issues may have played a role), the game was permanently wiped off the calendar)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5, RBI, RS, BB, K
Last 6 games: 7-for-23. Before you toss away the Victor Gonzalez deal, remember that Vivas was a part of it.
C Agustin Ramirez: 0-for-5, RBI, RS, HBP, K
Ramirez is 1-for-16 since his promotion. He is hitting .275/.358/.537 in 279 PA overall.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, 2B (14), HR (7), RBI, 2 RS, BB
Since promotion: .298/.354/.468 in 226 PA. He has four HR in his last 12 games.
DH Carlos Narvaez: 5-for-5, 2B (15), HR (8), 4 RBI, 4 RS, SB (5), BB
Entering today: .254/.382/.424. Now: .271/.396/.457 in 210 PA (15 doubles, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 40 R). His best for RBI in a season is 44, set in 100 games last year. Narvaez never had a 4-hit game before today, never mind a 5-hit effort.
SS Jeter Downs: 2-for-5, 2B (12), RBI, 2 RS, SB (13), HBP, 2 K
.279/.372/.541 in 208 PA (12 doubles, 3 triples, 9 HR, 31 RBI, 36 R, 13-for-17 SB). 
LF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-3, 2B (8), 3 RS, 2 SB (5), 3 BB
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 2-for-5, HR (4), 4 RBI, 2 RS, SB (3), K
For Scranton: .279/.327/.443 in 150 PA. Gonzalez has some appeal but is still a “break glass in case of emergency” type.
CF Brandon Lockridge: 3-for-5, 4 RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (24), K
.285/.408/.369 in 157 PA. He has 24 stolen bases (26 attempts) in 47 games.
3B Kevin Smith: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (9), BB, 3 K

RHP Cam Schlittler: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
Schlittler also hit 3 batters. This will impact the strong numbers he had before today, but toss it. He was brought here from Hudson Valley because they needed a rested arm. Regardless, the offense bailed him out.
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Cousins: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Yerry De Los Santos: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Jesus Liranzo: (W, 1-0)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Josh Maciejewski: 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Jack Neely: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Season (between here and Somerset): 2.45 ERA in 33 IP (25 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 53 K)

Somerset (32-36) (Lost two games to Erie. It is odd to see Somerset struggle. Though the players always change, winning has become expected here)

Game 1 (Lost, 10-7)

DH Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, 2 K
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, HR (1), RBI, RS, BB
Rodriguez’s first Double-A home run. While he was pulled from this game and didn’t play in Game 2, I wouldn’t read into that (yet) – the heat is brutal in Somerset today.
  C Peter Serruto: 0-for-0
3B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-5, 2 K
For Somerset: 8-for-28 (.286) with a double and a pair of home runs.
2B Ben Cowles: 1-for-3, 2 BB, K
CF Grant Richardson: 2-for-5, SB (11)
RF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-5, RS, 2 K
1B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, 3 RS, 2 BB
LF Aaron Palensky: 3-for-5, 2B (4), 3 RBI
His reward was not playing in Game 2. He has a 5-game hitting streak (7-for-20).
SS Alexander Vargas: 4-for-5, 3 RBI, K
Useless fact of the day: Vargas has exactly one 4-hit game in each of the last four seasons.

RHP Bailey Dees: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
This will be a wasted start, but that isn’t a big deal. Season: 3.80 ERA (68.2 IP, 60 H, 33 R, 29 ER, 9 HR, 24 BB, 74 K).
RHP Trystan Vrieling: (L, 7-5) 5 IP, 12 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
This was a tough afternoon for Vrieling. Season: 5.08 ERA (79.2 IP, 82 H, 48 R, 45 ER, 8 HR, 24 BB, 75 K). They knew there would be some growing pains by throwing him immediately into the Double-A fire. 
RHP Carlos Gomez: 2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP McKinley Moore: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Lost, 11-5)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-3, RS, BB
Jones entered the month with a .641 OPS. It is now .702.
3B Ben Cowles: 1-for-3, BB
Cowles is on a little 5-game hitting streak (5-for-18, 1 double, 1 HR). He has slumped a bit in June (18-for-75 (.240)), so I hope this is a start of a new hot streak.
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-3, RBI, RS
DH Elijah Dunham: 3-for-3, 2B (9), HR (5), 3 RBI, 2 RS, SB (7)
Dunham is hitting .257/.363/.451 in 168 PA at this level.
RF Grant Richardson: 0-for-3, 2 K
.253/.314/.389 in 210 PA. He was strong in April/May but has struggled in June.
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, RBI, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, BB
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-for-3, K
1B Max Burt: 1-for-3, RS, K

RHP Josh Grosz: (L, 0-1)  4 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, HR
Like Scranton, Somerset needed a starter and Grosz was available (from Tampa). I will say the same thing I said about Schlittler: Toss it.
RHP Danny Watson: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 0 K
Watson is having trouble getting his season going after his injury. Let’s see what he does in the second half. 
RHP Colby White: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
2.52 ERA (25 IP, 21 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 40 K). The 26-year-old, who missed 2023, hasn’t allowed a home run in 29.2 career innings (43/13 K/BB)

Hudson Valley (34-34) (Outlasted Greensboro, 12-9. They hit 5 home runs)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-3, HR (5), 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB
Riggio is at .217/.370/.380 in 230 PA. He has three home runs in his last seven games. 
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-5, RBI, K
Serna is now 0-for-20 since missing a game after a HBP. That has dropped his triple slash from .280/.380/.504 to .258/.357/.464.
DH Jace Avina: 2-for-4, 2B (19), RS, BB, K
.275/.355/.459 in 251 PA (19 doubles, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 29 R, 4-for-5 SB). He has three doubles and multi-hit efforts in his last six games.
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, 2 RS, BB, K
.286/.397/.469 in 229 PA (17 doubles, 6 HR, 35 RBI, 27 R). 
C Omar Martinez: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, BB, 2 K
.243/.382/.405 in 228 PA. 
RF Garrett Martin: 2-for-4, 2 HR (5), 4 RBI, 3 RS, BB
Martin’s first career multi-HR game. He has 5 HR in 36 games this year (0 in 18 games during last year’s debut season).
3B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, 2 HR (3), 3 RBI, 3 RS, BB, 2 K
Moylan’s first career multi-HR game. Hopefully, he can build off this effort as he had some “post-draft” buzz last year.
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, RBI, SB (6), K
LF Nelson Medina: 0-for-5, K

RHP Jackson Fristoe: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Fristoe left the game due to a shoulder issue, according to GameCast. Yikes.
RHP Luis Arejula: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
3.14 ERA (28.2 IP, 24 H, 14 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 30 K)
RHP Huey Morrill: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K, HR
2.68 ERA (40.1 IP, 31 H, 16 R, 12 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 49 K)
LHP Joel Valdez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Juan Crisp (W, 1-0): 2.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 2 HR
Crisp is a catcher who was asked to get eight outs. The system used a lot of pitchers today (and recently), so tomorrow’s day off across the full-season leagues will come in handy.

Tampa (25-43) (Split a doubleheader against Palm Beach)

Game 1 (Won, 5-4, in the conclusion of the suspended game from Friday. This game went a full 9 innings)

DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-5, 2 K
For Tampa: .313/.366/.382 in 164 PA. He doesn’t go hitless often, so when he does it in back-to-back games, it stands out!
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-2, RS, SB (18), HBP, BB
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, RBI
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-2, RS, CS (2), HBP, BB
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, RS
LF Coby Morales: 1-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, 2 SB (15)
C Oscar Silverio:  0-for-0, BB
  PH-C Antonio Gomez: 1-for-1, 2 RBI, BB, K
Gomez with a big 2-run single as his rehab continues.

RHP Luis Serna: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
The weather cuts Serna’s start for the second consecutive time. This effort pushes his ERA below 4.00 (3.98 in 52 IP (37 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 15 BB, 61 K)). His ERA was 10.32 in his first three starts and 6.97 after five starts. He has been on quite a roll and is still under 20 (until July 20th).
RHP Scott Effross: (W, 1-0)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Effross struck out the side in his second inning of work. Of his 26 pitches, 22 were strikes.
RHP Joey Gerber: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Cade Austin: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Montana Semmel (S, 4): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
This game was dicey late, as Palm Beach turned a 5-0 deficit into a 5-4 deficit in the 9th. Tampa was able to hang on.

Game 2 (Lost, 13-11. This was a 7-inning game. They scored six runs in the bottom of the 7th (after scoring four in the 6th) and brought the winning run to the plate, but couldn’t take it further)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-5, 2B (11), 2 RBI, RS, SB (18)
Lombard is at .228 with a .676 OPS (11 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 25 RBI, 24 R, 18-for-19 SB). This isn’t spectacular but he is holding his own.  He is 9-for-31 (.290) in his last 8 games with 3 doubles, a triple, a home run, and three stolen bases.
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (10), RBI, RS, BB, K
Arias is hitting .212 with a .676 OPS. He has 22 extra-base hits (10 doubles, 6 triples, 6 HR) in 65 games, but also owns a 35.9% K rate.
1B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-5
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB, 2 K
Castillo is hitting .249 with a .784 OPS. He has 38 walks (17.8%) and 44 strikeouts (20.6%) in 214 PA.
3B Hans Montero: 2-for-5, HR (4), RBI, RS, 3 K
A much-needed double-header for Montero, who started hot at this level but has cooled off recently.
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, RS
Montero has hit safely in 16 of his last 17 games (reached base safely in all 17 games). He is hitting .250 with a .675 OPS (before the streak, he was hitting .182/.250/.241). A jump of 184 points in OPS is impressive.
DH Coby Morales: 2-for-3, 2 RS, BB
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-1, 2 RBI, 2 RS, 3 BB
RF Daury Arias: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, K

RHP Cade Smith: (L, 3-5)  4 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
3.94 ERA in 61.2 IP (47 H, 33 R, 27 ER, 3 HR, 30 BB, 78 K). He has some ups-and-downs this season, but his overall season is impressive.
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, HR
2.18 ERA (33 IP, 15 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 5 HR, 18 BB, 38 K)

FCL (23-13)

Scheduled day off. With a little more than a month to go in the season, the FCL team is two games up on the Tigers for first place.

DSL Yankees (5-10)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (9-5)

Scheduled day off.

 

Yankees MILB 6/19: George Lombard Jr. Hits First Pro HR

News:

There was a flurry of moves today, some of which were prompted by the promotion of Ben Rice to the Yankees from Scranton.

The Yankees promoted C/1B Agustin Ramirez from Somerset to replace Rice.

Ramirez’s ascent has been fun and fast. While he performed well as a 17-year-old in the DSL (18.9% K rate was telling), nothing in his triple slash suggested a monster was about to be born (.239/.300/.374 with 4 home runs). Like every minor leaguer, he missed a development year in 2020. In 2022, he spent the entire year in the FCL as a 20-year-old. Do you see where I am going with this? Prospects develop at different rates and you never know when one will explode.

With Ramirez leaving Somerset, the Patriots needed a catcher. Enter Hudson Valley’s Jesus Rodriguez. a multi-positional player who carries a big stick. In his minor league career, he is hitting .319/.407/.483 in 1,077 plate appearances including a .339/.428/.515 line in 81 High-A games. He has seen time at catcher (101 games), first base (53; none in 2024), second base (3; all in 2024), third base (68), and left field (23).  Additionally, he played 16 games in right field during the 2023-2024 Venezuelan Winter League season. Despite the offense, Rodriguez hasn’t appeared on many Yankees prospect lists. I think that would change if he continues to rake in Somerset.

The train stopped there, as the Yankees didn’t promote anyone from Tampa to Hudson Valley. Rather, they activated Juan Crisp off of the development list. Crisp has been in the organization since 2019 but has only appeared in 60 games.

Unrelated to those moves, top relief prospect Jack Neely was promoted from Somerset to Scranton. In 33 Double-A games between 2023-2024, Neely pitched to a 2.59 ERA in 48.2 innings with an impressive 77/15 K/BB. I don’t see the 6’8″ Neely staying in Scranton for long – he is being fast-tracked to the Yankees, in my opinion. Unlike many Yankees relievers, Neely is not a groundball specialist (33.8%) but he does miss bats, which is needed.

Scranton (41-28) (Defeated Buffalo, 8-2)

2B Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
DH Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-5
Not the sexiest Triple-A debut, but he gets that first hit out of the way.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, HR (6), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
Rumfield has four doubles and three homers in his last nine games.
C Carlos Narvaez: 2-for-3, RS, BB
LF Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-4, RS, K
CF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
SS Jeter Downs: 2-for-3, 2B (11), HR (9), SF, 2 RBI, RS
Downs has two doubles and three home runs in his last four games. He is hitting .276/.371/.546.

RHP Will Warren: (W, 5-4)  6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
6.65 ERA (66.1 IP,70 H, 51 R, 49 ER, 16 HR, 26 BB, 72 K). Warren allowed 15 HR in 99.2 IP at this level last season, so 31 HR allowed in 166 Triple-A innings. It’s a juiced-up environment, but that still stands out. If you want good news: Warren seems to be over his May blues. In 22 June innings, he has allowed seven runs on 19 hits with a 24/7 K/BB.
RHP Jesus Liranzo: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Liranzo dialed it up to 97.4 MPH. Despite what is a good arm, the 29-year-old has yet to make his MLB debut.
RHP Jack Neely: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Neely hit 98.1 MPH with his fastball. He could come to MLB quickly.

Somerset (32-33) (Lost to Erie, 11-2)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-4, 3 K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-2, RS, HBP, BB
Rodriguez reaches base a pair of times in his Double-A debut.
DH Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 3 K
SS Ben Cowles: 1-for-4, 2B (21)
Cowles, trying to break out of a slump, hits his 21st double in 61 games.
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, RS, BB
LF Jared Wegner: 1-for-3, 2B (8), RBI, BB
Wegner has four doubles in his last four games.
RF Elijah Dunham: 0-for-3, BB, K
2B Jordan Groshans: 0-for-3
1B Max Burt: 1-for-3, 2 K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (L, 6-5) 4.2 IP, 9 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
He pitched well through four innings but was roughed up in the fifth. Season: 3.95 ERA (68.1 IP, 57 H, 38 R, 30 ER, 4 HR, 34 BB, 70 K)
RHP McKinley Moore: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Moore was moved up here today.
RHP Carlos Gomez: 2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 2 HR

Hudson Valley (33-31) (Lost to Greensboro, 8-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-2, 2B (9), 2 BB
.210/.358/.364 in 218 PA. He has reached base safely in 10 straight games (10-for-40, 2 doubles, 2 HR, 7 BB)
SS Jared Serna: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
.272/.373/.490 in 284 PA. Whether he is a long-term shortstop or not, they are getting a long look at him there (53 starts in 2024, 52 starts in 2023). Letting him play shortstop is also a showcase for opposing scouts.
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-4
.272/.352/.446 in 233 PA. It’s been a slow June for Avina, but a correction was likely after his incredible start. 
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB, K
Flores is hitting .297/.412/.497 in 211 PA. Given all his High-A experience (157 games, 645 PA), he likely was also in consideration for the Somerset promotion.  He likely will get there this year regardless.
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, RS, K
The Yankees have never moved Martinez up a level during a season. That doesn’t mean he is stuck here for 2024, but trends sometimes have meaning. This is not necessarily a bad thing.
LF Christopher Familia: 0-for-3, RS, HBP, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, 2 K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, 2B (10), 2 RBI, K
Gabrielson’s 2-run double broke up the shutout in the 9th, preventing back-to-back shutouts.
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-4, 2 K

RHP Baron Stuart: (L, 4-2)  4.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 10 K, HR
Stuart sets a new personal best with the 10-strikeout performance. 
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
Reyzelman hasn’t allowed a run in 10.2 IP between here and the FCL (3 H, 3 BB, 17 K)
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
Keating struck out the side in order in his first inning of work. Season: 3.63 ERA (39.2 IP, 27 H, 18 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 48 K). The 23-year-old struck out 93 batters in 65.1 innings for Low-A Tampa in 2023.

Tampa (24-41) (Defeated Palm Beach, 3-2)

DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-3, 2B (6), RS, SB (17), BB
Back-to-back multi-hit efforts (15th on the season)
2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, RS, SB (17)
Lombard Jr. launches his first professional home run. He is on a 5-game hitting streak.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, 2 K
1B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, K
C Antonio Gomez: 0-for-1, BB
Gomez’s rehab assignment moved up to Tampa today.
  C Tomas Frick: 0-for-2, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 3-for-4, RS
.253/.383/.420 in 201 PA. Castillo has three 3-hit efforts (two this month)
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-4
LF Willy Montero: 2-for-3, RBI, BB
Montero walks it off with an RBI single in the bottom of the 9th.
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, K

RHP JT Brubaker: 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Brubaker needs only 22 pitches in his first rehab appearance to get through three innings.
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Effross maxed out at 90.2 MPH with his sinker (remember that he isn’t a velocity guy!). Hopefully, he can get to New York soon enough.
RHP Gabriel Barbosa: (W, 2-7)  5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
A nice piggyback night for Barbosa. Season: 5.63 ERA (62.1 IP, 68 H, 40 R, 39 ER, 7 HR, 18 BB, 63 K). 

FCL (20-13)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Yankees (4-8)

Scheduled day off.

DSL Bombers (6-5) (Lost to the DSL Pirates, 7-6)

SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (5), K
DH Browm Martinez: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, SB (9)
Martinez runs wild. He has 8 hits, 2 walks, 1 HBP, and 9 stolen bases.
RF Richard Meran: 1-for-3

LHP Franyer Herrera: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
RHP Mauricio Vargas: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
The 17-year-old’s second career appearance.

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 Vivas: 1-for-4
C Ben Rice: 0-for-3, BB
Rice is 2-for-15 in his last four games. Is that a cause for alarm? No.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-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 Rojas: 0-for-3, BB, K
.230/.360/.521 in 203 PA.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K
.276/.331/.431 in 133 PA (for Scranton)
CF Taylor Trammell: 1-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 VanMeter: 0-for-3, K
SS Kevin Smith: 0-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 Morris: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Oddanier Mosqueda: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Cousins: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1 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 Jones: 1-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 Ramirez: 0-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 Hardman: 2-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 Burt: 0-for-1
DH J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, K
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, 2B (7)
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, 3 K
3B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-3
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, 2 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 0-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 Watson: 1.2 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 Anderson: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

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

2B Roc Riggio: 1-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 Avina: 1-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 Flores: 1-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 Gabrielson: 0-for-0
DH Garrett Martin: 2-for-5, 2B (7), RBI, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 BB
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-4, 2B (6), HBP
RF Nelson Medina: 0-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 Moore: 0.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1.2 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 Sellers: 1.2 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 Tejeda: 0-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 Arias: 0-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 Jasso: 0-for-3, BB, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-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 Montero: 0-for-4
RF Willy Montero: 1-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 Luciano: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Aaron Nixon: 1.1 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 6/15: Agustin Ramirez Stays Hot

News:

I have nothing to report.

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

3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-2, SB (2), HBP, BB, K
2B Oswald Peraza: 0-for-4, K
CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-3, RS, SB (2), 2 K
I am not sure why Dominguez was pulled. He has been playing full games recently, which can raise a red flag. Still, I wouldn’t read anything into it unless they give us a reason to read something into it.
  CF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-1
1B Ben Rice: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, CS (1)
Rice is 14-for-39 (.359) since joining Scranton. He has 10 RBI in 10 games.
C Carlos Narvaez: 2-for-3, 2B (13), RBI, RS, BB, K
You should feel comfortable knowing that Narvaez is the #3 catcher.
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, RBI
Rumfield has a 6-game hitting streak (multiple hits in the first five). He is hitting .304/.360/.453 in 200 PA for Scranton.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Jose Rojas: 0-for-3, K
SS Kevin Smith: 0-for-3

LHP Edgar Barclay: (L, 3-5)  5 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 7 K, HR
LHP Clayton Andrews: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
RHP Matt Sauer: 0.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
Sauer has struggled since returning…
RHP Art Warren: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (31-31) (Defeated Binghamton, 6-4, in 10 innings)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-5, CS (4), 2 K
Jones is 14-for-53 (.264) in June with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 11 runs, 6 walks, and 18 strikeouts.
1B Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-4, HR (16), RBI, RS, HBP
Ramirez has multiple hits in four straight games as he takes over sole possession of first place in the organizational HR race.
SS Ben Cowles: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, BB
DH Grant Richardson: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, 2 BB
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-4, SB (11), BB
Seigler is 11-for-12 stealing bases.
RF Jared Wegner: 3-for-5, 2B (5), RS, K
Wegner has five hits in his last two games.
LF Aaron Palensky: 1-for-4, HR (1), SF, 3 RBI, RS, K
Palensky hit 22 HR in 103 games in 2023.
3B Max Burt: 1-for-5, HR (2), RBI, RS, K

RHP Zach Messinger: 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
3.50 ERA (69.1 IP, 55 H, 38 R, 27 ER, 5 HR, 22 BB, 78 K)
RHP Yorlin Calderon: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Tremendous effort by Calderon. For Somerset: 2.89 ERA in 18.2 IP (14 H, 11 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 19 K).
RHP Jack Neely: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
Neely didn’t have it tonight. He owns a 2.61 ERA in 31 IP (23 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 2 HR, 12 BB, 51 K). He has 243 strikeouts in 149.2 career innings.
RHP Jesus Liranzo:(W, 2-1) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (32-29) (Lost to Brooklyn, 8-5)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-5, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS, K
.204/.343/.341 in 204 PA (8 doubles, 3 triples, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 34 R, 8-for-10 SB). It was his first HR since May 8th.
DH Jared Serna: 1-for-2, RS, SB (9), HBP, K
Serna has a 9-game hitting streak. However, he didn’t come back to the plate after the HBP.
   PH-DH Christopher Familia: 0-for-1, BB
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
1B Rafael Flores: 2-for-4, 2B (17), HR (6), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
.305/.409/.515 in 198 PA. He is 17-for-49 (.347) with three doubles and four home runs in June. 
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, RS, 2 K
LF Garrett Martin: 2-for-4
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-4, K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, K

LHP Ben Shields: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
3.21 ERA (42 IP, 30 H, 18 R, 15 ER, 5 HR, 9 BB, 53 K)
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Joel Valdez: (L, 1-1) 1.1 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
In 9 innings between here and the FCL: 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 16 K. The talent level is there for him to be a legitimate relief prospect. Walks were an issue when he pitched for the University of San Francisco (36 in 50.1 IP). He transferred to LSU, where he walked 18 in 42.2 IP. 

Tampa (23-39) (Lost a doubleheader to Clearwater)

Game 1 (Lost, 9-4, in the conclusion of last night’s game. This game went a full 9 innings)

DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-4, 2B (5), RS, 2 K
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-2, 2B (9), RBI, SB (16), 2 BB
2B Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, HR (6), RBI, RS, 2 K
Arias’ 8th extra-base hit (2 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR) in 12 June games.
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-3, RS, BB, K
3B Hans Montero: 1-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS, K
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-4, K
Montero owns a 10-game hitting streak.
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-3, SB (5), BB, K

RHP Luis Serna: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
This was a wasted start for Serna, but that isn’t a big deal. Season: 4.31 ERA (48 IP, 35 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 56 K).
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
LHP Rafelin Nivar: (L, 0-1)  1.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Montana Semmel: 1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
1.88 ERA (28.2 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 4 HR, 15 BB, 34 K)

Game 2 (Lost, 5-4, in 10 innings. This was a scheduled 7-inning game, so extra innings = 3 innings)

3B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-4, RS, SB (15), BB, 2 K
He has 17 stolen bases between here and the FCL (where he went on a rehab stint). His personal best is 24, set last year.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-5, 3 K
2B Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-5, HR (5), RBI, RS, 3 K
.252/.386/.430 in 189 PA. 
DH Hans Montero: 1-for-4, 2 RS, SB (4), BB, 2 K
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, 2B (13), RBI, K
Montero increases his hitting streak to 11 (19-for-43, 6 doubles, 4 HR, 8 RBI). Overall, his triple slash is up to .235/.286/.366 in 231 PA.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, 2B (5), RBI, BB, K
C Oscar Silverio: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-3, HBP, K

RHP Cade Smith: 4 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
Smith retired the first ten batters he faced but quickly lost it. Season: 3.28 ERA (57.2 IP, 40 H, 27 R, 21 ER, 3 HR, 28 BB, 74 K)
RHP Kristofer Bow: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Don’t be thrown off by his name – this is Kris Bow, who had his name updated. Season: 2.51 ERA (28.2 IP, 18 H, 12 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 32 K).
RHP Ocean Gabonia: 2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
RHP Juan Sanchez (L, 0-1): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Sanchez has done nothing but pitch in 2024 (four games). I guess they are transitioning him to the role.

FCL (18-12) (Lost a game they will forever wish to forget, 17-0, to the DSL Tigers. While they walked 8 times. they only had 1 hit and committed 6 errors)

CF Brando Mayea: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Antonio Gomez: 1-for-3, BB, K
Gomez is still on his rehab stint.
3B-SS Abrahan Ramirez and LF-CF Brian Sanchez each went 0-for-3 with a walk.

RHP Joey Gerber: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Gerber is a 27-year-old on a rehab stint. He has 17 games of MLB experience, with Seattle in 2020 (4.02 ERA with a 6/5 K/BB over 15.2 IP)

DSL Yankees (3-7) (Defeated the DSL Bombers, 9-3)

SS Dexters Peralta: 2-for-4, 2B (1), RBI, 3 RS, 3 SB (6), BB
The 16-year-old switch-hitter is 6-for-28 (.214) with a double, 8 runs scored, and a 6-for-6 SB rate.
3B Richard Matic: 2-for-5, 2B (2), 3 RBI, RS, K
The 16-year-old is 9-for-24 (.375) with a pair of doubles and 7 walks.
C Justin Capellan: 2-for-3, 2 2B (2), RBI, RS, SB (3), K
The 17-year-old is 5-for-20. The two doubles are his first career extra-base hits.
1B Luis Puello: 2-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, RS, K

RHP Jorge Luna: 3.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Keninson Diaz (W, 1-0): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Christopher Vasquez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

DSL Bombers (5-4) (Lost to the DSL Yankees, 9-3)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-2
He left the game early, but it isn’t uncommon for players in the DSL to split time.
  PH-CF Browm Martinez: 1-for-1, RS, 2 SB (8), BB
C Queni Pineda: 1-for-2, RS, 2 BB
DH Carlos Villarroel: 2-for-3, RBI
6-for-12 with a home run.

RHP Jerson Alejandro: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 5 BB, 3 K
The norm for tall pitchers (he is 6’6″) is spotty control. The key is whether or not they can figure it out.
RHP Andry Javier: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Luis Suarez: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Yankees MILB 6/13: Brock Selvidge Ks 9

News:

OF Everson Pereira was placed on the full-season injured list by Scranton. As you might be able to guess, that means he is done for the year.

Pereira will end the season at .265/.346/.512 (118 wRC+) in 182 PA for Scranton. He swatted 10 home runs and drove in 27. However, his strikeout rate was up (32.4%).

Injuries are a part of his story, but he accumulated 448 plate appearances in 2022 and 446 in 2023.

Pereira likely had trade value. That is no longer the case. With Jasson Dominguez‘s rehab stint over, Pereira’s value as big-league depth was lower, but you never want to lose depth.

Hopefully, Pereira can get back on the field in 2025.

Scranton (40-26) (Lost to Rochester, 5-4)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-4, RBI, SB (1), CS (4), BB
SS Oswald Peraza: 0-for-5, 2 K
C Ben Rice: 0-for-5, 2 K
So much for the Ben Rice Experiment…seriously, this is the first time he hasn’t reached base in eight Triple-A games.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3, RS, BB
For Scranton: .305/.362/.458 in 196 PA. He is on a 5-game hitting streak (multiple hits in all games: 12-for-23).
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
Narvaez has a .376 OBP (16.2% BB)
RF Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, HR (12), 3 RBI, RS, K
Rojas has 12 homers and 42 RBI. A mostly unnoticed transaction last week was that he opted out of his contract, only to be re-signed. This likely means the Yankees offered him a little extra money to re-sign (and he couldn’t find an MLB opportunity)
LF Taylor Trammell: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
CF Greg Allen: 2-for-3, 2B (7), RS, HBP
2B Josh VanMeter: 0-for-4

RHP Will Warren: 5.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, HR
Warren was cruising along until a 3-run homer in the 6th. His ERA is still north of 7.00 (7.01) but has shown signs of breaking out of his slump (he owns a 2.81 ERA in 16 June innings).
RHP Matt Sauer: (L, 0-1) 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
LHP Clayton Andrews: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Somerset (29-30) (Bombarded Binghamton, 12-5)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-5, RBI, RS, SB (16), K
1B Agustin Ramirez: 2-for-5, 2B (12), 2 RBI, RS, SB (13)
Ramirez is hitting .289/.374/.569 in 243 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR, 46 RBI, 44 R, 13-for-14 SB). He is making his share of errors at first base, but that is the learning process. 
3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-3, 2 RS, SB (11), 2 BB, K
.314/.390/.498 in 241 PA. 
DH Tyler Hardman: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, RS, BB, K
Hardman was promoted here today. This is where he spent 2023.
LF Grant Richardson: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra: 3-for-4, 2 2B (13), HR (3), 4 RBI, 3 RS
Back-to-back 4-RBI efforts for Escarra. Yes, I know he is a 29-year-old non-prospect. I like to highlight strong performances. As for catching, he has never done it before 2024.
RF Elijah Dunham: 3-for-4, 2B (6), HR (4), 3 RBI, 2 RS, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-3, SB (10), BB
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, RS, K

LHP Brock Selvidge: 5 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 9 K, HR
3.25 ERA (63.2 IP, 48 H, 31 R, 23 ER, 4 HR, 32 BB, 66 K). 
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
3.38 ERA (6.1 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K). Watson is still in “rehab” mode even if he was never on an official rehab assignment.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
2.66 ERA (23.2 IP, 19 H, 9 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 5 BB, 28 K). Anderson compiled a 1.01 ERA in 26.2 IP (27/12 K/BB) at this level in 2023. If he continues to perform, someone will give him a shot. This is not a knock on the Yankees.
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Hudson Valley (32-27) (Squeaked past Brooklyn, 6-5)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, RS, K
SS Jared Serna: 2-for-4, 2B (19), 2 RBI, K
In his last seven games, Serna has seven doubles. He is hitting .274/.375/.504 in 269 PA (19 doubles, 11 HR, 46 RBI, 43 R, 8-for-14 SB, 13.0% BB, 17.5% K). The presence of Riggio has pushed Serna to shortstop for most of the season. As I like to write about, that increases value. However, most “experts” see him as a second baseman long-term. He should get to Somerset when they start to promote players.
LF Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, RS
Rodriguez increases his hitting streak to 6 (10-for-24). I wouldn’t be able to tell you if you asked me to find his fatal flaw. That said, he must prove this is real in the upper minors. That is how you get noticed for a player who doesn’t appear on many prospect lists.
DH Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, RS, K
.308/.416/.503 in 190 PA. He is 15-for-41 in June with a pair of doubles and three home runs.
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, 2B (7)
RF Christopher Familia: 0-for-4, 2 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-4, 2 RS, K
1B Kiko Romero: 0-for-2, 2 BB, K
CF Nelson Medina: 1-for-3, 3B (1), RS

RHP Sebastian Keane: (W, 5-4) 5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 K, HR
4.85 ERA (52 IP, 51 H, 29 R, 28 ER, 4 HR, 27 BB, 48 K). That may not overwhelm you, but remember that Keane was a reliever in 2023.
RHP Trent Sellers: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Mason Vinyard: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
2.60 ERA (17.1 IP, 11 H, 10 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 26 K)
RHP McKinley Moore: (S, 1) 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (23-37) (Lost to Clearwater, 7-3, in a rain-shortened game)

2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, RS, 2 SB (14), K
For Tampa: .330/.383/.398 in 116 PA (14-for-17 SB). 
SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-2, SF, RBI
DH Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, 3 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-0, HBP
  PH-3B Hans Montero: 0-for-1, BB, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, BB, K
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-2, HR (5), RBI, RS, K
Montero has four home runs in his last six games. The 19-year-old hit .331/.389/.436 in 203 plate appearances in the FCL last season. He started slow in 2024 and is still recovering but is up to .229 with a .644 OPS.
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-2, 3B (1), RS
LF Daury Arias: 0-for-2, 2 K
C Oscar Silverio: 1-for-2, 2B (1), RBI
Silverio finally gets to the plate (he played in five games before tonight without receiving a plate appearance, pitching in three of them!)

RHP Gabriel Barbosa: 5 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 3 HR
On the bright side, this goes in the record books as a complete game.

FCL (17-11) (Defeated the Blue Jays, 5-4)

C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
3B Abrahan Ramirez: 2-for-4, 2B (5), RS, SB (4), K
CF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-4, K
He is still hitting .348/.451/.609 after today’s effort. Sanchez is a candidate for Low-A when promotions start happening. He turns 20 on the 4th of July.
SS Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, 2 SB (5), 2 K
.274/.379/.411 in 87 PA. He has started 21 games, 20 at shortstop. That gets my attention. He is 20 years old (won’t be 21 until next April).
LF Joel Mendez: 2-for-4, 2 RS, K
A 21-year-old in his second FCL season should crush this level, and he is.
2B Sebastian Gomez: 2-for-3, 2B (1), CS (3), BB
RF Fidel Montero: 0-for-2, SF, RBI, BB, K

RHP Bryce Warrecker: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

DSL Yankees (2-6) (Lost to the DSL Twins, 7-2)

LF Gabriel Lara: 2-for-3, 2 RS, 3 SB (3)
Lara is one of the few DSL prospects that has my attention.  Before you ask, this isn’t because I think the level lacks talent. Rather, many players at this level are interchangeable. Lara has a top-tier tool (80-grade speed) to build on.

RHP Michell Chirinos: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
RHP Josue Silvestre: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
The professional debut for the 6’7″ 19-year-old. 

DSL Bombers (4-3) (Defeated the Phillies Red, 12-7 (12 runs, 5 hits (all singles), 9 walks, 5 HBP. I “love” the DSL….)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 RS, 4 SB (4), BB, K
Besides Lara, Vilorio has my attention because he is a bonus baby. The 17-year-old is 7-f0r-21.
SS Christofer Reyes: 1-for-3, 2 RS, SB (4), 2 RS, HBP
RF Richard Meran: 1-for-2, RBI, 2 RS, 2 HBP
3B Andry Javier: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, RS, BB

LHP Jose Ledesma (W, 1-0): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Ledesma’s first professional win – congrats!

Yankees MILB 6/11: Josh Grosz Ks 10

News:

OF Christopher Familia‘s rehab is over. He reported to High-A Hudson Valley today. IF Enmanuel Tejeda‘s rehab is also complete, and he is back in Tampa (though he didn’t play tonight).

Scranton (39-25) (Rocked Rochester, 10-0)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-3, 2 RS, 2 BB
For Scranton: 9-for-51 with 11 walks (five walks in his last two games)
SS Oswald Peraza: 3-for-5, HR (1, grand slam), 4 RBI, RS, K
Peraza badly needed this night. I hope he can build from here.
CF Jasson Dominguez: 1-for-5, RBI, RS
All singles result in the runner reaching first base. However, they are special when they are hit 111.6 MPH. It isn’t just that Dominguez is hitting – it is that he is hitting the ball hard, which indicates his arm is fine when it comes to swinging the bat. The throwing? It’s likely not quite there yet, but it shouldn’t be long. It is beyond encouraging that he is playing full games in the field. 
C Ben Rice: 2-for-4, RS, BB
Since joining Scranton: 10-for-22 (3 doubles, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 8 R, 6 BB, 6 K). He has four games at C and 2 at first base. I keep saying catching = more value while 1B = present/future MLB need. If the Yankees had “near future” plans for a promotion, would he not receive more first-base reps?
DH Carlos Narvaez: 0-for-5, 2 K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 4-for-5, HR (5), 2 RBI, 3 RS
With Scranton: .299/.354/.454 in 192 PA (12 doubles, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 28 R). His last four games: 10-for-20, 3 doubles, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 7 R. Rumfield is a potential option, even without traditional first-base power.
RF Oscar Gonzalez: 1-for-5, RBI, RS, K
LF Taylor Trammell: 2-for-5, 2B (7), RBI, 2 K
3B Jeter Downs: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, BB

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: (W, 2-2) 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K
2.79 ERA (42 IP, 25 H, 14 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 23 BB, 48 K). I think Gomez has some trade value, but remember that this is his last option year. If a team looks to acquire him, they believe he will be on the MLB roster for 2025 and beyond. That isn’t an unrealistic expectation. Do I think the Yankees would trade Gomez? For the right piece, yes. 
RHP Duane Underwood Jr.: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
Underwood Jr. stranded two Gomez baserunners in the 6th.
RHP Art Warren: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Phil Bickford: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (28-30) (Lost to Binghamton, 6-3)

CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
.226/.311/.376 in 212 PA. In June, he is 9-for-36 with a double, triple, 3 HR, and 12 RBI. 
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4, RS
When do you know a prospect is having a great season? Answer: When you look at “1-for-4, RS” and feel disappointed.
SS Ben Cowles: 2-for-4
.315/.385/.505 in 231 PA (20 doubles, 3 triples, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 32 R, 9-for-9 SB, 9.6% BB, 17.3% K). Is this “real”? I like the reduction in the strikeout rate. It stands out if you reduce your K% as you move to a higher level.  Cowles is 24 years old. In 2014, at 23, Rob Refsnyder hit .318/.387/.497 (18.2% K) between Double-A/Triple-A. Refsnyder isn’t a star but has carved out a decent career. No two players are alike – I am trying to give you a reference point.
RF Grant Richardson: 1-for-4, 2B (14), RBI, 2 K
.268/.328/.427 in 174 PA (14 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 20 R, 6.9% BB, 25.9% K). Richardson got off to a hot start but has slowed down lately. Maybe tonight jump starts him again.
1B J.C. Escarra: 0-for-4, K
DH Elijah Dunham: 0-for-4, 3 K
LF Jared Wegner: 0-for-4
2B Anthony Seigler: 0-for-2, BB
3B Max Burt: 0-for-3, RS

RHP Bailey Dees: 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 9 K
Dees’ 11th straight start where he has allowed 3 earned runs or less (every start since his first one). He owns a 3.59 ERA in 62.2 IP (54 H, 29 R, 25 ER, 7 HR, 22 BB, 68 K). His move to the rotation has gone as well as the Yankees could have ever imagined.
RHP Carlos Gomez: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo: (L, 1-1)  0.2 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
The HR was a big one – a grand slam.
RHP Luis Velasquez: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (30-27) (Mauled Brooklyn, 13-4)

2B Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, RS, BB, 2 K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, RS, SB (8), BB, K
Serna has a 5-game hitting streak (8-for-21, 5 doubles)
C Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-5, 3B (4), 3 RBI, 3 RS
Rodriguez is hitting .335/.417/.517 in 235 PA. He owns five 3+ hit games and 21-multi-hit efforts. In 79 High-A games overall going back to 2023, he is at .341/.432/.522 (347 plate appearances). Rodriguez is a hitting machine and I can’t wait to see how he fares in the upper levels.
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-2, 2 RS, 3 BB, K
.318/.429/.503 in 182 PA. He has 616 High-A plate appearances over the last two years, so I think he will make his Somerset debut in the not-so-distant future. I will note that Flores played in four FCL games and skipped Low-A Tampa.
3B Tyler Hardman: 2-for-3, RS
   3B Beau Brewer: 2-for-2, 4 RBI, RS
Not bad for someone who didn’t start the game…
CF Jace Avina: 2-for-5, 3 RBI, RS
Avina was in a slump.  Hopefully, this ends that slump.
DH Omar Martinez: 2-for-5, RBI, K
.236/.386/.401 in 197 PA. 
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, K
LF Christopher Familia: 1-for-4, 2 RS, BB
I hope Familia makes his Somerset debut this season.

RHP Jackson Fristoe: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 3 K
Fristoe was coming off of a strong outing last time out. His inconsistency isn’t unexpected – hopefully, with time, the consistency will come. He owns a respectable 3.58 ERA in 32.2 IP, but has walked 26 batters.
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
2.31 ERA (35 IP, 27 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 41 K). 
RHP McKinley Moore: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Matt Keating: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
3.06 ERA (35.1 IP, 22 H, 13 R, 12 ER, 3 HR, 15 BB, 41 K)
LHP Joel Valdez: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.83 ERA (28.2 IP, 18 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 31 K). 2023: 10 HR allowed in 78.2 IP. Every other year, combined: 3 HR allowed in 158 IP.

Tampa (22-36) (Defeated Clearwater, 9-7, in 10 innings. Tampa had a 7-0 lead heading to the bottom of the 9th. Clearwater scored 7 to tie it)

2B George Lombard Jr: 2-for-6, 2B (8), 3 RBI, 2 K
Lombard Jr. needed a big hit and got it. He only has 8 extra-base hits in 40 games – I am hoping things start clicking as we approach the second half of 2024.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-6, RBI, 2 SB (16), 3 K
Hopefully, this is one bad night after a string of good ones. 
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, 2 BB, 2 K
DH Hans Montero: 0-for-5, 3 K
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-5, 2B (11), HR (4), RBI, 2 RS
Montero is on a 7-game hitting streak (14-for-29 (.483; 4 doubles, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 8 R)). While he hasn’t walked this month, he also has only four strikeouts.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-5, RS, SB (13), 2 K
C Tomas Frick: 0-for-1, 3 RS, 3 BB, HBP
About as productive as an 0-for-1 night can be.
LF Daury Arias: 1-for-2, 2B (6), 2 RS, 3 BB
Last 6 games: 7-for-14 (3 doubles, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 8 R, 8 BB)

RHP Josh Grosz: 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 10 K
Pure dominance. Grosz had a 12-strikeout performance earlier this season, but he allowed 4 runs (2 earned) in that one. He threw 48% four-seamers (95.5 MPH max/93.9 MPH average), 32% sliders, 18% change-ups, and 2% sinkers. Like many youngsters, consistency is needed. 
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
1.98 ERA (27.1 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 4 HR, 14 BB, 33 K). I have to assume his Hudson Valley debut is coming in 2024.
RHP Montana Semmel: (W, 4-3) 1 IP, 6 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Not the way one wishes to “win” a game.
RHP Steven Fulgencio: (S, 1)  1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (16-11) (Leading the Phillies, 4-1, in the 4th inning. This game was suspended and will be finished on 6/18. I won’t report on it today)

DSL Yankees (2-5) and DSL Bombers (3-3)

The DSL Bombers defeated the DSL Yankees, 7-1

Yankees:

3B Richard Matic: 1-for-2, 2 BB, K
7-for-16 with seven walks.
2B Geyber Blanco: 2-for-3, 2B (2), RS
SS Jelson Coca: 0-for-2, 2 SB (2), BB, 2 K
Coca is an 18-year-old right-handed bat.

LHP Marco Manzano: 3 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
The 6’3″ Manzano is 20, but this is his debut season.

Bombers:

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-3, RS, BB, 2 K
5-for-17 with a triple and 3 runs batted in.
DH Queni Pineda: 3-for-4, 2B (2), RBI, 2 RS, SB (1)
5-for-15 with a pair of doubles and a homer.
2B Luis Escudero: 1-for-2, 3B (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 SB (6), BB
The 18-year-old has a stat line we see often in the DSL. He is a modest 2-for-7 but has walked 10 times (58.9% rate!) and stolen six bases.
1B Remy Veldhuisen: 2-for-2, RS, CS (1)
His first two career hits – congrats!  He is a 19-year-old left-handed bat.

LHP Franyer Herrera: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K

 

Yankees MILB 6/8: Jasson Dominguez Goes Yard

News:

I want Anthony Rizzo to start scorching and hit 20 home runs the rest of the way. Why wouldn’t I? That helps my favorite team win the World Series.

However, 2024 is not going his way. Is it because of his 2023 concussion? His age? A combination? I don’t know. In April Rizzo hit .258/.321/.417 with five homers and 15 RBI. While this isn’t elite first base production, he still helped the offense as Aaron Judge went through a brutal slump.

His production has cratered in May/June, leading to a legitimate concern at first base.

The solution is not easy, and I won’t claim otherwise. Ben Rice is scorching the ball in Somerset/Scranton, leading to fans calling for him to take some at-bats in MLB. It’s a lot like the backup QB in the NFL – when the starter isn’t playing well, the unknown backup becomes the most popular player on the team. While this is a smaller scale, it’s similar: When an MLB player isn’t performing, fans instantly look towards the prospects as a solution. Just like how teams value their backup QB, we don’t know what the Yankees feel about Rice. Don’t take “reports” seriously – the front office isn’t going to talk down a prospect.

When does an organization “pull the plug”? When do they decide if Rice is worth trying out vs. looking at trade options? That’s not as easy of a question to answer as you think. You are replacing a well-regarded veteran with a track record, not Willie Calhoun or Franchy Cordero. It’s a delicate situation but a team should always do what helps the team win, even if it requires a tough conversation/decision.

I am writing this as tonight’s Yankees-Dodgers game is on. If Anthony Rizzo hits a game-winning home run, you can thank me later.

Scranton (36-25) (Defeated Norfolk, 10-7, walk-off style)

3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-5, 2 K
The Yankees are giving him a little playing time at third base (4th game). 
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-3, RBI, RS, CS (1), 2 BB, 2 K
Maybe this is the game that gets him going. It’s been a slog.
CF Jasson Dominguez: 2-for-4, 2B (3), HR (1), RBI, RS, K
Since joining Scranton: 6-for-15, 3 doubles, 1 HR, 3 K. The bat looks good – he’s hitting the ball hard and getting results. However, he has yet to play a full game in the field. One assumes that hurdle will be cleared, but the Yankees won’t rush him. They may even ask for a second 10-day rehab extension (you can ask for up to three).
  RF Taylor Trammell: 1-for-1, 2B (6), RBI, RS
Tonight’s replacement for Dominguez hit a game-tying double in the bottom of the 9th.
C Ben Rice: 0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, 2 K
Between here and Somerset: .278/.400/.567 in 236 PA (11 doubles, 15 HR, 33 RBI, 42 R, 15.3% BB, 20.8% K, 9-for-9 SB)
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-5, 2B (10), RS, K
For Scranton: .280/.341/.415 in 182 PA (10 doubles, 4 HR, 29 RBI, 23 R)
DH Oscar Gonzalez: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, SB (2), 2 BB, K
RF-CF Greg Allen: 2-for-4, HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 RS, SAC, K
Allen hit the game-winning 3-run home run with two outs in the 9th off of old friend Matt Krook.
2B Josh VanMeter: 1-for-3, RS, BB
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K

LHP Edgar Barclay: 5.2 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 8 K, 3 HR
6.51 ERA (56.2 IP, 61 H, 44 R, 41 ER, 13 HR, 32 BB, 55 K). The Triple-A environment hasn’t been kind to him over the last two years. 
RHP Art Warren: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Cody Morris: (W, 4-0)  2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (27-29) (Defeated Hartford, 4-1)

CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, K
.228/.309/.367 in 204 PA. I can’t wait until the SLG gets over .400!
C Agustin Ramirez: 1-for-4
If he can’t hit three home runs every night, what good is he?
SS-3B Ben Cowles: 0-for-4, K
LF Grant Richardson: 1-for-3, RS
1B J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, RS
3B Jordan Groshans: 1-for-2, RBI, RS
   SS Alexander Vargas: 1-for-1, CS (3)
RF Jared Wegner: 0-for-3, K
2B Anthony Seigler: 1-for-3, HR (5), 3 RBI, RS
Seigler has five home runs in his last 7 games. Please don’t ask me to explain it. By the way, since I have been asked: He is seemingly done as a catcher. He hasn’t played the position this season.
DH Aaron Palensky: 1-for-3, CS (3), K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (W, 5-4) 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K
3.07 ERA (58.2 IP, 44 H, 27 R, 20 ER, 3 HR, 30 BB, 57 K). It is all about bringing those walks down.
RHP Kevin Stevens: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jack Neely (S, 6): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.15 ERA (29.1 IP, 21 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 48 K). He is putting up ridiculous numbers.

Hudson Valley (28-27) (Split a doubleheader against Wilmington)

Game 1 (Won, 4-0)

CF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-4, 2B (14), RS, K
DH Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-4, 3B (3), RBI, RS
Rodriguez’s 19th multi-hit effort this season (51 games).
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-4, K
LF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3
3B Josh Moylan: 0-for-1, RS, 2 BB
RF Nelson Medina: 2-for-2, RS, BB
2B Beau Brewer: 1-for-2, 2B (3), 2 RBI, BB

LHP Ben Shields: (W, 2-2) 6 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 8 K
At this level: 3.11 ERA (37.2 IP, 28 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 3 HR, 7 BB, 47 K). Toss out his appearance in Scranton – they needed an arm and he was available. He was not ready for that level/offensive environment.
RHP McKinley Moore: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
His stint in the FCL is over, and now he is placed in Hudson Valley. The Yankees are trying to unlock a big-time arm with big-time control issues. It’s a worthwhile project.

Game 2 (Lost, 4-2)

2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-4, RS, K
SS Jared Serna: 3-for-4, 2 2B (16), RS
A nice 3-double evening for Serna, who is hitting .262/.367/.495 in 251 PA. He has seven 3-hit efforts this season.
C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-3, 2B (14), RBI, BB, K
.325/.409/.505 in 225 PA (14 doubles, 3 triples, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 35 R). He is 9-for-28 (.321) in June. Yes, his solid start to June has brought his batting average down.
1B Rafael Flores: 1-for-4, RBI
.313/.419/.500 in 172 PA. He is 11-for-26 in June.
RF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, 3 K
DH Omar Martinez: 1-for-3
3B Kiko Romero: 1-for-3, K
CF Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-2, BB
LF Kyle Battle: 0-for-3, 2 K

RHP Blane Abeyta: (L, 0-1) 5 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.87 ERA (33.2 IP, 23 H, 10 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 8 BB, 40 K). He will be in Somerset when they start promoting players.

Tampa (20-36) (Lost to Ft. Myers, 8-5)

2B George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
SS Roderick Arias: 2-for-5, HR (4), 2 RBI, 2 RS, 2 K
Arias is 11-for-32 in June (three straight multi-hit games) with five extra-base hits (1 double, 2 triples, 2 HR) and 12 runs batted in. He had five extra-base hits in the entire month of May. He is still struggling as a right-handed hitter and the strikeouts haven’t gone away, but this is encouraging. Hopefully, he keeps it going.
LF Christopher Familia: 2-for-5, 3B (1), HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, 2 K
This is no surprise. Wake me up when the rehab is over and he gets to Hudson Valley and (eventually) Somerset.
DH Max Burt: 1-for-4, SB (2), K
CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-2, 2 BB
.273/.407/.453 in 162 PA (9 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 24 R, 31 BB, 31 K, 9-for-12 SB)
3B Hans Montero: 0-for-4, K
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, 2B (10), HR (3), RBI, RS, K
Both hits were scorched, with the home run traveling 402 feet. Montero is on a 5-game hitting streak (11-for-20, 3 doubles, 2 HR) and is up to .221 with a .600 OPS (Before the hitting streak, he was hitting .182 with a .491 OPS). As I said last night, Montero is a prospect -probably leans more “lottery ticket” like most teenagers.
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-3, RS, SB (12), BB
C Edinson Duran: 1-for-4, 2B (4)

RHP Luis Serna: 5.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
4.50 ERA (46 IP, 35 H, 23 R, 23 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 54 K). He pitched to a 2.19 ERA in May. His first June start wasn’t great (4.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R), but he followed that up nicely this evening. He used a 6-pitch mix tonight (42% changeups; 23% sinkers; 22% sliders; 7% cutters; 4% curveballs; 2% 4-seamers). He is only 19 (20 in July).
RHP Montana Semmel: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 1 K
RHP Cade Austin: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Steven Fulgencio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Oscar Silverio: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Silverio is typically a catcher, but this is his 4th career pitching appearance.

FCL (16-10) (Defeated the Tigers, 5-3)

CF Brando Mayea: 0-for-3, K
I usually highlight only the best stuff from the FCL, but Mayea deserves a daily update!
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-3, 2B (1), RS
His rehab seems to be going well. It shouldn’t be much longer until he is back in Tampa.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-2, 2B (5), RBI, RS, BB
3B Abrahan Ramirez: 2-for-3, 2B (4), RS
.358/.494/.537 in 86 PA. He has 7 multi-hit games (22 games played)
LF Joel Mendez: 1-for-1, HR (2), 3 RBI, RS, BB
Mendez has homered in back-to-back games.

RHP Danny Flatt: 2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
2.33 ERA (19.1 IP, 15 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 27 K). The 20-year-old should make his Low-A debut this season.
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
5.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K. He is still on his rehab assignment – once done, he should report to Tampa.
RHP Sunayro Martina (W, 1-1): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Chris Kean (S, 1): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Kean’s first career save – congrats! He owns a 3.12 ERA in 8.2 IP (3 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 15 K). He should be among the first players moved up to Tampa once the “mass promotions” begin (or the FCL season ends!)

DSL Yankees (1-4) and DSL Bombers (2-2)

The DSL Yankees lost a doubleheader to DSL Miami.

DH Edgar Jimenez hit a 2-run homer in a 3-2 loss in Game 1. Listed as a catcher, this was the 17-year-old’s second career game… SS Dexters Peralta singled and stole his third base.
RHP Jorge Luna: 3.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K.

CF Isael Arias hit a double, drove in a run, and scored twice in a 4-3 Game 2 loss…C Luis Puello went 2-for-3…
RHP Michell Chirinos: 4.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K

The DSL Bombers split a doubleheader with the DSL Marlins.

In a 9-2 Game 1 win, C Queni Pineda launched his first career home run (3rd game)…3B Kevin Verde doubled twice, stole two bases, and brought home four. Verde (18) hit .258/.316/.433 in 31 games during his 2023 debut season…2B Luis Escudero singled, walked three times, and scored a pair of runs. He added two stolen bases…
16-year-old RHP Enixon Sanchez, in his professional debut: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K…17-year-old RHP Chaury Gomez recorded two outs in his professional debut.

In a 3-1 Game 2 loss, RF David Carrera (triple), C Carlos Villarroel (single), and 3B Rafael Martinez (single) recorded the only 3 hits…CF Browm Martinez went 0-for-4 with a run scored and two stolen bases…
6’6″ RHP Jerson Alejandro, in his 2024 debut: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 K… 18-year-old RHP Jose Rosario, in his professional debut: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K