Tag: Xavier Rivas

Yankees MILB Report 1/14: New Prospects Enter Top 30

Ryan Weathers Trade Analysis

Not long ago, people online were panicking over Allen Facundo being left off the Yankees’ 40-man roster.

Last night, the Yankees traded three prospects on their Pipeline Top 30.

Who wasn’t added after the trade?

Allen Facundo.

First, let’s talk about the Marlins:

Dillon Lewis is ranked 14th.
Brendan Jones is ranked 15th.

Neither Dylan Jasso nor Juan Matheus was added to the list.

“Wait a second!  Wasn’t Jones ranked above Lewis on the Yankees’ list?  How is this possible?”

That’s an outstanding question. The explanation is straightforward: It’s a reassessment conducted after the transaction has taken place.

As I wrote last night, it’s no big deal that one is barely ranked above the other. They are both center field prospects, with Lewis possessing some power/speed combo potential, whereas Jones is about the patience and speed.  From the Marlins perspective, they like something in Lewis’ profile, and they targeted him. Having Jones right behind him on one website’s ranking is the icing on the cake.

As for the Yankees, three prospects enter the Top 30:

28. RHP Mac Heuer
29. RHP Jack Cebert
30. LHP Xavier Rivas

If you didn’t see Heuer in my reports last year, there is a reason for that:  He didn’t pitch. Drafted in the 8th round in the 2025 draft out of Texas Tech, Heuer struggled as a draft-eligible sophomore (6.28 ERA in 53 innings). Scouts look at more than raw results. The Yankees drafted him and gave him an overslot bonus. He is a big kid (6’5″) with a profile that reads “project.”  Giving a kid extra money to leave school should keep him on your radar. The Yankees Minor League Pitching Factory works wonders with projectable arms.

The Yankees must have invested in the “extended stay” hotel plan in Lubbock, as Cebert was another 2025 draftee out of Texas Tech. Unlike Heuer, Cebert made his professional debut right away, as he was assigned to High-A Hudson Valley, where he made five appearances, striking out 11 in 6.1 innings. Additionally, as we often see with Yankees’ prospects, he saw an instant velocity spike when he debuted. The Yankees likely saw something they could tweak, and it worked, as he was reportedly touching 98 MPH with his four-seam fastball. He is one of those kids who could “fast-track” as a reliever, but an organization is more likely to be intrigued to see if they can keep him going as a starter.

Rivas was never a “headliner” in my reports last year, but put together appearances that had me considering it. He struck out 10+ batters four times, including a 13-strikeout effort over 5.2 innings. Drafted in the 16th round in the 2024 draft out of Mississippi, Rivas’ strikeouts don’t come from a big fastball. He generates whiffs with his slider/change combination, using his fastball as more of a “keep hitters on their toes” offering. His profile reads as a Nestor Cortes-type of deception lefty, though Cortes has more velocity to work with. Maybe with some work, Rivas will develop that velocity.  At 6’4″, he has the size to accomplish that.

Interestingly, his strikeout rate surged after moving to a higher level. Rivas struck out 44 batters in 29.1 innings for Hudson Valley after striking out 47 in 40.1 innings for Tampa.

Bottom Line:

It’s always interesting to see who these websites rank just below the names they publish publicly.

The Pipeline list will change when they reorganize it for 2026. We’ll see if these three prospects remain in these slots when that occurs.

 

Yankees MILB 9/4: George Lombard Jr. Homers

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

Nothing to report.

Injury Log

Scranton (80-52; 42-18 in second half) (Defeated Worcester, 6-2)

Syracuse’s game against Buffalo was postponed (they will try to play two tomorrow), so Scranton increases its lead to 4.5 games. Teams trying to hang in there include Toledo, Indianapolis, and Lehigh Valley. Scranton owns a solid lead over Lehigh Valley, but they do play a 6-game series next week. The season ends on September 21.

DH Austin Slater: 0-for-2, R, BB
   PH-DH Duke Ellis: 0-for-1, SF, RBI
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, CS (9), BB
Vivas is on a 5-game hitting streak and has hit safely in ten of his last 11 games. He’s hitting .274/.400/.361 at this level.
RF Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, K
  LF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-1, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (11), R, 3 K
Some may think I focus too much on the strikeouts. I do it for a reason: You aren’t surviving in MLB with these strikeout rates. If this insane surge is due to his back injury, that can explain it. But that happened over a month ago. If his back is still hurting, why is he playing at all?  Hence, I assume he is healthy and pitchers have adjusted to him. 
LF-RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 R, BB
1B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, RBI, R, SB (12)
3B Jeimer Candelario: 0-for-4, K
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K
SS Andrew Velazquez: 2-for-4, 2B (18), 2 RBI, K

RHP Allan Winans: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, HR
RHP Bailey Dees: (W, 2-0)  0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Brent Headrick: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Headrick begins his rehab stint. Since he has options, they could leave him here once the stint is over.
RHP Yerry De los Santos: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Joel Kuhnel (S, 6): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Somerset (67-62; 32-28 in second half) (Defeated New Hampshire, 4-1, in a rain-shortened contest)

Hartford (1.5 games back) and Portland (2.5 games back) both won.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

DH Brendan Jones: 0-for-2, R, SB (18), BB, K
Yankees’ minor league stolen base leaders: Marshall Toole: 43; Brendan Jones: 41; Juan Matheus: 40.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, HR (8), RBI, R, K
Lombard Jr. hit one home run for Hudson Valley, so he is within one of a double-digit campaign. He has also drawn 80 walks between the two levels (20.7% BB in Hudson Valley; 13.4% here). Don’t worry that the rate is lower – it is still solid, and that is expected.
CF Jace Avina: 0-for-1, BB
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-2, RBI, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 1-for-2, R
RF Garrett Martin: 1-for-2, 3B (2), RBI
1B Coby Morales: 0-for-2
2B Jake Gatewood: 2-for-2, 2 2B (12), R
C Diomedes Hernandez: 1-for-2, RBI, K
The rarely-used Hernandez is 3-for-16 in six games. The 20-year-old has spent most of the season on the Development list.

RHP Ben Hess: 5 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Since promotion: 2.93 ERA (30.2 IP, 19 H, 12 R, 10 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 39 K). He is up to 97.1 innings in his debut campaign (133/44 K/BB). Yeah, if he stays healthy, a 2026 debut is within range. 

Hudson Valley (77-49; 39-23 second half) (Defeated Greensboro, 10-0, in a rain-shortened game.)

As a reminder, Hudson Valley has to win the final three games in this series to win the second-half title.

3B Juan Matheus: 3-for-4, SF, 2 RBI
Matheus has a 5-game hitting streak (9-for-19).  He has nine 3+ hit efforts this season (three with Hudson Valley). I don’t have illusions of greatness, but he could be a legitimate utility prospect. Let’s see how he handles the upper minors.
CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-5, RBI
SS Core Jackson: 1-for-5, 2B (7), R, 2 K
DH Kaeden Kent: 2-for-5, RBI, R
1B Josh Moylan: 3-for-5, 2 2B (21), 2 R, K
Moylan’s experienced bat is helping a roster that is young/inexperienced. He has five multi-hit efforts in his last eight games.
RF Camden Troyer: 0-for-2, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB
2B Connor McGinnis: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 R
McGinnis owns a 6-game hitting streak.
C John Cristino: 0-for-1, 2 R, 2 HBP, BB
LF Luis Durango: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, K

LHP Xavier Rivas: 5.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 10 K
Since promotion: 1.23 ERA (29.1 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 14 BB, 44 K). Rivas has four 10+ strikeout efforts this season, including three at this level (8/15, 8/22, 9/4). Between here, Tampa, and the FCL, he owns a 113/50 K/BB over 85.1 innings. The walks are high, but one should be intrigued by his ability to miss bats.
RHP Jack Cebert: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
5.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K

Tampa (62-63; 26-34 in the second half) (Lost to Clearwater, 7-3. The Tarpons need to finish 2-1 to finish at .500)

Their season ends on Sunday.

SS Dax Kilby: 3-for-5, R, SB (14), K
Kilby’s insane run continues. He is now 23-for-65 (.354/.447/.446; 2 doubles, 2 triples, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 18 R, 14-for-15 SB, 11 BB, 10 K) and has eight multi-hit efforts in his last 12 games. I wonder if questions about his ability to play shortstop caused him to slip in the draft. The answer is likely “Yes,” to some extent.
3B Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, 2B (19), RBI, BB, 2 K
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (12), BB
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-4, BB
With three games to play, Toole is at .304/.403/.481 in 367 PA. The Florida State League batting title is sewn up, as nobody else is above .281. It’s all about trying to be the only qualified FSL player to hit .300 this season.
2B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-5, 2 K
RF Willy Montero: 0-for-4, K
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-1, SB (6), CS (1), 3 BB
Rivera hadn’t drawn a walk in seven straight games heading into tonight (he had two walks in August!)
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-3, SB (25), BB, 2 K
After stealing zero bases in July, he is 10-for-12 in August/September. This was his 15th start in LF (33 at first base; 19 at second base; 11 at third base; 3 in right field).
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, 2 R, K

RHP Mariano Salomon: (L, 1-5) 3.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
LHP Franyer Herrera: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
It’s a bit deceiving after this performance, but he still owns a 0.00 ERA since his promotion (10 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 12 K)
RHP Cade Austin: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 1 K
3.08 ERA (52.2 IP, 46 H, 25 R, 18 ER, 5 HR, 24 BB, 57 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.60 ERA (45 IP, 46 H, 27 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 22 BB, 40 K)

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/29: George Lombard Jr. Goes Yard

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

OF Austin Slater started his rehab stint tonight with Scranton.

The good news? The Yankees don’t have to worry about making a corresponding roster move once he is ready, as the rosters expand on Monday. That is bad news for other players who may have wanted Slater’s spot (J.C. Escarra being the most notable).

The same is true with the pitching staff. LHP Ryan Yarbrough can come up on Monday, and everything else remains untouched. I am not sure if they will keep RHP Paul Blackburn, but they can if they want to.

Injury Log

Scranton (77-50; 39-16 in second half) (Defeated Syracuse, 6-2. Scranton is up by five games in the second-half race.)

LF Austin Slater: 2-for-3
As for his Yankees’ role, he’ll be a backup outfielder who gets some AB against LHP. It won’t be much, given how well the outfield is playing right now.
  LF Duke Ellis: 0-for-2, 2 K
3B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-4, BB, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-4, 2 R, SB (16), BB, 3 K
Jones is getting closer to a 30/30 season (he has 32 home runs and 26 stolen bases). “Who was the last Yankees minor leaguer to accomplish that?”  I’m not sure, but it’s been a long time. Estevan Florial came close in 2023.
C J.C. Escarra: 3-for-4, RBI, R
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, R, 3 K
A .228/.339/.366 August has his average down to .293.
DH Brennen Davis: 1-for-4, HR (12), 2 RBI, R, K
Davis has homered in three straight games and has five home runs in his last five games. Including his rehab time, he has hit 17 home runs in 36 games (.787 SLG)
2B Jose Rojas: 1-for-2, HR (27), 3 RBI, R, 2 BB
Rojas has four home runs in his last four games and is marching towards a 100 RBI season (93). The last player to do that in the Yankees minor league system is Brandon Laird, who drove home 102 in 2010.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, BB, K
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-3, BB

RHP Allan Winans: (W, 11-0) 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
For Scranton: 1.18 ERA (84 IP, 62 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 22 BB, 90 K.
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.33 ERA (40.2 IP, 22 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 50 K)
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
Bird was solid last time out but fell back down tonight. He has a 7.56 ERA since his demotion.
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Somerset (64-60; 29-26 in second half) (Defeated Binghamton, 6-5)

Hartford lost, so Somerset increases their lead to 1.5 games in the race for a playoff berth. Hartford is playing Portland this week. Portland is 2.5 games out.

Somerset’s season ends on September 14th.

RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
I have mentioned that one of Jones’ attributes is his ability to play all three outfield positions. 2025 breakdown: CF: 59 games; LF: 23 games; RF: 18 games.
SS George Lombard Jr.: 2-for-4, HR (7), 2 RBI, R, SB (19), BB, K
Heading into tonight (don’t have an updated number), Lombard Jr. had a 110 wRC+ in his last 68 games at this level. That number will go up and should remind you of another fact: The Eastern League is not typically hitter-friendly. That 110 wRC+ featured a .212/.324/.376 triple slash. By the way, “last 68 games” is indeed cherry-picked. But when it comes to prospects, you are looking for upward trends and when they started.
DH Jace Avina: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-5, 2 K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, R, BB, 2 K
1B Coby Morales: 1-for-2, R, BB, K
    PH Tyler Hardman: 1-for-2, RBI
C Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4, R, K
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-2, R, 2 SB (18), 2 BB
2B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-3, RBI, R, BB

RHP Ben Hess: (W, 2-1)  5.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Hess cruised through five innings before running into a little trouble in the 6th. Since promotion: 3.16 ERA (25.2 IP, 15 H, 11 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 32 K). Overall, Hess is up to 126 strikeouts in 92.1 innings in his debut season. I will say it again: He can be an option as early as sometime in 2026. They were lucky that Cam Schlittler ascended quickly to the big club this year, as their overall young pitching depth was lacking. That may not be the case next year.
LHP Will Brian: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Baron Stuart: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Carson Coleman: (S, 1) 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (74-47; 36-21 second half) (Defeated Brooklyn, 5-1)

Greensboro finally lost and owns a 3-game lead over Hudson Valley for the second-half title. There are only two games before their season-ending 6-game series. In other words, those games will have some meaning. We’ll see how much.

CF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-4, BB, K
SS Core Jackson: 0-for-5, 2 K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, R, SB (5), BB, 3 K
Matheus has his first career 40-stolen base campaign (previous high was 15, though he never played more than 54 games before 2025)
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-5, 2B (2)
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4, 2B (17), 2 R, BB
LF Luis Durango: 1-for-3, R, SB (16), 2 HBP, K
Durango has ten stolen bases in his last seven games.
2B Connor McGinnis: 1-for-4, BB, K
RF Robbie Burnett: 1-for-2, HR (1), SF, 2 RBI, R, BB, K
Burnett launches his first professional home run.
DH Joe Delossantos: 0-for-3, K

LHP Xavier Rivas: (W, 2-1)  6 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K
Since promotion: 1.50 ERA (24 IP, 8 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 10 BB, 34 K). Overall, between the FCL, Tampa, and Hudson Valley, Rivas has a 3.60 ERA in 80 IP with 49 hits allowed, 46 walks, and 103 strikeouts. Is he the latest mid-to-late round “find” by the Yankees?
RHP Chris Kean: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Tony Rossi: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Yulie and Rossi were the main characters in the Hudson Valley meltdown the other night. Great to see them bounce back.

Tampa (59-61; 23-32 in the second half) (Defeated Bradenton, 5-4)

Tampa’s season ends on September 7th.

CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-4, CS (6), K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, R, 2 K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-4, HR (3), RBI, R, SB (9), K
His personal best for home runs in a season is five, set in 2023.
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, K
LF Richie Bonomolo Jr.: 1-for-4, R, SB (4)
RF Willy Montero: 2-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
.280/.323/.347 in 161 PA. He isn’t known for elite power, but he hit seven home runs at this level last season (120 games).
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-3, R, HBP, 2 K
1B Hans Montero: 1-for-3, SB (22), K
DH Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, HBP, 2 K

RHP Jose M. Rodriguez (W, 3-1): 5.1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
Since promotion: 5.25 ERA (24 IP, 19 H, 15 R, 14 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 20 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
3.74 ERA (43.1 IP, 45 H, 27 R, 18 ER, 3 HR, 22 BB, 37 K)
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 0 K
3.89 ERA (44 IP, 38 H, 26 R, 19 ER, 4 HR, 20 BB, 40 K)
RHP Cade Austin (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.18 ERA (51 IP, 45 H, 25 R, 18 ER, 4 HR, 21 BB, 56 K). All three of tonight’s relievers could/should find themselves in the 2026 Hudson Valley bullpen. In Austin’s case, he is spending two years at this level.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 6/22: Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz Ks 9

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

My thoughts on Core Jackson.

No other news today.

Injury Log

Scranton (72-48; 34-15 in second half) (Defeated Buffalo, 7-4)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-3, 2B (2), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB, K
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, 2B (8), 3 K
Jones has a pair of doubles and a homer in his last five games. Hey, it’s something.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, K
Rumfield has 13 walks in 21 August games.
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-3, R, CS (2), 2 BB, K
LF Bryan De La Cruz: 1-for-5, 3 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-3, HR (5; grand slam), 4 RBI, R, BB, 2 K
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, 2B (10), R, 2 K
RF Duke Ellis: 1-for-3, R, SB (31), BB, K
Ellis has 15 stolen bases in 18 August games. He is on a 6-game hitting streak.

RHP Kenta Maeda: (W, 4-5)  5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 6 K, HR
One great outing, one bad outing, and one in-between outing (tonight) since he was signed.
RHP Bailey Dees: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
Since promotion: 1.08 ERA (8.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 9 K). Overall, he owns a 3.49 ERA in 77.1 IP (55 H, 32 R, 30 ER, 7 HR, 36 BB, 89 K)
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Jake Bird: 1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (61-57; 26-23 in second half)  (Lost to Hartford, 4-3. Hartford has taken the first four games in the series, allowing them to pull within a half-game for the second-half title. 

SS George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B (17), BB, K
Lombard Jr.’s 5th double in his last 11 games and 25th in 112 games (he also had 25 in 110 games in 2024). 
LF Jace Avina: 1-for-5, 2B (7), RBI, K
Avina is hitting .215/.298/.336 in 121 plate appearances since his promotion. 
CF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, 2 BB, K
Jones has walked 15 times in 19 August games (.250/.400/.406)
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-5, RBI, K
Jasso has gone into an extra-base hit slump (1 double, 1 HR in 19 August games). 
RF Garrett Martin: 0-for-4
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, R, SB (10), BB
DH Jackson Castillo: 1-for-3, HBP, 2 K
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4
C Manuel Palencia: 3-for-4, RBI, 2 R
Palencia has seven 3+-hit games in 55 contests this season (Five in the FCL, one in Hudson Valley, one in Somerset). 

RHP Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz: (L, 3-2)  6.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 9 K, HR
Rodriguez-Cruz has allowed three home runs in 126.1 innings. For Somerset: 2.32 ERA (42.2 IP, 33 H, 14 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 13 BB, 47 K). He only tossed 76 pitches, which could mean one of two things: 1. They are starting to ease him down the stretch; 2. Fernando Cruz is nearly at the end of his rehab, and they wanted to use him in the middle of an inning. Or a combination of both!
There’s always a chance that Rodriguez-Cruz will be on the trade block this winter. If not, barring injury, we are likely looking at a 2026 rotation option at some point.
RHP Fernando Cruz: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Will Brian: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2.30 ERA (31.1 IP, 24 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 34 K). Injuries have impacted his career, but one thing you like to see is that he has allowed only one home run in 50.1 career innings.

Hudson Valley (71-43; 33-17 second half) (Lost to Jersey Shore, 3-0. The pitching has been there, but the offense is in a slump)

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
DH Core Jackson: 1-for-3, 2B (4), BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, K
SS Kaeden Kent: 1-for-4, CS (1), 2 K
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
Urena is 4-for-40 with nine walks and nine strikeouts since his promotion.
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-2, BB, 2 K
LF Tyler Wilson: 2-for-3
Wilson is 12-for-35 (.343) since his promotion.
RF Luis Durango: 0-for-3, K
2B Owen Cobb: 0-for-3, K
Cobb is off to a 2-for-15 start at this level.

LHP Xavier Rivas: (L, 1-1)  5.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 10 K, HR
His second straight 10+ strikeout effort (third overall). Since promotion: 1.50 ERA (18 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 27 K). Overall, across three levels (FCL, Tampa, Hudson Valley), he owns a 3.77 ERA in 74 innings (47 H, 34 R, 31 ER, 6 HR, 45 BB, 96 K). An interesting debut campaign for the 23-year-old (he spent most of the season as a 22-year-old). Tough to hit, too many walks, plenty of strikeouts.
RHP Tyrone Yulie: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Brady Kirtner: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Tampa (56-60; 20-31 in the second half) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 11-2. They have put together back-to-back 11-run games. They lost last night, though)

SS Dax Kilby: 2-for-6, RBI, 2 R, SB (6), 2 K
Since starting 0-for-9: 8-for-25 with a pair of doubles, three walks, and six stolen bases. He won’t turn 19 until November.
3B Roderick Arias: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (31), HBP, BB, K
DH Enmanuel Tejeda: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R, SB (8), HBP, 2 K
Tejeda has a 9-game hitting streak. This was his first multi-hit game during the streak.
1B Jackson Lovich: 2-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI, R, BB
Lovich is loving life as a professional baseball player. He has hit safely in all five of his professional games, four of which are multi-hit efforts (12-for-20, 4 doubles, 1 triple, 7 RBI, 8 R, 3 BB, 3 K, 3-for-3 SB)
2B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-5, 3B (2), 3 RBI, R, K
Martin-Grudzielanek clears the bases with a triple.
RF Richie Bonomolo: 1-for-5, 2B (3), R, K
CF Willy Montero: 2-for-3, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
LF Eric Genther: 0-for-4, BB
C Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-4, 2 R, 2 SB (12), 2 BB

LHP Henry Lalane: 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 4 K
At this level: 0.75 ERA (12 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 10 BB, 12 K).  An intriguing tall left-hander, Lalane topped out at only 92.6 MPH tonight. While he is Rule 5 eligible this winter, it is hard to imagine anyone jumping on him if left unprotected. It isn’t 0%, though.
RHP Edinzo Marquez: (W, 1-2) 5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
A solid effort for the 20-year-old.
RHP Gus Hughes: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

DSL Yankees (24-32)

Their season is over.

DSL Bombers (31-25)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/15: Kaeden Kent Goes Yard

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

Alexander Vargas, one of the most expensive international players in the system, has been released.

The shortstop, who signed for $2.5 million in 2018, struggled to find a groove. In his debut 2019 campaign, he hit a decent .233/.313/.373 (97 wRC+) with a homer and 15 stolen bases. Like with every prospect, 2020 was a lost season as it was canceled due to COVID. Further complicating his development, he played in only 42 games in 2021.

In summary, after signing in 2018, he played in 90 games from 2019 to 2021. Using Pipeline, he ascended to the 13th position in the organization (2021) and appeared on their list in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

His prospect status eroded in 2022 (.203/.271/.311; 68 wRC+) and 2023 (.206/.248/.342; 59 wRC+). He hit better in 2024 (94 wRC+) and 2025 (92 wRC+), but that wasn’t enough to keep his job. At 23 years old, he could catch on elsewhere, especially since he has a solid defensive reputation.

By the way, one name I forgot about for a possible demotion once Fernando Cruz and Ryan Yarbrough are ready is Brent Headrick.  Pick two of three from Headrick, Yerry De los Santos, and Cam Schlittler. Some of that depends on what Yarbrough’s role will be.

Injury Log

Scranton (68-47; 30-13 in second half) (Lost to Indianapolis, 6-5, in ten innings.)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 2-for-5, R, K
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-4, 2B (30), R, BB, K
.308/.391/.495 in 463 PA (30 doubles, 1 triple, 14 HR, 79 RBI, 70 R). 
CF Spencer Jones: 0-for-5, RBI, 4 K
Jones falls under .300 since his promotion (.294/.369/.629). When he had his 3-HR game (the last game he played before his back injury), he was hitting .400/.457/.950 at this level. That was unsustainable, but there is no doubt that his slump is a deep one. Also, the strikeouts are appearing in bulk.
DH Jose Rojas: 1-for-4, HR (23), RBI, R, BB, K
Rojas, who has homered in three straight games, is eight home runs away from tying his personal best (2019 for Salt Lake).
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
3B Jeimer Candelario: 1-for-4, HR (4), RBI, R
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-3, R, SB (12), BB
Shewmake has survived on the 40-man roster all season.
C Omar Martinez: 0-for-3, 3 K
  PR Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-0, CS (4)
  C Rob Brantly: 0-for-0
LF Duke Ellis: 1-for-4, SB (25)

RHP Kenta Maeda: 5 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
Maeda’s second start isn’t as impressive as the first one was.
RHP Baron Stuart: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Scott Effross: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Jake Bird: (L, 1-1)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Bird needed a night like this. No, I don’t care that the ghost runner scored – he wasn’t even on the mound when it happened.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Somerset (59-53; 24-20 in second half) (Lost to Portland, 3-1)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-4, K
RF Jace Avina: 1-for-3, 2B (6), R, BB
Avina is hitting .244/.340/.384 in 100 PA (12% BB, 23% K) since his promotion. Not bad for a 22-year-old getting his first taste of Double-A.
DH Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, RBI, SB (13), BB
Jones is 36-for-43 in the stolen base department this season and continues to have a higher OPS here (.774) than he had in Hudson Valley (.711).
3B Dylan Jasso: 1-for-4, SB (1)
Jasso isn’t a big walker (7.6%). Stealing bases? 3-for-5 in his career. Whether he can hit consistently will determine his future.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-4, 2B (19), R, 2 K
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, 2 SB (16), BB, 2 K
Martin’s first stolen bases since June 27th. He missed some time due to injury.
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-4, 2B (8), RBI, K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-4, K
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-4, K

RHP Trent Sellers (L, 2-5): 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
3.65 ERA (91.1 IP, 73 H, 40 R, 37 ER, 8 HR, 47 BB, 103 K). He’s rarely asked to go deep into games. How rare? This is the first time in his career that he has completed six innings.
LHP Ryan Anderson: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (68-41; 30-15 second half) (Defeated Aberdeen, 5-2. As I stated last night, this team has been gutted as the season has gone along – but it isn’t stopping the wins. At least not yet)

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
They even win a game where their “veteran” player doesn’t contribute much.
3B Kaeden Kent: 1-for-4, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
Kent is the first 2025 Yankees’ draftee to put one over the fence.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-2, R, HBP, BB
DH Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, 2B (5), 2 R, 2 K
Matheus continues to chug along. He is 11-for-34 (.324) with five doubles since his promotion and is on a 5-game hitting streak (10-for-21). 
SS Core Jackson: 0-for-2, 2 HBP
1B Tyler Wilson: 2-for-4, RBI
Wilson is 8-for-22 since his promotion.
RF Cam Troyer: 0-for-4, RBI
2B Connor McGinnis: 0-for-3, BB, K
LF Joe Delossantos: 0-for-3

LHP Xavier Rivas: (W, 1-0) 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 12 K
Rivas also had a 13-strikeout effort for Tampa earlier this season. In two starts here: 12.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 17 K. The 23-year-old was drafted in the 16th round in the 2024 draft out of Ole Miss (he pitched only one season for the Rebels after transferring from Indianapolis)
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
RHP Tony Rossi (S, 7): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Tampa (52-58; 16-29 in the second half) (Lost to Dunedin, 7-6, in ten innings)

DH Dax Kilby: 1-for-5, SB (2), K
Kilby is 2-for-17 with a pair of stolen bases. This is about getting his feet wet heading into the off-season.  That would be true even if he were 12-for-17.
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-5, RBI, R, 2 K
1B Kyle West: 0-for-1, K
I am not sure why West left the game.
   C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-2, R, HBP, BB, K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 1-for-5, R
RF Marshall Toole: 2-for-5, HR (5), 3 RBI, R, SB (37)
Toole’s 3-run home run tied the game in the 9th. He is hitting .301/.403/.493 in 325 PA. Five home runs in 325 plate appearances doesn’t qualify as a power surge, but Toole has impressed this season with his combination of speed and extra-base hits. We’ll see if he can maintain it at higher levels, but many prospects don’t progress beyond this point.
3B Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 1-for-4, CS (1)
CF Wilson Rodriguez: 1-for-3, 2B (4), BB, K
.242/.345/.396 since his promotion.
LF Eric Genther: 1-for-3, R, SB (2), BB
C-1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, R, SB (10), BB, K

RHP Mariano Salomon: 3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, HR
Since promotion: 5.47 ERA (24.2 IP, 24 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 5 HR, 9 BB, 20 K). 
RHP Jackson Fristoe: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Gus Hughes: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.66 ERA (47.1 IP, 39 H, 22 R, 14 ER, 5 HR, 26 BB, 62 K)
RHP Hans Montero: (L, 0-1) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 K
The Yankees rarely ask their relief prospects to pitch on back-to-back days. Their position players? Fair game.

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

In case you are wondering, the DSL ends on August 19th. The Yankees have no shot at the playoffs. The Bombers still have a chance to make it into the 16-team field.

DSL Yankees (22-31) (Lost to the DSL Rockies (39-14 – wow), 12-5)

DH Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-3, R, BB
SS Mani Cedeno: 1-for-4, HR (3), 2 RBI, R, 2 K
The strikeouts are high, but he is starting to show pop (all three HR are in August; .588 SLG)
2B Carlos Bello: 0-for-3, SB (14), BB, 2 K
LF Wilberson De Pena: 1-for-4, R, K
1B Diego Flores: 2-for-4, 2 2B (5), RBI, 2 R
The 18-year-old is hitting .271/.357/.375 in 56 plate appearances.

RHP Jhosneyker Colina (L, 1-3): 3 IP, 6 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 2 HR
The 17-year-old has tossed 42.2 innings this year, which is valuable. He has a 4.85 ERA and 30/20 K/BB.
RHP Jose Vargas: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Luis Ilarraza: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (29-24) (Defeated the DSL Rangers Blue, 11-4.  They cannot catch the Marlins for the division and automatic berth, so it’s all about those wild cards. They have won three in a row and will probably need to win on Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday. Their final three games are against DSL Colorado (21-31), DSL Miami (36-17), and DSL Mets Blue (18-35).

SS Stiven Marinez: 1-for-4, BB
He is now the owner of a 10-game hitting streak (16-for-39; 2 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR)
1B Leni Done: 1-for-2, 4 R, SB (15), CI, BB
3B Juan Torres: 4-for-5, 2B (10), 3B (1), 4 RBI, 2 R, K
.361/.401/.524 in 162 PA (10 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 43 RBI, 31 R, 12-for-20 SB, 3.7% BB, 12.3% K). He has three straight multi-hit efforts, and this was his first 4-hit game. Looks like he is going with the old “You can’t walk your way off the island” mantra.
DH David Carrera: 2-for-5, RBI, K
LF Angel Ventura: 1-for-3, 2 R, 2 SB (21), BB
C Carlos Rondon: 1-for-3, HR (2), 3 RBI, R, BB, K
After going 8-for-61 in 28 games last year, he is hitting .258/.434/.419 in 26 games this year.

RHP Randy Angomas: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
The 17-year-old comes within an out of notching his first professional win.
RHP Christopher Vasquez (W, 1-1): 2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
RHP Diego Carrillo: 2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
The 18-year-old is 4-0 with a 4.36 ERA in 15 games (33 IP, 29 H, 18 R, 16 ER, 5 HR, 16 BB, 29 K)

 

Yankees MILB 8/8: Dax Kilby Debuts

Notes:

Trade analysis links:
Jose Caballero/Camilo Doval (link)
David Bednar/Jake Bird (link)
Ryan McMahon (link)
Amed Rosario (link)
Austin Slater (link)

First-round pick Dax Kilby made his professional debut this evening for Tampa.

Injury Log

Scranton (66-43; 28-9 in second half) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 10-5)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-1, SF, RBI, 3 BB
LF Spencer Jones: 0-for-5
Since returning from back spasms: 7-for-37 (.189) with one extra-base hit (double). 
1B T.J. Rumfield: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K
C J.C. Escarra: 1-for-4, 2 R, BB
DH Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, HR (20), 2 RBI, R, BB, K
Rojas has hit 20+ home runs four times in his minor league career.
3B Jeimer Candelario: 3-for-4, BB
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-5
SS Braden Shewmake: 1-for-4, 2 K
CF Duke Ellis: 3-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 2 R, SAC, SB (21)
Ellis is 12-for-24 with five stolen bases in August (he is 21-for-36 (.583) over his last 11 games).

RHP Sean Boyle: (L, 7-8)  4.1 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 2 HR
4.57 ERA (102.1 IP, 92 H, 59 R, 52 ER, 13 HR, 35 BB, 101 K)
RHP Scott Effross: 1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Kervin Castro: 1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Ian Hamilton: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Bailey Dees: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (56-50; 21-16 in second half) (Lost to Binghamton, 5-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, R, SB (17), BB
Lombard Jr. is 28-for-33 (84.8%) stealing bases this year.
LF Jace Avina: 0-for-4, SB (2)
1B-3B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-3, BB
CF Garrett Martin: 1-for-3, HR (10), RBI, R, BB, K
Martin hit eight home runs in 44 April/May games (two in 33 games since).
C Tomas Frick: 1-for-3, BB, K
Since promotion: 8-for-25 with a double and a homer.
RF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
DH Cole Gabrielson: 0-for-4, K
2B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-4, SB (10), K
3B Max Burt: 0-for-2, 2 K
   1B Coby Morales: 0-for-1, K

LHP Brock Selvidge: (L, 2-4)  5 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 1 K, HR
Selvidge’s struggles continue. He owns a 5.14 ERA at this level (42 IP, 36 H, 26 R, 24 ER, 4 HR, 28 BB, 33 K).
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
5.93 ERA (41 IP, 50 H, 28 R, 27 ER, 6 HR, 7 BB, 44 K).  His streak of walkless innings is up to 28.2 (28 strikeouts; 3.77 ERA)
RHP Indigo Diaz: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.21 ERA (42 IP, 29 H, 17 R, 15 ER, 2 HR, 19 BB, 36 K). By month: April: 9.58 ERA (10.1 IP); May: 2.57 ERA (7 IP); June: 0.75 ERA (12 IP); July: 0.00 ERA (9.2 IP); August: 3.00 ERA (3 IP)

Hudson Valley (64-39; 26-13 second half) (Shut down Brooklyn, 2-0)

CF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K
SS Kaeden Kent: 1-for-4, 2 RBI
Kent makes his first professional hit count: A 2-run single with one out in the bottom of the 8th.
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, K
1B Josh Moylan: 0-for-3, 3 K
DH Core Jackson: 0-for-3, K
LF Tyler Wilson: 1-for-3, 2B (1), R, 2 K
Wilson’s High-A debut after hitting .283/.375/.372 in 77 games for Tampa.
RF Camden Troyer: 1-for-2, R, BB
Always nice to see the most recent draftees contribute to a win.
2B Connor McGinnis: 0-for-3, 2 K

LHP Xavier Rivas: 5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Rivas puts together a solid High-A debut. He struck out 69 batters in 56 Low-A innings (4.50 ERA), including a 13-strikeout effort in 5.2 innings on June 27th. He was the Yankees’ 16th-round pick in 2024 out of Ole Miss.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
2.93 ERA (27.2 IP, 20 H, 12 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 16 BB, 30 K). 
RHP Chris Kean (W, 6-2): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
3.44 ERA (34 IP, 30 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 34 K). He has allowed one run over his last nine appearances (9 IP).

Tampa (48-53; 12-24 in the second half) (Lost to St. Lucie, 10-4. They were scheduled to play a doubleheader, but Game 2 was postponed due to rain. They will try to play a doubleheader tomorrow.)

SS Dax Kilby: 0-for-3
Dilby makes his professional debut.  The Georgia high-schooler is known for his advanced (for his age) pitch recognition and ability to make contact. Will he develop power? We’ll see. There are questions about whether he is a long-term shortstop.
   SS Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek: 0-for-0, R, BB
3B Roderick Arias: 2-for-4, 2B (14), RBI, R, SB (25), K
.199/.315/.305 in 356 PA. He is 7-for-26 in August (three multi-hit games; three hitless games).
1B Kyle West: 0-for-4, 3 K
2B Enmanuel Tejeda: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3
RF Willy Montero: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, K
LF Eric Genther: 1-for-3
Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Rhode Island, the 23-year-old left-handed bat earns a hit in his professional debut. 
C Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-3, R
DH Hans Montero:  0-for-3, 3 K

RHP Jose M. Rodriguez (L, 1-1): 4.1 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 3 BB, 3 K
RHP Jordarlin Mendoza: 1 IP, 1 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL (28-30)

Their season is over.

In case you are wondering, the DSL ends on August 19th. The Yankees have no shot at the playoffs. The Bombers still have a chance to make it into the 16-team field.

DSL Yankees (21-27) (Defeated the DSL Phillies White, 5-4, in 8 innings)

CF Francisco Vilorio: 0-for-4, R, SB (7), 3 K
.276/.380/.356 in 192 PA. He’s hitting better in his second campaign, though he hasn’t homered (four home runs in 170 PA last year).
SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K
The 16-year-old is taking his walks and stealing bases. The hit tool has been inconsistent (some may say non-existent), but there is plenty of time for him to develop his game. 
2B Carlos Bello: 1-for-3, 2B (8), RBI, BB
.234/.380/.394 in 171 PA (8 doubles, 1 triple, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 32 R, 12-for-15 SB, 14.6% BB, 26.3% K). The 17-year-old has put together a solid debut season.
3B Richard Matic: 0-for-2, 2 R, SB (10), 2 BB
LF Estivenzon Montero: 0-for-3, R, SB (9), BB, 2 K
RF Isaias Castillo: 1-for-3, RBI, CS (2), BB, K
DH Wilberson De Pena: 1-for-3, 3B (2), 2 RBI, SB (7), BB, K
De Pena’s first hit since being acquired for Oswald Peraza (who is 1-for-5 in three games for the Angels).

RHP Jhosneyker Colina: 4 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
4.08 ERA (39.2 IP, 39 H, 24 R, 18 ER, 1 HR, 18 BB, 29 K). Colina is a 17-year-old in his debut season.
LHP Luis Rodriguez (W, 2-2): 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Rafael Arias (S, 2): 1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

DSL Bombers (25-23) (Lost to the DSL Marlins, 8-2)

DH Stiven Marinez: 2-for-4, 3B (2), 2 RBI, K
.263/.409/.355 in 193 PA (7 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 34 R, 21-for-27 SB, 19.2% BB, 23.3% K). He is on a 7-game hitting streak (12-for-31). Before the streak, he was hitting .231/.410/.289. 
CF Ruben Castillo: 1-for-3
SS Leni Done: 1-for-2, SB (12), HBP, K
LF Richard Meran: 0-for-1, 2 R, 2 HBP, K

LHP Fredy Penuelas: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K

Yankees MILB 6/27: Spencer Jones Homers in First Scranton AB

Notes:

OF Everson Pereira, the top choice to come up when J.C. Escarra went on paternity leave, is also on the paternity list. The Yankees decided to go with a 25-man roster instead of calling up someone from the Jorbit Vivas, Jesus Rodriguez, CJ Alexander pool (all three are on the 40-man). Another player on the 40-man, Braden Shewmake, is injured. He reportedly was the second choice after Pereira.

OF Spencer Jones, as you likely know, was promoted to Scranton today. Typically speaking, top-top prospects don’t hang around in Triple-A for long. However, it seems probable that Jones will stay at Scranton for the remaining 2.5 months of the season. The promotion was earned, as Jones was red-hot and compiled 830 Double-A plate appearances.

Injury Log

Scranton (42-34) (Defeated Worcester, 4-2, to improve to 4-0 in the second half)

2B Jorbit Vivas: 0-for-3, 2 BB
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 0-for-4, R, SB (10), BB, 2 K
Rodriguez’s slump continues, showing us that slumps are inevitable for everyone. He is still hitting .321/.409/.407 in 259 PA at this level. 
CF Spencer Jones: 1-for-5, HR (1), RBI, R, 2 K
Jones homered in his first Triple-A plate appearance (397 feet, 109.9 MPH). His 17th HR overall ties his personal best from last year in 72 fewer games. That’s crazy. Oh, and he keeps his streak of alternating home run days alive (he has 6 HR in his last 11 games – one every other day)
DH T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K
   PR-DH Duke Ellis: 0-for-1, 2 SB (7), K
This is why I said I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the postseason. Aaron Boone used him only once in the postseason last year (pinch ran against Kansas City) before he was taken off the roster for the Guardians and Dodgers series.
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 2-for-2, R, 2 SB (6), 2 BB
LF CJ Alexander: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
C Alex Jackson: 0-for-4, 3 K
1B Jose Rojas: 2-for-2, HR (12), 2 RBI, R, 2 BB
Rojas’ 125th career minor league homer (681 games)
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3, SAC

RHP Sean Boyle: (W, 6-5)  5.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, HR
4.46 ERA (74.2 IP, 68 H, 43 R, 37 ER, 9 HR, 25 BB, 72 K). Boyle (28) screams of a pitcher who will get a few MLB chances as he grinds out a professional career. The Yankees invited him to spring training this year, and he is a minor league free agent after the season (this is his 7th minor league campaign). This assumes the Yankees aren’t going to add him to the 40-man.
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
0.96 ERA (9.1 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 18 K). Overall, he owns a 25/7 K/BB over 14.1 innings. 
RHP Clayton Beeter (S, 2): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
Beeter maxed at 97.5 MPH. He owns a 1.02 ERA in 17.2 IP (9 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 14 BB, 29 K)

Somerset (36-37) (Lost to Erie, 6-2)

SS George Lombard Jr.: 0-for-3, R, SB (14), 2 BB
Lombard Jr. has 55 walks and 25 stolen bases in 70 games.  He is 20-for-88 (.227; 5 doubles, 2 triples, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 19 R, 7-for-8 SB) in June (started the month 3-for-21). That doesn’t suggest he is “hot” but the adjustments are showing up.
C Rafael Flores: 0-for-3, BB, 3 K
2B Roc Riggio: 1-for-2, R, HBP, BB, K
3B Dylan Jasso: 0-for-4, 2 K
DH Brendan Jones: 1-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RBI, K
Jones was heating up before a little 0-for-11 slump. There is talent here – he is just having a tough time early in his Double-A journey.
CF Garrett Martin: 0-for-3, SB (14), CI
1B Tyler Hardman: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-3, BB, K
RF Cam Eden: 0-for-4, K

RHP Trent Sellers: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
Sellers needed 91 pitches to earn 14 outs, but the outing was impressive. Striking hitters out hasn’t been an issue for the 25-year-old, as he has 68 in 55.1 innings this year and 168 in 139 innings in his career. The walk rate needs work (26 this season; 66 in his career). It’s a mixed bag and one wonders if his future is in the bullpen.
RHP Cole Ayers: (L, 0-1)  1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Hayden Merda: 2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR
Merda struggled mightily in his Somerset debut – while not perfect, a better performance tonight.
RHP Kelly Austin: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Anderson allowed both of Austin’s baserunners to score.

Hudson Valley (42-29) (Split two games against Wilmington)

Game 1 (Won, 2-0, in the conclusion of last night’s game)

LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4
CF Dillon Lewis: 2-for-4
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-4, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 2-for-4, R, SB (9), K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, RBI, R
1B Josh Moylan: 2-for-4
3B Brenny Escanio: 0-for-4, K
C Tomas Frick: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 K
.231/.364/.385 in 132 PA. Frick does his job with his medium-sized usage (he has played in 37 of their 71 games)
DH Duncan Pastore: 0-for-2, BB, K

LHP Kyle Carr: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
2.86 ERA (63 IP, 44 H, 28 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 32 BB, 50 K). There is good and not-so-good in that profile.
RHP Ocean Gabonia (W, 1-2): 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Huey Morrill: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.62 ERA (29 IP, 13 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 HR, 11 BB, 22 K)
RHP Bryce Warrecker (S, 2): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.85 ERA (31.2 IP, 14 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 37 K). Have I mentioned how dominant the 6’8″ right-hander has been? 

Game 2 (Lost, 11-0)

CF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-4, K
The 0-for-8 doubleheader drops his triple slash to .221/.318/.303 in 283 PA. His .288/.345/.438 triple slash with RISP has allowed him to drive home 35 runs in 62 games.
DH Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, 2B (3)
Since promotion: .200/.250/.411 in 96 PA. Nine of his 18 hits have gone for extra bases (3 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR). He is a fun prospect to follow, since you can tell that the tools exist.
RF Coby Morales: 0-for-3, 2 K
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-3, K
3B Alexander Vargas: 1-for-2, BB
C Manuel Palencia: 0-for-3, 2 K
1B Josh Moylan: 1-for-3, 2 K
Moylan hasn’t been able to get anything going (.162/.309/.263 in 243 PA). Last season, at this level, he showed some promise with his .246/.357/.381 line in 406 plate appearances.
SS Brenny Escanio: 1-for-2, BB, K
LF Luis Durango: 0-for-3, K

LHP Griffin Herring (L, 1-1): 3 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, HR
Proof that everyone has bad days. This spiked his combined ERA to 1.64 (71.1 IP, 45 H, 15 R, 13 ER, 3 HR, 27 BB, 83 K). He entered the night with the lowest ERA amongst all minor league pitchers (excluding those in the rookie leagues). It’s possible (probable) that he will wake up tomorrow nearly tied for first with…fellow Yankees’ farmhand Brendan Beck. Beck’s ERA is 1.6409 while Herring’s is 1.6402.
RHP Sebastian Keane: 1.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Jordany Ventura: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Tampa (39-33) (Defeated Ft. Myers, 5-3)

C Edgleen Perez: 2-for-3, R, SB (5), 2 BB
Perez is hopefully heating up, as this is his third straight multi-hit effort. He is up to .216/.371/.242 in 286 plate appearances with an impressive 51 walks (17.8%).
RF Brian Sanchez: 1-for-4, R, SB (20), 3 K
SS Roderick Arias: 1-for-4, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 R, HBP
When the Yankees handed him a trillion dollars (give or take a few million), this is what they envisioned. It hasn’t happened consistently.
DH Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, BB, K
3B Juan Matheus: 2-for-4, 2 SB (26), BB, K
Matheus is feeling frisky on the basepaths lately. He is 12-for-14 in June and has at least one stolen base in five straight games. This surge has jumped him to first place in stolen bases within the organization.
LF Hans Montero: 1-for-3, 2B (6), RBI, SB (13), BB, K
CF Marshall Toole: 0-for-3, BB, K
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-4, K
2B Santiago Gomez: 2-for-3, HR (1), RBI, 3 SB (6), BB, K
As I said the other day, Gomez can run. He just needs to consistently get on base to showcase it. He has 70 stolen bases in 156 career games. As for the power, that is not his forte. This was his 9th career homer.

LHP Xavier Rivas (W, 2-1): 5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 13 K (previous personal best was 8)
Rivas allowed two runs in the sixth but was otherwise spectacular tonight.  At this level: 3.47 ERA (23.1 IP, 17 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 28 K)
RHP Jack Sokol: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
2.84 ERA (25.1 IP, 23 H, 11 R, 8 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 19 K).  He hasn’t allowed a run in 9.1 June innings. 
RHP Cade Austin: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
2.86 ERA (28.1 IP, 27 H, 16 R, 9 ER, 3 HR, 11 BB, 31 K)
RHP Brady Kirtner: (S, 3) 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.41 ERA (37.1 IP, 23 H, 11 R, 10 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 42 K). Kirtner has been steady in his debut campaign, with very few hiccups.

FCL (19-21) (Defeated the Phillies, 2-0)

LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-2, BB
C Ediel Rivera: 0-for-2, HBP
RF Luis Puello: 1-for-2, R
2B Gabriel Terrero: 1-for-2
1B John Cristino: 1-for-1, HR (2), 2 RBI, R, HBP
It’s his debut campaign, but he is doing what a 25-year-old should do in the FCL: 15-for-41 (.366) with a double and two home runs.

RHP Edinzo Marquez (W, 1-2): 5 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
It counts as a CG in the record books! He owns a 3.00 ERA in eight starts (39 IP, 33 H, 18 R, 13 ER, 4 HR, 15 BB, 29 K). Can the 20-year-old get a taste of Low-A Tampa after the FCL season concludes? Certainly.

DSL Yankees (8-10) (Crushed DSL Phillies White, 11-2. This game went seven innings)

SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-3, RBI, R, HBP, K
CF Isaias Castillo: 0-for-2, RBI, R, 2 BB
.333/.469/.590 in 49 PA (3 doubles, 2 triples, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 9 R, 9-for-9 SB, 10 BB, 11 K). His career has started with a 12-game on-base streak.
3B Richard Matic: 2-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (3), BB
.326/.441/.630 in 59 PA (5 doubles, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R, 11 BB, 16 K). Matic struggled here as a 16-year-old. The difference one year can make, even as a teenager.
DH Justin Capellan: 0-for-2, RBI, R, SB (6), 2 BB, K
2B Alfred Ciriaco: 1-for-3, R, BB
C Diego Flores: 0-for-3, RBI, R, BB
LF Angel Ventura: 1-for-3, RBI, 2 R, SB (4), BB
Ventura is 22-for-25 stealing bases in 44 career games.
RF Alfiery Matos: 0-for-3, R, SB (3), BB, 2 K
1B Jose Lavagnino: 2-for-3, 2B (1), 3 RBI, R, BB
The 18-year-old is 4-for-17 in his debut campaign.

LHP Carlos De La Rosa: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K
4.38 ERA (12.1 IP, 14 H, 8 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 1 BB, 22 K). What is the most impressive part of that stat line? If you need more than one guess, take up a new hobby.
RHP Rafael Arias (W, 2-0): 3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K

DSL Bombers (6-11) (Followed up their 20-19 loss to the DSL Mets Orange with a 15-10 loss to the DSL Cardinals. This game went nine innings. Note: In the rookie leagues, the two managers come to an agreement on whether a game will go seven or nine innings)

CF Browm Martinez: 2-for-4, 2 2B (3), 2 RBI, 3 R, SB (9), HBP
He’s making a mockery of this level at this point: .390/.490/.683 in 49 PA (3 doubles, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 17 R, 9-for-10 SB). The 18-year-old was pretty good in 38 games here last year as well. The problem is that time is running out on the FCL season, making a promotion unlikely.
SS Christofer Reyes: 2-for-2, 3 SB (13), CS (1), BB
The good news is the stolen bases. The bad news is that he was pinch-ran for late in the game, which likely means injury.
   PR-SS Stiven Marinez: 0-for-1, RBI, R, BB
Adding to the “injury” theory is that they replaced him with one of their top DSL prospects. Usually, when a top prospect has a scheduled day off, he isn’t coming in to pinch-run.
DH David Carrera: 0-for-2, RBI, RS, SB (5), 3 BB, 2 K
3B Leni Done: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 BB
.244/.392/.366 in 51 PA.
2B Adrian Feliz: 2-for-5, R, CS (2)
.250/.276/.286 in 29 PA. Like many down here, Feliz is only 16.
C Carlos Rodon: 1-for-4, 2B (2), R, BB, 2 K
RF Eddinson Charles: 1-for-5, RBI, R
1B Edgar Jimenez: 2-for-5, 2 2B (3), RBI, 2 R, K
The 18-year-old is 6-for-15 with three doubles and four RBI.

For the second day in a row, there isn’t a pitching line worth mentioning.

Yankees MILB 6/21: Spencer Jones is Scorching

Notes:

I wish I had something to offer you.

Injury Log

Scranton (37-34) (Defeated Louisville, 4-3, in ten innings)

C Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, BB
.340/.423/.432 in 241 PA. Rodriguez has been in an extra-base hit drought lately (3, all doubles, in his last 13 games).
2B Jorbit Vivas: 1-for-4, CI, K
CF Everson Pereira: 1-for-5, 3 K
Pereira’s strikeouts remain a concern (33.2%). I “obsess” a bit over strikeout rates because MLB pitchers will exploit your holes over and over and over and over.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 1-for-4, 2B (16)
LF Brennen Davis: 2-for-4, 2 HR (7), 2 RBI, 2 R
I don’t have delusions of grandeur, but he is impressing. He is 18-for-51 (.353) with three doubles and seven home runs at this level. Overall, he has 12 home runs in 28 games (if you take out his FCL rehab games, it’s still an impressive 9 HR in 22 games). 
3B Jose Rojas: 2-for-4, 3B (2), R
   3B Andrew Velazquez: 0-for-0, R
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-4, RBI
DH Alex Jackson: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, K
  PR Ismael Munguia: 0-for-0
SS Braden Shewmake: 0-for-4, K

RHP Sean Boyle: 5 IP, 8 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
4.57 ERA (69 IP, 64 H, 41 R, 35 H, 8 HR, 22 BB, 68 K)
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K
4.18 ERA (28 IP, 14 H, 13 R, 13 ER, 2 HR, 32 BB, 29 K). If you are a glass 99% full type, Reyzelman is seemingly as tough to hit as ever (43 hits allowed in 78.1 career innings). He won’t survive with the 2025 walk rate.
RHP Geoff Hartlieb: (W, 3-2)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Colten Brewer (S, 5): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K

Somerset (34-34) (Defeated New Hampshire, 11-2. 11 runs, 15 hits, 11 walks)

DH Brendan Jones: 2-for-5, RBI, R, BB, K
Jones’ numbers are improving, thanks to an 8-for-27 (.296) stretch.
2B George Lombard Jr.: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, 2 R, HBP, 2 BB
.215/.350/.326 in 177 PA (15.8% BB, 24.3% K). 
CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 BB, K
Jones is in one of his zones. He is hitting .268/.395/.586 in 190 PA (8 doubles, 14 HR, 29 RBI, 36 R, 10-for-12 SB, 16.8% BB, 33.7% K). He is 6-for-9 over the last two nights and 15-for-31 in his last nine games. The talent is immense, even with the warts.
C Rafael Flores: 2-for-5, 2B (16), 2 RBI, BB, K
.273/.338/.473 in 287 PA. He has 16 doubles, 12 HR, and 42 RBI. He ranks third in the Eastern League in RBI and second in hits (72).
3B Dylan Jasso: 2-for-4, HR (10), RBI, R, 2 BB
Jasso has 40 doubles and 21 homers in 180 games over the last two seasons. 
LF Garrett Martin: 3-for-6, RBI, 2 R
Martin has three multi-hit efforts (including a pair of 3-hit efforts) in his last six games.
1B Tyler Hardman: 1-for-6, 2B (12), R, 2 K
RF Cole Gabrielson: 1-for-2, 2 R, 2 CS (3), 3 BB, K
SS Max Burt: 1-for-5, RBI, R, 3 K

RHP Trent Sellers: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 K, HR
4.26 ERA (50.2 IP, 38 H, 27 R, 24 ER, 6 HR, 24 BB, 60 K)
RHP Indigo Diaz: (W, 5-1)  2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Pacheco: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Hudson Valley (40-26) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 9-6)

DH Jackson Castillo: 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R, K
Castillo is hitting .229 with a .644 OPS. He isn’t “hot” but is showing signs recently (9-for-31 (.290) in his last eight games).
RF Dillon Lewis: 0-for-5, 2 K
As I stated yesterday, the tools are “loud,” but he has things to work on. Hey, he’s a 22-year-old in High-A. That is where you learn.
1B Coby Morales: 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R, SB (10), BB, 2 K
CF Duke Ellis: 0-for-3, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 1-for-4, BB, 3 K
SS Alexander Vargas: 2-for-5, 2B (2), 4 RBI, R, SB (4)
A nice day for Vargas…
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-5, 2 RBI, K
2B Brenny Escanio: 2-for-4, 2 R, K
LF Luis Durango: 2-for-4, R, CS (5)

LHP Kyle Carr: (W, 2-5)  5.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 5 BB, 5 K
Interesting line.  Carr owns a 3.05 ERA in 59 IP (42 H, 28 R, 20 ER, 5 HR, 31 BB, 46 K)
RHP Tony Rossi: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Rossi’s “perfect” season is over, as he allowed two inherited runners to score. However, he maintains that 0.00 ERA (between Tampa and Hudson Valley: 20 games, 24 IP, 8 H, 0 R, 7 BB, 32 K). Insanity.
RHP Huey Morrill: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
0.38 ERA (24 IP, 11 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 7 BB, 19 K)
RHP Hayden Merda: 1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, HR

Tampa (37-30) (Squeaked past Bradenton, 2-1. Anytime you can win when your 1-2-3 hitters go 0-for-12, you take it and run)

DH Edgleen Perez: 0-for-4, K
LF Brian Sanchez: 0-for-4, K
SS Roderick Arias: 0-for-4, K
C Engelth Urena: 1-for-3, HR (7), RBI, 2 R, BB, K
.214/.342/.345 in 278 PA. Urena has a double and a pair of homers in his last four games and has three multi-hit efforts in his last eight games (13 straight games without multiple hits before this stretch).  His 41 runs scored rank fourth in the FSL.
3B Juan Matheus: 0-for-4, K
RF Hans Montero: 1-for-4, RBI, K
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2B (10)
.309/.406/.483 in 175 PA (10 doubles, 5 triples, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 34 R, 19-for-21 SB, 13.7% BB, 21.1% K).  Toole still doesn’t have enough plate appearances to qualify for leaderboards. If he did, his .309 average would rank second behind Konnor Griffin (Bradenton (Pittsburgh); 19 years old). Griffin is now in High-A.
1B Josue Gonzalez: 1-for-3
2B Santiago Gomez: 0-for-2, BB

LHP Xavier Rivas: (W, 1-1)  5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, HR
Since promotion: 3.06 ERA (17.2 IP, 11 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 15 K). He throws in the low 90s and features a 4-seam/sinker/slider/change mix.
RHP Sean Hermann: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
1.10 ERA (32.2 IP, 18 H, 10 R, 4 ER, 0 HR, 23 BB, 24 K). He is a groundball specialist (63% entering tonight).
RHP Brady Kirtner: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Chris Veach (S, 5): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
1.63 ERA (27.2 IP, 19 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 3 HR, 16 BB, 41 K). Veach has pitched well, but will need to cut down on the walk rate as he moves up.

FCL (17-19) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 11-1. Rookie League baseball at its finest – the Blue Jays scored 11 runs on seven hits and 12 walks)

1B Manuel Palencia: 1-for-4
LF Wilson Rodriguez: 0-for-3, R, SB (7), BB, K
C Ediel Rivera: 1-for-4, RBI
.267/.343/.400 in 105 PA.
SS Dexters Peralta: 1-for-4, K
RF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-4, CS (5), 2 K
I have said it before: Lara is known for his blazing speed, but the ability to steal bases requires more than that. The best thing they can do is tell him to keep running. That’s how you learn.

RHP Mariano Salomon (L, 3-2): 4.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, HR
The game didn’t get out of hand due to his performance. The 22-year-old owns a 2.73 ERA in 26.1 innings (13 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 5 HR, 6 BB, 32 K). 

DSL Yankees (5-9) (Lost to the DSL Rangers Red, 14-7)

SS Mani Cedeno: 0-for-3, 2 R, 2 HBP, BB, 2 K
.200/.396/.250 in 53 PA (1 triple, 5 RBI, 11 R, 2-for-2 SB, 18.9% BB, 37.7% K). It’s too early to worry about a 16-year-old’s strikeout rate.
CF Francisco Vilorio: 1-for-5, R, BB, K
.235/.435/.265 in 46 PA. Don’t worry about Cedeno, but Vilorio must show something in 2025.
LF Isaias Castillo: 0-for-3, RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
.333/.444/.600 in 36 PA.  Castillo begins his career with a 9-game on-base streak.
DH Estivenzon Montero: 1-for-2, HR (2), 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB, K
9-for-30 with a pair of homers and eight RBI. Montero (18) has 30 RBI in 40 career games.
2B Alfred Ciriaco: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, HBP, SB (3), BB

RHP Anthony Mena: 3.1 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, HR
RHP Jose Vargas: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
3.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Luis Rodriguez: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
12 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 7 ER, 1 HR, 6 BB, 10 K

DSL Bombers (6-8) (Lost to DSL Mets Blue, 7-4)

CF Ruben Castillo: 4-for-4, 2B (2), SB (8), CS (2)
The 17-year-old has back-to-back multi-hit efforts. Thanks to the small sample size, his triple slash spiked from .118/.231/.235 to .238/.333/.381.
DH Stiven Marinez: 0-for-3, R, BB, K
8-for-32 with nine walks and ten strikeouts. He has scored nine runs and is 8-for-8 stealing bases.
C Queni Pineda: 1-for-2, 2 R, SB (5), 2 BB, K
.361/.489/.528 in 45 PA. In 218 plate appearances at this level, the 18-year-old is hitting .277/.445/.458 with 12 doubles and six home runs. He also has more walks (50) than strikeouts (45).
LF Browm Martinez: 0-for-3, R, HBP, K
SS Christofer Reyes: 0-for-4, RBI, SB (10), K
Reyes is 31-for-40 stealing bases in 55 career games.

RHP Randy Angomas: 3 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 2 K
The 17-year-old is in his learning phase (9.2 IP, 9 H, 8 R, 5 ER, 9 BB, 4 K)

Yankees MILB 5/13: Omar Martinez: 4 Hits, HR

Notes:

The Yankees signed RHP Anthony DeSclafani to a minor league contract and assigned him to Scranton.

The 35-year-old has 180 games (169 starts) of MLB experience from 2014 to 2023. He is 54-56 in those appearances with a 4.20 ERA (4.16 FIP). He has pitched for the Marlins, Reds, and Giants. In 2023, he posted a 4.88 ERA (4.35 FIP) over 99.2 innings with an 18.9% K/4.8% BB/41.5% GB. The Twins signed him in 2024, but he missed the season due to an elbow injury.

The Yankees need depth, and he provides that. He isn’t exciting, but he can provide some innings, if needed.

As a fun sidenote, he was a part of the 12-player trade between the Marlins and Blue Jays in 2012. The notable names in that deal were Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, and Josh Johnson.

George Lombard Jr. was the highest riser in the MLB Pipeline update, which is (very) good news. The bad news is that none of their other prospects are on the list. I think the system is in a down period. I am never afraid to say that. Whether or not the next wave of pitchers in Hudson Valley/Tampa can improve that standing is to be determined. Whether some bats beyond Lombard Jr. can emerge to ease the pain is to be determined. We may not get those answers until later this year and into 2026.

Injury Log

Scranton (19-19) (Lost to Toledo, 7-0. The game was shortened due to rain after eight innings)

DH Cooper Hummel: 0-for-3, BB, K
3B Jesus Rodriguez: 1-for-4, K
Rodriguez is on a 5-game hitting streak and is 11-for-34 in May with six walks and three strikeouts.
1B T.J. Rumfield: 2-for-3
.304/.401/.513 in 137 PA (9 doubles, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 25 R). He is 14-for-28 in May.
C Alex Jackson: 0-for-3
RF Bryan De La Cruz: 0-for-3, 2 K
LF Dominic Smith: 1-for-2, BB
2B Jake Gatewood: 0-for-3, 2 K
CF Ismael Munguia: 0-for-3
SS Andrew Velazquez: 1-for-3

RHP Carlos Carrasco: 4.2 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
Carrasco’s first Scranton appearance.
RHP Leonardo Pestana: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 K, HR
RHP Jonathan Loaisiga: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Loaisiga needed only 12 pitches in another efficient outing. His sinker reached 95.8 MPH.
RHP Clayton Beeter: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
Beeter needed 17 pitches (12 strikes). He reached 96.2 MPH and generated four whiffs with his fastball/slider combo.
RHP Wilking Rodriguez: 0.1 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
A struggle for Rodriguez, though he reached 98.8 MPH with his 4-seamer (averaged 97.8)
LHP Rob Zastryzny: 0.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Eric Reyzelman: 0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
The skies opened up before Reyzelman threw a pitch.

Somerset (14-19)

Their game against Portland was postponed. They will attempt to make it up on Thursday.

Hudson Valley (23-10) (Lost to Aberdeen, 7-6, in 10 innings)

RF Brendan Jones: 1-for-3, SF, RBI, R, SB (15), BB
Jones seems to do something in every game. 
DH Roc Riggio: 0-for-4, RBI, R, BB, 3 K
1B Parks Harber: 1-for-2, RBI, R, K
I am not sure why Harber left the game.
  1B Duncan Pastore: 0-for-2, BB, K
LF Jackson Castillo: 0-for-5, RBI, 2 K
C Omar Martinez: 4-for-5, HR (6), 2 RBI, R
Martinez is 17-for-39 (.436) in May (3 doubles, 5 HR, 12 RBI, 12 R, 7 BB, 9 K). This was his second 4-hit effort this month.
2B Jose Colmenares: 0-for-4, HBP, 2 K
SS Brenny Escanio: 0-for-5, 3 K
3B Josh Moylan: 1-for-1, 2B (6), R, 4 BB
Reaching base five times will always impress.
CF Luis Durango: 2-for-4, R, HBP, 2 K
Durango’s rehab stint is over. This is the 22-year-old’s High-A debut. If you don’t remember, the Yankees chose him in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft last winter (Cleveland).

LHP Kyle Carr: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
3.20 ERA (25.1 IP, 20 H, 11 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 19 K). A mixed bag of stuff in his 2025 profile.
RHP Bryce Warrecker: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
0.56 ERA (16 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 3 BB, 22 K). Warrecker is dominating out of the pen.
RHP Hayden Merda: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
3.68 ERA (14.2 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 8 BB, 19 K)
RHP Ocean Gabonia (L, 0-2): 1.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert: 0.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Tampa (15-19) (Defeated Palm Beach, 9-1)

C Edgleen Perez: 0-for-3, R, CS (1), 2 BB, 2 K
.196/.378/.227 in 127 PA. His patient approach is apparent. 
C Engelth Urena: 0-for-4, 2 K
LF Dillon Lewis: 1-for-3, 3B (2), RBI, R, BB, K
.204/.280/.398 in 125 PA (6 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 18 R, 7-for-8 SB). We know Lewis has speed. It’s good to see some pop showing up as well. Yes, the bat tool needs more work. That’s why he is here.
SS Juan Matheus: 1-for-3, CS (5), 2 K
RF Austin Green: 1-for-3, 2B (3), RBI, R
1B Josue Gonzalez: 0-for-2, R, BB, 2 K
2B Hans Montero: 2-for-4, 2 HR (3), 4 RBI, 2 R, K
Montero’s first career multi-HR game (also tied his best for RBI)
CF Marshall Toole: 1-for-3, 2B (3), R, BB, K
.294/.392/.426 in 79 PA (3 doubles, 3 triples, 5 RBI, 13 R, 7-for-7 SB). 
3B Owen Cobb: 1-for-4, 2B (5), RBI, K
8 of Cobb’s 12 hits have gone for extra bases (5 doubles, 1 triple, 2 HR)

RHP Andrew Landry (W, 1-3): 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, HR
A much-needed performance for Landry (easily the best in his young career)
LHP Jayvien Sandridge: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Sandridge is on a rehab stint from Scranton. The 26-year-old was signed to a minor league contract last winter. Throughout his minor league career, Sandridge has struck out 303 hitters in 205.2 innings. The issue? He has allowed 168 walks. To give you an example of his insanity, he struck out 95 and walked 49 in 61 innings last year.
RHP Chris Veach: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K
1.98 ERA (13.2 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 22 K)
RHP Brandon Decker: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
1.88 ERA (14.1 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 5 BB, 17 K). Veach and Decker are shining in their debut campaigns and should be promotion candidates sometime this year.

FCL (5-3) (Split a doubleheader against the Tigers)

Game 1 (Lost, 7-3)

LF Brando Mayea: 1-for-3, R, K
RF Brennen Davis: 2-for-3, 2B (1), HR (2), RBI, R, SB (1)
As I like to say, Davis hitting in the FCL is like a high schooler in a Little League game. He shouldn’t be here much longer.
CF Cam Eden: 0-for-2, K
The speedy depth piece is on a rehab stint.
  CF Isael Arias: 1-for-1, HR (1), 2 RBI, R
The 19-year-old hit one HR in 38 games in the DSL last year (his professional debut).
SS Santiago Gomez: 2-for-3, CS (1)

RHP J.T. Etheridge: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
Etheridge has 17 strikeouts in 8.1 innings. Yes, he is too old for this level and shouldn’t be here long.

Game 2 (Won, 6-0)

CF Brando Mayea: 1-for-3, 2 R, BB, K
.321/.424/.536 in 33 PA. He is on a 7-game hitting streak.
C Manuel Palencia: 2-for-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI, R
3B Santiago Gomez: 1-for-3, RBI
9-for-24. He has hit safely in all six of his games.
LF Gabriel Lara: 1-for-3, HR (1), RBI, R
Lara hitting his first HR before stealing a base is a story in its own right.

LHP Xavier Rivas: 4.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
Rivas’s first two professional appearances:  8.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 13 K. He was their 16th-round pick in the 2024 draft (Ole Miss).
RHP Mariano Salomon (W, 2-0): 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL (0-0)

Their season starts in June.