Yankees MILB 8/23: Ben Rice Homers Again

News:

Nothing new.

Scranton (59-61; 25-21 in the second half) (Split a doubleheader against Lehigh Valley)

This is a big series against Lehigh Valley, the team they are chasing for the second-half title. It is a logjam, however, as four teams are between Lehigh Valley and Scranton in the standings.

Game 1 (Won, 4-3, in eight innings)

CF Estevan Florial1-for-3, 2B (18), RBI, RS, BB, K
DH Austin Wells2-for-4, 2 RS, CS (1)
Wells’ first career caught stealing (he is now 39-for-40 stealing bases)
1B Andres Chaparro1-for-2, RBI, 2 BB, K
RF Franchy Cordero1-for-2, RBI, BB, HBP
C Carlos Narvaez1-for-4, RBI
Narvaez walks it off with an RBI single in the 8th.
3B Mike Lamb: 2-for-3, RS
2B Jamie Westbrook0-for-1, 2 HBP
LF Brandon Lockridge0-for-1, BB, SAC
SS Wilmer Difo0-for-2
  PH Jasson Dominguez0-for-0, BB (intentional)
  SS Jesus Bastidas0-for-0

RHP Mitch Spence7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
4.59 ERA (133.1 IP, 131 H, 75 R, 68 ER, 24 HR, 44 BB, 125 K). August: 25.2 IP, 19 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 6 BB, 33 K. This is Spence’s first career 10+ strikeout effort.
LHP Anthony Misiewicz (W, 2-0): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Game 2 (Lost, 6-0)

LF Estevan Florial0-for-3, 2 K
CF Jasson Dominguez0-for-2, BB
Dominguez has 79 walks in 517 plate appearances (15.3%). 
DH Austin Wells1-for-3
There is talk that Wells could be promoted to the big club. He has multiple hits in three of his last five games and is 20-for-77 (.260) in August with seven doubles, four homers, and 17 runs batted in.
1B Andres Chaparro0-for-3, K
.246/.340/.467 in 483 PA (19 doubles, 2 triples, 23 HR, 76 RBI, 70 R, 59 BB, 104 K, 3-for-3 SB). Chaparro’s first season in the organization was back in 2016, so I believe he could be staring at minor league free agency this winter. Just like with the Rule 5, the Yankees can “block” that free agency by adding him to the 40-man roster. For example, they did that a few years ago with Donny Sands before they traded him to the Phillies. 
C Rodolfo Duran0-for-3
3B Jake Lamb0-for-3, K
2B Jamie Westbrook0-for-3
RF Michael Hermosillo: 2-for-2, SB (7)
SS Jesus Bastidas0-for-1, HBP, SB (7)
Bastidas was called back up here for today’s doubleheader. 

RHP Zach McAllister: (L, 1-1) 1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
McAllister’s first start as a member of the Yankees’ organization since August 17th, 2010.
RHP Matt Bowman1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Ron Marinaccio: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Matt Krook0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Krook, who has a 1.04 ERA in 26 innings at this level, makes his first appearance since July 18th.
LHP Nick Ramirez1.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, HR
RHP Wilmer Difo0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Difo, a utility infielder, with his 4th pitching appearance this season (3.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K)

Somerset (68-47; 26-21 in the second half) (Lost to Hartford, 3-2)

3B Caleb Durbin1-for-4, 2 SB (17)
Durbin has 32 stolen bases (37 attempts) in 57 games between here and Hudson Valley. He is hitting .298/.395/.400 in 238 PA with 24 walks (10.1%) and 16 strikeouts (6.7%). 
1B Ben Rice1-for-4, HR (11), RBI, RS
Rice has 11 home runs in 28 games at this level. Overall, he is hitting .319/.441/.623 in 236 PA (11 doubles, 1 triple, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 44 R, 34 BB (14.4%), 42 K (17.8%), 8-for-9 SB). Rice is 24 and you wonder just how much more development he needs. 
C Agustin Ramirez1-for-4, RS
Since promotion: 12-for-59 (1 double, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 9 R, 5 BB, 11 K) 
LF Elijah Dunham: 1-for-3, BB, 2 K, SB (15)
Dunham has 28 stolen bases in 35 attempts between here and Scranton.
DH Josh Breaux1-for-4, RBI, K
2B Anthony Seigler0-for-4, K
CF Jeisson Rosario0-for-2, BB, K
RF Grant Richardson0-for-3, 2 K
Richardson’s Double-A debut. I am not sure if this is permanent or a “we need a body” situation. Anyway, he hit .204/.306/.389 in 304 PA for Hudson Valley (13 HR, 37 RBI). He was 10-for-33 in August with three homers and seven runs batted in.
SS Max Burt0-for-2, BB, K

RHP Yoendrys Gomez5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
The oft-injured Gomez with his longest outing since August 22, 2019. He owns a 3.14 ERA in 48.2 IP (34 H, 19 R, 17 ER, 5 HR, 25 BB, 56 K). We have seen extra option years handed out in the past. If Gomez doesn’t qualify, this is his final option year,  so a very interesting winter/spring is shaping up for him. 
RHP Carlos Gomez1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
LHP Ryan Anderson: (L, 1-1)  1.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Danny Watson0.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
Watson allowed Anderson’s run to score in the 9th. Given his season, I think we can let this one go!

Hudson Valley (64-52; 25-25 in the second half) (Defeated Aberdeen, 3-2)

CF Spencer Jones1-for-4, RS, K
August: 19-for-74 (.257) with four doubles, a home run, and 12 runs scored.
DH Anthony Hall0-for-4, 4 K
SS Jared Serna: 1-for-2, 3B (1), SF, RBI, RS, BB, CS (1)
At this level: 14-for-51 (.275/.356/.373; 3 doubles, 1 triple). Serna has hit safely in four straight games. 
1B Jesus Rodriguez: 3-for-4, 2B (3), 2 RBI
Rodriguez with the walk-off single in the bottom of the 9th. At this level: 17-for-44 (.386/.491/.523; 3 doubles, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 6 R, 8 BB, 9 K). He has three 3-hit games since his promotion.
2B Alexander Vargas0-for-3, 2 K
3B Ben Cowles: 2-for-3, CS (4)
August: 19-for-54 (.352) with 15 walks and 15 strikeouts.
C Rafael Flores0-for-3, 2 K
LF Christopher Familia0-for-3, K
RF Jared Wegner0-for-2, RS, BB, 2 K

RHP Justin Lange4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
Lange’s second start since his promotion (5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K in his first start). Lange has a 128/59 K/BB over 82.1 innings between here and Tampa.
LHP Clay Aguilar2.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
2.80 ERA (35.1 IP, 27 H, 13 R, 11 ER, 2 HR, 17 BB, 52 K). Aguilar is 24 and was signed as an undrafted free agent after the shortened 2020 COVID draft.
RHP Anderson Munoz1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
The 25-year-old puts together an impressive night. I guess his rehab is over as he is now listed as active. While he didn’t pitch well during his stint in Tampa, he has tossed 3.1 hitless innings here with a 7/0 K/BB.
RHP Harrison Cohen (W, 3-2): 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
At this level: 3.79 ERA (38 IP, 29 H, 17 R, 16 ER, 4 HR, 17 BB, 48 K)

Tampa (56-60; 25-25 in the second half) (Defeated Palm Beach, 4-1)

2B Roc Riggio1-for-4, RBI, 2 RS, K, SB (2)
.220/.692 OPS (12-for-57; 12 runs scored)
1B Kiko Romero1-for-3, RBI
C Omar Martinez0-for-1, SF, RBI, BB
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-3, RBI, K
CF Cole Gabrielson0-for-3, 2 K
LF Tayler Aguilar1-for-3, K
RF Daury Arias0-for-1, RS, 2 BB
DH Jose Colmenares1-for-3, 2 K
3B Beau Brewer0-for-3, RS

RHP Hayden Merda4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K
6.32 ERA (94 IP, 100 H, 74 R, 66 ER, 10 HR, 53 BB, 94 K)
RHP Nolberto Henriquez: (W, 1-0) 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
RHP Luis Arejula (S, 1): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL Yankees (35-22)

The playoffs begin on Thursday. As I suspected, they will play the Pirates in the semifinals, which is only one game.

DSL Yankees (33-19)

Their season is over, as they missed the playoffs by a half-game.

DSL Bombers (27-26)

Their season is over.

Yankees MILB 8/16: Jasson Dominguez: 3 Hits, HR

News:

Yes, I saw the quotes from OF Ben Ruta, a former Yankees farmhand who is exposing some of the inner workings down on the farm.

I am not someone who is going to go crazy over a former prospect lashing out. While I don’t think he is lying, there could be some exaggeration for effect. I would love to hear more stories from prospects who played in the system around the same timeframe to verify the claims.

Back in the old days, we would never just take one person’s word for it. You would interview multiple people to verify the claims being made. That is all I am asking for.

Ruta had a couple of solid seasons in the Yankees system but eventually faded away. He did play for the Padres’ system in 2021, hitting .178 in 76 games before being released. No word on who is blamed for that.

Scranton (55-58; 21-18 in the second half) (Lost to Worcester, 8-1)

RF Franchy Cordero0-for-4, K
SS Oswald Peraza0-for-4, K
LF Everson Pereira1-for-4, 2 K
Pereira is in a little 2-for-16 slump (8 K)
C Austin Wells1-for-4, K, SB (2)
Wells is now 39-for-39 stealing bases in his career. Since promotion: .253/.344/.386 in 96 PA (8 doubles, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 8 R, 10 BB, 23 K, 2-for-2 SB)
1B Carlos Narvaez0-for-3, BB, 2 K
Since promotion: .258/.391/.421 in 235 PA. Narvaez is a Rule 5 eligible C/1B who is hitting well in the upper minors. There are only so many players you can protect and I would guess he is on the borderline.
2B Jamie Westbrook0-for-3, 2 K
DH Jake Lamb1-for-3, 2 K
CF Michael Hermosillo0-for-3
SS Wilmer Difo1-for-3, HR (4), RBI, RS, K

RHP Clayton Beeter (L, 1-4): 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, HR
Since promotion: 6.31 ERA (35.2 IP, 35 H, 26 R, 25 ER, 10 HR, 19 BB, 42 K)
RHP Aaron McGarity1 IP, 2 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K, 2 HR
LHP Josh Maciejewski1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
Between here, Somerset, and Hudson Valley: 2.57 ERA in 28 IP (27 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 32 K)
RHP Matt Bowman1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 0 K
LHP Nick Ramirez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K

Somerset (65-44; 23-18 in the second half) (Tripled up Reading, 9-3)

LF Jasson Dominguez: 3-for-5, 2B (15), HR (14), RBI, RS, 2 K
.244/.361/.395 in 485 PA (15 doubles, 2 triples, 14 HR, 60 RBI, 77 R, 75 BB (15.5%), 125 K (25.8%), 36-for-43 SB). Dominguez is 21-for-59 (.356) in August
C Ben Rice1-for-5, HR (9), RBI, RS, 2 K
Rice has homered in back-to-back games and in four of his last six games. He has 13 HR, 48 RBI, and 40 runs in 48 games across three levels (his ten games for Tampa were rehab games). 
DH Agustin Ramirez0-for-5, 2 K
Jumping three levels in one year is tough. This is a great experience for Ramirez. I won’t tell you to ignore the numbers – I will tell you how valuable this experience is for him, regardless of where his Double-A numbers land at the end of the season.
CF Elijah Dunham0-for-5, 2 K
1B Josh Breaux: 1-for-4, 2B (4), 2 RS, BB, K
2B Anthony Seigler1-for-2, HR (3), 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB, HBP
.171/.335/.253 in 218 PA. For the second straight season, he has more walks (43) than strikeouts (40). That is impressive, but we need to see more of a hit tool.
3B Max Burt0-for-4, RS, HBP, 2 K
SS Jesus Bastidas1-for-3, 2B (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
RF Aaron Palensky2-for-3, 2B (10), HR (7), 3 RBI, RS, HBP, K
Palensky, who has topped the organization’s wRC+ leaderboard most of the year, has 19 doubles, 19 HR, 56 RBI, and 63 runs scored between here and Hudson Valley. He is trying to finish strong (8-for-26 in August with three doubles and two homers)

RHP Yoendrys Gomez4.1 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 11 K
Gomez sets a new personal best for strikeouts in a game. He owns a 3.14 ERA in 43 IP (29 H, 17 R, 15 ER, 4 HR, 24 BB, 51 K). The Yankees have stored him on the 40-man roster for a few years now – more for his projection as he hasn’t stayed healthy. He is one to watch this winter.
RHP Tanner Myatt0.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
RHP Jesus Liranzo: (W, 2-0)  2.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Alex Mauricio1.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
3.24 ERA (41.2 IP, 37 H, 16 R, 15 ER, 4 HR, 13 BB, 41 K). He hasn’t allowed a run in five August appearances (6 IP)

Hudson Valley (61-49; 22-22 in the second half) (Knocked down Brooklyn, 7-1)

CF Spencer Jones: 3-for-4, 2B (27), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB, K, 2 SB (32)
Jones has two 3-hit games in his last four games played and 13 such games in 2023 (including a 4-hit game). I get that some wish he had more than 12 HR in 94 games, but he is earning his extra-base hits and showing off his athleticism with the stolen bases. The home run stroke should come with maturity.
RF Anthony Hall1-for-3, 2B (4), 2 RBI, RS, 2 BB, K
Since promotion: 6-for-28. He has hit safely in four straight games after starting off 0-for-10 at this level.
SS Jared Serna0-for-4, HBP, K
Serna’s 10-game hitting streak is snapped. He is 9-for-32 (.281) since his promotion.
C Jesus Rodriguez0-for-3, BB, HBP, K
Rodriguez is 8-for-23 with six walks since his promotion.
2B Alexander Vargas1-for-5, RBI, K
DH Antonio Gomez0-for-5, K
3B Ben Cowles0-for-1, RS, 3 BB, K, SB (17)
.261/.358/.414 in 371 PA (16 doubles, 1 triple, 10 HR, 36 RBI, 50 R, 44 BB, 104 K, 17-for-20 SB). He is 14-for-39 with 11 walks in August.
LF Christopher Familia0-for-2, 2 RS, 2 BB
1B Rafael Flores0-for-3, RS, BB

RHP Justin Lange: (W, 1-0) 5.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 8 K
A very impressive High-A debut for Lange, who has all the talent in the world. He just needs to harness it (I say that as if it is so easy). Between here and Tampa, he has 123 strikeouts in 78.1 innings. The issue is the 56 walks.
RHP Harrison Cohen: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 3 K
RHP Cole Ayers: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

Tampa (53-57; 22-22 in the second half) (Held off Daytona Beach, 8-6)

DH Roc Riggio0-for-2, 2 RBI, 4 BB, K
A pair of RBI walks for Riggio, who is 4-for-18 with nine walks and seven strikeouts at this level.
1B Kiko Romero0-for-2, 2 RBI, 4 BB, 2 K
Sheesh, the top of the order set the table tonight, eh? Yet, neither scored a run. Anyway, Romero (who also had a pair of RBI walks) has six walks in his last two games. We should see college kids adjust to Low-A pretty quickly.
C Omar Martinez1-for-5, 2 RBI
Martinez is up to 62 RBI, which ranks him second in the league (former teammate Jared Serna still leads the way at 71)
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-4, RS, 2 K
CF Daury Arias1-for-5, RS
RF Garrett Martin0-for-4, RS, HBP, 3 K
LF Cole Gabrielson1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K, SB (1)
Gabrielson with his first career SB.
2B Beau Brewer1-for-2, 3 RS, 3 BB, K
August: 13-for-35 with eight walks and four strikeouts. Remember that Brewer is only 21 – it is easy to think that he is older as he was drafted out of college, but it was a JUCO.
3B Jose Colmenares0-for-2, RBI, RS, 3 BB, K

RHP Cam Schlittler3.2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR
At this level: 4.09 ERA (11 IP, 12 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 10 K). This is obvious a “get your feet wet” season for Schlittler.
RHP Osiel Rodriguez: (W, 2-0) 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 10.1 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 15 K
RHP Adam Stone1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
Stone’s first performance since July 19th.
RHP Anderson Munoz0.2 IP, 1 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
RHP Ocean Gabonia1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Nolberto Henriquez: (S, 1) 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Henriguez loaded the bases with nobody out in the 9th, but got out of it.

FCL Yankees (30-20)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (31-16) (Lost to LAD Bautista, 9-8. This was the conclusion of a suspended game from 7/27)

I am not going to dig too deeply into the numbers.

CF Brando Mayea was 1-for-2. He was pulled for a pinch runner, but I believe that was back on 7/27, not today…DH Josue Gonzalez doubled, walked, and scored a pair of runs. He has 13 doubles in 30 games…LF Jhon Imbert compiled a double, swatted a sacrifice fly, and drove home three…

DSL Bombers (24-25) (Defeated Arizona Red, 7-4. This was the conclusion of a suspended game from 7/26)

3B Gabriel Terrero went 1-for-2 with two runs scored and a walk…LF David Beckles drove home three and drew a pair of walks…

RHP Jose Julian Rodriguez2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

Yankees MILB 7/21: Spencer Jones Collects 3 Hits

News:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Yankees MILB 7/8: Jesus Rodriguez Homers Twice

News:

Nothing to report.

Scranton (41-43; 7-3 in the second half) (Lost to Lehigh Valley, 6-1)

CF Estevan Florial1-for-4, K
.294/.389/.596 in 321 PA. He has hit safely in all six of his July games (8-for-24 with a double, triple, and home run).
2B Oswald Peraza0-for-4
.267/.354/.506 in 206 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 12 HR, 28 RBI, 33 R, 18 BB, 36 K, 11-for-14 SB)
RF Everson Pereira1-for-3, BB, 2 K
Since promotion: 9-for-17 (1 double, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R, 1 BB, 3 K). Overall, he is hitting .313/.382/.566 in 204 PA (11 doubles, 1 triple, 11 HR, 38 RBI, 29 R, 20 BB, 57 K, 7-for-9 SB)
C Ben Rortvedt0-for-4, K
DH Andres Chaparro0-for-2, 2 HBP, K
This is not the way you want to improve your OBP. He is now hitting .242/.334/.464. 
3B Jamie Westbrook1-for-4, HR (12), RBI, RS
LF Michael Hermosillo0-for-2, 2 K
  LF Brandon Lockridge0-for-1
SS Wilmer Difo0-for-2, BB, K
1B Max Burt0-for-3

LHP Tanner Tully: (L, 5-3) 6 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, 3 HR
RHP Zac Houston1.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
His Scranton debut. The Yankees just promoted the 28-year-old, who pitched to a 4.61 ERA and 26/11 K/BB in 13.2 innings for Somerset. 
LHP Anthony Misiewicz: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
His Yankees’ organizational debut.

Somerset (47-32; 5-6 in the second half) (Lost to Reading, 6-5, in ten innings)

LF Jasson Dominguez: 2-for-3, 2B (8), RBI, RS, 2 BB, 2 SB (24)
Dominguez has back-to-back multi-hit games and four multi-hit games in eight July contests. His 24 stolen bases have come in 28 tries (85.7%). He is hitting .207/.349/.351 with 61 walks and 97 strikeouts.
SS Trey Sweeney0-for-4, RS, HBP, 2 K
C Austin Wells0-for-5, RBI, K
Wells is 7-for-31 (.226) to start July with ten runs batted in.
DH T.J. Rumfield0-for-3, BB, HBP, 2 K
3B Tyler Hardman1-for-5, HR (20), RBI, RS, K, CS (3)
Hardman joins Florial in the 20+ HR club. He hit 22 home runs last season in 111 games (he has played 63 games this year)
RF Elijah Dunham1-for-3, BB
1B Eric Wagaman0-for-4, 2 K
CF Jeisson Rosario: 2-for-4, 2 2B (6), RS
2B Delvin Perez1-for-4, 2B (2), RS, K, 2 SB (9)

RHP Yoendrys Gomez: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K
1.21 ERA (22.1 IP, 12 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 1 HR, 14 BB, 23 K). He allowed seven walks in five innings over the course of two starts a few weeks ago, so that explains the elevated walk rate. We just patiently await to see when they start to stretch him out more.
LHP Edgar Barclay4 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
0.44 ERA (20.2 IP, 13 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 0 HR, 9 BB, 32 K)
RHP Blas Castano0.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: (L, 1-1)  2.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (46-34; 7-7 in the second half) (Defeated Jersey Shore, 6-4)

DH Alexander Vargas: 2-for-4, SF, 2 RBI, RS, K
He is 11-for-40 (.275) in his last ten games. 
SS Ben Cowles2-for-5, 2B (10), 2 RBI
.252/.339/.392. He is 8-for-23 (.348) to begin July.
C Rafael Flores2-for-4, RS, K
.290/.361/.366 in 266 PA.
LF Anthony Garcia0-for-4, RS, 2 K
1B Spencer Henson0-for-3, BB
CF Aldenis Sanchez1-for-4, 2 RBI, 2 K, CS (6)
Sanchez now has an 8-game hitting streak (12-for-31)
RF Grant Richardson0-for-3, BB
3B Eduardo Torrealba: 2-for-4, RS, K, SB (6)
2B Luis Santos2-for-4, 2 RS, K, SB (4)

RHP Juan Carela: 5.1 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, HR
2.99 ERA (72.1 IP, 54 H, 30 R, 24 ER, 3 HR, 26 BB, 93 K). The 21-year-old is putting on a clinic and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him in Somerset before the season ends. Last season, they moved him up to this level for seven starts – he didn’t do well, but he obviously learned a thing or two.
RHP Mason Vinyard: (W, 1-0)  1.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Vinyard stranded two of Carela’s runners. Excellent job – though he couldn’t keep his own runs off the board in his second inning of work.
RHP Bailey Dees: (S, 4) 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
1.98 ERA (36.1 IP, 19 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 14 BB, 55 K). Pure dominance.

Tampa (39-41; 8-6 in the second half) (Defeated Dunedin, 9-5)

2B Jared Serna: 2-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, K
Serna has three multi-hit games in his last four games played and 24 multi-hit games this season (74 games played). He is hitting .288/.347/.486 in 343 PA with 14 home runs, 51 RBI, and 54 runs. As of this writing, he leads the FSL in home runs and runs batted in and is third in runs scored.
LF Jesus Rodriguez: 2-for-5, 2 HR (6), 3 RBI, 2 RS, K
Rodriguez’s first career multi-HR game. He hit six home runs in 94 games between 2019-2022 (remember that there wasn’t a season in 2020) and has six in 64 games this season. Rodriguez is hitting .291/.369/.439 in 256 PA. I will always say it: I don’t care what your prospect ranking is – if you hit, I pay attention. The Yankees have used him at C (11 starts)/1B (12)/3B (34)/LF (3). 
C Ben Rice: 1-for-4, HR (1), 4 RBI, RS, HBP
He is hitting .311/.511/.516 in 21 games between here and Hudson Valley. He is here on a rehab stint.
DH Omar Martinez0-for-3, RS, 2 BB
SS Brenny Escanio1-for-5, RBI, 2 K
3B Brett Barrera1-for-5
CF Daury Arias1-for-4, RS, K, 2 SB (9)
1B Beau Brewer1-for-3, 2 RS, BB
RF Felix Negueis0-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K

RHP Justin Lange: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 5 K
4.64 ERA (54.1 IP, 33 H, 32 R, 28 ER, 5 HR, 46 BB, 85 K). So far, he is giving me the vibe of a kid that they will eventually throw in the bullpen and hope he can develop enough command/control to dominate for an inning or two.
RHP Yorlin Calderon: (W, 4-2)  1.1 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
2.80 ERA (45 IP, 36 H, 16 R, 14 ER, 4 HR, 12 BB, 56 K)
RHP Matt Keating: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 4 K
4.41 ERA (34.2 IP, 34 H, 21 R, 17 ER, 3 HR, 19 BB, 56 K). He tossed 41 pitches today and gave up that run towards the end of his outing.
RHP Adam Stone1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
2.27 ERA (35.2 IP, 26 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 1 HR, 15 BB, 41 K)

FCL Yankees (13-11) 

The game against the Tigers was postponed due to rain. They will try their best to make it up on July 20th.

DSL Yankees (16-8) (Lost to Rangers Red, 7-4)

CF Brando Mayea0-for-5, RBI, K
.268/.397/.411 in 68 PA (11 walks, 12 strikeouts; 12-for-14 SB)
SS Santiago Gomez1-for-5, 3 K, SB (9)
.328/.477/.516 in 86 PA. He has 19 RBI in 18 games.
3B Jhon Imbert3-for-4, 2 2B (5), 2 RS, 2 SB (8)
.333/.468/.567 in 77 PA for the 19-year-old. This is his third year at this level.
LF Andres Lacruz1-for-2, RBI, RS, 2 BB, 3 SB (11)
Lacruz was 1-for-4 stealing bases in 2022 (20 games). This year, he is 11-for-12 in 17 games.
SS Jelson Coca1-for-2, RS, 2 BB, K
The 17-year-old is hitting .235/.339/.294 in 15 games. This is his professional debut season.
1B Andry Javier2-for-3, 2B (3), 2 RBI, BB, K
The 19-year-old switch hitter has improved from .111/.246/.167 (26 games) last year to .372/.518/.442 (15 games) this year.

RHP Stanly Alcantara2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 2 K
The 6’6″ 19-year-old has a 2.79 ERA in 9.2 IP (9 H, 8 R, 3 ER, 0 HR, 14 BB, 4 K). Now that is a DSL line.
LHP Pedro Rodriguez1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K

DSL Bombers (11-13) (Lost to the Phillies, 16-1 – just in case you are having a bad day)

CF Gabriel Lara1-for-2, HR (3), RBI, RS, BB
Lara recorded the squad’s only hit of the day (it came in the 6th inning). The speedster is hitting .277/.400/.523 in 80 PA (5 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R, 13 BB, 11 K, 7-for-10 SB)
LF Geyber Blanco0-for-1, 2 BB, K
The 17-year-old is hitting .315/.403/.444 in 62 PA (7 doubles, 5 RBI, 12 R, 5 BB, 10 K)

Infielder Johan Ferreira (2 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K) and catcher Carlos Herrera (0.1 IP) were asked to get the final seven outs.

 

Yankees MILB 6/21: Brendan Beck’s High-A Debut

News:

RHP Brendan Beck will start his journey in Hudson Valley. He made only one rehab appearance for the FCL before this assignment.

Drafted by the Yankees in the second round of the 2021 draft, Beck underwent Tommy John surgery soon thereafter. Before the injury, he was considered a “quick rise” type of prospect. Just like Chase Hampton and Drew Thorpe (both from the 2022 draft class), he will skip Low-A, which makes sense.

At the very least, the Yankees are once again building up impressive pitching depth after trading a lot of pitching away over the last few years.

Scranton (33-37) (Defeated Buffalo, 4-1)

CF Estevan Florial1-for-4, 2 K
Florial’s OPS is now at 1.000 (a little 1-for-13 slump)
LF-2B Oswaldo Cabrera0-for-3, BB
1B Andres Chaparro1-for-4, HR (14), RBI, RS
Chaparro has three home runs in his last two games to raise his triple slash from .238/.314/.430 to .242/.316/.464. His season is a season of streaks, so let’s see if this one lasts.
RF Elijah Dunham0-for-3, BB
Dunham increases his on-base streak to 13.
DH Carlos Narvaez0-for-3, RS, BB, K
.272/.433/.444 in 104 PA since his promotion (.258/.402/.447 overall)
C Rodolfo Duran: 2-for-4, 2B (12), RS, 2 K
.263/.325/.480 in 166 PA. It is just interesting to follow Narvaez/Duran since the #3 catching job is up for grabs.
3B Jamie Westbrook: 2-for-3, RBI
SS Jesus Bastidas0-for-3, K
2B Wilmer Difo1-for-1, 2B (4), RS
  LF Brandon Lockridge0-for-2, K

RHP Colten Brewer3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
1.37 ERA (19.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 HR, 5 BB, 18 K). Brewer pitched in three games earlier this season for the Yankees (in case you forget) before being DFA (he passed through waivers – obviously)
LHP Josh Maciejewski: (W, 1-0) 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, HR
RHP Blas Castano: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
Castano’s Triple-A debut. It looks like his big weapon is a 93-95 MPH sinker that topped out at 96.1 MPH tonight. For Somerset, he pitched to a 4.79 ERA in 35.2 IP with a 33/18 K/BB ratio. It should be noted that it is very possible that this is a one-off since they had to use Brewer to start this game.
RHP Michael Feliz1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
6.1 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 HR, 4 BB, 7 K. The Yankees are just trying to catch some lightning in a bottle with Feliz – zero risk.
RHP Greg Weissert (S, 6): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (39-25) (Lost to New Hampshire, 2-1)

SS Trey Sweeney0-for-3, BB, K
CF Jasson Dominguez0-for-4, 3 K
Dominguez is back down to .203 and has 76 strikeouts in 270 PA (28.1%). He is only 14-for-70 (.200) in June with 12 walks and 28 strikeouts. He has his share of moments this season – in my opinion, his streaks just aren’t lasting long enough. He is very young so I am not giving up – I just want to see progress as the second half of the season gets started.
C Austin Wells1-for-4, K
3B Tyler Hardman0-for-2, BB, K, HBP
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-4, K
Since his massive home run binge: 1-for-16.  Baseball! Baseball! BASEBALL!
LF Aaron Palensky0-for-2, BB, K
RF Jeisson Rosario0-for-3, K
2B Delvin Perez0-for-3, 2 K
The former Top 100 prospect (2017, Cardinals) plays in his first game since 4/20. He has 460 minor league games and has yet to reach MLB. You just never know with prospects…
DH Mickey Gasper1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, RS, K
Gasper’s playing time has been limited this season but he is 11-for-37 at this level (.297). He went 13-for-68 with a home run for Scranton.

RHP Yoendrys Gomez3 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 3 K
1.32 ERA (13.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 10 BB, 13 K). He has been able to cut down on the walk rate as his career has moved on. I wouldn’t worry about it much right now.
LHP Edgar Barclay: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K
11.1 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 0 ER, 6 BB, 15 K. He allowed 7 HR in 77.1 IP in 2021. He didn’t allow any HR in 2019 (26 IP), 2021 (67.1 IP) or this season (11.1 IP)
RHP Ian Hamilton: (L, 1-1)  0.1 IP, 0 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
Hamilton’s second rehab appearance. I don’t worry much about results during rehab stints – just that the player is healthy and that their velocity is OK, etc.
RHP Alex Mauricio: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
3.60 ERA (20 IP, 16 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 9 BB, 18 K). Mauricio allowed five runs in his first 6.2 IP this season and three runs in 13.1 IP since.
RHP Danny Watson1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Since promotion: 8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K

Hudson Valley (39-26) (Defeated Brooklyn, 8-3)

CF Spencer Jones1-for-3, 3B (4), 2 BB, K
Last 9 games: 14-for-35 (.400; 2 doubles, 1 triple, 3 HR, 6 BB, 10 K)
SS Alexander Vargas0-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
C Rafael Flores1-for-5, 3B (1), RBI, RS, 2 K
Flores compiles his first career triple.
RF Anthony Garcia1-for-3, RBI, 2 RS, 2 BB
DH Antonio Gomez1-for-4, 2 RS, BB, K
15-for-42 (.357) in June. The defensive reputation is already there – developing some offense is the key.
2B Ben Cowles0-for-4, RS, HBP, K
1B Spencer Henson0-for-3, RS, BB, HBP
LF Aldenis Sanchez: 2-for-3, 3B (4), 3 RBI, BB, HBP, K, CS (3)
It hasn’t been a fun season for Sanchez (.199) so it is nice to see him have a good night. 
3B Marcos Cabrera0-for-4, RBI, BB, K

RHP Brendan Beck2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
Don’t expect Beck to throw a ton of innings this season. I am sure they want to build him all the way back up heading into 2024, but the main focus is to get him through his first professional season while bouncing back from surgery.
RHP Indigo Diaz2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Mason Vinyard2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K
Since his promotion: 6.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 6 BB, 3 K. He was signed as an undrafted free agent in August, 2022.
RHP Jack Neely: (W, 3-1) 1.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Neely has struck out at least one batter in 17 of his 19 appearances. Tonight’s results aren’t what he wanted and he now sports a 2.51 ERA in 28.2 IP (16 H, 10 R, 8 ER, 2 HR, 14 BB, 41 K)
RHP Nick Paciorek (S, 3): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
2.53 ERA (21.1 IP, 13 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 25 K)

Tampa (31-33) 

The game against Ft. Myers was postponed. They posted the lineup – so it is below with some notes.

2B Jared Serna0-for-0
.309/.372/.527 in 269 PA (12 doubles, 1 triple, 13 HR, 44 RBI, 44 R, 8.6% BB, 16.7% K, 16-for-20 SB). Serna has not had a stretch of three straight hitless games this season.  FSL ranks: HR: 1st; RBI: 1st; Runs: 2nd; Hits: 1st; BA: 5th; SLG: 2nd. 
CF Anthony Hall0-for-0
.273/.395/.416 in 195 PA (7 doubles, 2 triples, 4 HR, 21 RBI, 31 R, 16.4% BB, 20% K). He hit .121/.237/.242 in April but has hit very well since. A definite candidate to move to Hudson Valley.
C Agustin Ramirez0-for-0
.255/.404/.406 in 213 PA. He owns a 20.2% BB and 17.8% K. Walks are up compared to his time in the FCL, while his power is down. He is a catcher who is constantly hitting at the top of this lineup – pay attention.
DH Daury Arias0-for-0
Arias (21) is one of those “toolsy” types that you hope can put a package together. He is hitting .227/.306/.340 in 216 PA with a 10.2% BB and 20.4% K.
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-0
Escanio was acquired from the Brewers before he ever stepped foot on a professional diamond (signed by the Brewers on 7/2/19; traded to the Yankees on 9/1/19 for J.P. Feyereisen). He is hitting .214/.308/.265 in 251 plate appearances with a 12% BB and 28.3% K. Additionally, he has 14 stolen bases. A lottery ticket middle infielder.
3B Jesus Rodriguez0-for-0
.310/.395/.458 in 196 PA with a 11.7% BB and 14.8% K. I have said it a few times: He’s not a big prospect but he has hit well since the day he signed his contract.
1B Omar Martinez0-for-0
.240/.364/.383 in 184 PA with a 15.2% BB and 29.9% K.
RF Tayler Aguilar0-for-0
LF Jake Palmer0-for-0

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

FCL Yankees (8-4) (Lost to the Blue Jays, 13-8. The game was called with one out in the 9th)

Day off.

DSL Bombers (8-4) (Defeated Arizona Black, 7-4)

Day off.

DSL Yankees (10-1)

Day off.

 

Yankees MILB 6/9: Jasson Dominguez Has Big Night

News:

Nothing to report.

Scranton (27-32) (Lost to Norfolk, 8-4)

CF Estevan Florial0-for-4, BB, 3 K
His hitting streak ends at 14, but his on-base streak is up to 27.
SS Oswald Peraza1-for-4, RBI, BB, 2 K
Peraza’s 9th inning RBI single will hopefully get him going again – he has been in a relatively minor slump as of late.
RF Elijah Dunham2-for-5, 2B (11), 2 K
Dunham is 7-for-26 in June (.269). That isn’t a hot streak – but it does show some improvement after a tough May.
DH Andres Chaparro1-for-4, 2B (9), RS, BB
Chaparro is on a 6-game hitting streak that features one hit in each game. He is hitting .254/.322/.460.
C Ben Rortvedt1-for-4, 3 K
1B Rodolfo Duran2-for-4, RS, K
.274/.329/.511 in 146 plate appearances (he has 11 doubles and 7 home runs)
LF Franchy Cordero2-for-3, HR (3), SF, 3 RBI, RS, K
2B Jesus Bastidas1-for-4, 3B (1), RS, 3 K
3B Wilmer Difo: 0-for-4, K

RHP Jhony Brito: (L, 1-1)  5.1 IP, 7 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 3 HR
RHP Michael Feliz1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, HR
RHP Deivi Garcia2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K, HR

Somerset (32-22) (Defeated Hartford, 11-4)

SS Trey Sweeney1-for-5, 2B (11), RBI, RS, BB, K
Sweeney has three doubles in his last four games. We’ve been waiting for the power to show up this year – maybe this is the beginning of that.
CF Jasson Dominguez2-for-6,  2B (5), HR (9), 5 RBI, RS, 3 K
Dominguez sets a new personal best for RBI in a game.
C Austin Wells0-for-4, BB, 2 K
3B Tyler Hardman1-for-4, SF, RBI, RS, K, 2 SB (6)
2B Caleb Durbin0-for-5, K
1B T.J. Rumfield1-for-4, HR (8), RBI, 2 RS, BB, K
.234/.329/.440 in 167 plate appearances.
LF Jeisson Rosario1-for-4, RBI, RS, BB, 2 K, SB (5)
RF Aaron Palensky0-for-1, 2 RS, 2 BB, 2 HBP, K
This was a “fun” night.
DH Mickey Gasper2-for-3, HR (2), 2 RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB

RHP Yoendrys Gomez3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K
8.2 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 K
LHP Edgar Barclay: (W, 1-0)  2.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 K
RHP Steven Jennings1.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K
RHP Blas Castano2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K

Hudson Valley (31-24) (Knocked off Jersey Shore, 8-4, in ten innings)

CF Spencer Jones0-for-5, K, SB (14)
.265/.317/.485 in 218 plate appearances. He is 14-for-19 stealing bases.
SS Ben Cowles1-for-4, BB
DH Rafael Flores1-for-5, RS, 3 K
LF Anthony Garcia3-for-5, 3B (1), RS, K
.228/.347/.405 in 95 plate appearances. This is his third consecutive multi-hit game.
1B Spencer Henson1-for-4, 2 RS, BB, K
RF Grant Richardson: 3-for-4, 2B (5), 3B (1), 2 RBI, 2 RS, BB
Richardson has his average up over .200 (.201/.297/.360 in 158 PA). It is the first time he has been over .200 all season (his average was .110 after the games of May 14th)
2B Eduardo Torrealba: 2-for-4, SF, 3 RBI, K
3B Marcos Cabrera0-for-4, BB
C Juan Crisp0-for-3, BB, K
  PR Kyle Battle0-for-0, RS
  C Antonio Gomez0-for-0

RHP Juan Carela5.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 10 K
Carela’s second straight 10K game. He now owns a 3.28 ERA in 49.1 IP (37 H, 23 R, 18 ER, 2 HR, 18 BB, 62 K). He has been very impressive.
RHP Bailey Dees1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
2.70 ERA (23.1 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 2 HR, 10 BB, 34 K)
LHP Ryan Anderson0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K
RHP Nick Paciorek (W, 4-0): 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
RHP Indigo Diaz1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Tampa (25-30) (Deflated Lakeland, 11-5. The offense has scored 22 runs in the last two games)

2B Jared Serna: 2-for-5, HR (10), 2 RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Serna had 6 HR in 49 games in 2022. Tonight, he hit his 10th HR in his 49th game this season. 
LF Daury Arias0-for-6, K
C Agustin Ramirez: 3-for-4, RS, 2 BB, K
.254/.398/.387 in 181 PA with more walks (35) than strikeouts (31). 
CF Anthony Hall2-for-5, 2B (7), RS, BB, K
Hall now has a 9-game hitting streak (13-for-38; 3 doubles). From where I sit, he is mastering this level.
SS Brenny Escanio2-for-5, 3B (3), 2 RBI, 2 RS
DH Christopher Familia3-for-5, 2B (3), HR (6), 4 RBI, 2 RS, K
In 8 games this season: 13-for-33 (.394; 3 doubles, 6 HR, 15 R, 11 R, 4 BB, 5 K). This is what you call a hot streak.
3B Jesus Rodriguez2-for-5, HR (2), 2 RBI, RS, K
Rodriguez is on an 8-game hitting streak. He has four multi-hit games in a row and six total during the streak. He is hitting .296/.369/.394.
RF Tayler Aguilar1-for-5, 2 K, SB (3)
1B Beau Brewer: 2-for-5, RBI

RHP Sean Hermann3.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
Hermann has been up and down this year, which is expected for a kid his age at this level. One encouraging sign has been his GB%, which was over 60% entering tonight.
RHP Yorlin Calderon2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
1.80 ERA (30 IP, 21 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 2 HR, 8 BB, 38 K)
LHP Geoffrey Gilbert (W, 4-1): 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
2.10 ERA (25.2 IP, 19 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 0 HR, 12 BB, 32 K)
RHP Cole Ayers1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

FCL Yankees (2-2) (Lost to the Phillies, 4-2)

2B Keiner Delgado1-for-4, RS, BB, K, SB (2)
4-for-14 with seven walks.
DH Roderick Arias: 0-for-3, BB
5-for-18 with a double, triple, and home run. He has two strikeouts in 20 plate appearances (46 in 140 plate appearances last year (32.9%))
CF Willy Montero2-for-3, 2B (2), RBI, RS
5-for-10 with a pair of doubles.
2B Hans Montero1-for-4, 2B (2)
4-for-14 with two doubles and a home run.
RF Dayro Perez2-for-4

RHP Cam Schlittler3.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Schlittler’s professional debut. He stands 6’6″ and was drafted in the 7th round in the 2022 draft out of Northeastern.
RHP Osiel Rodriguez1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K
I have to assume that Rodriguez will find his way to Tampa at some point this season (he received a cup of coffee there in 2022)

DSL Yankees (4-0) and the DSL Bombers (4-0) both won. The Yankees knocked off the Rangers, 6-3, while the Bombers knocked off the Rockies, 9-4.

For the Yankees:
SS Luis Suarez (18) doubled twice and scored a pair of runs. He stole his third base of the season…DH Jelson Coca (17) singled and drove in two. He is listed as a shortstop…2B Luis Escudero (17) went 2-for-4 with a double. He is 3-for-11 with five walks…

For the Bombers:

CF Gabriel Lara went 3-for-5 with two doubles and a triple. He scored two runs…3B Juan Matheus went 1-for-4 with two runs scored, a walk, and two stolen bases…2B Abrahan Ramirez (18) and SS Rafael Martinez (17) each had a pair of hits. Ramirez doubled, scored two runs, and drove in a run. Martinez drove home a pair and stole a base…

RHP Omar Gonzalez: 2.2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K. The 17-year-old pitched to a 0.44 ERA in 20.1 innings at this level last year, striking out 36 hitters while walking nine. I doubt he sticks in the DSL much longer if this keeps up…

 

Yankees MILB 5/28: Estevan Florial is Scorching

News:

Mason Vinyard is now a member of the Hudson Valley Renegades, as he was promoted from the Tampa Tarpons according to the Hudson Valley Twitter feed.

Vinyard, a 23-year-old RHP, was signed as an undrafted free agent last year (Western Kentucky). For Tampa, he pitched to a 3.33 ERA in 24.1 innings with a 32/10 K/BB ratio.

RHP Yoendrys Gomez is back from the injured list. He is a 40-man roster guy with one minor league option left. We are nearing the “now or never” part of his career. The talent is there – the health hasn’t been.

Scranton (25-26) (Mauled Worcester, 11-4)

CF Estevan Florial3-for-5, 2B (6), HR (12), 2 RBI, 3 RS, K
Florial now has an 8-game hitting streak (15-for-38; 2 doubles, 6 home runs). He is hitting .322/.437/.643. He is the new organizational HR leader.
3B Josh Donaldson: 2-for-3, 2B (1), HR (1), 2 RBI, 3 RS, 2 BB
Once a rehabbing player starts playing full games in the field, you know the return is imminent.
SS Oswald Peraza: 1-for-4, RS, HBP, K
.329/.380/.576 in 92 plate appearances. 
LF Kole Calhoun0-for-3, RS, 2 BB, K
1B Andres Chaparro1-for-3, SF, 2 RBI, K
Chaparro is starting to feel it again. He is now hitting .263/.332/.492 with 11 home runs, 34 RBI, and 32 runs scored. His K% is a reasonable 20.8.
RF Elijah Dunham1-for-4, 2B (10), RS, 3 K
C Rodolfo Duran1-for-4, RBI, RS
.295/.347/.571 in 121 plate appearances. He continues to maintain that batting average.
DH Carlos Narvaez1-for-3, RBI, RS, BB, SB (1)
7-for-32 with ten walks since his promotion.
2B Jamie Westbrook1-for-4, RBI, 3 K

RHP Will Warren: (W, 2-1)  6 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 8 K
A Donaldson error helped bring home a couple of runs. Warren allowed five HR in his first two Triple-A starts but kept the ball in the park today. He hit the mid-90s with his sinker today and sits just a bit below that. A legit prospect who I would say is nearly ready, but not quite there yet. Ask me again later in the year.
RHP Tommy Kahnle1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K
See you soon!
RHP Colten Brewer2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Somerset (25-19) (Defeated Erie, 3-2. A nice rebound from the 17-3 loss last night. As they say, the way to take care of momentum in baseball is with the next day’s pitching)

SS Trey Sweeney0-for-5, 3 K
Tough day – shake it off.  Sweeney is hitting .230/.366/.324 in 183 PA (8 doubles, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 27 R, 31 BB (16.9%), 41 K (22.4%), 7-for-10 SB)
LF Jasson Dominguez1-for-4, 2 K
.207/.369/.400. I would love to see him go on a streak that will put the Mendoza line firmly in the rearview mirror.
CF Everson Pereira2-for-4, 2B (10), 2 K
.280/.346/.510 in 159 PA. He is 26-for-86 (.302/.365/.570) in May.
DH Austin Wells2-for-3, RS, BB
For Somerset (I don’t care about his rehab stint in Tampa): .272/.359/.580 in 92 plate appearances.
3B Tyler Hardman0-for-0
He was listed in the first lineup I saw – but isn’t listed at all in the boxscore. It could have been a GameDay error – but I will just leave it here anyway. Hardman is hitting .226/.300/.492 in 140 plate appearances. 
  PH-3B Max Burt0-for-4, K
1B T.J. Rumfield0-for-3, RS, BB
.241/.331/.440 in 136 PA. His K% is currently 13.97%.
2B Caleb Durbin1-for-4, RS, K
He is now up to two strikeouts in 64 plate appearances since his promotion! His hitting streak is now at five (8-for-20 with two doubles and a triple)
RF Jeisson Rosario0-for-4, 3 K
C Mickey Gasper1-for-3, 2B (1), 3 RBI, BB, SB (2)
Gasper obviously had the big knock of the day – a bases-clearing double with one out in the 6th.

RHP Yoendrys Gomez3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K
An impressive performance for Gomez in his first appearance of 2023.
LHP Michael Giacone1 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
2.21 ERA (20.1 IP, 14 H, 7 R, 5 ER, 1 HR, 11 BB, 25 K). As I keep saying, this system isn’t loaded with LHP, so pay close attention to the ones they do have.
RHP Justin Wilson: (W, 1-1)  2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
4.86 ERA (16.2 IP, 12 H, 10 R, 9 ER, 3 HR, 13 BB, 16 K). A nice outing after giving up four runs in one inning the last time out.
RHP Indigo Diaz1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Alex Mauricio: (S, 1)  1.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Hudson Valley (27-18) (Defeated Wilmington, 8-4)

CF Spencer Jones: 2-for-4, 2B (13), 2 RS, BB, SB (11)
SS Alexander Vargas2-for-4, 2B (5), 2 RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Vargas’ third straight multi-hit game (4th in his last five games). He is 10-for-24 during this stretch.
C Josh Breaux0-for-4, K
Breaux played seven defensive innings tonight.
  C Juan Crisp0-for-0, BB
DH Antonio Gomez: 2-for-5, 2 RBI, RS, K
Gomez has driven home at least one run in four straight games.
1B Spencer Henson1-for-5, 3 K
Henson is the proud owner of a 6-game hitting streak (12-for-29)
RF Aldenis Sanchez0-for-5, RS
LF Grant Richardson1-for-3, HR (4), 2 RBI, RS
Richardson is on a 9-game on-base streak (eight of those games feature at least one hit)
2B Eduardo Torrealba1-for-3, RS, BB
3B Marcos Cabrera1-for-3, HR (3), RBI, RS, BB, 2 K
Cabrera didn’t have a good season for Tampa last year, but he did hit 14 home runs. His issue is the strikeouts – a whopping 37.9% rate last year and a 36.2% rate this year.

RHP Drew Thorpe: (W, 3-1) 5.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, HR
Thorpe allowed three runs in the first inning but was able to settle in from there. He owns a 3.92 ERA (43.2 IP, 42 H, 23 R, 19 ER, 4 HR, 18 BB, 52 K)
LHP Clay Aguilar: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
3.65 ERA (12.1 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 5 ER, 9 BB, 18 K)
RHP Jack Neely: 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K
2.00 ERA (18 IP, 11 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 12 BB, 29 K). Neely’s last eight outs have been via the strikeout.
RHP Danny Watson: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K
1.48 ERA (24.1 IP, 12 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 1 HR, 9 BB, 39 K)

Tampa (18-27) (Defeated Palm Beach, 3-1)

2B Jared Serna1-for-5, 2 K, SB (10)
Serna is now the owner of a 9-game hitting streak (11-for-37; .297). It isn’t one of those “can’t get this guy out” streaks but it is allowing him to maintain his impressive triple slash: .318/.382/.539 in 170 plate appearances. 
CF Daury Arias1-for-5, 3 K, SB (6)
C Agustin Ramirez1-for-3, RS, BB, K, SB (4)
Of the three catcher types down here (Ramirez, Omar Martinez, Jesus Rodriguez), it is Ramirez who is typically hitting the highest in the lineup. He is hitting .248/.359/.410 in 142 plate appearances.
RF Nelson Medina1-for-4, RS, 2 K
Medina continues to hit well while floating under the radar: .282/.380/.462. He is 22 and plays every outfield position.
SS Brenny Escanio0-for-3, RS, BB, K
DH Omar Martinez2-for-4, 2B (4), RBI
.238/.370/.410 in 127 PA. Martinez has been slumping lately so he needed this.
LF Tayler Aguilar: 1-for-3, BB
3B Jesus Rodriguez1-for-4, 2 K
.239/.323/.312 in 125 PA. Of the three catcher types, Rodriguez is the one they use in more of a multi-position role (C, 1B, 3B, LF)
1B Ronny Rojas0-for-4, 3 K

RHP Leonardo Pestana1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 K
Pestana’s first appearance since 5/10. 
RHP Ocean Gabonia (W, 2-0): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 0 K
RHP Baron Stuart: 4.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K
Stuart pitches well in a “bulk” role today. In his two bulk role appearances: 7.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 6 BB, 8 K. Too many walks, but he was struggling as a starter. Perhaps this role gets him on track.
RHP Alex Bustamante (S, 1): 1.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 K