Trevor Stephan- RHP- Staten Island (Short-Season A)– All the way down in Short-Season ball, the Yankees’ 2017 third-round pick is making a name for himself. Over his last two starts, the 22-year-old has not allowed a single hit. In that same span, he has gone eight innings with nine strikeouts, two walks, and—as expected—no runs allowed. His outing on Saturday keyed a shutout win for Staten Island, in which the club carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning.

In 27 2/3 innings as a professional, Stephan has struck out 34 batters, walked just six, and pitched to a 1.63 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP. His MLB.com scouting report indicates he sits between 90 and 95 miles per hour with his fastball and has a delivery conducive to adding some run to his pitches. Baseball America also noted in their evaluation of the University of Arkansas product that he improved his slider and changeup, turning the former into a swing-and-miss offering. Both scouting reports are available here.

Freicer Perez- RHP- Charleston (A)– The 21-year-old Perez has consistently been making it work in Charleston this season. The 6’8” right-hander is 10-3 with a 2.88 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, and 107 strikeouts in 112 2/3 innings this season. Perez tossed a gem on Saturday, hurling five shutout innings while allowing two hits, walking nobody, and striking out six. He has walked just two batters in his last 15 innings pitched, an encouraging sign for a pitcher who is averaging nearly three walks per nine innings.

Perez has turned heads thanks to a fastball that can flirt with triple digits and the potential that he will add more strength to his 190-pound frame. MLB.com ranks him as the number 11 prospect in the Yankees system and he has natural upside as either a starter or a reliever.

Taylor Widener- RHP- Tampa (A-Advanced)- The 22-year-old Widener has moved quickly after being selected in the 12^th round of last year’s draft. In his first full season as both a professional and a starter, Widener has held his own in High-A, striking out more than a batter per inning—121 K’s in 113 1/3 innings— and posting a 3.57 ERA. In his last three starts, the right-hander has allowed just one run over 14 innings and struck out 19 batters over that span.

Control has been an issue for Widener, as he has walked 48 batters this season. Nevertheless, his underlying statistics suggest that he has made substantial improvements. According to FanGraphs, he has a 3.13 FIP and a 3.51 xFIP, which point to his success coming from more than just good luck. If he can continue refining his command, he could join his fellow University of South Carolina Gamecock Jordan Montgomery in the big leagues within a year or two.

The post Yankees minors update: overlooked arms appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

Since the deadline, there have been a small handful of roster moves: Jonathan Holder moved up to the bigs for a few days and back down to AAA. Garrett Cooper headed the other way, spending a few days in AAA before being recalled this weekend. The Yankees also sent Jordan Montgomery back down to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after he lost his rotation spot due to Gray’s arrival.

Down in the farm system, a few players have been shining. Jake Cave earned the International League’s Player of the Month honors for July after hitting .390 with seven home runs and 21 RBI for the RailRiders.

In Trenton, Will Carter pitched a gem for the Thunder Friday, allowing just one hit in five innings in a win. Further down in the Yankees minor league system, outfielder Trey Amburgey hit his 13th longball of the season for Tampa, which has also added outfielder Estevan Florial and catcher Donny Sands from low-A Charleston this past week. Speaking of Charleston, the RiverDogs were carried to victory by outfielder and former 12th-round pick Steven Sensley, who went 3-5 with five RBI Saturday.

As always, here are a handful of prospect profiles. This week, we focus on three under-the-radar guys worth keeping in mind.

Nick Solak- 2B- Trenton (AA)- Solak is proving why he made the top 10 on MLB.com’s most recent list of top Yankees minor league prospects. Over his last eight games, split between both Tampa and Trenton, Solak has 13 hits in his last 27 at-bats, including three home runs and nine RBI over that span.

Since being selected in the 2nd round of last year’s draft, Solak has earned high marks from scouts for his ability to make contact and steal a few bases along the way. This season, however, the 22-year-old has added some power, as he has hit 11 home runs this season to go with 13 stolen bases, a .305 average, and a .398 on-base percentage.

He has flown a little under the radar as a professional, but if he keeps this level of play up, the hype will certainly keep building.

Stephen Tarpley- LHP- Tampa (A-Advanced)- Tarpley did not debut for the Yankees until June, as an injury kept him out after the team acquired him from the Pirates last winter. But since that debut in June, Tarpley has not allowed a single run. He has pitched 25 2/3 innings, striking out 30 batters and walking 15. That ratio suggests that while Tarpley has the ability to fan hitters, the 24-year-old has not fully reined in his arsenal.

He mixes in four pitches—a mid-90s fastball, plus a curveball, changeup, and slider—showing why he was a former 3rd round pick for the Orioles back in 2013. The Yankees are now the third team, after Baltimore and Pittsburgh to speculate on the talented yet inconsistent lefty. So far, things have worked out, but as a 24-year-old in A-ball, the clock is ticking for the Yankees to get some output from him.

Luis Medina- RHP- Pulaski (Advanced Rookie)- Usually, we focus on players a little closer to the major leagues than guys in what is basically Rookie ball, but Medina merits a quick look. At just 18 years old and just over two years removed from signing out of the Dominican Republic, Medina is a raw but incredibly exciting talent.

As MLB’s profile of Medina indicates, he can already hit close to 100 mph with his fastball and flashes plus potential with both his curveball and his changeup. So far between the Dominican Summer League and the Appalachian League, Medina has an unimpressive 5.56 ERA and 1.72 WHIP, but has 20 strikeouts in 22 2/3 innings. To go with that, however, he has 15 free passes that he has issued so far.

On the other hand, Medina has kept the ball on the ground, with almost twice as many ground ball outs as fly outs or line outs and only one home run allowed. This may not last if Medina faces higher level competition, but a pitcher with that much natural talent and an ability to keep the ball on the ground is worth keeping an eye on.

The post Yankees minors update: under-the-radar prospects appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

The trade deadline frenzy has already shuffled the Yankees minor league ranks so far and may do so further before 4 p.m., but the Yankees have avoided selling off all of their top prospects so far. Of the generally regarded top 10 Yankees minor league prospects, only one, Blake Rutherford, has been traded away.

The Yankees have moved prospects ranked in the team’s 10-30 range, however, including Ian Clarkin, Zack Littell, and Dietrich Enns. All three had shown some promise, but were deemed moveable due to the Yankees’ abundance of pitching prospects and their Rule 5 draft status (both Clarkin and Littell could have been selected away from the Yankees this winter for virtually nothing.)

There has been plenty of Yankees minor league news. The Yankees added one minor leaguer in their trades, first baseman Ryan McBroom. McBroom has 15 home runs this season, but with a .250 average at age 25, his long-term upside as a prospect is relatively limited.

The Staten Island Yankees threw a no-hitter! Four pitchers, Jhony Brito, Alex Bisacca, Juan de Paula, Justin Kamplain, combined for the effort. None of the pitchers threw more than 4 1/3 innings, and despite five walks, the pitchers struck out 12 batters to complete the no-no.

Up in Triple-A with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, there are a pair of hitting streaks worth noting. Miguel Andujar is riding a 15-game hitting streak with the RailRiders and is hitting .400 with five home runs over that span. His teammate, outfielder Jake Cave, has a streak of his own, accumulating hits in 15 straight games, batting .459 (28-61), also with five home runs during his streak.

This week’s profiles include a mixed bag of Yankees minor league farmhands. This week, we shed some light on an outfielder helped by a change of scenery, two fireman relievers who have stepped up for their respective squads, and a pitcher who hurled a gem on Friday. Here’s more:

Jhalan Jackson– OF- Trenton (AA)– A 7^th round pick by the Yankees in 2015, Jackson has warmed up nicely to his promotion to Trenton. In 15 games for the Thunder, he has hit .386 with a very favorable 12:9 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Jackson had scuffled in 59 games for High-A Tampa earlier this season, batting just .228 with a .311 on-base percentage.

Although it has been a small sample size, Jackson’s hitting has improved enough to post an OPS in Trenton that is over 200 points higher than his number in Tampa. And that’s despite having only three extra-base hits since he moved up. At 24, Jackson was a little old for A-ball, but the Yankees must have seen something in his development as a hitter to warrant the promotion.

Jackson is proving the Yankees made a smart decision to promote him, but he still has some work to do. He has the power to hit for around 20 home runs over a full season, but needs to work on his discipline and cut down on strikeouts to move forward. With a little bit more work, he could profile as a potential fourth outfielder.

Cody Carroll– RHP- Trenton (AA)– Carroll has totaled 68 strikeouts in 52 1/3 innings this season, also posting a 2.24 ERA and 1.07 WHIP between Tampa and Trenton. The 24-year-old right-hander has performed consistently across both levels, posting similar ERAs and strikeout rates in similar sample sizes.

Carroll’s walk rate has risen since his promotion to Trenton, which raises some concern, but he has the stuff to work as a late-inning reliever. A converted starter, Carroll had thrown in the low-90s when he started in college, but he now consistently sits between 96 and 98 miles per hour with his fastball. He has also been known to top 100 mph on occasion.

He balances the fastball with a big breaking ball that sits in the high-80s and has significant break. Carroll’s biggest issue has been his control, but if he can refine it and throw more strikes, he has a lot of upside as a reliever. It would not be unreasonable to expect him to work out of the big league bullpen late next season.

Jose Mesa Jr.- RHP- Tampa (A-Advanced)– Mesa is a veteran of the Yankees minor league system, as the Yankees selected him out of high school in the 2012 draft. The 23-year-old has spent most of the season in Tampa, striking out 67 batters in 54 2/3 total innings this season.

The son of the longtime big league reliever Jose Mesa, the right-hander works well with all four of his pitches, a low-to-mid 90’s fastball, a curve, a slider, and a changeup. He lost some time last season to arm injury and has done well this season. It would not be surprising to see him get more time in Trenton in August and September, with a chance to make the majors sometime next season.

Brian Keller– RHP- Tampa (A-Advanced)– Unlike Carroll and Mesa, Keller is being developed as a starter, a role in which he has excelled this season. Keller displayed his talents Friday, when he threw a complete game two-hit shutout for Tampa, striking out nine hitters while walking just one.

Between Charleston and Tampa, Keller, the Yankees’ 39^th round pick in last season’s draft, has struck out more than a batter per inning and pitched to a 3.21 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP in 115 total innings. The 23-year-old’s advanced metrics, his FIP and xFIP, which indicate expected performance, are even better, suggesting his ERA should be even lower. Keller strikes out a lot of batters and induces a lot of ground balls, an excellent combination in a pitcher.

As a college prospect, he could move quite quickly through the Yankees system next year and beyond. Although he’s currently an unranked, under-the-radar prospect, it would not be a shock if he starts pitching his way onto top 30 prospect lists by next season.

The post Yankees minor league update: July 31 appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

As the Yankees consider which prospects they want to move for major league assets near the trade deadline, they will presumably consider prospects’ eligibility for the Rule 5 draft this winter. If another team selects a prospect in the Rule 5 draft, the Yankees risk losing them for virtually nothing. That means that the Yankees are likely to try to include prospects who are Rule 5 eligible in their trade offers in the days ahead. But how exactly would the Yankees be at risk? How can they protect their guys? And who would they risk losing?

To be clear, the Rule 5 draft rules are as follows: All players selected to a major league club’s 40-man roster are exempt from selection. Of all players not on the 40 man roster, those who signed before they turned 18 and have played five minor league seasons are eligible. So are players who signed after turning 18 who have played four minor league seasons. As a note, if a player loses a season to injury, it does not add a year to their clock.

In order to protect a player from the Rule 5, a team like the Yankees would need to roster that player on the 40-man. But because of the Yankees’ wealth of young prospects, they have virtually no choice but to move some of these prospects. The Yankees already started to take care of this problem with Tuesday’s trade with the White Sox. While Blake Rutherford was only in his second professional season, the two other prospects in the deal, pitcher Ian Clarkin and outfielder Tito Polo, were both eligible for Rule 5 selection this winter.

So who else is left? There’s a hodgepodge of several dozen prospects who would be eligible. The bulk of them could be classified as “organizational depth,” guys who did not really progress through the system and older players who still have not made the majors. Some other players, like former top outfield prospect Jake Cave and pitching prospect Chaz Hebert, have been in the system long enough that they can declare minor league free agency. Between that and their veteran status, they may not be able to be moved for very much. Several of the higher profile names, like Clint Frazier, Tyler Wade, Dustin Fowler, and Jordan Montgomery, have all earned the call to the major leagues and are thus on the 40-man roster and protected from selection.

That leaves us with a handful of higher-ranked prospects who are at some risk of being poached by another team but who may not be protected. These guys are solid candidates to be floated in trade offers to rebuilding teams who have more room on their 40-man roster. Here are 10 guys of note. They have been ranked in terms of presumed value to the Yankees organization (i.e. if none of these guys are traded, this is a guess at how likely it is the Yankees would protect them).

1: Domingo Acevedo– Generally regarded as a prospect in or near the team’s top 10. Throws really high heat (consistently high 90s, has hit 103 mph) as a starter. 6’7” 250 pound righty — looks like Pineda or Betances. Changeup above average, as is control. Has issues with durability and mechanics. Unclear if he can cut it as a starter, but has the right stuff for the late innings.

2: Albert Abreu– Acquired from the Astros in McCann deal. Borderline top-10 team prospect. Has a 100 mph fastball and strikes out a lot of guys but inconsistent control and secondary pitches. Currently on DL for over a month with undisclosed injury.

3: Zack Littell– Another righty, came from Seattle last winter. Curveball is his best pitch and his fastball sits in the low 90s. Knows how to mix his pitches. Has good control. 14-1 with a 1.94 ERA and nearly a strikeout an inning between Tampa and Trenton this year.

4: Billy McKinney– At least a 4th outfielder, maybe more if his power holds up (10 HRs this season, including four in his last 15 games). Lefty hitter who slumped in 2016 & in April this year but has found approach this summer. Prime trade candidate.

5: Thairo Estrada– Known primarily for his glove. Plays second, short, and occasionally third. Good contact, hitting .315 in Trenton this year, plus good discipline. Little power and not much base stealing, although he is speedy. Blocked by Gregorius, Castro, Torres, Wade, Mateo, Andujar. Another candidate to be traded.

6: JP Feyereisen– 24-year-old hard-throwing reliever. Sits in the mid-90s with fastball but has thrown 100 mph before. Still needs to work on slider as consistent second offering. Could be a solid big league middle reliever. Might even be up in September if not dealt.

7: Nestor Cortes– 5’11” lefty “finesse” pitcher. Four pitches but none stands out. Has been productive as both starter and reliever (career 2.17 ERA in 286 minor league innings). Yankees might take their chances and hope his lack of a big tool helps him avoid selection.

8: Abiatal Avelino– Homerless with Trenton and hitting .267 there this year. Had a rough stint in AAA but still only 22. Like Estrada, blocked by middle infield depth, but could be a future trade asset. Yankees may seek to include him in a deal.

9: Daniel Camarena– 24-year-old lefty, a bit undersized for a pitcher at 6’0”, 210 pounds. 3.51 ERA in 13 starts between Trenton and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Good command and location but less-than-elite velocity. Could provide bullpen help even this season.

10: Rashad Crawford– 23-year-old center fielder hitting just .229 with a .300 OBP for Trenton this season, but showed promise hitting .291 for Tampa last year after being acquired from Cubs. Good speed- has 12 stolen bases. Might be taken in Rule 5 for another team to use as pinch runner.

The post Ten Yankees Rule 5 candidates appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

The All-Star Break has come and gone for the Yankees, and to prepare for the second half, they made a few moves that affected their Minor League system. Pitchers Domingo German, Bryan Mitchell, and Caleb Smith earned call-ups. Smith will be appearing with the Yankees for the first time and will become the 12^th Yankee to make his Major League debut this season. You can read more about Smith here, in his profile from an earlier Yankees minor league update.

In addition, the Yankees traded left-handed pitcher Tyler Webb to the Brewers, acquiring first baseman Garrett Cooper in return. Cooper had been playing in AAA for the Brewers, but the Yankees called him up to the Majors. For more details on the kind of player Cooper is, keep reading, as his profile is further down in this article.

Lower in the Yankees’ Minor League system, several other players had noteworthy weeks. In AA, outfielder Zack Zehner earned the Eastern League All-Star Game MVP award as one of three Yankees’ farmhands to play in the Eastern League All-Star game. The young outfielder went 2-2 in the All-Star Game and chipped in 2 RBI. Again, if you’d like to find out more about him, you can find an earlier profile on him here. Credit to pitcher Yefry Ramirez and infielder Thairo Estrada, who also made the All-Star roster.

Fellow Thunder prospect Jorge Mateo has had a stellar stretch for Trenton, reaching base in his first 17 games in AA. Mateo has hit .375 with a .474 on-base percentage since his promotion, adding three home runs and 17 RBI. The speedy shortstop also has seven stolen bases over that span, but has done it relatively inefficiently, as he has been caught five times.

Blake Rutherford has also been on a tear down in A-ball with Charleston, riding an 11-game hitting streak. The 2016 1^st-round pick also added a game-winning home run and has hit .380 during the streak.

Over the last few weeks, this Yankees’ Minor League update has dedicated space to highlighting players from a given position or group of positions who have flown under the radar. We’ve profiled some hard-throwing arms and some outfielders stuck in the high minors due to a positional logjam. This week, however, we turn our attention to a shallower position in the Yankees’ system: corner infielders.

While there are a handful of top-tier Major League-ready prospects at the corner infield spots, namely Miguel Andujar and Greg Bird, most other prospects have something missing. Some, like Tyler Austin and Bird, have dealt with injuries. Others, like Ji-Man Choi and Rob Refsnyder, are a little old and may face uphill paths to Big League regular status. Others still play at other positions, as infield prospects like Tyler Wade, Thairo Estrada, and even Gleyber Torres may be forced out of the middle infield due to the Yankees’ depth at those positions. Coincidentally, the corner positions have also been the least productive positions for the Yankees’ Major League club. With that in mind, we’ll take a closer look at four prospects at varying levels, including one of the newest Yankees.

Garrett Cooper- 1B- New York (MLB)– Cooper had earned an appearance in the AAA All-Star Game before being traded to the Yankees, as he had torn up the Pacific Coast League to the tune of a .366 batting average and a 1.080 OPS along with 17 home runs and 82 RBI. His eye-popping statistics must be taken with a grain of salt, however, as he played in the high-altitude hitter’s haven of Colorado Springs. Nevertheless, the Brewers thought of him pretty highly and admitted they only traded Cooper because of their own depth at first base. In a comment to MLB.com, Brewers GM David Stearns said, “[Cooper] did a tremendous job this year of vaulting himself into prospect status. Unfortunately for him, we had a situation here where first base is pretty well covered.” At 26 years old, Cooper is a little old to be a “prospect” per se, but he has consistently hit for a high average since being selected in the 2013 draft. Cooper’s main flaw had been his lack of power, and while hitting in Colorado Springs helped significantly, it may also be masking genuine improvement. If Cooper can hit for power while maintaining his high average, he could become an asset for the Yankees.

Chris Gittens- 1B- Tampa (A-Advanced)– Gittens has been on the disabled list for approximately a month, but was batting .292 with seven home runs and 28 RBI in 47 games for Tampa before the injury. He has consistently reached base at all stops, with a .387 on-base percentage this season closely matching his career .381 OBP as a professional. Gittens is thought of pretty highly in the Yankees system, as Gary Denbo, the team’s VP of player development, has singled out the big first baseman for praise on several occasions. At 6’4” and 250 pounds, Gittens has plenty of natural power, and has hit a home run just about every 20 at bats in his minor league career. The 23-year-old has plenty of time to develop and already has major league power. If he can refine his ability to make contact and continue to reach base, he could move quickly once he’s healthy.

Gosuke Katoh- IF- Tampa (A-Advanced)– Katoh has played all four infield positions this season with Tampa, and has also held his own at the plate, batting .261 with five home runs and 24 RBI in 161 at-bats. The 22-year-old has been in the Yankees organization for a while, as the team selected him in the second round of the 2013 draft. Katoh has still progressed naturally, improving his hitting approach and cutting down on strikeouts. Katoh has six stolen bases this season, but has topped double digits before, stealing 20 in 2014 and 17 in 2015. He has played all over the diamond, but has played the most at third base, where he has just one error in 26 games. He has some work to do to make it to the major league level, but still has a few more years to figure it all out.

Brandon Wagner- 1B- Charleston (A)– Wagner, a 6^th rounder in the 2015 draft, is still just 21 years old and has been slashing through South Atlantic League pitching. In the month of July, Wagner is batting .400 with four home runs and 16 RBI. On the year, he’s batting .299 with a .389 on-base percentage. He has only six home runs in 2017, but with four of those coming this month, it may be a sign that Wagner is beginning to tap into his raw power. He has 85 strikeouts in 257 at-bats, which may be an issue once he cools off. He could work his way through the system as a “three true outcomes” hitter, but he has the talent to become a potentially dangerous hitter if he can put more balls in play.

The post Yankees minors update – corner infield help appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

The future had a chance to shine Sunday, as two Yankees prospects represented the organization in the 2017 Futures Game. Outfielder Estevan Florial, currently at low-A Charleston, had two plate appearances for the World team, striking out once and walking in his second appearance. Pitcher Domingo Acevedo, joining the World team from the AA Trenton Thunder, had a bit of a rough go of it in the spotlight, allowing three runs and four hits in his one inning of work.

Matt Holliday is currently rehabbing in AAA with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In two games he has gone 3-8 with an RBI. He should be ready to return to the Yankees after the All-Star Break.

Ji-Man Choi had the chance to return to “The Show” this week, arriving in style with home runs in each of his first two games as a Yankee. The 26-year-old Korean first baseman hit .289 with eight home runs and 43 RBI in 56 games in AAA this season.

This week, for our player profiles segment, we’ll be focusing in on four outfield prospects who have been refining their game in the farm system. With the arrival of Aaron Judge and high-level prospects like Clint Frazier, Blake Rutherford, and Dustin Fowler waiting in the wings, the Yankees have impressive minor league depth in the outfield. While all four of the prospects to be profiled are on different trajectories and some have more upside than others, each has been making it work thus far in the higher levels of the minors. Depending on what happens, at least one of the four names below could be in the Bronx this year.

Jake Cave- OF- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)– The 24-year-old Cave, pictured above, was once a top prospect in the Yankees organization, but some struggles in the high minors paired with the deepening of the system has pushed Cave to the back burner. Cave had a career night Saturday, however, posting his first two-homer game and adding a career-high five RBI. The longtime prospect is hitting .326 in 23 games since his call-up to AAA and is riding a six-game hitting streak. Cave has made one significant change to his game, as his power, which once allowed him to reach the gap but not clear the fence, has a career-high 12 home runs in just 54 games this season. He has lost some speed on the base paths, declining from 17 stolen bases two years ago to just two this season. Nevertheless, Cave’s newfound power, paired with his ability to get on base (he has a .341 on-base percentage on the year), could be his path to some major league playing time later this season.

Billy McKinney- OF- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)- Like Cave, McKinney is another top prospect who has turned it around lately. After posting a .505 OPS for Trenton in April, he boosted that number to .778 in May and .971 in June before earning a call-up to AAA. In 10 games with the RailRiders, he has posted a staggering 1.228 OPS to go with four home runs. McKinney was a top center field prospect in both the Athletics and Cubs organizations, earning high marks from scouts when he played in the lower levels of the minors. He scuffled, however, in 2016, hitting .246 with just four home runs, and has since moved to the corners. McKinney seems to have warmed up with the weather and may be peaking at just the right time. With all of the top outfield prospects already in the Yankees system, McKinney may be a prime candidate to be moved in a trade to help the major league squad.

Zack Zehner- OF- Trenton (AA)– Zehner, an 18^th-rounder in the 2015 draft, has been a fast mover in the Yankees system. Assigned to Trenton out of camp, Zehner has been a consistently good hitter for the Thunder, batting .281 with a .387 on-base percentage. He has just five home runs but his power allows him to accumulate extra base hits, as he has 23 total so far this season. Two of Zehner’s home runs, however, have come in his last six games, so he may just be tapping into his power potential. At 6’4” and 215 pounds, he has the size and strength to become a more productive power hitter. It also has led to him consistently playing in both corner outfield spots. Where Zehner shines most, however, is in his ability to get on base. He has 45 walks this season, which has helped him post an on-base percentage significantly higher than his batting average at every level as a professional. His standard stats may not stand out, but his ability to reach base makes him a more valuable prospect in the modern age.

Tito Polo- OF- Trenton (AA)– The 22-year-old Polo has been on fire since his call-up to Trenton, hitting .500 with a home run, 14 RBI, and five stolen bases in eight games. Before his call-up, Polo hit .283 with Tampa, including four home runs. The young Colombian came over near the end of last season from the Pirates organization and showed some power with them as well, belting 16 home runs last season to go with 37 stolen bases. At the plate, he does not draw too many walks, as his career rate is under 10 percent, but he has also kept his strikeouts in check, whiffing in around 20 percent of his plate appearances. Defensively, Polo is a prospect who may have the speed and range to stick in center field, as evidenced also by his 24 stolen bases in 30 attempts between Tampa and Trenton. Given that he just earned the promotion to Trenton, it may be at least a year before we see him get a shot at the majors, but he is an under-the-radar prospect worth keeping an eye on.

The post Yankees minors update: outstanding outfielders appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

The Yankees signed five free agents on the opening day of the international prospect signing period, including three players ranked in MLB’s Top 30 international prospects. The Yankees had been stifled for the last two years due to exceeding their total allocated signing pool in 2014, but definitely pounced on the international free agent market now that their constraints on signing players have been lifted.

Arguably the headliner of the Yankees’ class so far is Everson Pereira, a 16-year-old Venezuelan outfielder ranked number four on both Baseball America’s and MLB’s lists. The Yankees signed Pereira to a $1.5 million deal, according to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com. Pereira is a well-rounded prospect who can run fast and play good defense, making it likely he sticks in center field as a professional. He also has received praise for his bat speed, which could allow him to hit for average.

Another official signee is fellow Venezuelan 16-year-old Roberto Chirinos. Like Pereira, Chirinos’ strongest tools are his speed and defensive skill. On the other hand, Chirinos does not have a set position. He moved to shortstop from the outfield, but scouts think he has the arm, hands, and instincts to move to catcher eventually. The Yankees had been favored to sign Chirinos, who ranked 16th on MLB’s list and 20th on Baseball America’s, and officially inked him for $900,000, but it remains unclear which position the Yankees will assign him.

The Yankees reportedly have three other deals officially in place, having signed three Dominican prospects: outfielders Anthony Garcia and Stanley Rosario, and shortstop Miguel Marte. All three signed for deals under $500,000.

The club has not confirmed its signings yet, but there are also several players who industry insiders expect the Yankees to sign. Sanchez’s article notes that the Yankees are also expected to sign Dominican shortstop Ronny Rojas, the 11th-ranked free agent on MLB’s list, but cannot do so until he turns 16 in September. Rojas is a switch hitter, one who has drawn high praise for his hitting approach and his ability to hit for gap power from both sides. With a few years of development and physical maturity, it remains possible that he hits for significant power. The Yankees are also expected to sign another top-30 prospect, Venezuelan shortstop Osleivis Basabe, who has drawn favorable reviews for his speed and his potential power.

The Yankees have a total of $4.75 million they can spend in the international signing period, and have already committed approximately $3.4 million of that to their five current signees.

The post Yankees sign five international free agents appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

It’s been a big week for top prospects in the Yankees minor league system, as four top prospects received their first taste of “The Show.” Shortstop prospect Tyler Wade received the call before Tuesday’s game. Third baseman Miguel Andujar earned two call-ups this week; he played one game Thursday, and was both recalled and sent down before playing another game. Outfielder Dustin Fowler joined the Yankees for Friday’s game, but tragically suffered a knee injury in the field before he could complete his first at-bat, eliciting a comparison to former Giants outfielder and “Field of Dreams” character Moonlight Graham. As Fowler is expected to miss the remainder of the season, that opened up an opportunity for outfielder Clint Frazier, one of the Yankees’ most exciting prospects. The future has come much quicker than expected to the Bronx.

Fortunately for the Yankees, however, more reinforcements are coming in the years ahead. Two Yankees prospects, pitcher Domingo Acevedo and outfielder Estevan Florial, both coincidentally profiled in last week’s Yankees minor league update, were named to the Team World roster of the MLB Futures Game, which will be played Sunday in Miami. Acevedo, who can regularly touch 100 miles per hour with his fastball, is just one of many exciting, hard-throwing arms in the Yankees minor league system. Here are three other fireballers you should keep an eye on down the road:

Dillon Tate- RHP- Tampa (A-Advanced)- Tate started his season just two weeks ago after spending the first half of the season in extended spring training, but has not shown any sort of rust, allowing just three runs and fanning 21 batters in just 18 1/3 innings. The Yankees have exercised some patience with Tate, a 2015 1st-round pick of the Rangers acquired in last summer’s trade for Carlos Beltran, but the 23-year-old is increasingly proving that the Yankees took a worthwhile gamble on him. There was reason to doubt Tate after he struggled in low-A last year, pitching to a 5.12 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP before the Yankees acquired him. Nevertheless, the wiry 6’2″ right-hander has been cruising through his first taste of High-A. He still flashes a lot of the same potential that warranted selecting him with the 4th overall pick, as his fastball can jump into the high-90s at times and he mixes in a sharp slider and an occasional changeup. Considering that his control is also improving, as he walked just three batters, it remains possible that Tate could jump to Trenton before the end of the summer.

Freicer Perez- RHP- Charleston (A)– The 21-year-old Perez signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2014 for just $10,000, but is turning out to be a “diamond in the rough” for the Yankees. A tall, lanky 6’8″ righty, Perez lights up the radar gun, with his fastball clocking in as high as 99 miles per hour. He has had his share of control issues, including last year with Staten Island when he issued 25 free passes in 52 1/3 innings. This season, however, Perez has curbed the issue somewhat, with just 23 walks in 64 1/3 innings for the RiverDogs. In that same span, he has struck out 56 batters and pitched to a 3.22 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. In his most recent start Tuesday, he went six innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out seven. In an encouraging sign for his control issue, Perez did not issue a single walk. Perez may move a little more slowly than an older, more proven prospect like Tate, but as a pitcher who can approach 100 miles per hour with a fastball and who is not incredibly wild, he may have possible upside as a reliever if he cannot hold his own in the rotation.

Jorge Guzman-RHP- Staten Island (Short-Season A)– Guzman has perhaps the most electric fastball in the entire Yankees minor league system. His slower fastballs clock in at 97 miles per hour and he can touch 103 on the radar gun. Control has been an issue for the flamethrowing Guzman since he turned professional, but the righty, acquired in last November’s trade with the Astros for Brian McCann, has shown signs of turning a corner since joining the Yankees organization. In a start last Monday, Guzman threw six shutout innings, allowing just two hits and punching out seven hitters. He allowed two walks, but has been pretty dominant in the New York-Penn League so far, pitching to a 2.45 ERA, a 0.82 WHIP, and striking out a batter per inning. Barry Bloom at MLB.com wrote a substantial piece about Guzman and the Baby Bombers, which would be recommended reading for anyone interested in even more info on the 21-year-old Dominican. The piece included details from team manager Julio Mosquera, who noted that Guzman is using his breaking ball more often and gaining confidence in his off-speed offerings. If he can keep executing on the mound and shows the ability to mix in off-speed pitches with his high heat, he should be able to move quickly through the Yankees’ system.

(Photo via Bill Mitchell/Baseball America)

The post Yankees minor league update: flamethrowing arms appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

As the minor league system approaches its halfway point, there’s still plenty of good news coming out of the Yankees’ farm. Tyler Austin earned his way to the major leagues Saturday, taking the spot of Chris Carter, who was designated for assignment. The Yankees also officially signed their first two 2017 draft picks, Clarke Schmidt and Matt Sauer, Saturday and now have more than half of their draft picks under contract.

Jacoby Ellsbury picked up his rehab with AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Saturday night. In two games with the RailRiders so far, he has gone 3-8 with two extra-base hits, one run scored, and a stolen base. He will head to Chicago Monday to rejoin the big league club.

Plenty of prospects had impressive weeks this week. Before we profile a handful of them, let’s take a look at some of the other dominant performances. Shortstop Jorge Mateo homered Saturday and stole three bases Sunday for High-A Tampa, and has now gone three games without striking out. For a prospect whose biggest weakness has been his penchant for whiffing, this is an encouraging sign for his development.

Third-base prospect Miguel Andujar has a hit in 30 of his last 33 contests, including hits in five out of six games since his call-up to AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 22-year-old is batting .364 in his first six AAA games. He had been hitting .312 with seven home runs and 52 RBI at AA Trenton before his promotion, but drew only 12 walks in 253 at-bats with the Thunder. The Yankees presumably would like to see Andujar handle AAA pitching before considering him as a potential replacement for incumbent big-league third baseman Chase Headley.

Chance Adams was on it for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Saturday, pitching six shutout innings, allowing just one hit and two walks while striking out eight. In eight starts and 46 2/3 innings at AAA, Adams has a 2.12 ERA, a 0.88 WHIP, 52 strikeouts and 17 walks. Adams continues to prove his ability to handle higher levels of competition. Given the Yankees major league rotation struggles, it would not be surprising to see Adams called up very soon.

Finally, before we jump into our prospect profiles, shoutout to Eric Wagaman, who kicked off his professional baseball career in style. The first baseman, picked in the 13th round of this year’s draft from Orange Coast Community College in California, homered twice and drove in six runs in his pro debut Thursday.

Now, here are four prospects worth checking in on:

Caleb Smith- LHP- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)– Yankees’ fans may be clamoring for Chance Adams’ call-up, but Smith may be the most dominant pitcher currently on the RailRiders’ staff. The 25-year-old is riding a 13-inning scoreless streak, including six shutout innings in a start on Friday. Smith also struck out six and walked nobody in the performance, and has a 1.72 ERA in his last ten starts. Smith had been selected by the Brewers and promptly traded to the Cubs in last winter’s Rule 5 Draft, but the Cubs returned him to the Yankees at the end of spring training. Smith relies on pairing his fastball, which sits in the low-90s, with a solid, borderline above average changeup. It’s hard to know what the Yankees will do with their assorted arms, but Smith could see time as a reliever or spot starter in September or perhaps earlier.

Domingo Acevedo- RHP- Trenton (AA)– The big flame throwing righty has done well since his promotion to Trenton, allowing just six runs in 33 1/3 innings over five starts while striking out 31 batters in AA. On Wednesday, Acevedo pitched a spot start for AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, but allowed five runs and nine hits in five innings. The Yankees sent the 23-year-old back to Trenton after the start, but they are still in no rush with one of their hardest-throwing prospects. Acevedo’s stuff lends itself to strikeouts, as his fastball regularly touches 100 miles per hour. He has good control over his changeup, which comes in around 85 mph and contrasts starkly with his fastball. Acevedo also mixes in an inconsistent slider, but nevertheless finds the strike zone with all of his pitches (he has just 20 walks compared to 91 strikeouts in 87 total innings this season.) Acevedo probably will not be in the bigs this season, but he has very high upside as either a starter or a reliever. In terms of size, delivery, and velocity, Dellin Betances would be a good natural comparison.

Nick Solak- 2B- Tampa (A-Advanced)– Solak has torn up the Florida State League this past week. In his last six games, the 2016 second-round pick has hit .545 with a home run, seven RBI, and four stolen bases. Overall this season, Solak is batting .309 with a stellar .411 on-base percentage, four home runs, 25 RBI, and eight stolen bases. Coming out of college, Solak had been praised by scouts for his ability to hit for contact, but has become a more well-rounded player since turning professional. His fielding has been a positive, as he has just six errors in 63 games in the field. He may not be much more than a utility infielder if he makes it to the major leagues, but if he keeps hitting like this, the Yankees will have no choice but to keep moving him up through the system.

Estevan Florial- OF- Charleston (A)– Florial is just 19 years old, but he has handled A-ball well this season, hitting .310 in 65 games this season. The young Haitian outfielder has hits in 10 of his last 11 games, including home runs in back-to-back games this weekend. Over that 11-game span, Florial has three home runs, 10 RBI, four stolen bases, and a batting average of .447. This season, he has already reached double digits in home runs and stolen bases, with 10 home runs and 13 stolen bases. Florial signed with the Yankees two years ago as an athletic, “tools-y” talent with a very aggressive approach to the game. He still has not fully refined that aggression, as he still strikes out in over 30% of his plate appearances, but he has been able to sustain an impressive three-month stretch. He is still coming off a season when he batted just .227 in rookie ball, but at 19, he has plenty of time to harness his tools and refine his game.

The post Yankees minor league update- June 26th appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

There’s been plenty of news out of the Yankees minor league system this past week, especially now that the MLB Draft has concluded. For details on who the Yankees drafted, we have more coverage on their first ten picks here and here. Several of those prospects, including second-rounder Matt Sauer and third-rounder Trevor Stephan, have announced their intention to sign with the Yankees.

Three different Yankees, catcher Kyle Higashioka, outfielder Mason Williams, and right-handed pitcher Ronald Herrera, all earned call-ups to the big leagues this week. Higashioka, called up Friday, has shuttled between Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and the big club this season, as he played nine major league games in April. Williams, also called up Friday, has been in AAA all season after making occasional big league appearances in the last two seasons, and has 12 stolen bases and a .243 batting average in the minors this year. Herrera, on the other hand, came up Wednesday after spending most of his career at the AA level or lower. The 22-year-old has only five innings at AAA, so the call-up to “the show” will likely be the biggest challenge of Herrera’s young career.

In more unfortunate news, the club’s top prospect, infielder Gleyber Torres, was placed on the disabled list at AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after suffering a hyperextended elbow. Torres reportedly injured his hand after trying to slide into home plate, and will be evaluated further on Monday.

#Yankees note: Scranton mega prospect Gleyber Torres down after getting thrown out at home by #Bisons. Jammed left hand/wrist/shoulder.

— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) June 17, 2017

Additionally, fellow prospect Greg Bird, who had been rehabilitating from a torn labrum, had his rehab assignment halted after he fouled a pitch off his shin. Bird had hit .237 in 12 rehab games in AAA, but still drew 12 walks compared to just four strikeouts. There is no present timetable for his return.

In this week’s profiles, we take a look at three prospects spread out across three different levels. We have one hot hitter who may be knocking on the door for a call-up, one pitcher putting it all together, and one of the newest members of the Yankees organization, who just came over in a trade.

Tyler Wade– SS- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)– Wade has been absolutely on fire as of late, currently riding an 18-game hitting streak. During that streak, Wade has been hitting .419 with two home runs, 8 RBI, and 18 runs scored. The streak has boosted Wade’s season numbers considerably, with his batting average jumping up 37 points and his on-base percentage jumping up 29 points to .324 and .384, respectively. Overall this season, the 22-year-old has flourished in AAA, adding five home runs, 24 RBI, and 19 steals in 23 attempts to his impressive batting average and OBP numbers. His walk rate has dropped a few percentage points from last year, but his strikeout rate is lower than his career average. If Wade can keep up this hitting pace, he may warrant a call-up from the Yankees this summer, especially if fellow infield prospect Gleyber Torres remains on the shelf.

Justus Sheffield– LHP- Trenton (AA)– We tend to avoid featuring the same players too often in our Yankees minor league updates, and although we provided an update on Sheffield a few weeks ago, his performance was too good to ignore this week. The left-hander started twice this week, striking out eight and allowing five hits, one run, and two walks in six innings Tuesday, and then pitching seven shutout innings and allowing just three hits Sunday. Sheffield has had control issues in the past, but allowed just three walks in his last two starts, and has walked just under three batters per nine innings this season. Sheffield shares the Eastern League lead in strikeouts, punching out 64 batters this season while posting a 2.99 ERA. At 21, the Yankees have no need to rush Sheffield, but if he continues to refine his command, we may see Sheffield reach the Bronx by the end of next season.

Matt Frawley– RHP- Charleston (A)– Frawley came over in a trade from the Pirates earlier this week and was assigned to low-A Charleston. In four innings since the trade, Frawley has allowed one hit and struck out eight batters. The 21-year-old right-hander was drafted by the Pirates out of Purdue in the 17th round of last year’s draft and has done well in his first full professional season. Frawley has pitched 37 1/3 innings overall this season and has struck out 40 batters while posting a 1.45 ERA and a 0.70 WHIP. Scouting reports suggest he can touch 94 mph with his fastball and has a solid, if not overpowering curveball. With a 40:4 strikeout-to-walk ratio, it seems as though Frawley has been using his stuff effectively. The odds are never great for draft picks from double-digit rounds pitching relief in A-ball, but if Frawley keeps doing what he has been doing, anything could be possible.

The post Yankees minor league update: June 19th appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

On the second day of the draft, the Yankees started out by continuing their emphasis on pitching, by selecting seven college hurlers and just one position player. All in all, nine of the Yankees’ first ten picks have been pitchers, with eight of them being righties and one lefty, along with one outfielder. Here are brief summaries of all eight selections the Yankees made on day two of the MLB Draft.

Round 3: Trevor Stephan- RHP- University of Arkansas- Junior– Stephan’s fastball sits between 90 and 95 miles per hour and reached as high as 97 mph last fall. He’s improved his command in recent years and had a 2.97 ERA with 120 strikeouts in 91 innings. He has a crossfire delivery that can deceive hitters and also mixes in an average slider and other below-average off-speed pitches. Despite having a starter’s body at 6’4” and 210 pounds, he profiles as an eventual reliever because of his delivery.

Round 4: Canaan Smith- OF- Rockwall-Heath HS (TX)- HS Senior– Smith offers upside as a hitter, as scouts have praised his terrific bat speed and good plate discipline, but there’s not much out there publicly on him. The high school senior was frequently pitched around in his senior year, which has made scouts raise questions about just how much power he may have. He seems to have a lot of natural raw power, but it remains to be seen if it will translate to games at the professional level. Smith played at catcher and first base in high school, but was drafted as an outfielder.

Round 5: Glenn Otto- RHP- Rice University- Junior– Otto pitched out of the bullpen at Rice, but could profile as a starter in the pros. At 6’4” and 225 and with two good pitches, he has the frame and arm to handle starting. His fastball sat between 92 and 95 miles per hour in the bullpen, although he has had issues with control. MLB.com ranked him as the 95^th overall prospect in this year’s class. There are injury concerns with Otto, as he missed last fall with what was described as a “tired arm,” so he may not pitch too much this season.

Round 6: Dalton Lehnen- LHP- Augustana University (SD)– Junior– The 21-year-old southpaw stands out as the only lefty the Yankees picked so far in the draft. This year at Augustana, Lehnen pitched 52 innings, striking out 61 batters and posting a 2.60 ERA. His fastball sits in the low 90s and topped out at 96 miles per hour. Baseball America ranked him as the 153^rd best prospect in the draft. Due to a lack of strong secondary offerings and some control issues, he probably profiles as a bullpen pitcher.

Round 7: Dalton Higgins- RHP- Dallas Baptist- Junior– There is not too much out there on Higgins, but the Yankees may be hoping that they can repeat the success they had with Chance Adams who, like Higgins, was a reliever for Dallas Baptist. Higgins struck out 40 batters in 40 innings, but also dealt with control issues, as he walked 17 batters and posted a 1.38 WHIP. Higgins relies on a good fastball and a slider that can occasionally look average. He may not have as much success in the rotation as Adams has, but stranger things have happened.

Round 8: Kyle Zurak- RHP- Radford University- Senior– Zurak had been ranked as the 22^nd best prospect in Virginia owing to his success at Radford. In four years pitching for the Highlanders, Zurak has continuously brought his walk rate down every year and showed signs of significant improvement. He pitched in 25 games and started four of them, and struck out nearly 11 batters per nine innings in his senior season. Although Zurak pitched in the bullpen, he may have the upside to pitch in the rotation when he turns professional.

Round 9: Austin Gardner- RHP- University of Texas-Arlington- Senior– Gardner split time between the rotation and the bullpen at UT-Arlington, establishing a role as the team’s most dependable reliever this season. His fastball sits around 90 miles per hour and he profiles primarily as a reliever. He had a 2.42 ERA overall this season, but that number dipped to 2.11 out of the bullpen. Because of his success in relief, expect the Yankees to start Gardner as a reliever.

Round 10: Chad Whitmer- RHP- Southern Illinois University- Senior– Whitmer served as SIU’s staff ace and relied more on control than on overpowering hitters. He struck out 8.2 batters per nine innings and walked just 2.2 batters per nine innings in his senior season. The Yankees may seek to start Whitmer out of the bullpen because of his high-volume usage in his senior season, but he may be able to stretch out and become a starter down the road.

The Yankees system has plenty of depth at almost every position on the field, so this decision by the Yankees to focus on pitching makes a degree of sense. Even some of the Yankees’ top pitching prospects have long-term question marks. In part because of this, it is logical for the Yankees to speculate on several pitchers who could contribute either out of the rotation or the bullpen. The emphasis on college arms also gives the Yankees the chance to pick players who have been better vetted than their high-school counterparts, and who could make it through the Yankees’ minor league system faster.

In addition, by going after several seniors, the Yankees may be able to save money and negotiating efforts for some speculative late-round picks. They may have the flexibility to pay a large amount to talented high-school or underclassman prospects who seems heavily inclined to head to college or stay in school. It remains to be seen how the Yankees will proceed with their final thirty picks on day three of the MLB Draft.

The post Yankees draft update – day two appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

The Yankees used their two first picks, the 16^th and 54th overall selection, to draft two right-handed pitchers, Clarke Schmidt and Matt Sauer. Schmidt is a junior out of the University of South Carolina while Sauer is a high school senior from Righetti High School in California.

Many scouts had projected Schmidt as a late-first/early-second round pick, but he fell on many draft boards owing to his need for Tommy John surgery, which should sideline him for the remainder of 2017. In a pre-draft interview with MLB Daily Dish, Schmidt went into greater detail about his rehab from Tommy John. “Everything’s going great,” he said. “Surgery went great, the doctors were amazing and the staff was amazing. Everything’s gone smoothly so far so hopefully I can have a quick recovery and get back as quick as possible.”

Schmidt has a fastball that sits in the mid-90s and tops out at 96 miles per hour with some sink, along with a plus slider, a curveball that flashes plus potential, and an average changeup. At 6’1” and 200 pounds, he may not have the quintessential starter’s body and scouts have raised questions about his delivery, but he has the athleticism to handle starting.

The righty also improved significantly during his time at South Carolina, with his fastball starting at just under 90 miles per hour in his freshman year. Schmidt struck out 70 batters and walked 18 in 60 innings this season, where he pitched to a 1.34 ERA and a 0.98 WHIP. His father is a retired Marine colonel, which should put any questions about his make-up or work ethic to rest.

MLB.com ranked Schmidt as the 49th-best overall draft prospect, while Baseball America ranked him the 32nd-best overall, as well as the 11th-best right-handed pitcher.

Sauer, meanwhile, is an 18-year-old with a high ceiling. The right-hander stands 6’5″ and weighs 210 pounds, but should grow into his projectable frame. Sauer has made great strides in the past year, gaining several miles per hour on his fastball and currently topping out at 97 mph. He has a long delivery that helps him deploy a deceptive slider that sits around 87 mph and fools hitters. While that may help his fastball and slider combination, it raises concerns about durability, and he will likely need to develop a third pitch to remain a starter. His curveball and changeup are currently works in progress, but if he develops a feel for one of those pitches, he could end up as a number two or three starter. Despite the relatively high risk, Sauer’s combination of arm strength, projectability, and high upside makes him a worthwhile gamble.

Sauer has committed to the University of Arizona, but signability may be less of an issue because Sauer will be able to earn the high signing bonus allocated to first and second-round draft picks.

Both MLB.com and Baseball America ranked Sauer as the 28th overall draft prospect, with Baseball America also ranking him as the 10th best right-handed pitcher available.

The post Yankees draft update: day one appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

With this season’s MLB Draft coming up on Monday, this week we will be taking a look at the progress several former Yankees’ draft picks have made in the minor leagues. The Yankees struggled with maintaining homegrown draft talent for many years in the first decade of the new millennium, with only three first-round picks playing more than one season in pinstripes (Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and Joba Chamberlain.) Aaron Judge is the only current Yankee that the team drafted in the first round, but seven other Yankees on the active roster (Austin Romine, Rob Refsnyder, Brett Gardner, Jonathan Holder, Jordan Montgomery, Adam Warren, and Dellin Betances) were drafted by the team.

Several former first-rounders are still looking to follow Judge’s path to the Bronx. Blake Rutherford, the 2016 first-rounder profiled in the Yankees minor league update two weeks ago, has been performing well at Class-A Charleston. James Kaprielian is currently on the disabled list and has dealt with several arm problems since the Yankees drafted him with a 2015 first-round selection. Besides Judge, Rutherford, and Kaprielian, four other first-round picks remain in the Yankees system. We’ll check in on their progress here.

Cito Culver– SS- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)– It has been a long, winding road for Culver, who the Yankees selected in the first round all the way back in 2010. Culver is in his eighth season in the Yankees farm system after being selected out of high school, batting just .241 for AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The shortstop has six home runs and 22 RBI to go with a .322 on-base percentage and has struck out in over 30% of his plate appearances, a career-high for the veteran minor leaguer. Culver has not stolen a base this season, despite having stolen 22 bases back in 2012, but this likely owes itself to a recognition of Culver’s former inefficiency on the base paths. Signs of improvement have appeared lately, however, as the former first-rounder has batted .310 in his last ten games. He may not have made the major leagues just yet, nor as he shown himself worthy of a call-up yet, but at just 24, Culver still has a shot at putting it all together.

Dante Bichette Jr.- 1B- Trenton (AA)– Bichette came to the Yankees as a compensatory first-round pick in 2011 and unfortunately may not last much longer in the organization. In his seventh season in the organization, Bichette has not made it higher than AA, and has been on the disabled list for over a month. Before going on the DL, the 24-year-old hit two home runs and posted a .147 batting average and a .478 OPS. He showed promise in high-A Tampa in 2014, batting .271 with a .352 OBP as a 21-year-old, but has not hit higher than .243 at any stop since. Barring a significant change in his game, it remains unlikely that he makes the major leagues.

Kyle Holder– SS- Tampa (A-Advanced)– Holder, a 2015 first-round compensation pick, has had some bad luck this season, batting just .187 at High-A Tampa with one home run. However, he has a well-below-average .220 batting average on balls in play, which indicates better days may be ahead. The 23-year-old batted .290 in 88 games last season in Charleston, indicating that the young infielder is capable of more. Holder has improved his walk rate this season and has just six errors in 47 games in the field. Scouting reports have praised his defense and this has always been his primary calling card. If he can improve the bat even just a little bit, there’s a chance he can progress through the organization as a defensive-first shortstop.

Ian Clarkin– SP- Tampa (A-Advanced)– Despite being roughed up Saturday in a start where he allowed five runs in three innings, the former 2013 first-round pick, pictured above, has pitched well for High-A Tampa this season. His ERA sits at 2.49 after the rough outing and he has 35 strikeouts in 43 innings. In three prior outings, Clarkin totaled 10 shutout innings and struck out 12 batters over that span. The 22-year-old lefty can touch 95 mph with his fastball and relies on his changeup as his top off-speed pitch, also throwing in a curveball and slider. His walk rate has ticked up this season, as he is walking more than one better per inning more than he did in 2016. However, he has still pitched well enough that if he can keep the walks in check, he could be able to earn a promotion up to one of the two higher levels of the minors before the end of this season.

Fortunately, despite the mixed track record of several past first-round picks, the Yankees have seen significant development and success from their later-round selections. This goes to show that the overall draft performance matters more than any individual selection. So, as a piece of advice to Yankees fans evaluating the team’s first-round pick Monday night, do not fret too much if you do not like the selection. There will be plenty more rounds where future stars may be picked.

The post Yankees minor league update: former draft picks appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

While many young Yankees, including Aaron Judge and Luis Severino, have powered the Yankees recent hot stretch, several more are coming. Greg Bird made a rehab appearance with High-A Tampa and is not far from returning, while Tyler Austin has been rehabbing with AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Austin homered in an appearance Thursday and should return to the majors soon. This week, however, we turn to the other side of the ball and will be highlighting four pitchers in the Yankees system. Some are relics from old trades the Yankees made, while others have been toiling in the system for a while, waiting for their shot. Regardless, Yankees fans should hope they see at least a few of these pitchers soon in pinstripes.

Chance Adams– SP- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)– Adams padded his reputation as one of the top arms in the Yankees system this week with a stellar start on Wednesday. Adams struck out 12 batters and allowed just one hit in six shutout innings. In 58 innings between two levels of the minors, the 22-year-old has posted a 1.24 ERA, a 0.97 WHIP, and 59 strikeouts. Adams has even improved his walk rate in AAA, bringing it down by over one batter per nine innings. The former 5th round pick has impressed at every level in the Yankees organization so far. With a fastball that can touch 98 mph and a consistent ability to keep his walk rate low throughout the minors, Adams may be able to make an impact similar to that of fellow prospect Jordan Montgomery, likely as soon as this summer.

Caleb Smith– SP- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)– Smith has taken a slower path up the minor league ladder than some of his fellow prospects, but Smith is making the most of his opportunity to play in AAA this season. After a brief stint in Scranton in 2015, Smith spent all of 2016 in Trenton and only made it back to Scranton in mid-April. Since the call-up, the 25 year-old has pitched to a 2.94 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 52 innings. Hitters are batting just .208 against the southpaw, who struck out nine batters and allowed five hits and two runs in six innings Thursday. Smith had been selected as a Rule 5 draft pick by the Cubs, but returned to the Yankees system after not making their roster. With a low-90s fastball and a changeup that helps him against righties, Smith may still swing between the rotation and the bullpen. Long term, he may not see a major league rotation apart from an occasional spot start, but he may help the Yankees bullpen in the second half.

Justus Sheffield– SP- Trenton (AA)– Sheffield, a supplemental prize in the Andrew Miller/Clint Frazier trade, has hit his stride lately. The 21-year-old lefty has allowed just two earned runs in his last three starts, including an outing Friday where he went seven innings allowing just one run. After striking out over one batter per inning last year, Sheffield has fanned hitters at a slower clip, with 49 strikeouts in 56 1/3 innings this season. Making matters worse, despite a 3.04 ERA, the former 1st round pick has a 1.37 WHIP partly due to allowing more than one hit per inning. Fortunately, Sheffield, who has dealt with command issues since turning pro, is currently issuing free passes at a lower rate than he did last year. The young lefty relies on a fastball that can touch 96 mph, a slider, and a changeup. Despite his improving location and command, he may still be another year or two from the majors. On the other hand, if he makes it to the bigs, he profiles as a mid-rotation starter, with the potential for more.

Albert Abreu– SP- Tampa (A-Advanced)– Abreu was one of the arms acquired from Houston in the offseason deal for Brian McCann and he has had a rough time in the Yankees organization so far. After an impressive start to the season in low-A Charleston (22 strikeouts and a 1.84 ERA in 14 innings), Abreu has a 5.57 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP in 21 innings for high-A Tampa. Control has been an issue for the 21-year-old, who has nine walks in his time in Tampa. Despite the rough stretch, the righty may be due for a correction due to his .358 batting average on balls in play. Long term, Abreu has high upside, as his fastball sits in the mid-to-high 90s and he has several off-speed pitches. The young flamethrower still has significant work to do before moving up in the Yankees system and offers plenty of risk, but he could work out either as a starter or as a hard-throwing bullpen arm.

The post Yankees minor league update: pitching prospects appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

The Yankees’ stellar first third of the season has placed them at the top of the A.L. East, but this makes it easy to forget that the Yankees’ future will likely grow brighter as their top prospects arrive in the Bronx. With the season reaching the two-month mark and both major and minor league teams providing increasingly meaningful statistical samples to review, let’s take a look at how some of the top prospects in the Yankees organization are doing. This week, the minor league update will profile the team’s top four prospects, as judged by both Baseball America and MLB.com.

Gleyber Torres– SS- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA): The Yankees have taken an aggressive approach with the 20-year-old Torres, promoting him to Triple-A last Monday. Torres proved he could handle higher level minor league pitching, posting a batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage slash line of .273/.367/.496 with five home runs and 18 RBI. In five games since his promotion, Torres has gone 6-18 including a double and three RBI. Torres, a natural shortstop, has played at third base since his promotion to AAA, and has played occasionally at both second and third base this season. The Yankees’ decision to call Torres up to AAA has raised the possibility that the team may call up Torres before the end of this season. Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman alluded to that option back in March, and depending on how Torres performs in Scranton, a call-up may still be a possibility.

Cashman just said Gleyber Torres could make the majors this season, but that he wants him to see Double-A/Triple-A first. #Yankees

— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) March 29, 2017

Clint Frazier– OF- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA): Frazier has caught fire this past week, slugging home runs in three consecutive games. The 22-year-old has nine home runs and 29 RBI this season and is hitting .253 with a .335 on-base percentage through Sunday. His relatively pedestrian stat line hides some of his more substantial improvements, however. Frazier is striking out in 20.9% of his appearances, the lowest rate of any of his previous minor league stops. In addition, Frazier has a .279 batting average on balls in play, which is also a career low. This indicates that Frazier may actually be suffering from some bad luck at the plate and that his line may improve as the summer progresses. The renowned redhead may have to wait until 2018 to find a spot in a crowded Yankees outfield, but with an injury, a possible trade of Brett Gardner, or a particularly hot streak on his part, Frazier may still make his Bronx debut sometime this season.

Blake Rutherford– OF- Charleston (A): Rutherford, who just turned 20 earlier this month, had reached base in 15 consecutive games until an 0-3 performance Saturday. The young outfielder is hitting .277 on the season, including one home run, 17 RBI, a .358 on-base percentage, and six steals in seven attempts. Despite a relative lack of home run power, Rutherford has still been finding the gaps, as he has 15 total extra base hits this season. His 38:21 strikeout to walk ratio in 155 at-bats indicates that last year’s first-round pick has been able to maintain his plate discipline in his first season playing above rookie ball. Because of Rutherford’s age and the club’s organizational depth, the Yankees have no need to rush him through the minors. That being said, Rutherford may be able to force the organization’s hand if he continues to improve.

Jorge Mateo– SS- Tampa (A-Advanced): Despite offseason predictions that he may start 2017 in Trenton, the 21-year-old speedster began in Tampa for the second consecutive season. So far, while he has continued to show off his speed with 18 steals in 20 attempts, Mateo has scuffled at the plate. Despite a .254 average, Mateo has a relatively low .289 on-base percentage and has struck out 57 times in 193 at-bats. In the same span, Mateo has drawn just nine walks. Still, upside remains. The shortstop has steadily improved his defense, as he has just six errors so far this season after posting 18 last season and 30 two seasons ago. He also has 21 total extra base hits, including three home runs and six triples. For Mateo to earn a promotion to Trenton, however, he will need to rein in his strikeouts and get on base more often so his speed can be fully utilized.

The post Yankees minor league update: top prospects appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

The Yankees’ minor league teams bring their seasons to a close this Labor Day weekend. While the postseason may allow some affiliates to continue playing, these are the last few days of the season, and correspondingly, this will be the final Yankees minor league update of the 2016 season. As a way of bookending the season, this week, we will take a look at four prospects still in the minors who can be regarded as “breakout” stars. Hopefully, these prospects will be able to continue to make progress and translate their success this season to next year and beyond.

Jordan Montgomery– SP- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)- The 23 year-old has set himself up nicely for an opportunity to make it to the major leagues as early as next season, pitching to a 2.13 ERA between AA and AAA this season. Montgomery’s walk rate was a little high in AA, as he issued 36 free passes in 102 1/3 innings, but he has improved his performance in AAA. Along with just nine walks allowed in 37 innings with the RailRiders, he has also dazzled with a 0.97 ERA and an average of one strikeout per inning over six starts. The southpaw mixes in a curveball, a slider, and a changeup to go with a fastball that sits around 90 mph and reportedly uses a unique, almost overhand arm slot to confuse hitters. His early projection had been as a back-end starter, but he may be making the case to push his upside higher.

Dustin Fowler– OF- Trenton (AA)- Fowler, pictured above, may have one more regular season game left Monday, but his season numbers already demonstrate significant progression. The 21 year-old hit a career-high 12 home runs this season while hitting .283, stealing 25 bases, and far exceeding his career-high total of extra-base hits. The lefty’s ability to hit has shone through this season, but to succeed at the major league level, the Yankees likely expect him to improve his plate discipline and his ability to draw walks before Fowler earns a call-up. With just that small improvement, Fowler could become a long-term piece of the Yankees’ development due to his impressive array of tools.

Chance Adams– SP- Trenton (AA)- Adams wowed in his first full professional season in 2016, putting up a 2.33 ERA between High-A Tampa and AA Trenton, also striking out 144 batters in just 127 1/3 innings. Thanks to a velocity jump on his fastball, which went from near 90 mph to consistently sitting between 93 and 96 (and going as high as 99 mph), the 22 year-old has quickly become a dominant starter. His development of a slider has also helped provide him with an off-speed out pitch. Adams may have been the beneficiary of good luck, given his low batting average on balls in play, but that may be sustainable thanks to his tendency to induce fly balls at a fairly high rate. Given his velocity jump, Adams may be may be able to become a mid-rotation starter and perhaps even more.

Nick Solak– 2B- Staten Island (Short-Season A)- It may be hard to read much into Short-Season stats, but Solak has demonstrated his primary calling card—his bat—in 63 games for the Baby Bombers this season. He hit .322 in Staten Island, including a .415 on-base percentage, while succeeding on all eight of his stolen base attempts and knocking out three home runs. The 21 year-old also demonstrated good plate discipline, with a walk rate over ten percent and a strikeout rate under fourteen percent. Even his defense has been solid, as he has just six errors and a .974 fielding percentage playing at second base. The Yankees may have over-drafted Solak, considered a third or a fourth round pick prior to draft day, in the second round, but the young infielder has paid dividends so far with his stellar performance at the plate.

The post Yankees Minor League update- Breakout Prospects appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

The season is winding down for Yankees minor league teams, although in a few cases, including that of the AA Trenton Thunder and High-A Tampa Yankees, there will be postseason games. A couple of top prospects have been in the news this past week as well. 2016 1^st round pick and Pulaski Yankees outfielder Blake Rutherford will reportedly sit for the remainder of the season with a minor hamstring injury and pitcher Chance Adams, currently with AA Trenton, will be shut down for the season after reaching his innings limit.

Despite the news of two prospects sitting, there are still many more prospects playing out the season in the minor leagues. As we did last week, the player profiles will focus on September call-up candidates. Depending on how the Yankees feel about these prospects, we may see some, or perhaps all, of these prospects up before the season ends.

Clint Frazier– OF- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)- Frazier has struggled since coming to the Yankees organization, hitting just .229 with a .282 on-base percentage in 24 games. The 21 year-old has shown a tendency to strike out at a high clip so far (27 K’s in 96 at-bats) and has not drawn as many walks (his walk rate is at 6.8% compared to 10.5% at AA.) Nevertheless, it is much too early to fret about Frazier, who had just been called up to AAA before the Indians traded him. He still has 16 runs scored in his time with the RailRiders, as well as two home runs. The Yankees will probably not call him up in September, but with an impressive winter and spring, he may be able to make it to the big leagues early next season. (Update: Frazier has been placed on the 7-Day DL and may miss the last week and a half of the minor league season. This likely eliminates any chance he may have had at a September call-up.)

Luis Severino– SP- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)- The 22 year-old has been starting in AAA after his demotion earlier this season. In two starts since his most recent return to AAA, he went 5 2/3 innings both times, giving up at least nine hits and three runs in both outings. The righty avoided issuing free passes, with just three in between those two starts, and even struck out 10 in his first appearance. The lines Severino put up do not exactly look encouraging, but he can be expected to contribute to the big club out of the bullpen in September. Given his velocity and his ability to add in secondary pitches, the young Dominican may actually serve as a valuable late-season piece and a potential bridge to the back end of the bullpen.

Giovanny Gallegos– RP- Trenton (AA)- Gallegos has flown under the radar, but has put up phenomenal numbers the last two seasons. After a 2015 spent mostly in High-A in which he put up a 1.71 ERA and struck out over a batter an inning, the righty has continued to shine this season, with a 1.39 ERA, a 0.90 WHIP, and 94 strikeouts in 71 1/3 innings spent between AA and AAA. He has yet to debut in the majors, but offers a mid-90s fastball and good off-speed pitches. At 25 years old, Gallegos is a bit old to be a prospect, but he may be coming up to protect him from selection in this winter’s Rule 5 draft. Many Yankees minor league relievers have not translated well when given opportunities in the major leagues, but he has the skills to potentially stick if given the right opportunity. 

Mason Williams– OF- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)- Williams remains on the 40-man roster despite suffering from injuries throughout this season, making him a likely candidate to play in September. Since returning to AAA on August 14^th, the 25 year-old has hit .341 with seven RBI. However, all but two of his hits have been singles and the noted speedster has not stolen a base yet. Williams’ speed could be valuable, however, as a pinch runner or in the outfield on defense. He may come up later next month in order to give him more at-bats before calling him up, but expect the Yankees to make use of Williams’ lefty bat before the season is over.

The post Yankees Minor League update- August 29th appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

As the season winds down for the Yankees minor league system, eyes will be on who the Yankees choose to bring to the big leagues for September call ups. While lower level affiliates may have their own impressive performances and pennant races, over the next few weeks, Yankees minor league updates will be dedicated to covering those prospects who could be promoted next month. Not every prospect will come up on September 1^st, however, as the AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and AA Trenton Thunder are both in playoff contention. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at some prospects who may be in the Bronx before the end of the season.

J.R. Graham– RP- Trenton (AA)- The 26 year-old Graham has been recovering from arm fatigue and has already had a stint on the minor league disabled list. A former top prospect for the Braves, Graham had pitched out of the bullpen for the Twins as recently as early this season before latching on with the Yankees. I saw Graham pitch Friday, as he earned a two-inning save, striking out two while scattering three hits. His fastball sat in the mid-90s, although he reportedly touched 98 mph as a young prospect before dealing with shoulder issues. He also has a set-up position reminiscent of fellow former Braves prospect and current Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel. The right-hander has an impressive 2.16 ERA in 15 appearances for Trenton, including 30 strikeouts in 25 innings. Graham’s major league experience and spot on the 40-man roster make him a candidate to be promoted, but his lack of service in AAA may work against him.

Kyle Higashioka– C- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)- Another older prospect, the 26 year-old Higashioka has slashed in both AA and AAA this season. Between both levels, the catcher has a .298 average, a .356 on-base percentage, 19 home runs, and 73 RBI. He has good plate discipline, with 59 strikeouts and 33 walks in 319 at-bats this season and his numbers have been similar at both levels. This is Higashioka’s final year before both Rule 5 Draft eligibility and minor league free agency. The former 7^th round pick of the Yankees all the way back in 2008 will likely earn a gamble from some major league club. Despite the Yankees’ depth at catcher, with Brian McCann, Gary Sanchez, and Austin Romine all ahead of Higashioka, the Yankees will likely look to roster him and at least gain some sort of return on his bat. While it’s not a guarantee that the Yankees call him up, expect the Yankees to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft by adding him to the 40-man some time before December.

Miguel Andujar– 3B- Trenton (AA)- Andujar is just 21, but has already made it to AA, where he has hit .266 with a .331 on-base percentage in 222 at-bats. Despite hitting just one home run for Trenton, the righty still offers power, as he hit ten long balls in just 230 at-bats for High-A Tampa earlier this year. The Dominican third baseman has improved his defense at the hot corner this season, with 18 errors so far, compared two 26 errors in each of the last two seasons. He may be a year or so away from regular big league service, but the Yankees may consider promoting him as he will also be Rule 5 Draft eligible this offseason, as he will be completing his fifth professional season. Andujar is by no means a favorite to earn a call-up and may also not make it onto the 40-man until the winter, but the Yankees may look to give him a challenge and give him some big league seasoning.

Jorge Mateo– SS- Tampa (A-Advanced)- Mateo still plays down in A-ball and lost time earlier this season due to a suspension related to his frustration at not being promoted to AA, but his speed may allow him to have a role with the big club should the Yankees choose to call him up when rosters expand. Mateo, like Miguel Andujar, will be completing his fifth professional season and will be eligible for selection by another club in the Rule 5 draft. The Yankees will almost definitely add him to the 40 man roster and thus protect him from selection this offseason, but that move does not have to come this season. In fact, it’s unlikely the Yankees call him up this September. It may not be a great behavioral incentive to promote him after suspending him for mouthing off to the team, but the biggest argument against the 21 year-old may be his numbers. Despite 31 stolen bases and a decent .269 average, Mateo has a lowly .317 on-base percentage. His eight home runs have been an impressive addition to his game, but it remains unlikely that the Yankees would use Mateo for anything but his speed in a call-up this season. Thus, the Yankees will likely also wait to add Mateo to the roster until the offseason, but given the club’s youth movement, nothing can be ruled out.

The post Yankees Minor League update- August 22nd appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

As the minor league season winds down, players in the Yankees organization may be looking for a September call-up, a late season promotion to a higher level of the minors, or just to earn as many at-bats as possible to develop. Although the big league roster expansion does not occur until September 1^st, the Yankees decided to call two youngsters up this past weekend, Aaron Judge and Tyler Austin, who made their major league debuts at right field and first base, respectively. Both hit home runs in their first at-bats and earned hits in both of their first two games.

This week, as we usually try to do, our four player reviews cover players across the Yankees minor league system, ranging from one likely September call-up to a 2016 draftee likely looking to just refine his skills a little bit more, and a couple in between.

Ben Gamel– OF- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)- Gamel has continued hitting well since being sent down from a brief major league stint on August 3^rd, going 13-34 since then with nine runs scored, three RBI, and two stolen bases since then. That span also includes an ongoing five game hitting streak. On the season, the 24 year-old has hit .307 with a .367 OBP, and has four home runs, thirty-two extra-base hits, and nineteen stolen bases in twenty-six attempts over 102 games. He does a decent job drawing walks, with 41 so far this season, and with 81 strikeouts, he also has done a good job putting the ball in play. As the lefty is on the 40-man roster, he will likely come up when rosters expand on September 1^st if not before then, where he will probably serve as a reserve outfielder and pinch runner.

Abiatal Avelino– SS- Trenton (AA)- Avelino has batted .300 with a .435 OBP in 15 games since being called up to AA from High-A Tampa. Down in Tampa, the 21 year-old shortstop hit .266 with six home runs, 34 RBI, a .325 on-base percentage, and 20 stolen bases in 33 attempts. Early last week, Avelino reeled off a four-game hitting streak, but he has only three hits in his last 14 at-bats. His defense has been solid this season, with 15 errors between shortstop and second base. To continue succeeding and to earn his way to the major leagues, he will likely need to continue hitting for average and keep his on-base percentage high. In a system with many middle infielders, however, it may be tough for him to eventually earn major league playing time.

Zack Zehner– OF- Tampa (A-Advanced)- Zehner has spent his season in Tampa in 2016 and has risen to the challenge, hitting .291 with a .394 on-base percentage and riding an eight-game hitting streak entering Monday. The newly-turned 24 year-old (his birthday was last Monday) has a strong 76:53 K:BB ratio in 330 at-bats, but in his last ten games he has eight strikeouts and only one walk. Power has yet to develop for Zehner, as he has seven home runs in 558 minor league at-bats over two seasons. The 2015 18^th round pick will likely start next season in AA, but the clock will be ticking for him given his age.

Nick Solak– 2B- Staten Island (Short-Season A)- Solak earned a hit in 14 consecutive games until snapping the streak in Sunday’s game. In his last ten games, this year’s second-round pick has hit .395 with a home run, four RBI, and two stolen bases. On the season, he has eight steals to go with three home runs, 17 RBI, a .317 batting average, and a .411 on-base percentage. The righty earned a reputation in college at Louisville as a pure contact hitter and he has proven that reputation right in his first professional season. Barring a series of late-season roster moves, Solak may not jump up any levels this season, but will likely start playing full-season ball next year and should move quickly given his experience as a college hitter.

The post Yankees Minor League update- August 15th appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.

Now that the trade deadline has come and gone and it is now safe to say that the Yankees minor league system is at its best in years. The trades made by the Yankees front office have allowed the Yankees to build for the long term. The club now has one of the strongest farm systems in all of baseball thanks to the new influx of talent.

But despite the new additions over the past few weeks, the Yankees already had an impressive crop of prospects playing very well. First baseman Tyler Austin, profiled last week, has continued his offensive surge, batting .368 in the six games for AAA Scranton/Wilkes Barre since last Monday. He should be knocking on the door of a major league call-up. Pitcher Chance Adams, profiled here on multiple occasions, twirled a gem Saturday for AA Trenton, throwing six shutout innings for the Thunder, allowing just four hits and no walks while striking out two. He currently has a 1.91 ERA and a 0.78 WHIP while posting an 8-0 record in 10 starts for the Thunder.

This week, however, we will be taking an in-depth look at four additional young arms in the Yankees organization, including details on an impressive performance from one of the team’s new acquisitions.

Dietrich Enns– SP- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)- Enns has had a stellar season in the Yankees’ system this year, with a miniscule 1.35 ERA and 1.11 WHIP and 32 strikeouts in 46 2/3 innings for the AAA RailRiders. The 25 year-old earned his call-up with a similar performance in AA, with a 1.93 ERA in 70 innings down in Trenton. The 25 year-old, a former 19^th round pick of the Yankees back in 2012, has consistently put up stats that outpace his scouting report. He offers four pitches, a low-90s fastball, a mid-80s slider, a plus changeup, and a work-in-progress curveball. None of his pitches are particularly strong, but Enns makes it work, as his impressive season falls in line with his career minor league ERA of 1.85 and WHIP of 1.10. The left-hander has had control issues in the past, but his 46 walks in 116 2/3 innings this season indicate some improvement. He has an outside shot at a big league appearance when rosters expand.

Luis Cessa– SP- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)- The 24 year-old has already made six major league appearances for the Yankees out of the bullpen with a 3.95 ERA, but the AAA rotation is where he has really made his presence felt. The righty had a dominant outing Friday, going 7 2/3 innings, striking out 11 while allowing five hits, one run, and one walk. In 77 1/3 innings this season, he has struck out 69 batters while walking just 23 and pitching to a 3.03 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. His fastball sits in the low-90s and can touch 95 mph, and has both a changeup and slider that flash potential. Cessa does not necessarily demonstrate the qualities of a future ace, but he may eventually find a spot in the back end of the Yankees’ rotation as early as next season.

Daniel Camarena- SP- Trenton (AA)- Camarena is the kind of pitcher who survives thanks to his excellent control, as he can locate his curveball, changeup, and slider well while still getting good break on his pitches. The 23 year-old’s fastball sits around 90 mph, but he has still done well for himself this season. After sitting out 2015 due to a surgery to remove bone spurs from his elbow, Camarena has bounced back with a 3.31 ERA and 1.06 WHIP on the season while pitching mostly for Trenton. In 114 1/3 innings, he has 89 strikeouts while issuing only 17 free passes. His progression through the Yankees’ system may have been slowed by surgery, but he could still make it to the Bronx next season if he finishes 2016 strong.

Justus Sheffield– SP- Tampa (A-Advanced)- It’s not very often that we profile pitchers twice within a week, but Sheffield, pictured above, has earned it. We discussed Sheffield’s statistics and repertoire after the Yankees acquired him last Sunday, but he has earned a spot in this week’s update thanks to a phenomenal Yankees organization debut on Friday, allowing just two hits, one earned run, and one walk in six innings while recording a career-high 11 strikeouts. Sheffield will need to keep his walk rate down, as he had a fairly alarming 40 walks in 95 1/3 innings for Cleveland’s High-A affiliate. Nevertheless, Sheffield’s first impression indicates that he has handled the change of scenery well early on.

(Image courtesy of Mark LoMoglio/Yankees and MiLB.com.)

The post Yankees Minor League update- August 8th appeared first on Bronx Pinstripes | BronxPinstripes.com.