Minor league seasons continue to unfold along with their major league counterparts, and a handful of Yankees prospects have shined. With the big league club struggling as of late, it is worth remembering that some of the Yankees minor league prospects offer hope for the club’s future. So who has been noteworthy as of late? Let’s take a look.
Dietrich Enns– P- Trenton (AA)- Enns tossed a gem on Friday night against Cleveland’s AA affiliate, fanning 11 batters in six innings while allowing just one hit. The 24 year-old gave up three walks, however, and has 11 in just 16 2/3 innings and only had six strikeouts in his previous two starts. The walks may be an early aberration, however, as Enns walked 20 in 58 2/3 innings last year, while striking out 55 and pitching to a sparkling 0.61 ERA. Enns has continued putting up a dominant ERA this year, as despite his control issues, he has still yet to allow a run this season. Enns touches 93 as a starter with his fastball and also offers a slider and a changeup, and he’s making up for lost time after a 2014 Tommy John surgery. Enns may have a shot at the majors as a back-end if he refines his control, but could have an easier path if he returns to the bullpen, as his lefty arm may find him a spot somewhere.
Vicente Campos- P- Tampa (A-Advanced)- Vicente (né José) Campos, part of the return in the 2012 Michael Pineda/Jesus Montero trade the Yankees made with the Mariners, has still been working his way up the Yankees system. Now 23, the righty has made it to high-A and put up an impressive eight shutout innings in a start on Friday. Campos allowed four hits and three walks while striking out five, and now has a 3.47 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP in 23 1/3 innings with a 22:9 K:BB ratio. Another veteran of Tommy John surgery, Campos used to touch 98 mph with his fastball but now sits in the low-mid 90s. Campos may not be the same pitcher, as he was, but he may have a shot at the 40-man roster. Otherwise, he will likely become a minor league free agent.
Billy Fleming– IF- Tampa (A-Advanced)Â- Fleming serves as an everyday utility guy wherever he goes, and he just does it all. The 23 year-old has been on a tear to start the season, batting .386 with a .444 OBP in 57 at-bats to start the season, launching his first home run of the season Sunday. He has played at first base, second base, and third base this season and has made just one error. With 11 strikeouts and six walks, Fleming demonstrates decent plate discipline, which may explain his tendency to hit for a high batting average (he hit .338 in 204 at-bats across multiple levels in 2015.) He doesn’t have a particularly strong tool that will push him to the majors, but if he continues to just do a little bit of everything, he may be able to play his way up.
Josh Rogers– P- Charleston (A)- The Yankees’ 2015 11th round pick has put up an impressive stretch, allowing just one run in his last 17 2/3 innings. Overall on the season, Rogers has a 1.59 ERA and 0.71 WHIP for the RiverDogs with a phenomenal 25:2 K:BB ratio. Rogers only pitched 13 innings last year and in his first professional season is rising to the occasion so far. He offers a fastball that sits between 87-91 mph, plus an average slider with some potential and a usable changeup that is still a work in progress. At 6’3” and 200 lbs, he may still be able to develop his stuff and improve significantly, but right now he projects as a potential back-end starter. Despite this, he may be a little likelier than the average prospect to develop thanks to his control, which he has demonstrated thus far, and his durability. He may have the potential to put up a breakout season this year.
