As the All-Star break approaches, the Yankees minor league system has seen some interesting developments, although not all of them may be encouraging for Yankees fans. Top prospect Aaron Judge was placed on the disabled list and is expected to be out for at least a few weeks with a knee injury. Top shortstop prospect Jorge Mateo had been named to the Futures Game, but lost his spot after the Yankees suspended him for two weeks. Reportedly, Mateo complained about not having been called up to AA. Catcher Gary Sanchez represented the Yankees in the Futures Game, going 0-2 in Team World’s win. This week, though, we focus on both the past and the future. We will be highlighting the exploits of two former top prospects still working their way to the majors, as well as two of the Yankees’ most recent top picks.
Mark Montgomery- RP- Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA)- Montgomery had once been hailed as a top prospect and considered a potential heir to Mariano Rivera. The 25 year-old has taken a significant detour on that route, however, as he has yet to debut in the majors. In the minors this season, however, the righty has been a welcome presence, striking out 43 while walking 12 batters in 31 2/3 innings. Montgomery has a 2.27 ERA and a 0.95 WHIP between AA and AAA this season, putting in another surprisingly stellar season. Nevertheless, Montgomery has still not received a call, thanks to decreased velocity after a series of shoulder injuries in 2013. The Yankees seem hesitant to rely on someone throwing a fastball in the 80s when they have so many power arms in their system. Nevertheless, Montgomery has been getting outs with his slider and may be able to ride that pitch to the big leagues, provided he can just keep the walks down a bit more.
Mason Williams- OF- Tampa (A-Advanced)- Williams is currently in Tampa on a rehab assignment as he recovers from shoulder surgery that sidelined him for a chunk last season. The 24 year-old has still been shaking off the rust at the plate, as he has gone 5-29 in seven rehab games. On the bright side all five of those hits have come in his last four games, including a 3-5 performance at the plate on Friday. Williams had been touted as a potential five-tool player, but injuries have capped his potential. After recovering, Williams may be able to make it back to the bigs thanks to his spot on the 40-man roster, but may find himself in AAA depending on how the Yankees’ roster and injury situation shakes out.
Blake Rutherford- OF- GCL Yankees (Rookie)- The Yankees’ most recent 1st round pick made his professional debut last Sunday and after some struggles, had his first professional hit on Thursday. Rutherford also earned an RBI, giving him something to add to his box score besides his .067 average. Do not let the average deter you, as Rutherford is still an elite prospect who has not played in a few months. The lefty outfielder has shown flashes of potential and may eventually reach the double-digit plateau in home runs and stolen bases higher up in the professional ranks. Assuming he gets into playing shape soon, he may find himself in Pulaski or Staten Island before the year is out.
Nick Solak- 2B- Staten Island (Short-Season A)- Solak, the Yankees 2nd round pick in this year’s draft, likely earned a higher placement than his first-round counterpart due to his collegiate experience. The 21 year-old has proven his worth so far in Staten Island, hitting .271 with a .397 OBP, three extra base hits, eight RBI, and five stolen bases in just 59 at-bats. The Yankees may have taken Solak earlier than expected due to his signability, but the University of Louisville product is definitely showing off his best tool—his contact hitting. Apart from hitting for average, Solak has no skill that really grades at a plus level. If he can develop his speed and become a consistent base stealing threat, however, he may have what it takes to move up the ladder fairly quickly.
