Two sources told The Trentonian on Wednesday that Dellin Betances, one of the organization’s more heralded prospects, has been sent back to Trenton from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and is active. 

Betances, Baseball America’s third-ranked prospect in the organization, has fallen almost completely off the tracks this season. He’s walked 69 hitters in 74 2/3 innings and has gotten touched for a 3-5 record and a 6.39 ERA in 16 starts. 

Seen across the scouting world as a reliever, the Yankees have yet to ask him to work out of the bullpen.

The demotion is a far fall for Betances, who looked like a new pitcher after ligament reinforcement surgery on his right elbow after the 2009 season. He outdueled current Toronto Blue Jay Kyle Drabek in Game 1 of Trenton’s eventual sweep of the New Hampshire Fisher Cats in Game 1 of the 2010 Eastern League Division Series and earned the promotion to Triple-A in August of last year. 

He made his major league debut on Sept. 22 of last year, when he walked four hitters in 2/3 of an inning in New York’s loss to Tampa Bay. 

In other Thunder news, reliever Preston Claiborne has been promoted to Triple-A Scranton. He was 2-2 with a 2.22 ERA with Trenton and hadn’t allowed an earned run since May 22, a span of 15 appearances.

The Thunder also announced yesterday that right-hander Adam Miller has been released from the organization entirely. Righty reliever Mike Dubee, son of Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee, was released earlier this week.

Heard from a good source just now that the plan, as of this morning, was that Dellin Betances, who had been struggling quite badly at Triple-A, was heading back to Trenton. 

This, of course, was before CC Sabathia went on the disabled list with a bum hamstring and Andy Pettitte broke his ankle, so this could have changed. 

Regardless, this is what I have been told. That's all. 

Pitching matchup: LHP Vidal Nuno (2-1, 1.08) vs. LHP Drake Britton (1-1, 4.19)

In the standings: Trenton is a half-game above first-place Reading in the East. Portland is 11.5 games behind Trenton.

PORTLAND
Jackie Bradley Jr. - CF
Jeremy Hazelbaker - LF
Marquez Smith - 3B
Bryce Brentz - DH
Dan Butler - C
Matt Spring - 1B
Derrik Gibson - SS
Peter Hissey - RF
Nick Natoli - 2B
Drake Britton - LHP

TRENTON 
Jose Pirela - 2B
David Adams - DH
Zoilo Almonte - RF
Melky Mesa - CF
Luke Murton - 1B
Damon Sublett - LF
Jose Gil - C
Addison Maruszak - 3B
Yadil Mujica - SS
Vidal Nuno - LHP

Notes: Michael Dubee was released today to make room for Jon Meloan a former Dodgers and most recently a Long Island Ducks. ... Here's some video from yesterday of a Zoilo Almonte RBI single and Melky Mesa's two-run bomb.

Update - 6:01: Craig Heyer, who threw his first sim game today on his road back from arm stiffness, said he will be active in nine days, which lines him up for July 3. How he'll be used will be interesting, he acknowledges, because all five starters in the rotation are performing well. 

"I don't expect to just get thrown back in the fire. All those guys are doing great, so we're going to see what happens. I don't have any innings built up, so I'd hate to just bump somebody from their spot and throw two innings before their scheduled six."

Here's some video of his sim game from this afternoon. 

Mike Ashmore -- I believe you know him -- is covering today's game for me. I'm here because this is what I do when I have off days. Y'all know that. I'll be in Staten Island tomorrow. That should be fun. 

Pitching Matchup: RHP Mikey O'Brien (4-1, 3.10) vs. LHP Chris Hernandez (4-6, 2.64)

In the standings: First-place Trenton is a half-game up on Reading in the East. Fifth-place Portland is 12.5 games behind Trenton.

PORTLAND
Jackie Bradley - CF
Jeremy Hazelbaker - DH
Marquez Smith - 3B
Bryce Brentz - RF
Dan Butler - C
Matt Spring - 1B
Derrik Gibson - SS
Ryan Dent - 2B
Peter Hissey - LF

TRENTON
Abe Almonte - DH
Jose Pirela - LF
David Adams - 2B
Zoilo Almonte - RF
Melky Mesa - CF
Jose Gil - C
Addison Maruszak - 3B
Jeff Farnham - C
Yadil Mujica - SS

NOTES: Starters Craig Heyer and Josh Romanski are throwing simulated games tomorrow. ... With last night's sweep of the SeaDogs, Trenton is now 8-0 in doubleheader games this season. ... Trenton will soon add Jon Meloan, a 27-year-old former fifth-rounder of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Meloan threw 17.2 innings in the major leagues over three seasons from 2007 until 2009. He was most recently with the Long Island Ducks and was in the clubhouse today. ... Nardi Contreras and Pat Roessler are in the house. 

Final score: Richmond 7, Trenton 5

Synopsis: Trenton battled back from a three-run deficit, then held the fort for seven scoreless until the bullpen cracked in the 12th. Gary Brown's infield single sparked a two-run Richmond rally, capped by Johnny Monell's two-run, go-ahead double off of Michael Dubee. 

Bright spots: Because of Reading's loss, Trenton is still in first place by a game. ... Kelvin Perez and Preston Claiborne pitched five combined innings of shutout ball. ... Melky Mesa had three hits, including a double, scored twice, drove in a run and stole a base. ... Zoilo Almonte had two more hits, including a double. He's batting .350/.413/.500 in his last 10 games. ... Addison Maruszak hit his fifth home run of the year, and the first Richmond starter Chris Heston has allowed all year. 

Power outage: The very bad news yesterday was the loss of designated hitter Cody Johnson. After legging out an infield single, Johnson came up lame immediately and was replaced by Damon Sublett at first. It didn't look good at all. Johnson had no comment after the game. Given the Yankees' history of caution with injuries, a trip to the DL seems likely. Although he's slumping badly, Johnson is the EL's longball leader and a massive power threat in the middle of the order. 

Picks to click: Here are my game story and notes from Wednesday.

Flicks to click: I forgot to charge my camera's battery, so there shall be no video today. Sorry. 

Triple-A: Louisville 5, Scranton 3
Corban Joseph: 1 for 3, BB
Ronnier Mustelier: 1 for 3, BB, R
Jack Cust: 1 for 3, HR, BB
Russell Branyan: 1 for 3, HR, 2 RBI, BB
Dellin Betances: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 BB, 6 SO, 2 WP (92/48)
Chase Whitley: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO (35/24)
Justin Thomas: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 0 SO (14/8)
Ryota Igarashi: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO (16/12)

Double-A: Richmond 7, Trenton 5
Abe Almonte: 1 for 6, 3B
David Adams: 1 for 6, 2B
Zoilo Almonte: 2 for 6, 2B, 2 R
Cody Johnson: 1 for 2 -- left game limping, expect a DL trip
Damon Sublett: 1 for 4
Melky Mesa: 3 for 5, 2B, 2 R, RBI, SB
Luke Murton: 1 for 6, RBI
Addison Maruszak: 2 for 5, HR, 2 RBI
Yadil Mujica: 1 for 4, BB
Vidal Nuno: 6 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO (98/70)
Kelvin Perez: 3 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO (39/27)
Preston Claiborne: 2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, SO (30/18)
Mike Dubee: IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 0 SO -- walk was intentional (25/14)


High-A: Daytona 3, Tampa 2
Ramon Flores: 2 for 4
J.R. Murphy: 1 for 5, 2B, R
Rob Segedin: 2 for 5, R
Neil Medchill: 1 for 4, RBI
Kyle Roller: 2 for 3, RBI, BB
Eduardo Sosa: 2 for 3
Jose Mojica: 2 for 4
Shane Greene: 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, 3 BB, 6 SO
Manny Barreda: 2.2 IP, H, R, ER, 0 BB, 5 SO

Short Season: Brooklyn 7, Staten Island 2
Taylor Dugas: 2 for 3, 2B, R, BB
Jose Rosario: 1 for 3, RBI
Isaias Tejeda: 1 for 4
Danny Oh: 1 for 4, 2B, R
Fu-Lin Kuo: 2 for 4, 2B, RBI
Evan Rutckyj: 4.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 7 SO
Evan DeLuca: IP, 2 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 0 SO
Taylor Garrison: 1.1 IP, 2 H, R, ER, 0 BB, 2 SO
Nick Goody: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 4 SO

Gulf Coast League: Yankees 5, Blue Jays 0
Jerison Lopez: 2 for 4, 2B, R, SB
Greg Bird: 1 for 4, R
Slade Heathcott: 1 for 4, R, RBI, SB
Miguel Andjuar: 1 for 4, 2B, R, RBI
Bubba Jones: 2 for 4, 2B, R, RBI
Jorge Alcantara: 1 for 4, 2B, SB
Justin James: 1 for 4
Fernando Perez: 1 for 4, RBI
Angel Rincon: 5 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO
Victor Beriguete: 2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 4 SO
Melvin Mercedes: 2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO

Dominican Summer League 1: Giants 9, Yankees 0
Abiatal Avelino: 1 for 4, SB
Chris Tamarez: 1 for 4
Jose Javier: 1 for 4, 3B
Rafael De Paula: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 7 SO
Samuel Garcia: 1.1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, SO
Daury Aquino: 4 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 0 SO

Dominican Summer League 2: Pirates 2, Yankees 0
Jorge Mateo: 2 for 4
Abraham Pierret: 2 for 4, 2B
Angel Aguilar: 1 for 3
Ozzie Liranzo: 1 for 1
Junior Valera: 1 for 3, 2B
Edwin Rivera: 5 IP, 2 H, R, ER, BB, 2 SO
Josias Sanchez: 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO

At some point, nearly every player in the minor leagues is going to give up his dream of playing in the majors. He’ll have to pack his things, head home, and begin the unenviable task of finding a new line of work.

If the player is lucky, he’ll have some college experience – and some idea of a new career path – on which to fall back.

That’s the case for Ricky Orta, the newest member of the Thunder, who, until about a month ago, looked like he might have to leave bullpens, side sessions, radar guns, charting and, yes, pitching, behind.

“I had registered and everything,” Orta said, referring to the University of Miami, after earning the win on Tuesday in his Thunder debut.

After he’d completed three years of study at Miami, Orta was taken by the Mariners with their fourth-round selection in 2006. He lasted four seasons in their system before tearing ligaments in his pitching elbow, which meant a trip to the office of Dr. James Andrews for Tommy John surgery and a long recovery process.

Orta was 24 and in Double-A when the elbow went haywire. He had the operation in April of 2010, and the Mariners released him about a month later. Problem was, Seattle had let him go with the intention of re-signing him as soon as he cleared waivers. They told him as much, and wanted him to know they still saw him as part of their plans.

“The Rays picked me up pretty quick,” Orta recalled. “But the Mariners were telling me to deny their offer. They were telling me ‘No, don’t go with the Rays.” If you’re on (a team’s) 40-man and you get picked up off waivers, you can still say no and become a free agent and just go back to the (original) team, but I decided to go with the Rays.”

A big reason he decided to head to Tampa Bay was familiarity. Although he was born in Venezuela, he only lived there a month before moving to Miami, where he grew up. Rays infielder Sean Rodriguez grew up in the same area, and the pair played together from Little League on up.

The Rays signed him on May 17 and waited for his elbow to finish healing. When it did, Orta found himself back at the beginning, in the GCL, where he made four rehab starts.

Even after all he went through with his elbow, a sore back in spring training this season cost him his spot with Tampa Bay and left him scrambling for a job. He went through about three weeks of teams telling him they didn’t have any spots at either Double-A or Triple-A.

That meant Orta had to wait and hope someone would call. As those weeks went by without locking down a tryout, he thought seriously about going back to the University of Miami, where he would complete his study and work to become a physician’s assistant, which pulls in a median salary of just more than $90,000 a year. That’s nowhere near the minimum major league salary of better than $400,000, but it’s a pretty nice fallback option.

Just like making it to the major leagues, however, a job as a physician’s assistant would be a long time in the making. He’d first have to complete his bachelor’s degree, then head to medical school before he could even think about landing a job.

“I had a tough time,” Orta said, “because everybody thought I was hurt. I had to start doing tryouts, so to speak. I was already enrolled in school and all that, and I was thinking ‘Maybe it’s time (to go back),” but I was lucky enough that the Yankees called me to (their minor league complex) and they signed me.”

Five or six teams saw Orta throw that day, and all of them made offers. That left him with the always-welcome problem of picking your own employer from a host of suitors. As it has countless times before, the Yankees’ reputation preceded it, which led Orta to a contract with the Bombers.

“When I did my tryout, I really liked what they had to offer,” Orta, who peaked at 97 miles per hour in his Thunder debut on Tuesday, said. “I liked the coaching staff and I liked how they do things. It felt like a good place.”

•••

Manager Tony Franklin was selected to the coaching staff of his fifth Futures Game on Wednesday. He’ll be on the staff of the U.S. team, where he’ll work under manager George Brett at Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium.

And although he’s been there four times before, this one is particularly special. His family lives in Kansas, and a trip out there would mean a chance to see them.

“I’m going to make time to see my mother, who is in a nursing facility with Alzheimer’s, and I haven’t seen her in about a year or so,” Franklin said. “So that’s basically why I’m pretty excited about going. I get a chance to see my mother.”

Minor league managers Duane Espy (Tulsa), Mike Jirschele (Omaha) and Jim Pankovits (Jackson) will join Franklin on Brett’s staff.

•••

The Thunder announced on Wednesday that current Yankees and former Trenton stars Robinson Cano and David Robertson will come to Waterfront Park on July 26 to promote their charitable organizations, the RC 24 Foundation and the High Socks for Hope Foundation.

Trenton’s team chiropractor, Dr. Thomas Haveron, who runs the MVP Foundation, helped coordinate the event and will present checks to each player to go toward their respective organizations.

"This is a great opportunity to publicly thank Robertson and Cano for all the work they do for our communities here and elsewhere," Haveron said in a press release. "I wanted to host the event in Trenton as a way of thanking the Thunder for allowing me to be part of the team and the greatest baseball family ever."

•••

NOTES: Former Yankees hero Bucky Dent signed autographs on Wednesday at Waterfront Park. … Pitcher Cory Arbiso saw a doctor on Wednesday and was cleared to begin throwing. He’s been on the disabled list since May 18 with a strained back. 

Pitching matchup: LHP Vidal Nuno (2-1, 0.33) vs. RHP Chris Heston (6-2, 1.00)

In the standings: Trenton is in first place, 1 game ahead of Reading in the Eastern Division. Richmond is in fourth place, 10.5 games behind Akron in the West.

RICHMOND
Gary Brown - CF
Nick Liles - LF
Daniel Mayora - 3B
Russ Mitchell - 1B
Tommy Joseph - C
Juan Perez - RF
Ryan Cavan - 2B
Mark Minicozzi - DH
Juan Ciriaco - SS
Chris Heston - RHP

TRENTON
Abe Almonte - LF
David Adams - 2B
Zoilo Almonte - RF
Cody Johnson - DH
Melky Mesa - CF
Luke Murton - 1B
Addison Maruszak - 3B
Kyle Higashioka - C
Yadil Mujica - SS
Vidal Nuno - LHP

NOTES: Not much, frankly. Talked to Ricky Orta for a long while. He's got a really interesting story. ... Cory Arbiso saw a doctor and is cleared to begin throwing. ... Tony Franklin is going to his fifth Futures Game. ... Robinson Cano and David Robertson are coming to Waterfront Park on July 26 to help promote the RC 24 Foundation and the High Socks for Hope Foundation.

Triple-A: Louisville 4, Scranton 2
Kevin Russo: 1 for 3, R, BB
Corban Joseph: 1 for 4, R
Ronnier Mustelier: 1 for 3, 2B, RBI
Jack Cust: 0 for 1, RBI, 2 BB
Chris Dickerson: 1 for 4, outfield assist
Adam Warren: 7 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 5 SO (109/74)
Juan Cedeno: IP, H, R, ER, BB, 3 SO (25/13)

Double-A: Trenton 3, Richmond 2
Abe Almonte: 1 for 2, 2 R, 2 BB
Jose Pirela: 1 for 3
David Adams: 0 for 2, BB, RBI
Zoilo Almonte: 0 for 2, 2 BB
Melky Mesa: 1 for 4, RBI
Luke Murton: 3 for 4, HR
Yadil Mujica: 1 for 3
Mikey O'Brien: 6 IP, 4 H, R, ER, 3 BB, 4 SO (88/51)
Ricky Orta: 2 IP, H, R, ER, BB, SO (26/18)
Ryan Flannery: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO (14/9)

High-A: Tampa 4, Daytona 2
Ramon Flores: 0 for 3, BB, R
J.R. Murphy: 2 for 4, 2B, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI
Rob Segedin: 2 for 4, RBI
Kyle Roller: 2 for 4
Jose Mojica: 1 for 3, 2B, RBI
Nik Turley: 3 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO
Sean Black: 2 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, SO
Kramer Sneed: 2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, SO
Branden Pinder: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO

Short Season: Brooklyn 4, Staten Island 1
Matt Duran: 1 for 3
Saxon Butler: 1 for 3, HR, BB
Gabe Encinas: 1.2 IP, H, 2 R, ER, BB, 2 SO
Alex Smith: 2 IP, 3 H, R, ER, 2 BB, 0 SO
Dietrich Enns: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, SO
Derek Varnadore: 1.2 IP, 2 H, R, ER, 2 BB, SO
Charles Basford: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO
Stefan Lopez: IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO


Gulf Coast League: Braves 5, Yankees 4
Kelvin Duran: 1 for 5, R, SB
Jerison Lopez: 2 for 4, 2 R, BB
Greg Bird: 1 for 4, R, RBI, BB
Slade Heathcott: 2 for 4, 2 2B, RBI, BB
David Remedios: 1 for 3, BB
Fernando Perez: 1 for 4
David Aardsma: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 2 SO
Cesar Vargas: 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO
Joey Maher: 3 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, BB, 2 SO

Dominican Summer League 1: Giants 12, Yankees 6
Chris Tamarez: 1 for 4, 2B, R, BB
Sandy Brito: 1 for 3, BB
Renzo Martini: 1 for 2, 2B, R, 2 RBI, BB
Jose Polanco: 1 for 3, R, RBI
Jose Figueroa: 1 for 4, 2B, R
Roybell Herrera: 1 for 3, 2B, R, 2 RBI, BB
Jose Javier: 2 for 4, 2 RBI
Reynaldo Polanco: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 7 R, ER, 4 BB, 0 SO
Francis Joseph: 1.1 IP, 3 H, R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO
Joaquin Acuna: 4 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO
Andres Mateo: 0.1 IP, 0 H, R, ER, 3 BB, 0 SO
Edwin Rodriguez: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO

Dominican Summer League 2: Pirates 9, Yankees 4
Bryan Cuevas: 1 for 4, 2B, R
Barfil Munoz: 1 for 3
Wascar Rodriguez: 1 for 4, 2 R
Freite Marte: 3 for 4, 2 2B, R, RBI
Brayan Alcantara: 2.1 IP, 3 H, 6 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, 2 SO
Francisco Duran: 2.2. IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 3 SO
Hector Martinez: 4 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO

Continuing a season-long trend, The Thunder lost yet another member of their staff on Tuesday when right-hander Brett Marshall was placed on the disabled list.

Marshall, the ace on a team decimated by injuries, was 7-3 with a 2.99 ERA through his first 14 starts. Bursitis in his left leg means he joins fellow rotation-mates Josh Romanski (blister), Graham Stoneburner (groin strain), Craig Heyer (shoulder soreness) and Cory Arbiso (back stiffness) on the shelf.

The injury is not serious, Marshall says, and he doesn’t expect to be out long.  In fact, he took fielding practice and was in the weight room before the game. The Yankees typically like to control their starters’ innings by having them miss one start at some point in the season anyway, so Marshall missing just one start works out perfectly.

“I just started feeling it a little bit, but it’s nothing big,” he said before Tuesday’s game with Richmond. “They just want to shut me down for a start and then (I’ll) get back to it.”

Until now, the Thunder have patched their rotation’s holes better than they had any right to expect.

The trio of Adam Miller, Mikey O’Brien and lefty Vidal Nuno has posted a 2.61 ERA over 93 2/3 innings as members of the starting five.  That solid work not only helped keep Trenton afloat, but propelled it to the top of the standings.

“I think we’ve got guys who could be promoted, which allows us to cover some injuries. That’s a good thing.” manager Tony Franklin said before Tuesday’s game. “Probably the best thing about it is when guys do cover, they’re able to play more than one position. That versatility becomes very important.”

That malleability and good fortune has extended well beyond the pitching staff. For every player sent to the disabled list, the team has found a reliable replacement.

Luke Murton has clubbed 10 homers in Rob Lyerly’s absence. Kevin Mahoney provided offense, defense and late-inning magic while filling in at third base. Addison Maruszak started out shakily but has since played a solid shortstop while Walter Ibarra waits for his middle finger to recover.

Jose Pirela, who missed a month and a half with a concussion and was only expected to be used in a utility role anyway, has hit .381 with .440 and .546 on-base and slugging percentages while taking the injured Mahoney’s spot at third.

And who could forget Shane Brown, the team’s fifth outfielder, who has just 27 at-bats over 13 games but has already knocked two game-winning hits and earned a win on the mound.

“I think we’ve got a team full of versatile guys here who can play short, second, third, outfield, first base. That’s really helped us with all of these injuries,” Franklin said. “The biggest thing with all of these injuries is that we were able to cover them, which says that we do have a little bit of depth in the organization.”

Now they’ll have to count on Ricky Orta, a fourth-rounder of the Mariners in 2006 and who pitched most recently in the Rays organization, to keep things going. Orta was added to Trenton’s roster on Tuesday and will be used out of the bullpen.

A right-hander from the University of Miami, Orta missed all of 2010 with elbow surgery before being cut by Seattle. He latched on with the Rays before last season and made four starts with team’s affiliate in the Gulf Coast League.

NOTES: Romanski and Heyer each threw bullpens on Sunday and each will throw another on Wednesday. Heyer expects to be activated in early July. … Catcher Jeff Farnham said he sprained his ankle against Erie during the last homestand when he tripped on a sprinkler head. … Although there’s still no timetable for Cory Arbiso’s return, he says he has no pain in his injured back.

Pitching Matchup: RHP Mikey O'Brien (4-1, 3.38) vs. RHP Craig Westcott (6-4, 3.64)

In the standings: Trenton (38-29) is tied with Reading for first place in the Eastern Division. Richmond (34-35) is in fourth place in the Western Division, nine games behind Akron.

RICHMOND
Gary Brown - CF
Nick Liles - LF
Daniel Mayora - 3B
Tommy Joseph - C
Russ Mitchell - 1B
Juan Perez - RF
Mark Minicozzi - DH
Juan Ciriaco - SS
Ryan Cavan - 2B
Craig Westcott - RHP

TRENTON
Abe Almonte - LF
Jose Pirela - 3B
David Adams - 2B
Zoilo Almonte - RF
Melky Mesa - CF
Cody Johnson - DH
Luke Murton - 1B
Jose Gil - C
Yadil Mujica - SS
Mikey O'Brien - RHP

Notes: Obviously, the big news is that staff ace Brett Marshall was placed on the DL. The injury leaves Shaeffer Hall as the only starter not to get injured this year. In fact, Hall has never missed a turn in two years with Trenton. ... Additionally, third baseman Kevin Mahoney and shortstop Walter Ibarra were on the field before BP taking grounders. Mahoney was taking the grounders on his knees.

Update - 6:47: Brett Marshall has bursitis is his left leg. He'll miss one start. ... Craig Heyer and Josh Romanski each threw bullpens on Sunday and will throw again on Wednesday. Romanski is recovering from a blister and Heyer is dealing with a sore shoulder. Heyer said he expects to be activated in the first week of July. ... Cory Arbiso said his back is pain-free, but there is still no timetable for his return.

Update - 8:13: Here are videos of two O'Brien strikeouts

The Thunder yesterday placed Brett Marshall on the 7-Day disabled list, retroactive to June 17. That's a huge blow for a pitching staff that's already been wracked with injuries. 

That leaves Shaeffer Hall as the only member of the Trenton staff who's stayed off the shelf this season. 

Marshall was 7-3 this season with a 2.99 ERA in 14 starts. Over 84 1/3 innings, Marshall had allowed 76 hits, struck out 51 and walked 29. 

He allowed six runs (five earned) in his last start, on Saturday, on seven hits and four walks. He also hit two batters. 

Marshall is replaced in the rotation by right-hander Ricky Orta, a former fourth-rounder of the Seattle Mariners back in 2006. He had elbow surgery in 2010 and missed the entire season. Orta was signed last offseason by the Rays as a minor league free agent and spent the year in the Gulf Coast League, where he posted a 1.12 ERA over four starts. 

Triple-A: Louisville 9, Scranton 2
Chris Dickerson: 1 for 4, 2B, BB
Corban Joseph: 1 for 5, 2B
Ronnier Mustelier: 0 for 3, 2 BB, R
Jack Cust: 1 for 3, RBI, BB
Russell Branyan: 1 for 4, 2B
Colin Curtis: 1 for 4, HR
Gustavo Molina: 1 for 4, 2B
Ramiro Pena: 2 for 4
John Maine: 2.2 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO (66/36)
Nelson Figueroa: 3.1 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER, BB (76/46)
Jason Bulger: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO (25/16)

High-A: Tampa 6, Daytona 3
J.R. Murphy: 2 for 5, R, RBI, SB
Rob Segedin: 0 for 3, R, 2 BB
Neil Medchill: 1 for 4, R, BB
Kyle Roller: 1 for 4, 2B, 3 RBI, R
Zach Wilson: 1 for 3, RBI
Eduardo Sosa: 1 for 4, 2B
Hector Rabago: 1 for 4, R
Jose Mojica: 1 for 4, R, SB
Matt Tracy: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 R, ER, 0 BB, 5 SO
Tommy Kahnle: 1.2 IP, H, R, ER, 2 BB, 2 SO
Mark Montgomery: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO

Short Season: Brooklyn 2, Staten Island 0
Claudio Custodio: 1 for 4
Matt Snyder: 1 for 4
Exicardo Cayones: 2 for 4, 2B, SB
Taylor Morton: 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 2 SO
Conor Mullee: IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO
James Pazos: IP, H, 2 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 SO

Dominican Summer League 1: Yankees 11, D'Backs/Reds 5
Abiatal Avelino: 2 for 5, R
Chris Tamarez: 3 for 5, 2B, R
Sandy Brito: 3 for 5, 2B, 3B, 2 R
Renzo Martini: 2 for 5, R, RBI
Jose Polanco: 3 for 5, 2 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI
Melvin Aquino: 2 for 4, 2B, R, RBI, BB
Daniel Vavrusa: 1 for 5, R
Jose Figueroa: 3 for 4, 2B, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI
Jose Javier: 2 for 4, 3 RBI
Dallas Martinez: 5 IP, 3 H, 2 R, ER, 0 BB, 5 SO
Havid Burgos: 2 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 SO
Jose Pena: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO

Dominican Summer League 2: Yankees 9, Rangers 5
Jorge Mateo: 2 for 4, 2 R, SB
Bryan Cuevas: 1 for 4, R
Alvaro Noriega: 2 for 4, 2B, 2 RBI
Barfil Munoz: 1 for 5, HR, 2 RBI
Jhoan Gomez: 2 for 4, R
Abraham Pierret: 1 for 3, 3B, R, RBI, 2 BB
Angel Aguilar: 1 for 5, R, RBI
Daniel Barrios: 1 for 4, 2 R, BB, SB (home)
Moises Cedeno: 2 IP, H, 2 R, 2 ER, 7 BB, 3 SO
David Rodriguez: 4 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, SO
Kelvin Magallanes: IP, H, R, ER, 2 BB, 2 SO
Hershelon Juliana: IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO
Jose Pichardo: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO

Gulf Coast League: Yankees 7, Braves 3
Slade Heathcott: 0 for 3, 2 BB, R
Greg Bird: 1 for 4, R
Bubba Jones: 2 for 4, 4 R, BB
Miguel Andujar: 3 for 4, RBI
Mikeson Oliberto: 2 for 4, R, RBI
Jerison Lopez: 2 for 4, 2 RBI
Hayden Sharp: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 3 SO
Melvin Mercedes: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO
Jordan Cote: 4.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 5 SO
Edison Mejia: 0.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO

Before my vacation, I spoke with former Thunder pitcher and coach Justin Pope, who this season will helm the Staten Island Yankees. The team opens its season on Monday, and Pope was kind enough to break down what he sees for his club this season.

JN: What do you think of the composition of the team you're going to bring forth this season?

JP: They're very competitive. It's going to be great to see these guys get under the lights and play in front of some big crowds. It's going to be fun to see that. I'm very excited to have the team that we have going up there. I think they're going to do great. 

JN: Let's get into specifics, then. Who are you bringing up there?

JP: We're going to have a bunch of guys who the fans can look forward to. There's college kids we just drafted. They seem pretty promising. It's going to be interesting to see what they bring to the table. 

Ravel Santana, our center fielder, he's going to be very interesting to watch. He's a great player. He got hurt last year in GCL. He was having a great year before breaking his ankle or something like that. It's going to be great to see how he responds. He's a great player, so he's going to be really, really exciting to watch. 

JN: With Ravel, obviously that injury was very serious. Are there any restrictions on him?

JP: Nah. He's full go. He's full go. He says he feels good. Obviously, we'll have to watch him. We can't throw him out there every single day. We'll have to give him some DH days and stuff like that, but he's good to go. 

JN: What is your starting rotation going to look like?

JP: I don't even know that yet. We're figuring that out as we speak right now, who we're going to put in the rotation and the draft guys that we've signed, what they're able to do. We're still in the mix of that, really, as we speak. 

JN: Let's do it this way, then. Which pitchers are you bringing up there, no matter what their role may be?

JP: We have Taylor Morton. He's coming up there. We have Evan DeLuca. He's coming up there. And we have a bunch of draft guys. Taylor Garrison's coming up there. A lot of guys I haven't even seen pitch yet, so it's hard to put a name and a face with guys. ... The pitching staff is only a handful of guys that have been in the organization before. For the most part, everybody's new. 

(Note: Conor Mullee and Evan Rutckyj are also going up there to Staten Island)

JN: You mentioned Santana already. Which position players do you expect to join him?

JP: There's Matt Duran. He's going to be really exciting to watch. He's from up around that area. He's had a really good extended. He's gotten a lot better, so it's going to be fun to watch him play. We've got Claudio Custodio and Jose Rosario. Those guys are going to be great up the middle. I thnk those guys feed off each other. Hopefully they can do what they did last year and continue that. ... Those are two young players with a lot of energy, so I expect they're going to bring a lot to the table. 

JN: What about first base? Austin Jones, perhaps?

JP: We're going to have a few guys at first. We've got a couple of draft guys who could play first. Jackson Valera, he's a catcher who can also play first. We have (Isaias) Tejeda. He's mainly a catcher, but he can also play at first. Valera, he can play a little bit of both. We're definitely going to have some options in our lineup with guys that can play different positions.

JN: Who will flank Santana on the corners?

JP: We've got Exicardo Cayones. We got him in the A.J. Burnett trade. He and Daniel Lopez, both those guys are really good defenders. They can run pretty well, so they're going to be able to track some balls down. They've had pretty good extended springs. They can swing the bat very well. You can do a lot of things with them. You have some options when they're hitting and when they're on the bases.We'll probably have some draft guys to go along with them and maybe play the corners. We might even get a center fielder, college guy, too.

JN: What do you think the team's strength is going to be?

JP: I think their ability to play together. Their chemistry. These guys played together last year. They played all extended together. They're all young. They all get along great, so I think it's going to be their chemistry, which is important. If you don't have chemistry, I think it's tough to win. 

JN: Last one. It's going to be your first managing gig. Are you ready?

JP: I guess we'll find out. I'll tell you what, it's been a learning experience down here in extended. A lot of things have happened. A lot of crazy things have happened to make me keep my eyes open and help me get prepared for the season. I think I am (ready), but there's only one way to find out, and that's to get into the game and see what happens. 

With the short-season leagues – Staten Island and the Gulf Coast League – set to open on Monday, and the Dominican Summer League already in full-swing, I spoke with Yankees vice president of player development last week to help identify some of the talent headed to those leagues.

We talked about some names you probably know – Ravel Santana and Rafael De Paula – and quite a few you might not know about. Some of the system’s top prospects, like Dante Bichette and 

Ronnier Mustelier, spent time in the Gulf Coast League last year, and virtually all of the talent-laden Charleston club played in Staten Island last summer.

This is an opportunity, with a little guidance from the man who molds New York’s talent, to get familiar with some of the Yankees’ future stars.

JN: If you’re going out to see Staten Island this year, who’s someone you’d want to watch?

MN: Well, Ravel Santana was certainly one of the top players in the Gulf Coast League. I think he was the No. 2 prospect in the Gulf Coast League. He’s ready to rock and roll. He’s had a remarkable recovery from a difficult injury.

Two middle infielders – Claudio Custodio and Jose Rosario. Both played very well in the Gulf Coast League. They’re young. Both of them are shortstops, but they alternate between short and second. They’re excellent.

One exciting guy might be Conor Mullee. He went to Saint Peter’s College. He’s kind of a local guy, went to college in New Jersey. He’s a converted shortstop. He’s got a really good arm. He’s coming back from surgery, and he’s going to start there. So we’ll see how he does.

There will be some player movement over time as we get people signed from the draft. The list of players to see will be fluid. At this point, that’s the best I can tell you.

JN: Is Rafael DePaula going to be there at all this year, you think?

MN: No. He will not.

JN: So it’s either the DSL or the GCL. Do you expect him to flop between both?

MN: Well, we’ll see. Right now he’s in the Dominican Summer League. This is the first tie he’s pitched competitively, so he’s staying there at the moment. He will not be in Staten Island.

JN: What did they allow him to do while he was waiting for his situation to get cleared up?

MN: He just practiced.

JN: Same question as the first, but replace “Staten Island” with the “GCL.” Who would you want to see there?

MN: We have a guy named Greg Bird who was from last year’s draft and had a hand injury. Catcher. We spent some money on him. He is an outstanding-looking young kid. He’s an outstanding young hitter.  Bubba Jones will be there too.

JN: What about on the pitching side?

MN: A guy named Gio Gallegos, from Mexico. Really good arm. Several U.S. pitchers that we drafted last year and they signed late. This will be their first foray. Jordan Cote, Rookie Davis, Joey Maher, Daniel Camarena. Those guys will be there.

JN: What about Matt Duran? Is he going to be in the GCL?

MN: Matt Duran is going to be in Staten Island. He’s a guy people should see. He had a nice start to his career. He’s from the New York area, New Rochelle.

JN: And then, same idea. If you’re a random fan who has the money to take a trip to the Dominican, who in the summer league do you want to pay attention to?

MN: DePaula’s an obvious one. A pitcher named Luis Severino is very interesting. He’s a right-hander, up to 94. He has good breaking stuff. There’s also an interesting catcher there named Daniel Vavrusa. He’s playing very well, and he’s from Czechoslovakia.

JN: It’s got to be odd for a kid from Czechoslovakia to be in the Dominican Summer League. Does he speak Spanish?

MN: He’s speaks English very well, so that helps. He’s learning Spanish, and he’s an interesting young player. He can catch, and he’s swinging the bat very well. Good size guy, 6-3, 200.

JN: I noticed you guys have Francisco Duran pitching out there. What happened for you to make that change?

MN: He and Jhorge Liccien are both converting from catch to pitch. They have a good arms and it was a struggle offensively for them. They both wanted to do it.

JN: Speaking of which, I heard someone say Kelvin Castro is converting to a pitcher as well. Is that true?

MN: He’s going to pitch at one of the short-season teams (not Staten Island). We’ll see. He’s got a process to go through before he’s ready for competition, though.

JN: Just looking at the roster here, a couple of guys stick out for me as bigger names. Chris Tamarez and Wilmer Romero. How are they progressing?

MN: OK. They both have a ways to go.

JN: Then, one of my personal favorites just on the name alone. How’s Renzo Martini looked down there?

MN: Renzo Martini can hit. He’s a first baseman and a third baseman, and he’s one of the better young hitters down there. 

CHARLESTON

Prospect 1: Mason Williams, CF - .306/.362/.471, 16 doubles, four home runs, 16 stolen bases

A center fielder who can hit, run, throw and play defense, Williams is arguably the system’s best prospect. There are questions about whether he’ll hit for power, and he spent nearly the entire offseason at the Yankees’ minor league complex working to add muscle and pop to his bat.

He’s hurt himself diving a couple of times this season, and one scout dinged his makeup a little bit, noting that he got pulled from more than one game at Staten Island last year for failing to hustle. A second scout agreed, but didn’t see it as a major issue down the line.

Another scout compared Williams to current A’s center fielder Coco Crisp, a guy who can really play the position but doesn’t necessarily wow with the bat. He saw gap power in Williams’ future, something on the order of 10 to 15 home runs annually.

Scout’s View: “He’s swung the bat real well all year. He can really run, and he can play center field. He’s kind of a Devon White-looking player. If I were to do comparisons, that’s kind of who he reminds me of, a true center fielder who can hit at the top of the lineup. He hasn’t shown power, but I think he will have power.”

“He’s got some of what I’d call greediness to him. I think when he gets two or three hits, he’s looking to get four or five. He doesn’t seem to be satisfied with that. The only negative is that he probably puts a little bit too much on himself, but I think he’s got real good makeup.”

Prospect 2: Gary Sanchez, C - .298/.345/.507, 18 doubles, nine home runs, 10 stolen bases

If Williams is one half of the argument about who the best prospect in the system is, Sanchez is the other half.

Still just 19 years old, Sanchez is tearing up the South Atlantic League in his return trip to Charleston. That was expected. What’s come as a bit of a surprise are the positive reviews he’s drawn behind the dish, especially for someone who allowed 26 passed balls in just 60 games behind the plate in 2011.

“He’s an absolute front-line catcher with plus power. I’d take him in my system,” one scout said, adding that Sanchez is more advanced defensively than Jesus Montero was when he was 19. Sanchez’s bat, however, is behind Montero’s.

Where the questions lie, however, are with Sanchez’s maturity and makeup. There were reports last year that he refused to call breaking pitches for fear of letting them go to the backstop. He also skipped a team trip to Yankee Stadium while the RiverDogs were in nearby New Jersey last April to play the BlueClaws.  At one point, he was sent back to the Yankees minor league complex for disciplinary purposes.

“I think with Gary it’s more maturity. It really doesn’t have to do with makeup. He’s a young guy and away from home and away from his home country for the first time in his life,” one scout posited. “He’s out on his own in Charleston, whereas in Tampa they’re guarded a little bit more, so he’s a little bit out on his own.”

Scout's View: "Oh yeah. I think he'll be a catcher. I don't think there's any question. A lot of people had questions about Montero. I didn't, but there's no question this kid, for me, will be able to catch. He can really throw. He can really get rid of the ball. Although Montero had arm strength, he didn't get rid of the ball as well as this kid gets rid of the ball."

Prospect 3: Bryan Mitchell, SP – 4-5, 3.75 ERA, 57 2/3 IP, 62 SO, 31 BB

Mitchell possesses a hard fastball and a nasty 12-6 curveball that looks similar to the one Phil Hughes throws. The only question right now is his control and command. If he gets that in order, he's going to be an absolute monster. 

Scout’s View: “He probably has the best stuff in the organization. The fastball’s 95 to 97 with a real good hook, good change-up. It’s just a matter of him getting the hang of it. He’s coming off an injury where I think he was out a year and a half. He probably has the best overall stuff. 

Prospect 4: Tyler Austin, RF -- .329/.404/.653, 20 doubles, 14 home runs, 50 RBIs

The scary part is: It could have been better for Austin, who endured a slump at the beginning of May and missed time this month with a bruise on his foot. Still, he's been the unquestioned offensive star in the system over the first half, and should find his way to Florida in a few days. 

Scout's View: "I personally think he's going to be an everyday right fielder. He reminds me of Jay Buhner at the same age. To me, he wasn't a sleeper. The moment I saw him, I thought he could have been a first- or second-round pick. He can run, he can throw, he can play defense -- even though he's never played in the outfield, he's picked it up very quickly. He can hit. He's got power. I think he might be their best offensive prospect."

Scout's View: "You're buying the bat with him. For me, he's a backup outfielder, not an everyday guy. He's got raw power, but not as much as Sanchez." 

Prospect 5: Dante Bichette, 3B - .261/.340/.321, 9 doubles, 1 home run, 23 RBIs

The Yankees' first-rounder from 2011, Bichette started the season very slowly and hasn't showed much pop over the season's first half. People still believe in the bat, and there's plenty of time for him to develop. The Yankees won't really have a vacancy at the hot corner for quite a while, anyway. 

Scout's View: "He's got plus power. I see him hitting 25-plus home runs a year. He's got quickness and plays better than average defense. I would keep him at third long-term." 

Scout's View: This is really his first rodeo under the lights, playing in what I'd call a 'real minor league situation,' and not the Gulf Coast League. I anticipate he'll have a much better second half. 

TAMPA

Prospect 1:  Mark Montgomery, RP – 4-1, 1.19 ERA, 30 1/3 IP, 48 SO, 9 BB

One of the system’s fastest movers, Montgomery, a 2011 draftee out of Longwood University, started last year with a bang when he fanned five hitters in an inning in his debut with Low-A Charleston. Over his 57-inning pro career, he’s allowed just 10 extra-base hits, none of which were home runs.

He throws a fastball in the low to mid-90s, coupled with what many view as the best slider in the system. He also has been working on incorporating a change-up into his arsenal.

Scout’s View: “I have him as an up and down guy. I think he’ll pitch in the big leagues, but I’m really concerned about the effort in his delivery. He’s got a big head-jerk at the finish of it. I know people have been comparing him to Robertson, but I just don’t see the secondary stuff. He’s got a power arm – his fastball gets a little bit straight – and his command his below average. The slider will flash fringe-average, but I didn’t see anything to make me think it was an average pitch.

“This is one where you really have to dig down deep and say ‘What do we have here?’ It’s a 5-11 righty who doesn’t have a great frame (and) the fastball’s pretty straight. I think he’s got enough stuff to eventually get a look at the big leagues, but I don’t think it sticks.”

Scout’s View 2: “He’s got a very, very good slider. He’s got a major league slider now. It’s just about him harnessing command and control. He’s going to pitch in the big leagues, and I think he’s going to turn around his command and control. Joba had more repertoire and he threw pretty hard but, slider to slider, they’re probably pretty similar.

Scout's View 3: "Nothing special. Average fastball, below-average command. Decent slider if delivery is in sync. He competes. Probably a middle relief-type guy if he makes it. 

Prospect 2: Rob Segedin, OF - .282/.348/.441, 18 doubles, 6 home runs, 31 RBIs

A New Jersey native and the Yankees’ third-round selection in 2010, Segedin has put together a first half this season that earned him one of Tampa’s three berths in the Florida State League All-Star game. And although he didn’t get any playing time, he was sent to Trenton toward the end of his first season to help quell a boatload of injuries. In a few days, there’s a good chance he’ll find himself in Double-A again.

Scout’s View: “He’s a Double-A guy for me. He’s got a ton of holes (in his swing), he’s a below-average defender, he’s got some sweepiness to his swing. He hits the ball hard when he makes contact (but) there’s too many holes for me to get excited about him.

Scout’s View 2: “I was more lukewarm on him, and I know he’s having a good year for them. Just from a tools standpoint, not a lot jumps out at me. He’s good player, knows how to play but doesn’t wow you with a lot of tools – just a good baseball player.”

Scout’s View 3: To me, he’s more of a strength guy than a quickness guy. He can overpower a ball. … He’s made some strides and he’s played well in right field.”

Prospect 3: Shane Greene, SP -- 1-2, 4.15 ERA, 47 2/3 innings, 42 SO, 24 BB

When I was doing my calls for this piece, Greene is the name that surprised me the most. Everyone I spoke to about Tampa brought him up, and the numbers weren't bearing it out. He was so out of whack this year that the Yankees sent him back to Extended Spring Training for a time. He's been dynamite since he's come back, and could see Trenton at some point toward the end of the season. 

Scout’s View: “The kid Greene has good stuff, but he’s another guy who doesn’t command it well at this point. But man, the stuff’s so nice. You really look at the stuff and say, ‘Wow, he can get ML outs with that.’ I’ve got him as a bullpen arm, too.

Scout’s View: “I think there’s upside with him. He has a slider with late action to it. He gets where he’s just trying to power the pitch, essentially just trying to pull it through the zone instead of just allowing it to work. He’s got good velocity, I think it’s like 84 to 86, up to 87. If he can just allow it to work, the arm’s good enough. He doesn’t have to do anything extra with it. If he can just allow the arm to work and let the mechanics work, that’s going to be a pretty good pitch for him down the road.”

Prospect 4: J.R. Murphy, C/3B/OF - .241/.308/.329, 8 doubles, 3 home runs, 13 RBIs

With promotion season coming up in the organization, I thought for sure that Murphy would play his way into a spot with Trenton. It still may happen if the Yankees choose to bump Gary Sanchez to Tampa, but it won't be because of anything he's done to earn it statistically. 

Scout’s View: “He’s struggled at the plate. Last I looked, I think he was hitting .205 or .210, something like that. It may take him a full year at Tampa to get used to that caliber of pitching.

Scout's View 2: “I like Murphy. I definitely think Murphy has some upside. The jury’s still out behind the plate, but he does have some athleticism behind the plate. He can throw. He has some tools to play there, I think it’s just more game management, and that’s going to come with time and repetition.

“I do like him offensively. I think he has a chance to hit. He’s a bit of a pull guy presently, but I think the bat is going to be more than serviceable at the big-league level. … He’s got to stay behind the plate, for me, to have legitimate value.”

Prospect 5: Branden Pinder, RP -- 1-4, 4.04 ERA, 35 2/3 IP, 23 SO, 12 BB

Another one of the Yankees' big-armed relievers lurking in the minors, Pinder features a fastball and a slider. The organization thought enough of him to skip him over Charleston entirely and send him directly to High-A Tampa. 

Scout’s View: “Maybe the best arm down there. His (situation) is about command and control, moreso than Montgomery.”

Scout’s View:  “I think he has some upside as well. He has a big arm as well. He was 90 to 94. 

Scout’s View: That’s another power arm. I have him as an up-and-down guy.

Prospect 6: Ramon Flores, OF – .272/.331/.358, 14 doubles, 2 home runs, 15 RBIs

An undersized outfielder, Flores' calling card has long been his plate discipline and hit tool. He started extremely slowly this year and has had to work his way back to respectable numbers. 

Scout’s View: “He can really swing the bat. I definitely think he has some upside. I was very pleased to see him in center field. I like the bat, and I definitely think he’s going to have some value there as well.”

TRENTON

Prospect 1: Melky Mesa, CF - .251/.323/.436, 9 doubles, 8 home runs, 30 RBIs

 He’s cut his strikeouts a ton, but suffered a bad break when a sore right shoulder in the middle of May sidelined him for three weeks. He’d also shown off tremendous range and a deadly throwing arm in center field.

Scout’s view: “I think Melky’s tools get him to the big leagues. I think he’s going to be a guy who goes up and down and up and down and never secures a spot.”

Earlier in the season, the same scout compared him to a guy like Justin Maxwell or Greg Golson, a guy who, despite having tools upon tools, never quite capitalizes on his own potential.

Prospect 2: Zoilo Almonte, RF - .275/.315/.406, 6 doubles, 4 home runs, 25 RBIs

Like Mesa, Almonte missed a chunk of time this season. In his case, hamstring spasms were the culprit. After a breakout first half in Tampa in 2011, Almonte earned a spot on the 40-man roster. His boffo spring training also caught the eye of Yankees manager Joe Girardi.

Scout’s view: “I don’t think he’s a regular in the big leagues, but I think he’s got enough bat and enough athleticism and can play enough defense to be an extra outfielder in the big leagues.”

Prospect 3: Cody Johnson, DH - .245/.336/.528, 11 doubles, 16 home runs, 37 RBIs

The book on Johnson is the same as it ever was: He’s the Double-A version of Adam Dunn. He’ll strike out, take walks and hit monstrous home runs. He’s in the midst of a nasty slump right now, but his light-tower power still makes him one of the only true longball threats in Trenton’s lineup.

Scout’s View: I thought he’d made strides and has made himself a prospect. He’s got unbelievable power. … His velocity off the bat is way above anybody else. Where he plays is another story, but he’s certainly got some impact.”

Scout’s View: “I think he’s better than what I’ve seen with the Braves. I think he’s got a little bit better load than he did then.  It was a much bigger takeaway, and he’s shortened it up a bit, but I still am very concerned with the high strikeout rate. … He’s got big-time power. He just does. You can’t deny the kid that.  I just don’t think it plays at the highest level.”

Prospect 4: Brett Marshall, SP – 7-3, 2.99 ERA, 84 1/3 IP, 51 SO, 29 BB

Without question the best pitching prospect on the Thunder, Marshall has done quite well for himself in his first turn at the upper levels. He’s allowed two or fewer earned runs in nine of his 13 starts this year. The numbers prove that he still has to improve his command and control in order to advance to the next level and cash in on his potential.

Scout’s View: “I don’t think he has a big upside, but I think he could certainly pitch in the big leagues. He’s probably the most interesting arm that I saw anyway, at Trenton. For me, he’s a long reliever, spot-starter type guy. Not a big upside, but there’s some stuff to like there. I think he’s got the potential to have three average major league pitches and throw strikes.”

Scout’s View: “I thought he threw good. I think he could be a fourth or fifth starter, a back of the rotation guy.”

Those four certainly aren’t the only players who were mentioned. One scout said he saw a Juan Cruz-like ceiling for reliever Kelvin Perez. Another noted that outfielder Abraham Almonte had a little bit of “strength in his swing,” likening that trait to that of current Yankee Brett Gardner.

For the most part, though, Mesa, Zoilo Almonte, Johnson and Marshall were the biggest names. And after reading the quotes from scouts, it should be clear that Trenton, despite its success over the first half of the season, should not be the team Yankees fans look to for its next wave of impact players. 

This has been a down year for the Yankees’ farm system. There’s no way around it. Injuries, inconsistency and flat-out terrible performances have marred the seasons of Manny Banuelos, Dellin Betances, Jose Campos, Slade Heathcott and a host of other, second-tier prospects.

There have, however, been bright spots. Charleston teammates Tyler Austin and Gary Sanchez have torn through the South Atlantic League. Tampa closer Mark Montgomery has been lights-out. Trenton righty Brett Marshall has used his low-90s heat and dynamite change-up to limit the Eastern League to a .241 batting average. And Scranton has already sent D.J. Mitchell to New York for his first look at the sport’s pinnacle.

With the organization’s two lower-level teams heading to their All-Star breaks, a time when the Yankees typically reward their best producers with promotions, it’s a prime time to assess the system. 

Instead of pontificating for 1,000 words, however, I’ll let scouts from around the league – some from inside the Yankees system, some from outside – tell you if the prospects you’ve heard so much about are the real deal or a lot of smoke and mirrors.

In the case of a player who’s been with two levels this year, I’m going to group him with his current team, which is why Ronnier Mustelier and Chase Whitley are with Scranton and not Trenton.

                                   SCRANTON

Prospect 1: Adam Warren, SP – 4-4, 4.12 ERA, 74 1/3 IP, 53 SO, 24 BB

Warren’s always had an excellent fastball and excellent fastball command. The question has been what comes after the heat. He has a curveball, slider and a change-up, the best of which is the slider. If he can refine and harness his offspeed offerings, his future is bright.

Scout’s view: “Warren threw good. I feel that he’s got to pitch more off of his secondary stuff. … He has a good enough fastball. He’s got to pitch more off his change-up and slider and not be afraid to throw those pitches earlier in the count and then be more selective with his fastball use. He’s got a chance to be a back of the rotation starter, maybe in the next three to four months.

Scout’s View 2: “I think Adam Warren could fit in the rotation as a No. 5 starter-type guy. He’s disappointed a little, I think, in terms of his numbers, but every time I see him he throws well for me. He’s aggressive, he’s got four pitches – on some nights you see him and he’s got four average to solid-average major league pitches. … I think he’s got a legitimate chance to be a No. 5 starter in the big leagues.

Prospect 2: Chase Whitley – 5-2, 3.57 ERA, 40 1/3 IP, 41 SO, 17 BB

On merit, he's probably the fastest mover Trenton's ever had. He lasted just two appearances this season before getting bumped to Scranton, where he's been ever since. He features a low-90s fastball, but it's plus slider and change-up that do the most damage. He's one of a ton of college relievers the Yankees have plucked in recent drafts. 

Scouts view:  “I like him. I personally think he can help the Yankees in the big leagues. For me, he’d be the first one called up to pitch in the bullpen in New York. He’s got a good change-up, and it took me three days to figure out that it was a change-up and not a split-finger. It’s a change-up, but it acts like a split-finger. It’s an electric pitch; it’s really good.”

Prospect 3: Ronnier Mustelier, UT  –  .331/.376/.532, 16 doubles, 11 home runs, 44 RBIs

Yes, he's older, but he's in his first full season in professional baseball, so his developmental curve is going to be different. So far, his bat and ability to work the count have stood out. He feasts on fastballs, and is a little more susceptible on offspeed stuff. He's most comfortable at third base, but his defense as a whole is nothing special.

Scout’s View: “He’s a guy that, if he gets to the big leagues, he could play some kind of utility role. He can swing the bat. I won’t say he’s a sleeper guy, but he’s somebody who should be on your radar. He might be able to do some things in the big leagues. 

Prospect 4: Dellin Betances, SP -- 3-5, 5.91 ERA, 67 IP, 61 SO, 58 BB

This year has been an almost unmitigated disaster for Betances. He's shown absolutely no control or command, and has significantly lowered his stock as a prospect. Most people I've spoken to around baseball believe he's a reliever in the long run. If he doesn't start finding the zone, however, his only taste of the big leagues might have already come and gone. 

Scout's View: "Here's what I think about Betances: I think he's a seventh-inning or eighth-inning type of setup arm. I just, in the final analysis, think that's where he's going to end up. I just don't think that the command and his his big body are going to be able to throw allow him to throw enough quality strikes as a starter. He's got starter stuff. He's got the change, he's got the breaking ball, he throws hard, but I think in the final analysis he's a setup guy."

Scout's View: (talking about Betances and Banuelos): "Neither one of them performed particularly well for me. The stuff was good, but the command and control was not good. They really didn't pitch that well. That was disappointing. They're going to need a lot more time there. Maybe they need another year, but they're going to have to throw the ball over the plate in a more consistent manner than what they were doing. The stuff was still there, which is good, but the command and control was not there."

Final score: Trenton 3,  Binghamton 2

Synopsis: For the second time in eight days, Shane Brown notched a game-winning hit in extra innings, and he didn't even have to pitch this time. Brown's single into left-center in the tenth brought home Zoilo Almonte and Melky Mesa and gave the Thunder a win heading into their first off day after 27 straight games.

Brett Marshall threw six innings of one-run ball with eight strikeouts. His only blemish came when he threw a wild pitch that allowed Matt den Dekker, who had doubled, to trot home from third. His ERA is now a sparkling 2.64. 

Bright spots: The 6-7-8 hitters, Melky Mesa, Brown and Yadil Mujica, went 6 for 13 with two doubles, two RBIs and a run. ... For the ninth time, Marshall allowed two earned runs or fewer in a start. ... Preston Claiborne has allowed one run in his 15 2/3 innings, and none since May 22 at home against Akron. ... Despite an 0-fer, Cody Johnson, in his first game back after a three-day "mental break" hit two balls hard, including a ball to the warning track in the bottom of the tenth. 

Picks to click: Here are my game story and notes from Sunday. 

Flicks to click: Here are two strikeouts from Brett Marshall on Sunday. If you listen closely (read: at all) you can hear me expressing my rage when people stop in front of my lens.

Also, here's the team's highlight reel, if you like seeing the walk-off knock.

Triple-A: Louisville 5, Scranton 4
Ronnier Mustelier: 2 for 4, HR, BB
Russell Branyan: 1 for 5, HR
Brandon Laird: 1 for 1, R, BB
Doug Bernier: 1 for 1, R, BB
Kevin Russo: 1 for 4, RBI
Ramiro Pena: 2 for 2
Colin Curtis: 1 for 1, 2B
D.J. Mitchell: 6 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 5 SO (94/62)
David Robertson: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO (11/8)
Justin Thomas: 2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 0 SO (19/14)

Double-A: Trenton 3, Binghamton 2
Abe Almonte: 1 for 4, 2B, IBB
Zoilo Almonte: 1 for 5, R
Melky Mesa: 2 for 4, 2B, R, BB, SB
Shane Brown: 2 for 5, 2 RBI
Yadil Mujica: 2 for 4
Jeff Farnham: 1 for 2, R
Brett Marshall: 6 IP, 4 H, R, ER, 2 BB, 8 SO (80/55)
Lee Hyde: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO (32/24)
Preston Claiborne: 2 IP, H, R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO (33/20)

High-A: Tampa 5, Daytona 4
Ramon Flores: 2 for 4, HR, 3 R, 2 RBI
Anderson Feliz: 3 for 4, 2B, R, SB
Kyle Higashioka: 1 for 4, RBI
Eduardo Sosa: 1 for 3
Jose Mojica: 1 for 3, R
Matt Tracy: 7 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 2 ER, BB, 4 SO
Tommy Kahnle: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO

Pitching matchup: RHP Brett Marshall (6-3, 2.74) vs. RHP Greg Peavey (3-2, 5.36)

In the standings: First-place Trenton is 1 game better than New Britain and Reading in the East. Fourth-place Binghamton is 4 games back of Trenton.

BINGHAMTON
Reese Havens - 2B
Josh Rodriguez - SS
Matt den Dekker - CF
Eric Campbell - 1B
Juan Lagares - RF
Travis Ozga - DH
Joe Bonfe - 3B
Juan Centeno - C
Pedro Zapata - LF
Greg Peavey - RHP (and a former Oregon State Beaver)

TRENTON
Abe Almonte - DH
Jose Pirela - 3B
David Adams - 2B
Cody Johnson - LF
Zoilo Almonte - RF
Melky Mesa - CF
Shane Brown - 1B
Yadil Mujica - SS
Jeff Farnham - C
Brett Marshall - RHP

NOTES: Johnson is back in the lineup after what manager Tony Franklin called a three-day mental break. He had been 4 for his last 37. Three of those hits, however, were longballs. ... Melky Mesa is back in center field for the first time since injuring his shoulder. ... This is the final game of Trenton's 27-game stretch without an off day.

Triple-A: Scranton 3, Durham 1
Kevin Russo: 1 for 5, R
Corban Joseph: 1 for 4, 3B, BB
Russell Branyan: 1 for 3, HR, 2 R
Chris Dickerson: 1 for 3, BB, 2B
Francisco Cervelli: 1 for 3
Doug Bernier: 1 for 4
Adam Warren: 7 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO (104/60)
Chase Whitley: IP, 2 H, R, ER, 0 BB, SO (19/11)
Juan Cedeno: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO (12/8)

Double-A: Binghamton 9, Trenton 7
Abe Almonte: 1 for 4, 2B, 2 R, BB
Jose Pirela: 3 for 4, R
Zoilo Almonte: 1 for 5, 2 RBI
Melky Mesa: 2 for 5, R, RBI
Luke Murton: 1 for 4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI
Damon Sublett: 1 for 4
Addison Maruszak: 1 for 3, HR, 2 RBI, BB
Adam Miller: 6 IP, 10 H, 7 R, 6 ER, 4 BB, 2 SO (101/63)
Mike Dubee: 1.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO (33/22)
Francisco Rondon: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 2 SO (16/10)

Low-A: Charleston 5, Savannah 1
Brett Gardner: 1 for 3, R, SB
Cito Culver: 1 for 4, HR, 3 RBI
Mason Williams: 1 for 4
Dante Bichette: 2 for 4, R
Casey Stevenson: 2 for 3, HR, 2 RBI
Kelvin De Leon: 1 for 3, R
Scottie Allen: 6 IP, 7 H, R, ER, 0 BB, 5 SO (74/52)
Dan Mahoney: 2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO (26/19)
Pedro Guerra: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO (9/9)

Dominican Summer League 1: Yankees 2, Pirates 0
Chris Tamarez: 2 for 3, 2B
Sandy Brito: 1 for 3, BB, SB
Melvin Aquino: 1 for 4, 2B, R
Miguel Mojica: 2 for 4, 2B, RBI, SB
Daniel Varvusa: 2 for 3, 2B, 3B, RBI
Rafael DePaula: 5 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 SO
Daury Aquino: 4 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO

Dominican Summer League 2: Pirates 13, Yankees 12
Jorge Mateo: 1 for 2, 3 R, 4 BB
Bryan Cuevas: 2 for 6, 2 R, RBI
Freite Marte: 3 for 5, 3 R, RBI
Barfil Munoz: 3 for 5, 3 R, Grand Slam, 6 RBI, outfield assist
Alvaro Noriega: 2 for 5, 2 2B, 2 RBI
Victor Rey: 1 for 4, 2 RBI
Edwin Rivera: 4.2 IP, 3 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 4 BB, SO
Andres Mateo: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO
Josias Sanchez: 2.2 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, SO
Francisco Duran: IP, 6 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 SO

Triple-A: Scranton 6, Durham 2
Kevin Russo: 1 for 5, 2B, 2 R
Corban Joseph: 1 for 5
Jack Cust: 1 for 3, RBI
Russell Branyan: 1 for 3, 2 RBI
Brandon Laird: 1 for 4, R
Colin Curtis: 2 for 4, 2 2B, R, RBI
Gustavo Molina: 1 for 4, R, RBI
Doug Bernier: 3 for 4, 2B, R
Nelson Figueroa: 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 5 SO (91/57)
Justin Thomas: 1.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO (33/21)
Manny Delcarmen: 0.2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 2 SO (26/15)
Mike O'Connor: IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, SO (19/12)

Double-A: Trenton 5, Erie 1
Jose Pirela: 1 for 2, 2B, R, RBI, 2 BB, SB
David Adams: 0 for 2, BB, 3 RBI
Melky Mesa: 1 for 3, 2B, R, BB
Addison Maruszak: 1 for 3, R, RBI, BB
Damon Sublett: 1 for 3, 3B, 2 R, BB
Mikey O'Brien: 5 IP, 6 H, R, ER, 2 BB, 2 SO (76/43)
Lee Hyde: 0.2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO (18/11)
Preston Claiborne: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 2 SO (38/23)
Ryan Flannery: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO (8/6)

Low-A: Hickory 7, Charleston 3
Mason Williams: 2 for 5, 2B, 2 R, SB
Tyler Austin: 0 for 1, RBI, 2 BB -- left with a foot injury
Gary Sanchez: 2 for 4, 2B, RBI
Dante Bichette: 1 for 5, 2B, RBI
Angelo Gumbs: 1 for 4
Rey Nunez: 1 for 4
Nick McCoy: 2 for 4
Ali Castillo: 1 for 3, BB
Bryan Mitchell: 3.1 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER, BB, 4 SO
Brett Gerritse: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO
Ben Paullus: 1.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 5 SO
Fred Lewis: 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 0 SO

Dominican Summer League 1: Pirates 7, Yankees 6
Chris Tamarez: 2 for 5, R
Jose Javier: 3 for 5, R, SB
Abiatal Avelino: 1 for 3, 2 RBI, SF
Renzo Martini: 1 for 4, 2B, R, RBI
Wilmer Romero: 1 for 4, 2B, 2 RBI
Melvin Aquino: 2 for 4, 2 2B, RBI
Jose Figueroa: 2 for 2, R, 2 BB
Joaquin Acuna: 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 2 SO
Rafael Ordaz: 2 IP, 0 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 0 SO
Jhorge Liccien: 2 IP, 3 H, R, ER, 0 BB, 2 SO

Dominican Summer League 2: Pirates 6, Yankees 5
Bryan Cuevas: 2 for 4, R
Barfil Munoz: 1 for 4, 2B, R
Alvaro Noriega: 2 for 4, RBI
Angel Aguilar: 1 for 4, RBI
Junior Valera: 2 for 4, 3B, 2 R, SB, outfield assist
Hershelon Juliana: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, SO
Hector Martinez: 3 IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, SO
Aderlis Reyes: 1.2 IP, 3 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, SO
Ramon Rodriguez: 1.1 IP, 0 H, R, ER, BB, 2 SO
Dubeny Soto: IP, 2 H, R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO

Triple-A: Scranton 9, Durham 4
Chris Dickerson: 1 for 2, 2B, 2 R, 2 BB, SB
Ramiro Pena: 1 for 4, 2B, 2 R, RBI, BB
Ronnier Mustelier: 3 for 5, 2B
Jack Cust: 2 for 5, 2B, R, RBI
Russell Branyan: 2 for 3, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB
Francisco Cervelli: 1 for 4, 3 RBI
Brandon Laird: 2 for 5, 2B, HR, 2 RBI
Colin Curtis: 1 for 4, BB, 2 SB
Ramon Ortiz: 7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 ER, BB, 2 SO (104/63)
Juan Cedeno: IP, H, R, ER, 0 BB, SO (16/10)
Ryota Igarashi: IP, H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO (18/14)

Double-A: Trenton 7, Erie 4
Abe Almonte: 4 for 5, R, RBI, SB -- Trenton's first four-hit game of the year
Jose Pirela: 1 for 5, SB
Zoilo Almonte: 1 for 5, R
Cody Johnson: 1 for 4, BB
Melky Mesa: 1 for 3, 2B, R, 2 RBI, BB -- first game back from DL
Luke Murton: 1 for 5, HR, 2 RBI
Jose Gil: 1 for 3, 2B, R, RBI, BB
Addison Maruszak: 2 for 4, 2B, R, RBI
Vidal Nuno: 6 IP, 5 H, R, ER, 2 BB, 4 SO (90/56)
Kelvin Perez: 2 IP, 2 H, R, ER, 2 BB, 3 SO (34/19)
Ryan Pope: IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 0 SO (16/12)

High-A: Fort Myers 3, Tampa 0
Ramon Flores: 1 for 4
J.R. Murphy: 1 for 3
Tyson Blaser: 1 for 2, BB
Kyle Roller: 1 for 3
Jose Mojica: 1 for 2
Jose Toussen: 1 for 3
Sean Black: 5 IP, 4 H, 2 R, ER, 0 BB, 5 SO
Branden Pinder: 2 IP, H, R, ER, 2 BB, 2 SO

Low-A: Charleston 9, Hickory 5
Mason Williams: 2 for 3, 2B, 3 R, BB
Cito Culver: 1 for 4, HR, BB -- first bomb of the year
Tyler Austin: 1 for 5, RBI, SB
Dante Bichette: 2 for 4, 2B, 2 R
Angelo Gumbs: 2 for 3, HR, 3 RBI, 2 SB
Francisco Arcia: 1 for 3, R
Rey Nunez: 2 for 4, RBI
Wilton Rodriguez: 4.2 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 3 SO, 3 WP (88/50)
Mariel Checo: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO (38/23)
Phil Wetherell: 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO (31/22)

Dominican Summer League 1: Yankees 23, Nationals 6
Chris Tamarez: 3 for 5, 2B, 3 R, RBI, BB
Jose Javier: 2 for 5, 3 R, 3 RBI, BB, SF
Sandy Brito: 2 for 5, 2B, 3 R, 2 BB
Renzo Martini: 4 for 6, 2B, HR, 4 R, 6 RBI, BB -- HR was a grand slam
Melvin Aquino: 1 for 4, 2B, R, RBI
Allison Reyes: 1 for 3, 2B, 2 RBI
Jose Figueroa: 2 for 5, 2B, 3 R, 3 RBI, 2 BB
Miguel Mojica: 2 for 5, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, BB
Daniel Varvusa: 1 for 1, 2B, R, RBI, BB, SF
Rafael Polo: 1 for 3, 3B, 3 R, RBI, 2 BB
Dallas Martinez: 4 IP, 3 H, 3 R, ER, BB, 7 SO
Havid Burgos: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, ER, 4 BB, SO
Francis Joseph: 2.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO
Jhon Saavedra: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, BB, 2 SO

Dominican Summer League 2: Rangers 9, Yankees 8
Junior Valera: 2 for 4, R, 2 RBI, BB
Daniel Barrios: 2 for 4, 2 RBI, SF
Bryan Cuevas: 2 for 5, 2 RBI
Freite Marte: 1 for 5, SB
Barfil Munoz: 2 for 5, RBI
Alvaro Noriega: 2 for 5, R
Julio Pina: 2 for 4, 2 2B, 3 R, BB
Jhoan Gomez: 3 for 3, 2B, 3 R, RBI, BB
Moises Cedeno: 2 IP, 5 H, 6 R, 3 ER, BB, 0 SO
Maikel De La Rosa: 2 IP, 3 H, R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO
David Rodriguez: 3 IP, 2 H, R, ER, 0 BB, 3 SO
Francisco Duran: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 SO -- he's a catcher
Dubeny Soto: IP, 2 H, R, ER, 0 BB, SO