Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon
Scores
All Scores Triple-A Scores Double-A Scores High-A Scores Single-A Scores Rookie Scores
Schedule
Complete Game Schedule Triple-A Schedule Double-A Schedule High-A Schedule Single-A Schedule Rookie Schedule Sync Schedules
Teams
Teams by Affiliate Teams by Name Teams by Class Teams by League Ballparks
Watch
Watch Games Subscribe Highlights Prospect Highlights Streaming FAQ Help Center Gameday Audio Podcast Bally Sports Live
Tickets
Tickets
Shop
MiLB Store Auctions Shop Copa Shop Marvel
Standings
Full Season Rookie Leagues Playoffs Playoff Procedures
Stats
Full Season Rookie Leagues Trending Players Top Prospect Stats
News
Pipeline Transactions Copa de la Diversión Baseball Traveler MiLB App MiLB Newsletters Sweepstakes & Contests
Prospects
Top 100 Top 30 by Team Top 50 International Draft Top 250 Trending Players
Playoffs
MLB

Patriots Notebook 5/14/24: Rivalry Series Comes To Somerset

May 14, 2024

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Patriots are in the midst of their hottest stretch of the early part of the season – the club has won six of their last eight after securing their second consecutive series victory from Altoona last week. On the heels of swiping four-of-six from the

Bridgewater, New Jersey – The Patriots are in the midst of their hottest stretch of the early part of the season – the club has won six of their last eight after securing their second consecutive series victory from Altoona last week. On the heels of swiping four-of-six from the Curve, Somerset sits in third place overall in the Northeast division at 16-16 and trail second place Portland by just 1.5 games in the standings as the Red Sox affiliate gets set to make their first trip to TD Bank Ballpark this season.

Oswald The Patriot: The Patriots played host to their third MLB rehabilitation assignment in as many weeks on their trip to Altoona – this time it was a face familiar to many. Infielder Oswald Peraza, who spent most of the 2021 campaign in Bridgewater, suited up for Somerset last weekend as he begins his journey back to the big-league club after nursing a right shoulder strain that has kept him out of action since early March. The 23-year-old Peraza went 2-for-5 with two walks, a homer, and a stolen base in two games for Single-A Tampa early last week before joining the Patriots last week. After going hitless on Saturday, Peraza blasted a third inning homer to left field on Sunday- he wrapped up the weekend by going 1-for-6.

Sending a Messinger: Patriots right-hander Zach Messinger continues to impress in his first full-season at Double-A. The 2021-draftee fired four hitless innings against Altoona in the opener of Sunday’s doubleheader and ultimately allowed just two earned runs over five strong innings while fanning eight. The 24-year-old Virginia-product has allowed three runs or less in five of his seven starts – he is tied for the Eastern League lead in innings (38.2) while his 45 strikeouts rank second.

Agust in May: We seemingly highlight Patriots catcher Agustin Ramirez in each installment of the notebook series, and this week will be no different. The 22-year-old backstop has been one of the most prolific offensive players in minor league baseball this season and he is only getting better since the calendar turned to May. Ramirez belted his EL leading 11th homer of the season on Sunday, while continuing to rank in the top-five in most major offensive categories. In nine games in May, the Dominican-native is slashing .290/.436/.581 after posting an April line of .247/.370/.610.

Pitch Recognition: As an organization, the Yankees have long been revered for teaching and instilling good technique and approach to enhance pitch recognition. Making good swing decisions is the goal and entering action on Tuesday, the Patriots have been at the top of the league. Somerset has walked an EL-high 148 times while striking out just 268 times, which is second best in the league.

Old Friend Alert: When Portland comes to town this week, a familiar face will be found in the opposing dugout. Fan favorite Mickey Gasper, who spent parts of 2022 and 2023 with the Patriots, is now with the Sea Dogs after being selected in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft this past winter. The versatile infielder has been a key contributor for Portland this season – his .423 on-base mark ranks third in the EL while his nine doubles are tied for fourth.

Biggest Dog: Infielder Marcelo Mayer is the 12th best prospect in baseball according to the MLB Pipeline rankings and the Red Sox top-prospect has lived up to top-billing over the first six weeks of the season. The 2021 fourth-overall draft selection is slashing .289/.338/.471 after hitting just .189 in 43 games for the Sea Dogs last season in his first taste of Double-A. Mayer leads the league in doubles with 13 and ranks second in runs (23), and third in hits (35).

Mayer isn’t a one-man band, though. In fact, Portland plays host to five of the Red Sox top-six prospects. Outfielder Roman Anthony (2), Catcher Kyle Teel (3), Right-hander Wikelman Garcia (5) and infielder Nick Yorke (6) are among the notable names to look out for this week.

Series Probable Pitching Matchups:

Tue. RHP Hunter Dobbins (2-1, 2.42 ERA) vs. RHP Trystan Vrieling (2-3, 3.34 ERA)

Wed. RHP Angel Bastardo (0-3, 4.00 ERA) vs. RHP Blane Abeyta (1-3, 5.81 ERA)

Thu. RHP Wikelman Gonzalez (2-1, 6.75 ERA) vs. LHP Brock Selvidge (3-1, 2.18 ERA)

Fri. RHP Isaac Coffey (0-1, 3.42 ERA) vs. RHP Zach Messinger (1-2, 4.19 ERA)

Sat. LHP Zach Penrod (2-0, 2.25 ERA) vs. RHP Bailey Dees (2-2, 4.41 ERA)

Sun. LHP Helcris Olivarez (1-0, 1.40 ERA) vs. RHP Trystan Vrieling (2-3, 3.34 ERA)

Matt Kardos | SomersetPatriots.com Senior Writer

Matt Kardos has covered the Yankees minor league system for over a decade and will spend his 12th season on the beat covering the Patriots for SomersetPatriots.com. Throughout his career, Matt has contributed to MLB.com, YES Network and Pinstriped Prospects. When he’s not at the ballpark, Matt enjoys traveling with his wife Kimberly, watching Jets football and collecting sports cards.