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MLB

Patriots Notebook: Arias Rocking as Somerset Hosts New Hampshire

By Somerset Patriots
August 11, 2026

Bridgewater, New Jersey – Somerset has gone dancing in the playoffs in four consecutive years, but with five weeks remaining in the regular season schedule, crunch time has arrived for the club after dropping four of six to Akron last week. The Patriots (18-21) return home to TD Bank Ballpark

Bridgewater, New Jersey – Somerset has gone dancing in the playoffs in four consecutive years, but with five weeks remaining in the regular season schedule, crunch time has arrived for the club after dropping four of six to Akron last week. The Patriots (18-21) return home to TD Bank Ballpark on Tuesday to welcome in New Hampshire (17-22) for the final time this season as they try to close the five-game gap behind first place Reading for what would be a bid into the Eastern League postseason.

Here is a look at some of the latest news, notes and storylines surrounding Somerset heading into action this week.

Welcome the New Guy: After last week’s MLB trade deadline, the Yankees made a slew of minor league transactions throughout the system – including promoting INF Roderick Arias to Somerset.

Arias has been a popular name for over five years now. It feels like he has been in the system forever, but at just 21-years old, Arias has finally reached the upper levels after a standout campaign for High-A Hudson Valley.

Arias was ranked as high as No. 68 on Baseball America’s top prospect list as recently as 2024, but after a few tough seasons offensively, the Dominican-product has slashed .277/.359/.806 with 12 HR, 66 RBI and 31 SB this year.

Since making his Double-A debut last Tuesday, Arias has hit safely in all six games he has played for the Patriots and is riding a 10-game hit streak going back to his time with Hudson Valley. Last week in Akron, Arias went 9-for-25 (.360) with three extra-base hits, five RBI and two stolen bases.

Gone Streaking: After knocking through an RBI single against Akron on Sunday, DJ Gladney enters play Tuesday riding a team-best 12-game on-base streak. Over that stretch the 25-year-old outfielder is slashing .360/.396/.680 with four homers and 14 RBI to go with eight extra-base hits. Gladney’s 68 RBI this season rank third in the Eastern League and fifth overall in the Yankees system.

Playing it Close: No team in the Eastern League has played in more one run contests than Somerset as they enter play on Tuesday. After dropping the series finale to Akron by a score of 8-7 on Sunday, the team is now 17-20 in those games after winning two of three one-run contests against the RubberDucks last week.

Another Patriot to the Show: The Yankees gave the long-awaited promotion to top-prospect George Lombard Jr. last Tuesday ahead of their meeting with the Cardinals at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Lombard’s debut marked the eighth former Patriot to reach MLB this season and 58th former Patriot overall since Somerset’s Yankees affiliation began in 2021.

It didn’t take long for Lombard to make a lasting impression in pinstripes, blasting a homer for his first big league hit in his debut. In five games of action as a big leaguer, Lombard has hit two homers and posted a .400 OBP. Defensively, he has regularly made difficult opportunities look routine.

The 21-year-old, who was New York’s first round draft selection in 2023, opened the 2026 season with the Patriots and quickly earned his Triple-A promotion before the end of April. In 78 minor league games this season, Lombard Jr. slashed .284/.411/.498.

Knowing the Opponent: The Fisher Cats come to town after splitting a six-game slate with Portland at home last week. The two clubs meet for the final time this week after 18 prior meetings. The Patriots are 10-8 against the Toronto’s affiliate and their 72 wins against the Fisher Cats all-time are more than they have against any other Eastern League opponent.

The Patriots should get their first look at Toronto’s No. 2 prospect Nolan Perry this week. The 22-year-old righty, who made his first start last week since landing on the IL on July 22, has posted a 2.29 ERA this season and is yet to allow an earned run in three short Double-A appearances. In 59.0 IP this season, the 2022 12th round draft selection has struck out 89 batters and recorded a 0.98 WHIP while limiting the opposition to a .184 batting average.

The Blue Jays just promoted their No. 3 prospect Johnny King to Double-A from High-A Vancouver this week. The 20-year-old 2024 third round pick has recorded a 3.21 ERA across 21 starts with 112 K in 84.0 IP during his second pro season.

Probable Pitchers

To Be Announced

Matt Kardos | SomersetPatriots.com Senior Writer

Matt Kardos has covered the Yankees minor league system for over a decade and will spend his 14th 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.

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