Patriots Notebook: Roderick Arias Heating up for Somerset's Stretch Run

Bridgewater, New Jersey – With only 24 games remaining on the regular season schedule, the postseason race is heating up, and Somerset finds itself right in the thick of it. Fresh off taking five of six games from New Hampshire last week, the Patriots (23-22) have surged into a tie for second place in the Eastern League’s Northeast Division with Portland. Both clubs sit just 2.5 games behind first place Reading with four weeks to go. Somerset now treks to Hartford to open a crucial six-game slate with the last-place Yard Goats (16-29) beginning Tuesday night at Dunkin’ Park.

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

WELCOME TO DOUBLE-A, CORE JACKSON😤

The @Yankees No. 11 prospect hustles out his SIXTH triple of the season to bring home a run and tie for the Yankees' minor league lead. pic.twitter.com/tPSQHorM74

— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) August 12, 2026

Welcome to the Core: The Yankees promoted No. 12 prospect Core Jackson to Somerset last week after a stellar start to the season in High-A Hudson Valley. Jackson, who was subsequently placed on the 7-day IL on Sunday, went 5-for-17 with 5 RBI and 4 stolen bases in just five games last week in his first taste of action in the upper levels.

The organization selected Jackson in the fifth round of last summer’s MLB Draft out of Utah and in 83 games of action in his first pro season, he has slashed .261/.372/.471 with 12 home runs, 52 RBI and 36 stolen bases.

“[I’m] a fiery player,” Jackson said. “I like to play with energy – I might not be the most vocal person out there, but I am going to give you everything I’ve got on a given day. If I chop a ball on the ground I am going to try and run that out. I am going to try and get bags, make plays for my teammates and do whatever I can to help the team.”

Ladies and gentleman... THIRD BASEMAN, RODERICK ARIAS!!!😱

ARE YOU KIDDING??? #SCTop10 @ESPNAssignDesk pic.twitter.com/uoBxnsASgV

— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) August 15, 2026

Arias Shining in Breakout Campaign: Roderick Arias has been talked about and scrutinized since the Yankees inked the Dominican-native to a $4 million signing bonus during the international signing period back in 2022. That deal is the third largest the organization has ever given out in that market and with great investment comes great expectations.

Arias was ranked as high as No. 68 on Baseball America’s top 100 prospect list prior to the 2024 season. After a few inconsistent campaigns in the lower levels, the speedy infielder had a monster start to the season in High-A and has carried that over to Double-A.

In 105 games this season, the 21-year-old is slashing .269/.354/.440 with 13 homers, 69 RBI, 37 XBH and 32 stolen bases while seeing time at second base, shortstop and third base.

“I think that this is my moment, and I think everyone has their moments,” said Arias through translation provided by defensive coach Uziel Viloria. “Compared to other years, I think I am in a way better spot and also based on what I have done this year and the way that I have matured, I have a way better idea to continue to move up.”

Carlos Rodon looked FILTHY in his second rehab outing😤

4.1 IP | 0 R | 2 H | 1 BB | 7 K
58 pitches | 41 strikes pic.twitter.com/CFQbB8CQO7

— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) August 14, 2026

Rodón in Somerset: Southpaw Carlos Rodón made his second and final rehab outing for Somerset last Thursday night after landing on the 15-day IL on June 30 with left elbow inflammation. The three-time MLB All-Star tossed 4.1 scoreless innings and allowed just two hits and a walk while fanning seven batters on the night.

“I feel like I am always ready to get big league hitters out,” Rodón said. “Obviously, I would love to be able to compete and help our team win.”

Multiple reports indicate that the Yankees are set to activate the 33-year-old lefty on Tuesday to pitch against the Orioles in Baltimore.

Meant to be🥹 pic.twitter.com/6rpHv6AczG

— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) August 15, 2026

Compliments to Omar: Catcher Omar Alfonzo blasted an emotional ninth inning walk-off homer against New Hampshire last Friday night to propel Somerset to a gritty 5-4 victory. One night before hitting his first homer as a member of the organization, the Yankees No. 29 prospect was the backstop for Rodón’s rehab start.

The Yankees lefty had complimentary feedback after working with Alfonzo for the first time.

“I got to know him a little bit, and I thought he was pretty good,” Rodón said. “I think he is pretty polished, especially being here in Double-A. He looks like he as the ability to catch. His presence behind the plate was good and his understanding of what he wanted to do as far as pitch calling, I thought it was great."

Knowing the Opponent: After clinching a first half playoff berth in the first half, the Yard Goats find themselves in last place as the second half of the season winds down. The two clubs have split their only six meetings so far this season, but are set to tangle in 12 of the final 24 games of the year, including the final series of the season at TD Bank Ballpark next month.

Many thought Rockies No. 10 prospect Jared Thomas would miss the season with a right hamate injury, but after rigorous work and rehab, the Yard Goats have the 42nd overall pick from the 2024 draft in tow for the stretch run. The lefty swinging outfielder returned to action at the end of July and in seven games so far for Hartford, the former Texas Longhorn has slashed .310/.375/.414 with a HR and 5 RBI.

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.