Yanks' Lagrange flashes triple-digit heat in Spring Breakout
SARASOTA, Fla. -- There was an audible “Ooh” from the crowd at Ed Smith Stadium, and Carlos Lagrange quickly glanced beyond the right-field wall, checking the velocity of the pitch he’d just thrown in Saturday’s 5-4 Spring Breakout loss to the Orioles. It had registered in the triple digits, and
SARASOTA, Fla. -- There was an audible “Ooh” from the crowd at Ed Smith Stadium, and Carlos Lagrange quickly glanced beyond the right-field wall, checking the velocity of the pitch he’d just thrown in Saturday’s 5-4 Spring Breakout loss to the Orioles.
It had registered in the triple digits, and the 6-foot-7 Yankees right-hander grinned. That was exactly what he’d hoped to showcase.
“This was a really big opportunity for me,” Lagrange said through an interpreter. “It meant a lot. It was an opportunity to prove to myself and to everybody else that I’m a good pitcher and that I can throw strikes.”
Rated as the Yankees’ No. 19 prospect by MLB Pipeline, the 21-year-old Lagrange’s big arm impressed in a four-inning performance against Baltimore’s top farmhands. He allowed two runs (one earned) and two hits, including Vance Honeycutt’s inside-the-park home run in the fourth inning.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Lagrange settled in after experiencing first-inning jitters, coming after he permitted a leadoff single to Enrique Bradfield Jr. Lagrange threw errantly on a pickoff attempt down the right-field line, seeing Bradfield advance to third base, then uncorked a wild pitch that sent Bradfield home.
But Lagrange then retired the following 11 batters, two via strikeout, and did not walk any -- which represents an important next step in his development.
He issued 20 walks in 21 innings last season, when he posted a 6.86 ERA in nine games (eight starts) for the Florida Complex League Yankees and Single-A Tampa.
Asked how he recovered following Bradfield’s race around the bases, Lagrange replied: “I just tried to do what I always do -- try to keep the same rhythm going. The same things that we always do when we train in the complex. This is baseball. Things are going to happen.”
Signed for $10,000 out of the Dominican Republic in February 2022, Lagrange missed most of last season with back inflammation. He was much sharper in the Arizona Fall League, where he made strides he hopes to carry into the season.
“We have a lot of good pitchers in our organization, so when I got the news [about starting the Spring Breakout game], it felt incredible,” Lagrange said.
The Vandy boys
There was a Vanderbilt presence to the Spring Breakout game right to the finish, as the Yankees’ Spencer Jones and Greysen Carter posed for photos at home plate with fellow alums Enrique Bradfield Jr. and Patrick Reilly of the Orioles.
A fifth Vandy alum, Bryce Cunningham, was tossing in the bullpen after surrendering Leandro Arias’ walk-off hit. The Yankees’ loss meant Jones (Yanks' No. 3) won’t cash in his friendly wager with Bradfield for a medium-rare steak, but Jones said the experience was still a good time.
“Oh dude, it’s awesome when I get to see my former college teammates, especially now in professional baseball,” Jones said. “We competed against each other so many times, even at school, so this is the greatest thing ever.”
Jones, who went 1-for-2 with a double and a run scored, lauded Carter as “one of the strongest people I’ve ever seen in my life in the weight room” and said Cunningham (Yanks' No. 6) is “your typical SEC competitor; he’s going to come right after you and throw all his pitches for strikes.”
Jesús Rodríguez knocks in Spencer Jones 👏@NYYPlayerDev | #SpringBreakout pic.twitter.com/071JFNpeVl
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 15, 2025
As for Bradfield, who dashed around the bases to score Baltimore’s first run of the night, Jones offered this scouting report: “I think it’s a well-known fact that Enrique Bradfield can run.” (Performances like Saturday’s should make that clear to a larger audience.)
An unofficial debut
Ben Hess was the Yankees’ first-round selection (26th overall) in last year’s MLB Draft out of the University of Alabama, and Saturday’s contest marked the 22-year-old’s first time pitching in front of a crowd in a professional uniform.
“It was super cool to get to throw in front of fans, seeing another uniform in the box,” said Hess, the Yankees' No. 4 prospect. “I would have liked it to go a little better, but it was a great time.”
Entering for the fifth inning, Hess retired the first four batters he faced, including a nifty sliding stop by third baseman Jesus Rodriguez that robbed Jud Fabian of a hit.
Smooth play by Jesús Rodríguez 🔥@NYYPlayerDev | #SpringBreakout pic.twitter.com/SCKvqRpoFg
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 15, 2025
Hess walked one and struck out three; he was also struck in the left calf by a Bradfield comebacker that led to the Orioles scoring a run in the sixth, saying he’d likely be sore for a couple of days.
Otherwise, Hess said the adjustment from college to pro life has been “really fun,” and that his focus for the upcoming season will be on winning games.
“I think sometimes that can get a little overlooked going through the development system,” Hess said. “First and foremost, I want to get some wins and throw well, [and] make all my starts.”
Senior Reporter Bryan Hoch has covered the Yankees for MLB.com since 2007.
Upgrade Your Summer Nights at PNC Field
Every RailRiders season offers something amazing, including amazing theme nights, exclusive events and VIP experiences! Click here to learn more!
tWin Cities Triumph: RailRiders take set with 7-2 victory Sunday
ST. PAUL, MN (June 8, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders beat the St. Paul Saints 7-2 at CHS Field on Sunday. Jose Rojas and Brennen Davis drove in two runs apiece as the RailRiders claimed their fourth win of the series. Box Score Scranton/Wilkes-Barre tallied four runs in the top
Outdueled: RailRiders lose 4-1 Saturday night
ST. PAUL, MN (June 7, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders lost 4-1 to the St. Paul Saints at CHS Field on Saturday night. The Saints plated one run in each inning between the fifth and eighth to secure the win. Starters Darren McCaughan and Cam Schlittler matched zeros over the
Offertunity Knocks: RailRiders announce two special deals
MOOSIC, PA (April 3, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, have announced two special offers for the upcoming 2025 season. After popular runs in 2024, the College Rush ticket offer has returned for students and the Military Discount has been upgraded for active or
Minnesota Marvels: RailRiders top Saints 5-1
ST. PAUL, MN (June 6, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders beat the St. Paul Saints 5-1 on Friday evening at CHS Field. Allan Winans pitched 5.2 scoreless frames and seven players collected at least one hit as the RailRiders guaranteed at least a series split with two games left to
Twin Cities Showout: RailRiders comeback for 11-8 win
ST. PAUL, MN (June 5, 2025) - The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders bested the St. Paul Saints 11-8 on Thursday night at CHS Field. Seven players had at least one hit and six drove in at least one run in a comeback effort. Box Score Scranton/Wilkes-Barre took a 2-0 lead in the
Free Ride: Walks SWB's undoing in 7-5 loss at St. Paul
ST. PAUL, MN (June 4, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders lost 7-5 to the St. Paul Saints on Wednesday evening at CHS Field. The RailRiders had leads of 1-0 and 5-4 but walked ten batters and fell in the second game of this six-game series. Box Score Bryan De La
Saintly Start: SWB tops St. Paul 8-5 Tuesday
ST. PAUL, MN (June 3, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders topped the St. Paul Saints 8-5 in Tuesday’s series opener at CHS Field. Tuesday night. The RailRiders built an early lead, only to watch the Saints rally before Scranton/Wilkes-Barre ultimately put the game away in the final three innings. Box
Squandered: RailRiders lose lead late to WooSox in 7-4 loss
MOOSIC, PA (June 1, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders lost to the Worcester Red Sox 7-4 Sunday afternoon at PNC Field. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre held an early four-run lead, but Worcester rallied back to split the series. Box Score The RailRiders opened the scoring in the bottom of the third. With one
Shutout Saturday: RailRiders blank WooSox 3-0
MOOSIC, PA (May 31, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders blanked the Worcester Red Sox 3-0 Saturday night at PNC Field. Four different RailRiders pitchers helped secure Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s seventh shutout of the year and second win in a row against the WooSox. Box Score RailRiders starter Allan Winans allowed his first
Duel and a Double: Jackson's late hit leads Woodford and SWB to win
MOOSIC, PA (May 30, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders defeated the Worcester Red Sox 3-1 Friday night at PNC Field. Trailing 1-0 in the eighth, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre pulled ahead late to stop a two-game skid and even the series with the Red Sox. Box Score RailRiders starter Anthony DeSclafani worked in
Almost Enough: Late rally halted in 3-2 RailRiders loss
MOOSIC, PA (May 29, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders fell to the Worcester Red Sox 3-2 Thursday night at PNC Field. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre was held scoreless for eight innings, scoring two in the ninth but losing by one run for the second straight game against Worcester. Box Score The Red Sox
Last Gasp Loss: RailRiders fall on late WooSox run
MOOSIC, PA (May 28, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders dropped a 5-4 decision to the Worcester Red Sox at PNC Field on Wednesday afternoon. The RailRiders rallied from a three-run hole to tie the game, only to see the Red Sox plate a late run to even the set at
Raining on Sunday: Series finale versus Sounds rained out
NASHVILLE, TN (May 25, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders series finale against the Nashville Sounds on Sunday afternoon at First Horizon Park was canceled due to rain. Play began but was ultimately halted before the bottom of the second, could not resume due to a heavy downpour and will not
Brokenheartsville: RailRiders fall 12-5 to Sounds
NASHVILLE, TN (May 24, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders dropped a 12-5 final to the Nashville Sounds on Saturday evening at First Horizon Park. The Sounds built an early lead and countered every time the RailRiders attempted a comeback effort. Box Score Nashville sent eight to the plate in the
Music To Our Ears: RailRiders stymie Sounds 10-5
NASHVILLE, TN (May 23, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders beat the Nashville Sounds 10-5 Friday night at First Horizon Park. A five-run fourth and a four-run seventh keyed the win, helping Scranton/Wilkes-Barre snap a four-game skid. Box Score The Sounds took a 1-0 advantage against RailRiders starter Allan Winans in
Shootah! Christopher McDonald VIP meet & greet
MOOSIC, PA (May 15, 2025) – Christopher McDonald, iconically known for portraying Shooter McGavin in the 1996 comedy classic Happy Gilmore, is set for a VIP Meet & Greet prior to his appearance at PNC Field on Saturday, June 14, for Amazing Golf Ball Whacker Night. Click here to get
I'm Movin' On: RailRiders drop 7-6 decision to Sounds in 11
NASHVILLE, TN (May 22, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders lost a 7-6 decision to the Nashville Sounds in 11 innings on Thursday evening at First Horizon Park. Alex Jackson homered twice as the RailRiders built a 6-1 lead, but saw the Sounds rally to tie the game in the seventh
T-R-O-U-B-L-E: RailRiders swept in Wednesday twinbill
NASHVILLE, TN (May 21, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders were swept in Wednesday’s doubleheader by the Nashville Sounds at First Horizon Park on Wednesday, falling 3-0 and 2-1. Box Score - Game One Box Score - Game Two The RailRiders squared off against Brandon Woodruff on an MLB Rehab Assignment
Bring on the Rain: RailRiders and Sounds postponed Tuesday
NASHVILLE, TN (May 20, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders series opener against the Nashville Sounds at First Horizon Park has been postponed due to incoming severe weather. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Wednesday, May 21. The first of two seven-inning games will begin
Outlasted: Mud Hens top RailRiders 10-8 Sunday
MOOSIC, PA (May 18, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders fell to the Toledo Mud Hens 10-8 Sunday afternoon at PNC Field. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre overcame an early five-run deficit but could not hold the advantage, dropping the series to the Mud Hens. Box Score Toledo plated three runs in the top of
Grand Oat Time: Rojas paces SWB with third slam of 2025
MOOSIC, PA (May 17, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders beat the Toledo Mud Hens 7-2 Saturday afternoon at PNC Field. Jose Rojas hit his third grand slam of the season to help snap a two-game skid. Box Score Anthony DeSclafani made his Yankees-affiliated debut for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, who played as the
Clipped: RailRiders lose 6-3 to Mud Hens Friday
MOOSIC, PA (May 16, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders lost to the Toledo Mud Hens 6-3 Friday night at PNC Field. Down four runs in the ninth, the RailRiders homered in the final frame but could not complete the rally, dropping their second straight to the Mud Hens. Box Score
For the Birds: RailRiders fall 20-7 to Mud Hens Thursday
MOOSIC, PA (May 15, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders fell to the Toledo Mud Hens 20-7 Thursday night at PNC Field. Three early four-run frames from Toledo were too much for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to overcome. Box Score Toledo opened the scoring in the first, hitting two home runs to take a
Momentum = Runs x Velocity: SWB wins STEM School Day tilt
MOOSIC, PA (May 14, 2025) – The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders beat the Toledo Mud Hens 5-4 Wednesday afternoon at PNC Field. T.J. Rumfield homered and Bryan De La Cruz drove in a pair to pace the offense. Box Score After nearly a 90-minute delayed start, the RailRiders opened a 2-0 advantage