Kings of the North: Initial SWB roster set

Moosic, Pa. (April 6, 2018) - The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, are pleased to announce their initial roster for the 2018 season. The initial list is highlighted by five prospects ranked in the top 30 by MLB Pipeline's organizational prospect rankings.

The RailRiders begin the season with both the top overall prospect in the organization in shortstop Gleyber Torres and the top right-handed pitching prospect in the Yankees system, Chance Adams (sixth overall). The duo is joined by pitchers Cody Carroll (#17), Domingo Germán (#18) and Giovanny Gallegos (#22). Torres and Adams both appear in MLB Pipeline's top 100 overall prospect rankings, placing fifth and 76th in MiLB, respectively.
Torres, who is rated by Baseball America as the No. 1 shortstop prospect in all of baseball, should anchor a powerful RailRiders lineup. The 21-year-old will be joined on the infield by returner Mike Ford, who rejoins the club after swatting 20 home runs in 2017. Ford was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 2017 Rule 5 Draft, but was returned to the Yankees during spring training. Major league veteran Jace Peterson provides versatility and experience to the club. Abiatal Avelino, and Billy Fleming round out the infield.
World Series champion Shane Robinson headlines the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre outfield, providing leadership on and off the field. Robinson logged parts of eight seasons in the MLB with the St. Louis Cardinals (2009, 2011-14), Minnesota Twins (2015) and Los Angeles Angels (2016-17). Newcomers Ryan McBroom and Zack Zehner also figure to be keys to the RailRiders success this year.
The club will carry two catchers to begin the season, including major league veteran Erik Kratz. The backstop appeared in four games with the New York Yankees last year, but spent a majority of the season with the Columbus Clippers in the Cleveland Indians organization. Kyle Higashioka, who appeared at four levels of the Yankees organization in 2017, returns after collecting 11 RBIs in 14 games with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Anchored by Adams, the pitching staff promises to be among the best in the International League in 2018. The gaggle of high-profile arms is flanked by returners Luis Cessa, Cale Coshow, J.P. Feyereisen, Anyelo Gómez and Brady Lail. New to the RailRiders staff will be Raynel Espinal, David Hale, Brody Koerner, Oliver Pérez and Josh Rogers.

Overall, the RailRiders Opening Day roster features 15 players who spent time in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre last year. The roster also features eight players with previous major league experience, led by the 15-year veteran Perez. In addition, the roster also includes infielder Thairo Estrada and outfielder Mark Payton on the club's disabled list.
The New York Yankees farm system is widely considered one of the top systems in baseball, garnering a No. 2 ranking by Baseball America and placing sixth overall according to MLB Pipeline.
The RailRiders will be managed by Bobby Mitchell, who is entering his first season in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Mitchell spent the last two seasons managing in the Yankees organization in Double-A Trenton. Pitching coach Tommy Phelps, hitting coach Phil Plantier, bullpen coach Doug Davis, defensive coach Travis Chapman, athletic trainer Darren London and strength and conditioning coach Brad Hyde round out the 2018 field staff. Dan O'Connor is the team's affiliate video manager this season.
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders begin their 2018 season tonight at PNC Field when they take on the Syracuse Chiefs at 7:05 p.m. The first 5,000 fans in attendance receive a 2018 magnet schedule and all fans will be treated to a post-game fireworks display. For tickets and more information, call 570-969-2255 or visit swbrailriders.com. 
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