Minor League Recap 5/15

Written by Greg Fertel | 15 May 2008

• Jason Jones pitched 7 strong innings, allowing just 1 earned run and no walks. He struck out 3. If the Yankees are unwilling to move up a prospect such as McCutchen after a short period, and don't want to keep throwing Heath Phillips out for 3 inning starts, Jones is a prime candidate for promotion. He's not really considered a prospect, so they have nothing to lose, and he's certainly deserving.
• Mark Melancon made his Double-A debut, pitching 2 innings and with 1 run allowed. He struck out 4 and walked none. I'm personally surprised that the Yankees are so aggressive with Melancon right after his surgery. They must be really liking what they are seeing. Although commonly discussed as a potential audition candidate in September, I'd be very surprised to see him advance to Triple-A for more than a few innings this season.
• Jose Tabata and Austin Jackson were a combined 0 for 5 with 2 walks and a HBP.
• Colin Curtis was 0 for 3.
• P.J. Pilittere was 1 for 4.
• The lower end of the Trenton lineup roughed up Red Sox star prospect Justin Masterson. He gave up 7 runs on hits to Kevin Russo, Chris Malec, and a big 3-run triple from Ramiro Pena.

• Ivan Nova had another hittable night, allowing 4 runs in 5 1/3 innings. He struck out 4 and walked 2.
• Seth Fortenberry was 3 for 4.
• Mitch Hilligoss was 0 for 5.
• Damon Sublett was 0 for 1 in a pinch hitting appearance.

• Zach McAllister, coming off an 8-run blowout, couldn't have been better. In 7 scoreless innings, he scattered 6 singles and 1 double and struck out 11. He did not walk a batter. Once the Yankees stop hesitating and start promoting starting pitchers, McAllister is definitely heading to Tampa. More on that later tonight.
• Jesus Montero, Austin Krum and Justin Snyder were all 0 for 4.
• Carmen Angelini was 1 for 3.
• Braedyn Pruitt was 0 for 2 with a walk.