Arizona Fall League Check-In

The Arizona Fall League got underway this week. The Phoenix Desert Dogs have 7 Yankees prospects on their roster (as well as Bryce Harper and Mike Trout), so if you’re in the Phoenix area and thinking of catching an AFL game, this Desert Dogs team would be a fun group to watch. But if you’re not in Phoenix, no worries – we’ll keep you updated on the AFL action!

Two of the Yankees position players had a tough week at the plate. Outfielder Rob Segedin went 2-11 at the plate this week, striking out 5 times. But despite his struggles Segedin found ways to get on base, putting up a .357 OBP and scoring 3 runs for the Desert Dogs. Second baseman Corban Joseph went 2-13 this week with a home run, 2 RBI, and 2 runs scored. It is a small sample size and Joseph’s current .154 AVG is well below the .277 AVG he put up in 131 games with the Trenton Thunder this season, so look for Joseph to improve his batting line in the coming weeks. Second baseman Ronnier Mustelier, on the other hand, was red hot at the plate. Mustelier was 3-7 with a triple and an RBI. Mustelier’s great week at the plate carried over seamlessly from his 2011 season where he hit .356/.397/.527 in a combined 146 AB with the Gulf-Coast Yankees and the Tampa Yankees.

The Yankees are well represented on the mound having sent 4 pitchers to the Desert Dogs. Dan Burawa got hit in his AFL debut, throwing 1.2 IP and allowing 2 hits and 1 ER while striking out 2. Burawa came back strong in his second outing, holding Scottsdale hitless and scoreless in 1 inning of relief. Preston Claiborne threw 2 innings of relief this week allowing 3 hits, 1 ER, 1 HR, and 1 BB while striking out 2. David Phelps went 3 innings in his start against Scottsdale and allowed 3 ER on 4 hits. Chase Whitley was the Yankees most dominant pitching prospect this week, allowing just 3 hits and 2 BB while holding the opponent scoreless and striking out 2 in 3.1 innings of relief.