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.
Cardinals release 2025 Promotional Schedule
With Cardinals Baseball set to return to Hammons Field on April 4, we're excited to unveil our promotional schedule for the 2025 season! This year's schedule boasts more theme nights than we have ever had before as well as your favorite weekly promotions, the return of the Springfield Cashew Chickens
Austin French to perform postgame on Cardinals Faith & Family Night
SPRINGFIELD, MO - The Springfield Cardinals are excited to announce that Christian music artist Austin French will headline the second-annual Faith & Family Night Concert, presented by The Wind, at Hammons Field on August 15. Get ready for an inspring evening at the ballpark with French's concert, a Cardinals game
Jason Schwartz named new voice of Springfield Cardinals
SPRINGFIELD, MO - The Springfield Cardinals are excited to announce that Jason Schwartz has been named the team's new Play-by-Play voice starting in the 2025 season. Schwartz becomes the fifth lead broadcaster in the franchise's history, which began in 2005. "We're ecstatic to have Jason join our franchise's list of
Springfield Cardinals announce 2025 Coaching Staff
SPRINGFIELD, MO (January 17, 2025) - The St. Louis Cardinals have announced the Springfield Cardinals coaching staff assignments for the 2025 season. For the first time since 2021, Springfield will have a new manager in Patrick Anderson as well as two additional new personnel and four returners. After winning 2024
Hammons Field named 2024 Professional Baseball Field of the Year
SPRINGFIELD, MO (January 8, 2025) - The Sports Field Management Association and Springfield Cardinals have announced that Hammons Field, the home of the Springfield Cardinals, has been named the 2024 Professional Baseball Field of the Year. The SFMA Field of the Year honor is awarded to the best natural grass
St. Louis Cardinals Caravan returns to Springfield January 17
SPRINGFIELD, MO (January 6, 2025) - The St. Louis Cardinals and Springfield Cardinals have announced that the 2025 Cardinals Caravan will come through Springfield, MO on Friday, January 17 with an annual stop at Hammons Field. This year's guests visiting Springfield are current Cardinals RHP Andre Pallante, LHP Matthew Liberatore,
Holiday Three-Packs: How to buy and redeem
Celebrate the holidays Cardinals-style! 🎁 With our brand-new Holiday 3-Packs, pick out any three games you want AND your choice of an available past Promo Item, all for just $33! Click Here for 3 Games + a Past Promo Item for just $33! Or call us to order yours and
Matt Lloyd opens up about release from Reds, career path to Cardinals
Springfield outfielder Matt Lloyd was previously released by the Cincinnati Reds in 2022. After a stint in Independent Baseball, he recently landed with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2024. His first season back in affiliated baseball was stellar as he led the Springfield Cardinals in homers and RBI. In this
Matt Svanson talks trade to St. Louis and more in new interview
Matt Svanson was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays to the St. Louis Cardinals for shortstop Paul DeJong and cash in 2023. Since then, Svanson has become a franchise record holder for the St. Louis Double-A affiliate in Springfield and one of the most reliable relief pitchers in all of
Jimmy Crooks and Quinn Mathews named St. Louis Player and Pitcher of the Year
SPRINGFIELD, MO (October 14, 2024) - The St. Louis Cardinals have announced that Springfield Cardinals C Jimmy Crooks and LHP Quinn Mathews have won the organization's annual Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year awards, respectively. Crooks becomes the eleventh Springfield Cardinal to win the Player of the Year
Cooper Hjerpe details his career in new interview
St. Louis Cardinals number 8 prospect Cooper Hjerpe is an intriguing sidearm thrower who has found a ton of success with his self-proclaimed "funky" delivery. In this sit-down interview with Steve Granado, Hjerpe details out his childhood, favorite team as a kid, his key to success in the Minors and
Jimmy Crooks named MVP, Tink Hence Pitcher of the Year among many Springfield award winners
SPRINGFIELD, MO (September 24, 2024) - Minor League Baseball has announced its 2024 Post-Season awards with multiple Springfield Cardinals collecting honors in the Texas League following their historic season. C Jimmy Crooks becomes the third straight Cardinal to win the Texas League MVP, while RHP Tink Hence was named Pitcher
Springfield's season ends with 6-5 loss to Arkansas
SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Springfield Cardinals season, despite a five-run fifth-inning rally, ended at the hands of the Arkansas Travelers at Hammons Field on Friday night. The Travelers muscled out a 6-5 win, launching three home runs including two from Victor Labrada to advance to the Texas League Championship Series.
Cardinals Toppled by Eight-Run 5th to Force Game Three
SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Arkansas Travelers scored eight runs in the top of the 5th inning and held off a late Springfield charge as the Cards dropped Game 2 of the Texas League North Division Championship Series 9-6 on Thursday night at Hammons Field. A decisive Game 3 takes place
Cards Clutch Up on Mound, Take Game One
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR – Chase Davis drove in two runs to pace the Cardinal offense, and Brandon Komar and Ryan Shreve each pitched out of bases loaded situations as Springfield defeated the Arkansas Travelers in the opener of the Texas League North Division Championship Series 4-1 at Dickey-Stephens Park.
Cards Close Out Regular Season With 9-5 Loss to Missions
SAN ANTONIO, TX – The San Antonio Missions scored six runs in the 6th and 7th innings combined and the Cardinals issued 7 walks as Springfield dropped the regular season finale 9-5 on Sunday afternoon at Nelson Wolff Stadium. The Cards finish the regular season a franchise-record 20 games over
More Records Fall as Cards Top Missions 3-2
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Four Springfield pitchers combined to rack up 15 strikeouts and made a three-run 5th inning stand as the Cardinals held on to defeat the San Antonio Missions 3-2 on Saturday night at Nelson Wolff Stadium. The Cardinals go into the season finale seeking a series win
Late Rally Sends Cards to Send Straight Loss
SAN ANTONIO, TX – The San Antonio Missions scored three times in the bottom of the 7th inning and the Cardinals went just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position as Springfield dropped its 2nd straight with a 5-2 loss on Friday night at Nelson Wolff Stadium. Heading into Saturday the
Bernal Homers in Cardinals 4-1 Loss in San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO, TX – The San Antonio Missions scored all four or their runs and tallied four of their five hits in the 4th inning and the Cardinals went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position as Springfield dropped a 4-1 decision at Nelson Wolff Stadium on Thursday night. The loss
Cards Make Springfield History With 2-1 Win Over Missions
SPRINGFIELD, MO – Benito Garcia matched a career high with 8 strikeouts over 4.2 innings of relief and Nathan Church went 3-for-4 as the Cardinals defeated the San Antonio Missions 2-1 on Wednesday night at Nelson Wolff Stadium. With the win the Cardinals set a new franchise record with their
Komar Shines as Cards Match Springfield Wins Record
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Brandon Komar allowed 3 runs over 7.2 innings and Leonardo Bernal went 4-for-5 with 2 RBIs as the Cardinals defeated the San Antonio Missions 7-3 on Tuesday night at Nelson Wolff Stadium. The win was the Cardinals’ 77th in 2024, tying a franchise record for victories
6th Inning Rally Lifts Cards Over Naturals in Home Finale
SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Cardinals scored 3 times in the bottom of the 6th inning to overcome a two-run deficit as Springfield defeated the NW Arkansas Naturals 4-3 on Sunday evening at Hammons Field. The Cards with the win earned a series split in the regular season home finale. Decisions:
Chase Davis homers in Springfield Cardinals debut
SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Springfield Cardinals (75-56) dropped a 6-3 decision to Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Saturday night. Newest Springfield Cardinal Chase Davis homered on the second pitch he saw in his first game. Decisions: W: Keylan Kilgore (5-5) L: Max Rajcic (10-11) S: Beck Way (11) Notables: - Chase
Cardiac Cards erase 5-0 deficit to take down Northwest
SPRINGFIELD, MO – The Springfield Cardinals (75-55) came back to take down the Northwest Arkansas Naturals by an 11-7 final at Hammons Field Friday night. The Cardinals are now two games shy of matching a franchise record 77 wins in a single season (2012, 2017) Decisions: W: Nathanael Heredia (2-0)