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.
Yard Goats to Hold Annual FanFest Event on Saturday, March 15th at Dunkin’ Park
Yard Goats to Hold Annual FanFest Event on Saturday, March 15th at Dunkin’ Park Free Event includes Behind the Scenes Tours, Face Painting, Batting Cages, Mascots & More (Hartford, CT ) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, announced it will host
Yard Goats Announce Jordan’s Furniture will be a Leadership Partner at Dunkin’ Park Beginning This Season
Yard Goats Announce Jordan’s Furniture will be a Leadership Partner at Dunkin’ Park Beginning This Season Jordan’s Furniture is now the official furniture and mattress partner of the Hartford Yard Goats (Hartford, CT ) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, and
Yard Goats Announce College Baseball Games Coming Back to Dunkin’ Park
Yard Goats Announce College Baseball Games Coming Back to Dunkin’ Park Four College Games Set including first-ever HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) school (Hartford, CT ) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, announced that college baseball is returning to Dunkin’
Yard Goats to Hold National Anthem Auditions on Saturday, March 1st
Yard Goats to Hold National Anthem Auditions on Saturday, March 1st Singers of all ages are welcome to audition for the opportunity to perform at Dunkin’ Park (Hartford, CT ) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, announced the National Anthem auditions
Yard Goats Announce Promotional Schedule for Dunkin’ Park
Yard Goats Announce Promotional Schedule for Dunkin’ Park Fireworks, Giveaways, Thunder Chickens, Leaf Peepers all part of 10th Anniversary Celebration Link to Drop Box Promotional Media Folder (Hartford, CT ) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, announced its 2025 promotional schedule
Yard Goats Coaching Staff to Return for 2025 Season
Yard Goats Coaching Staff to Return for 2025 Season Former Yankee Bobby Meacham is back to manage Yard Goats after guiding club to first-ever playoff series (Hartford, CT) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, has been informed by the Rockies that
Yard Goats to play game as Hartford Thunder Chickens
Yard Goats to play game as Hartford Thunder Chickens Thunder Chickens is one of two new alternate identities the Yard Goats will use at a home game this season (Hartford, CT ) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, announced that it
Yard Goats to Host Black Funding Forum on Wednesday, February 5th (5-7 PM)
Yard Goats to Host Black Funding Forum on Wednesday, February 5th (5-7 PM) Business Expo with panel discussion to take place at Dunkin’ Park in celebration of Black History Month (Hartford, CT ) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, announced it
Yard Goats Individual Game Tickets Go On Sale Friday, February 7th
Yard Goats Individual Game Tickets Go On Sale Friday, February 7th Team will also unveil two new alternate identities this season and one will be announced next Thursday, January 30th (Hartford, CT ) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, announced that
Yard Goats to Hold Job Fair on Saturday, February 15th at Dunkin’ Park from 9:00AM until 11:30 AM
Yard Goats to Hold Job Fair on Saturday, February 15th at Dunkin’ Park from 9:00AM until 11:30 AM Baseball Club looking for upbeat, fan-friendly individuals to work at Dunkin’ Park this upcoming season (Hartford, CT) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies,
Yard Goats General Manager Mike Abramson Named MiLB Executive of the Year by Baseball America
Abramson selected top executive among the 120 full-season affiliated teams across the U.S. and Canada Hartford, Conn- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, has been informed by Baseball America that General Manager Mike Abramson has been named the 2024 Minor League
Yard Goats to Host Black-Owned Business Expo at Dunkin’ Park on Wednesday
Yard Goats to Host Black-Owned Business Expo at Dunkin’ Park on Wednesday Event with over 50 Vendors Hosted by Yard Goats on Wednesday, November 20th from 6:00-8:30 PM Hartford, CT- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, has announced it will be
Yard Goats Field Operations Manager Matt Piersanti Named Eastern League & Double A Head Groundskeeper of the Year
Yard Goats Field Operations Manager Matt Piersanti Named Eastern League & Double A Head Groundskeeper of the Year Piersanti selected by Major League Baseball as having the best playing field in 2024 Hartford, Conn- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, has
Yard Goats to Host Connecticut's Largest Halloween Trick or Treat Community Event
Yard Goats to Host Connecticut's Largest Halloween Trick or Treat Community Event Free Event set for this Sunday, October 27th at Dunkin' Park from 12:00PM until 3:00PM Hartford, CT- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, has announced it will be once
Yard Goats Named Organization of the Year by Minor League Baseball
Yard Goats Named Organization of the Year by Minor League Baseball Yard Goats Receive Top Honor at MiLB Business Summit (Hartford, CT ) The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, were named 2024 Organization of the Year by Minor League Baseball (MiLB).
Yard Goats Skipper Bobby Meacham Named Eastern League Manager of Year
Yard Goats Skipper Bobby Meacham Named Eastern League Manager of Year Meacham becomes first Yard Goats manager to receive prestigious award from Minor League Baseball Hartford, Conn- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, has been informed by Minor League Baseball (MiLB)
Yard Goats Season Ends in Extra Innings
Yard Goats Season Ends in Extra Innings WP: Pestana (1-0) LP: Mejia (0-1) SV: Liranzo Time: 2:49 Hartford CT – The Somerset Patriots scored a run in the 10th inning to defeat the Hartford Yard Goats 4-3 to win the Eastern League Divisional Series and end the Yard Goats season.
Yard Goats Playoffs Series to Begin Tuesday
Yard Goats to Face Yankees affiliate in First Ever Playoff Series Yard Goats Best of Three Divisional Playoff Series will begin on Tuesday on the Road and Thursday at Dunkin’ Park Hartford, Conn- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, will begin
Kokoska 9th Inning Homer Leads Yard Goats to Victory
Kokoska 9th Inning Homer Leads Yard Goats to Victory Final: Hartford 5, Akron 2 WP: Juan Mejia (4-4) LP: Jack Leftwich (4-7) S: Zach Agnos (7) Time: 2:31 Akron, OH- Zach Kokoska cranked a go-ahead two-run home run in the ninth inning leading the Hartford Yard Goats to a 5-2
Yard Goats Beat MLB Veteran Carlos Carrasco
Yard Goats Beat MLB Veteran Carlos Carrasco Final: Hartford 3, Akron 0 WP: Sean Sullivan (2-0) LP: Carlos Carrasco (0-1) S: Zach Agnos (6) Time: 2:10 Akron, OH- Sean Sullivan fired a season-high six scoreless innings, and the Yard Goats scored two runs off veteran Carlos Carrasco, who was on
Late Homer Dooms Yard Goats in Ohio
Late Homer Dooms Yard Goats in Ohio Final: Akron 4, Hartford 3 WP: Torres Jr. (2-6) LP: Baumgartner (4-2) S: Hanner (6) Time: 2:36 Akron, OH- Kahlil Watson hit a go-ahead solo home run in the seventh inning to break a 3-3 tie and lead the Akron RubberDucks to a
Yard Goats Playoffs Watch Party
Yard Goats Playoffs Watch Party Set for Tuesday, September 17th at 5:00 PM on Pratt Street in Hartford Hartford, Conn- The Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club, the Double-A Eastern League affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, and the Hartford Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Playoff Watch Party on Tuesday,
Kokoska Crushes League Leading 19th Home Run in Yard Goats Loss
Kokoska Crushes League Leading 19th Home Run in Yard Goats Loss WP: Case (4-3) LP: Senzatela (0-1) Time: 3:22 Hartford CT - Zach Kokoska crushed his Eastern League leading 19th home run of the season but the Hartford Yard Goats fell to the Altoona Curve 9-5 in front of a
Ritter Homers in Yard Goats Loss
Ritter Homers in Yard Goats Loss WP: Dombkowski (4-3) LP: Van Scoyoc (7-7) SV: Yean (4) Time: 2:52 Hartford CT - Ryan Ritter crushed his 7th homer of the season and Warming Bernabel extended his hitting streak to 13 games but the Hartford Yard Goats fell to the Altoona Curve
Six-Run Inning Propels Yard Goats to Eighth Win in Nine Games
Six-Run Inning Propels Yard Goats to Eighth Win in Nine Games WP: Shawver (3-3) LP: Solometo (1-7) Time: 2:32 Hartford CT - A six-run second inning propelled the Hartford Yard Goats to a 6-1 win over the Altoona Curve in front of a sellout crowd (6,172) on Friday night at