More than half-way through May and it’s our first look at the hated RailRiders. With the current schedule structure, it does work out that we see them at Coca Cola Park only twice per season–and the visits are well-spaced. It could be (and has been) worse. Here’s what you need to know about this series:
A Look At The Standings
The IronPigs have been going through it a bit, of late. A strong start to the season has led to a few 2-4 series losses including a series in Syracuse, home for Buffalo and a dreadful 1-5 week in Rochester last week. Roster fluctuations, known weakness at starting pitcher, loss of chief vibes officer Garrett Stubbs…the reasons are many. And, while the change of manager in Philadelphia led to a run for the parent club, the loss of AC at the helm has been a change for the ‘Pigs–but association, not causation. We’ll look at that later in the week perhaps.
The IronPigs are third-to-last in the IL East on a 2-8 run, but really only 7.0 games back in the entire International League. That’s a couple good weeks to be right back in it. Not saying it will happen, of course.
Scranton finds themselves in third place, four games ahead of the IronPigs at this juncture. They are a perfectly average 5-5 in their last 10 games. They are coming off a 3-3 split at home versus Syracuse last week.
Roster Roulette
Part of the inconsistency in the win column is the inconsistency in the lineup. Every team goes through it, and it’s not likely to improve per se–although some help might be on the way. Often, we look at June 1 for a bevy of roster moves which might include opt-outs or other players getting released, for a variety of reasons. It could be contractual, performance-based, guys getting healthy, or even just an advance jump at the number of contracts prior to the draft (the limit doesn’t come into play until much later, but it could still play a factor).
5/8: INF/OF Dylan Moore passed through waivers and accepted his assignment to the IronPigs. He’s wearing #28.
5/9: RHP Zach Pop joined on a rehab assignment. He’s been hot and cold in his couple of outings since.
5/10:
RHP Jackson Rutledge optioned to the IronPigs. He’s the former first rounder from the Nationals. He washed out as a starter and is trying to find some grip as a reliever. Worthwhile bet on talent, and he’s looked good thus far.
LHP Andrew Walling to the Injured List. We saw him tap out as the spot starter in the last home series. Hopefully it’s a short stay.
OF Oscar Mercado released. He wasn’t playing well and some guys will be coming back from injury and/or other sources.
5/11: INF Erick Brito is on rehab assignment, working his way back.
5/12:
RHP Levi Stoudt promoted from Reading. Former Mariners third rounder out of Lehigh. The Pottstown native had 10 clean outings in Reading to start the season.
RHP Jean Cabrera sent down to Reading. To make him a reliever? Not yet, but the clock is ticking.
OF Cade Fergus sent down to Reading. Numbers game but also he needs to play to maintain his clutch status.
INF/OF Keaton Anthony is on rehab assignment with Clearwater, working his way back.
RHP Max Lazar is on MLB rehab with the IronPigs
OF Dylan Carlson signed to a minors deal and assigned to the IronPigs. He’s a former first rounder from the Cardinals who has 570 games of MLB service with the redbirds, Tampa, Baltimore and the Cubs. He was released by the Cubs. He hit .294/.421/.451 last season in a short stint with Norfolk. So far with the IronPigs it hasn’t been pretty.
5/13: RHP Teagan Cain, an interesting prospect, was briefly on the Pigs roster but mostly as a placeholder until he was assigned to the Threshers
RHP Andrew Bechtold started his rehab assignments in Clearwater.
5/16:
LHP Genesis Cabrera asked for and was granted his release. He’s had some good outings but also some really, really bad ones. He’s said to be heading to Asia to find work.
LHP Kirby Snead was signed. He’s had MLB time with Oakland, Toronto and Seattle. He pitched in independent ball last season as well as a short stint in Mexico. It doesn’t appear he had a team in 2026 as of his signing.
5/17: RHP Jonathan “Texas” Hernandez requested and was granted his release. RHP Lenny Torres Jr was released because, well, 12.15 ERA probably part of it.
5/18: INF/OF Otto Kemp and INF/OF Felix Reyes switched spots again, with Kemp to the Phillies and Reyes back with the Pigs. It was always coming once Kemp found his hitting stroke–Reyes needs to play to continue to develop and he was mostly stapled to the bench in Philadelphia. It’s not known when Reyes will report and get activated.
5/18: Rincones Jr, and Brito are now with Jersey Shore on rehab while the others remain in Clearwater.
Yankees Affiliate
INF Gorge Lombard Jr, RHP Elmer Rodriguez and RHP Carlos Legrange are three of the top four Yankees prospects right now. INF Spencer Jones is in New York. Our old friend C Payton Henry is on this team. RHP Luis Gil is on the injured list. RHP Garrit Cole made two rehab starts with the RailRiders last week, but his status for this week is currently not known–FWIW Somerset is in Chesapeake so this is the closest to New York he could be; however, it has been rumored that he is due to be activated for the Yankees this week.
At The Park This Week
Please note the changing start times: 6:05PM tonight with gates at 4:30 and 4:45. 11:00AM Education Day tomorrow (Wednesday) with gates at 9:30AM and 9:45AM. 6:45PM starts Thursday and Friday, followed by 6:35PM starts Saturday and Sunday for Memorial Day Weekend.
Tuesday: Tail Waggin’, Dollar Dogs, Coquis, Umbrella Giveaway (always a good one!)
Wednesday: Education Day 11:00AM
Thursday: Happy Hour 5PM-7PM, Military Night.
Friday: Salute to Philly, Fireworks, Color Guard, St Luke’s Vehicles
Saturday: USA 250, Fireworks
Sunday: Memorial Day observation, Fireworks, Cap Giveaway
Weather
Hot on Tuesday and Wednesday, with showers arriving Wednesday afternoon. Cooler with clouds Thursday and Friday, and scattered showers Saturday and Sunday.
With hot weather, water bottles will be allowed Tuesday night. Check prior to the game for Wednesday, but it should repeat.
See you at the park, more updates to come!
@Kram207