Collins native Matt Minnick earned a promotion from the New York Yankees’ Double-A affiliate in Somerset, N.J. to their Triple-A affiliate in Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Pa. on Saturday. Photo courtesy of the Somerset Patriots

Collins native Matt Minnick continues to be rewarded for his hard work in minor league baseball.

On Saturday, Minnick was promoted from the New York Yankees’ Double-A affiliate in Somerset, New Jersey to their Triple-A affiliate in Scranton/Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. The 26-year-old was drafted by the Yankees in 2019 and has previously played in Rookie League, Single A and Double A.

The left-hander has been strong in the bullpen this season for Somerset, throwing 53.1 innings with an ERA of 2.03 and a WHIP of 0.77. He also has 56 strikeouts, four holds, three saves in three opportunities and a 4-2 record.

Minnick’s numbers last season in Single A included a 4.40 ERA, a WHIP of 1.40 and 66 strikeouts in 45 innings pitched.

Minnick joins a Scranton/Wilkes Barre team that is 64-57 and in fourth place in the International League East. The RailRiders are next in action on Tuesday and Wednesday at home against the Syracuse Mets.

GREY SENT DOWN

Connor Grey’s stay in the Big Apple came to an end Saturday when the New York Mets optioned him back to their Triple A affiliate in Syracuse.

The Frewsburg native was called up to the big leagues on Monday and was warming up in the bullpen Tuesday and again Friday, but he never appeared in a game.

Grey returns to Syracuse where he has compiled a 5-5 record and a 5.52 earned run average in 93 innings pitched. He has struck out 75 and walked 40 in 22 appearances, including 21 starts. In his last appearance on Aug. 17, Grey earned a no-decision against Charlotte.