Boston Red Sox Arizona Fall League update: Week 2

A rundown of the Boston Red Sox prospects playing in the Arizona Fall League for the week of October 17-22. How are they progressing?

The Boston Red Sox may be done for the season, but some of the top prospects in the organization are seeing action in the Arizona Fall League.

Let’s take a look at how some of these players are progressing and what it means for their future.

The Hitters:

Mauricio Dubon had been off to a slow start in the AFL, but he had a big game on Wednesday night, breaking out of a 4-for-18 start to notch three hits and two steals to lead the Red Sox affiliate Surprise Saguaros to a victory. Dubon is trying to expand his versatility by starting in center field instead of his normal shortstop position. He has now made two starts there in two weeks.

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Yoan Moncada started the AFL year on a mini four-game hitting streak but came up empty in his last two games of the week going 0-for-6. The former Cuban star is looking for more reps in the AFL in terms of at-bats and put his tough ending to the season in which he struck out nine consecutive times with the major league club, behind him. For the season so far, Moncada has a .292/.370/.458 batting line. On a positive note, Moncada stole his first base of the AFL season this week.

Danny Mars is looking to show his speed game in the AFL as well. Mars was not able to build on his three steal first week, going just one for 11 with a walk thrown in. He also struck out four times on the week. Mars has managed just four hits in his first 23 AFL at-bats. He is likely just a depth option for the organization in the near future, but a spot in the AFL means they think something of his talents.

The Pitchers

Michael Kopech came back down to Earth last week, after his excellent first week start. This week, the 20 year old fireballer was knocked around for two runs on seven hits and a walk over three innings of work. He managed to strike out three batters. His first week start caught the attention of ESPN’s Keith Law about Kopech hitting “only 99” on the radar gun, to which Kopech had a response.

Jamie Callahan fired another two scoreless innings last week, giving up three hits in the process. He didn’t walk anyone which probably is the reason he is still sporting a zero ERA for the AFL season. The Rule Five eligible Callahan is doing what he can to impress the scouts, but the .412 batting average against he is currently carrying is going to catch up with him. The four innings without a walk so far are an encouraging sign, though, as Callahan walked 38 batters in just 65 innings this regular season.

Jalen Beeks transition to a bullpen role has not gone well in Arizona. In only 4.1 innings over the first two weeks, he has allowed seven hits and three walks. After a perfect two strikeout inning to start the work, Beeks struggled mightily in his next appearance, allowing two hits and three walks while getting only four outs. Considering he allowed five baserunners he was fortunate to just allow one run.

Next: Red Sox Report Cards: Travis Shaw

Trey Ball‘s appearance on Saturday was nothing short of a disaster. He walked all five batters he faced after starting the frame. After walking in two runs, the runners he left on base all scored, effectively destroying his ERA for the AFL season. Ball’s season had seen a promising start with 4.2 scoreless innings but that included three walks. For the season, Ball has walked eight in those 4.2 innings. The Red Sox hope his five straight walks were an aberration but his control struggles in the AFL are a troubling development for the first round draft choice.

Stay tuned each week for an update about Red Sox farmhands in the Arizona Fall League

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