Boston Red Sox Arizona Fall League Update Week 5
By Drew Peabody
As we head into the final week of the season, Red Sox prospects look to make their final impression going into the offseason
As we head into the final week of the AFL season, the Red Sox affiliate Surprise Saguaros might be in the championship game if they can continue their winning ways. Let’s see what they are up to going into the final week.
The Pitchers
Michael Kopech has made a strong impression, compiling a 1.56 ERA over 17.1 AFL innings. Kopech struggled with his command in his start this week, walking six batters in 3.1 innings. He was bailed out by his catcher Twins prospect Mitch Garver who nailed three would be basestealers, allowing Kopech to record a scoreless outing despite his issues. While Kopech only managed to throw 33 of his 72 pitches for strikes he was able to use his changeup to survive his shaky outing. It is always a good sign for a pitcher to be able to continue to put up zeros even when he doesn’t have his best stuff. If the Saguaros make it to the championship game, Kopech would likely get the start.
Jamie Callahan might have the most to prove since the Red Sox have to decide whether to add the righty to the 40 man roster or potentially lose him in the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Callahan allowed his first run in the AFL in two total innings this week, while grabbing his second save of the season. In his 10 innings, the South Carolina native has allowed one run on 10 hits, walking two and striking out 10 batters
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Jalen Beeks had a terrible week, allowing five runs on five hits over three innings this week, sullying what had been a solid campaign. Over 11.1 innings, Beeks has allowed 15 hits, walking five and striking out 13 batters. His season ERA stands at 6.35.
Trey Ball managed to record just his third walk-free outing of the season out of 10 appearances. In his other appearance he allowed a walk along with two hits and a run. Arizona has not been kind to him. Ball could really use a strong finish. Over 11. 1 innings, Ball possesses a 7.15 ERA, allowing eight runs on 10 hits, with 13 walks against eight strikeouts. Even with a strong final week, one would have to label Ball’s AFL season a failure.
The Hitters
Mauricio Dubon was just one for 11 with two walks on the week. The shortstop is just three for his last 23, struggling toward the end of the AFL season. For the season, Dubon is slashing .234/.290/.453. The seven extra base hits in 64 at-bats is certainly an encouraging sign as well as his ability to learn center field or at least get an introduction to it in a handful of starts there.
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Danny Mars has managed to turn around what seemed like a lost opportunity with a four game hitting streak over the last 10 days or so. Mars was four for seven this week with two doubles and three RBI. His slash line for the AFL season is approaching respectability at .236/.271/.273, though the final two components of that slash line could use beefing up in the season’s final week.
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