Minor League Update: De la Rosa, Owens Dealing

A strong year in the Red Sox’ farm system has continued in this week as a number of players have carried momentum admirably. Players such as Xander Bogaerts and Garin Cecchini are carrying said momentum to a new level of play while Jackie Bradley Jr., Rubby de la Rosa, and Henry Owens have continued to dominate at their levels. Overall, this year has been great and this week is just a new chapter.

The Pitchers:

Feb 17, 2013; Fort Myers FL, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Rubby De La Rosa (62) poses during photo day at JetBlue Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Ranaudo had a two-start week this week and his starts could not have been more different. In his first start on Monday, he allowed just one run on three hits and four walks in six innings pitched. However, in his start today he allowed five runs in five innings, striking out five as well. Even though his starts this week were far from his best, he is still having a phenomenal season at Portland and is now 8-2 with a 2.68 ERA and 91 strikeouts to 29 walks in 84 innings.

Rubby de la Rosa continues to be stretched out and he continues to improve. He has not allowed a run in his last three outings, and in his last start on Thursday, he threw 5.2 shutout innings, striking out 6 batters and allowing 6 hits. De la Rosa now has a 2.28 ERA and it’s looking like it won’t be long until he is in the majors for good, especially given Allen Webster‘s struggles.

Henry Owens is scheduled to pitch today, and will do so on an hot streak after an incredible start on Tuesday. In this start, Owens threw 7 strong innings, allowing no runs on 3 hits and a walk while striking out 6 batters. Owens lowered his ERA to 2.74 on the season, and he has 86 strikeouts to 29 walks in 72.1 innings pitched.

The Hitters:

Xander Bogaerts is beginning to adjust to Triple-A pitching, as after a rough start he batted .304 with 1 home run, 5 RBIs, and 3 walks this week. His season stats in Pawtucket still aren’t great as he is only slashing .242/.309/.403. However, upward trends are always good and a cup of coffee in September is within reach.
Jackie Bradley Jr. continues to have a very strong season in Pawtucket, as he batted .281 this week with 1 home run, 4 doubles, 1 triple, and 5 RBIs. Bradley will continue as the primary outfield depth in the Red Sox’ system as he is now batting .304/.381/.497 on the season.
Garin Cecchini is carrying his momentum garnered in Salem right over to Portland. This week, his first full one in Double-A, he batted .438 with a pair of doubles. He is now batting .357/.471/.464 in Double-A and between High-A and Double-A, he sits at .351/.470/.537 with 5 home runs and 36 RBIs.

Schedule