Minor League Update: July 28-August 2
Jul 13, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; USA pitcher Henry Owens throws a pitch in the first inning during the All Star Futures Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
This look around the Red Sox minor league system features some players giving outstanding performances as well as players on the move up the ladder toward Fenway.
Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA)
Matt Barnes may be trying to show the parent club that they should not overlook him when it comes to evaluating young pitching. On Saturday night, he was nothing short of brilliant as he no-hit the Columbus Clippers for seven innings, allowing only one ball hit outside of the infield while throwing 66 of his 106 pitches for strikes. He walked two and struck out ten in this gem. Since the All-Star break he has a 1.96 ERA in three starts, allowing only seven hits in 18.1 innings while striking out 18.
Dan Butler was called up to the majors yesterday to replace David Ross, whose plantar fasciitis had a flare up. At 27, he is entering the territory of being a good story of perseverance as he was signed out of an independent league. His .227/.306/.338 batting line belies the fact that he has been hitting better of late, going 6 for 21 in his last five games with two doubles.
Ryan Verdugo had a cup of coffee with Kansas City in 2012, from whom he was purchased last month. He was not scored upon until his start today, which was his first start in the Red Sox system. Overall, he has been impressive, striking out 17 in just 11.2 innings, while allowing only six hits and three earned runs (2.31 ERA).
Portland Sea Dogs (AA)
Henry Owens will be making future appearances in this column under the Pawtucket section as the talented lefthander was promoted there on Friday. He was the first Sea Dogs pitcher ever to post 14 wins in a season. His final stats there were 14-4, 2.60 ERA, 121 IP 89 H, 47 BB, 126 K.
Brian Johnson is making his own case for promotion. Johnson boasts a 9-2, 2.05 line for the season but he has been even better of late. In 27.1 innings, over four starts, he has allowed only 11 hits, nine walks, and only two earned runs (0.66 ERA)
Greenville Drive (High A)
Sam Travis looks to build on the .333/.364/.448 line he was hitting at Lowell as he was promoted to Greenville on Friday. Remarkably, following a game in progress at the moment, he is already four for six with a walk in a game and a half playing first base for the Drive.
Trey Ball has posted an ordinary 1-9, 5.65 ERA so far this season which is not what you would hope for from 2013 seventh overall choice. He has shown some signs of turning things around though, allowing only four earned runs in his last 16 innings (2.25 ERA).
Manuel Margot broke out of a mini-slump with a three for four night last night including a homer. Margot has stolen 33 bases in 88 games this season
GCL Red Sox (Rookie)
Michael Chavis has not hit like a first round draft choice yet (.148/.257/.213). He was 5 for 22 last week, to improve his numbers a bit, and he drew four walks. He turns 19 on August 11th.
Michael Kopech threw two scoreless innings this week, walking one batter. He has a 4.26 ERA in 6.1 innings this season.
Rafael Devers cooled off a bit, collecting only four hits in 19 at-bats, but he did knock in six runs. His hitting line of .356/.424./.529 is still exceptional considering he won’t turn 18 until October.