Red Sox farm update: July 28th

Jul 21, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brian Johnson (61) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox

Final Score: PawSox 6, Norfolk Tides 0

Notable Pitchers:

Ronald Belisario (IP, H, 0 R)

Brian Johnson (6.1 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 6 K)

• This is Johnson’s first start since his unsuccessful major league debut against the Astros last week and he immediately returns to dominating in Triple-A. It’s clear that he’s major league ready. It’s clear that the Red Sox need starting pitchers. It’s clear that this is a lost season. Why is Johnson not in Boston?

Noe Ramirez (1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 2 K)

Notable Position Players:

Jackie Bradley Jr. (1-2, 2 BB)

Garin Cecchini (1-4, K)

Allen Craig (1-3, BB, K)

Marco Hernandez (0-4)

Deven Marrero (1-3, BB)

Travis Shaw (2-4, 2B, K)

May 4, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; A general view of Fenway Park during the third inning of the game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Boston Red Sox. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Double-A Portland Sea Dogs

Final Score: Trenton Thunder 2, Sea Dogs 1

Notable Pitchers:

Simon Mercedes (2 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 2 K)

• Mercedes’ transition to a relief role hasn’t gone particularly smoothly as he has a 4.38 ERA and uninspiring peripherals in 61.2 innings this year. However, Mercedes still has promise as a hard-throwing reliever and it’s worth noting that his stuff could play up even more if used in shorter stints as Mercedes has routinely thrown multiple innings this year (including last night). Soon the Red Sox should mold him into a one-inning guy to see what they have.

Notable Position Players:

Carlos Asuaje (0-3, BB, K)

Tzu-Wei Lin (0-4)

Manuel Margot (0-4, 2 K)

Sam Travis (1-3, BB)

Mar 9, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; A detail view of Boston Red Sox baseball cap and sunglasses in the dugout during a spring training baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Low-A Greenville Drive

Final Score: Charleston RiverDogs 2, Drive 1

Notable Pitchers:

Jamie Callahan (2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 K)

Notable Position Players:

Michael Chavis (0-4, 2 K)

Javier Guerra (2-4, SB)

Nick Longhi (0-4, K)

Danny Mars (2-4, SB)

Yoan Moncada (1-3, 2B, BB, SB)

• With just over a month remaining in the Drive’s season, it’s hard to imagine Moncada sticking around in Greenville for much longer. After struggling mightily to start his professional career, Moncada has slashed .330/.431/.557 in July and looks every bit as promising as when he signed for a record bonus out of Cuba.

Sep 7, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; General view of the field box seats prior to a game between the Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Short Season A Lowell Spinners

Final Score: Williamsport Crosscutters 6, Spinners 5

Notable Position Players:

Victor Acosta (0-1)

Luis Alexander Basabe (2-4, 3B, BB, SB)

• Despite being an unheralded signing out of Venezuela, Basabe has impressed at every level in the low minors and is turning in a great year in Lowell. The athletic 18-year old is slashing .269/.342/.485 with 6 homers and 11 stolen bases, showing the speed and projectable power that could make him an interesting prospect down the line. He’s not there yet but another strong performance a little up the chain could make him a legitimate prospect for the Red Sox.

Andrew Benintendi (1-4, BB)

Mitchell Gunsolus (0-2, 2 K)

Tate Matheny (1-4, K)

Josh Ockimey (2-3, CS, BB, K)

Austin Rei (1-4, K)

Kyri Washington (1-4, SB, 2 K)