Triple A Pawtucket Red Sox
Jorge Marban is a 27 year old right hander whom Red Sox fans should keep on their radar. After two years in the Texas Rangers organization and three years in Independent Leagues, a Red Sox scout discovered him in Australia. While he struggles with his command at times, Marban used a plus split fingered fastball and mid 90s heat to post a 1.31 ERA in 62 innings between three levels including 0.69 in AAA Pawtucket in 13 innings in 2015. In 2016, he has continued his success and lack of control posting a 0.63 ERA in 14.1 innings but walking ten while striking out just seven and allowing seven hits.
Brian Johnson pitched just one inning after walking three and allowing two runs on a sac fly, striking out one. He threw only 26 pitches before the rains came and postponed the game. Johnson has struck out 21 in his 21 innings, but walked 14 while posting an even three ERA. He has not allowed more than two earned runs in any start. The walks are troublesome for someone who has always had excellent command, but it is still early in the season. Johnson was called up for one poor start (four earned runs in 4.1 innings with four walks) last season in Houston and is near the top of the list of potential call-ups when a starter in needed.
Sean Coyle has been on the 40 man roster for the Red Sox since November 2014 and little has gone right for the 2010 third rounder. He has not been able to get anything going at AAA since slamming 16 homers at AA Portland in 2014 earning that coveted 40 man spot in November of that year. In 2015, Coyle posted an anemic .159/.274/.302 batting line driving in just 16 runs in 148 plate appearances. 2016 has been no better thus far for Coyle. The five foot eight inch middle infielder has slashed just .143/.213/.268 with just three extra base hits in 56 plate appearances. He is just one for his last 20. Coyle has to be considered in jeopardy of losing his 40 man roster spot.
Next: Double-A Portland Sea Dogs