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Red Sox Prospect Watch: Benintendi promoted, Wilkerson excels

By Drew Peabody

Jun 13, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks batter Tyler Spoon (8) congratulates runner Andrew Benintendi (16) after Benintendi hit a home run against the Virginia Cavaliers in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Virginia Cavaliers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks batter Tyler Spoon (8) congratulates runner Andrew Benintendi (16) after Benintendi hit a home run against the Virginia Cavaliers in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Virginia Cavaliers won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 8, 2016; Sarasota, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Roenis Elias (29) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2016; Sarasota, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Roenis Elias (29) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Triple-A Pawtucket Red Sox

Roenis Elias has not pitched for the Red Sox like he did for the Mariners for whom he made 49 starts (3.97 ERA) over the course of the last two seasons. While Joe Kelly was rehabbing an injured shoulder, the need arose for a spot starter. Due to Elias’ struggles (17 walks in 21.2 innings) at that time, he was passed over. The Red Sox hope he has turned a corner in his last two starts, he has walked just two in 11.2 innings. In his last start, Elias walked none over 7.2 innings, striking out 13 batters, allowing two runs on five hits. For the season he has a 4.96 ERA over 32.2 innings, striking out 33, walking 19. His .311 batting average against is troubling along with the 19 walks, but hopefully he can get back his Seattle ways

Sam Travis impressed all Spring Training with his hitting. While he has not been spectacular, he has posted a .281/.338/.438 batting line so far this season in 146 at-bats, slugging five homers and knocking in 23. Three of his homers came over two games last weekend, driving in seven runs. Over his last ten games, Travis is batting .237 (nine for 38)

Kyle Martin had a slow start to his season, but has come on of late. The 6-7 Texas A&M product was drafted in the 9th round in 2013. After a 5.40 ERA in April in 10 innings, something clicked in for Martin. In 11 May innings, he has allowed just five hits and one run for a 0.82 ERA. Over his last five appearances, he has fired 9.1 innings, allowing just two hits, walking three and striking out 13. He has walked just three while striking out 28 in 21 innings this season.  Perhaps the Red Sox might consider him as an option out of the bullpen later this season.

When the Red Sox decided to promote Swihart over Rusney Castillo to play left in Boston, that should tell you all you need to know about where the Cuban import is right now. While Castillo’s OPS improved from .555 to .673 from April to May, he has shown little of the ability that prompted the Red Sox to give him a $72.5 million deal. Rusney has six doubles in 117 at-bats this season with 12 RBI and three stolen bases. Whether he is just not motivated in the minors, or really just not that good, he is doing little to turn anyone’s head to get him back to the big leagues

Next: Double-A Portland Sea Dogs

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