Red Sox Prospect Watch: Benintendi promoted, Wilkerson excels

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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Aug 7, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a baseball and glove prior to a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; A general view of a baseball and glove prior to a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports


Low-A Greenville Drive

Anderson Espinoza has enormous potential with his near 100 mph fastball, but since his 11 strikeout effort of May 5th, he has continued to remind people he is a long way off from the majors. In his second start since that big day, he allowed three runs on seven hits (his highest total of hits this year), striking out four batters and walking one. The 18 year old Venezuelan has a 4.54 ERA in 33.2 innings this season, allowing 33 hits, walking 13 and striking out 42.

Roniel Raudes is another 18 year old pitcher, who is not as highly touted as Espinoza but is putting up good numbers this season. The 27th ranked prospect at soxprospects. com, Raudes is not the fireballer Espinoza is, using a low-90s fastball and an excellent curveball and pitch command to mow down hitters. He has a 3.09 ERA in 32 innings this season, walking eight and striking out 30.

Tate Matheny, profiled in last week’s Prospect Watch, has hit a rough patch. He is just two for his last 18, with a single RBI, no walks and six strikeouts. For the season, the 22 year old 2015 fourth round choice is batting .306/.352/.429 with six stolen bases and 15 RBI in 23 games.

Next: Red Sox Clay Buchholz Is The Heartbreak Kid

Jarred Cosart began his pro career as a starter but his big fastball, hitting 95 at times, has sent him to the bullpen, where he has flourished this season. The brother of the Miami Marlins Jarred Cosart, Jake has a 2.25 ERA this season over 11 appearances, totalling 20 innings, walking nine and striking out 27 batters. He typically throws between 30 and 45 pitches per appearance.

Stay tuned to BoSoxInjection.com for all your news an analysis on the next crop of Red Sox stars.

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