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Red Sox Prospect Watch: Almonte emerges, Moncada explodes

By Drew Peabody

Mar 9, 2016; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox infielder Yoan Moncada (22) waits for the ball as Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte (6) slides into second base in the second inning of the spring training game at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox infielder Yoan Moncada (22) waits for the ball as Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Starling Marte (6) slides into second base in the second inning of the spring training game at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 19, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Bobby Poyner (14) pitched against the Virginia Cavaliers in the ninth inning in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Florida defeated Virginia 10-5. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 19, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Florida Gators pitcher Bobby Poyner (14) pitched against the Virginia Cavaliers in the ninth inning in the 2015 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Florida defeated Virginia 10-5. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Low-A Greenville

Anderson Espinoza is starting to live up to the hype.  He allowed just one hit over five innings in his last start, walking four and striking out four.  Over his last two starts, that is three hits allowed over 11 innings.  For the season, he is down to a 3.43 ERA with 49 strikeouts over 44.2 innings.  He still has not exceeded 79 pitches in any start

Josh Ockimey is seven for his last 20, though zero for nine over his last two games.   The big first baseman is currently leading the South Atlantic League in on  base percentage and OPS (.975) and stands third in slugging percentage.  It would appear he has done about all he can do to earn a promotion, posting a .298/.437/.538 batting line so far this season.

Bobby Poyner could easily be called the Red Sox closer of the future.  The left-hander  led the South Atlantic League in saves before his promotion to Salem this week.  All he did at Greenville was allow one earned run on  11 hits over 26 innings, walking just five batters (0.36 ERA).  The 14th round choice out of Florida in 2015 uses a four pitch mix of fastball (which sits in the low 90s), curveball, slider and changeup to attack the hitters.

Next: Red Sox bullpen not relieving the situation

Jose Almonte had a late start to his season due to a groin injury but is making up for lost time, dominating over his first four starts.  Over four starts (21 innings) he has allowed just 15 hits and six walks while striking out 18 (2.14 ERA).  After six no-hit innings on May 27, he allowed one run on seven hits in his next start.

Stay tuned to BoSoxInjection.com each Saturday for the Prospect Watch, especially this year since the Red Sox are  going to be in a playoff race.

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