Red Sox Prospect Watch: Moncada, Dubon promoted

Apr 21, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher William Cuevas (63) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 21, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher William Cuevas (63) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 2, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Boston Red Sox infielder Mauricio Dubon (7) is tagged out at second base by Toronto Blue Jays infielder Jio Mier (58) during the seventh inning at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Boston Red Sox infielder Mauricio Dubon (7) is tagged out at second base by Toronto Blue Jays infielder Jio Mier (58) during the seventh inning at Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

Double-A Portland

Yoan Moncada is moving up the minor league ladder as the Red Sox anticipated he would when they showered him with a $31.5 million signing bonus.  On Tuesday, he was promoted to Double-A Portland where he has started fast in his first four games there.  Moncada is six for 19 with a double and a homer and four RBI (.316/.316/.526) but he has yet to steal a base.  At High-A, he slashed .307/.427/.496 in 228 at-bats with 36 steals.  What took so long to get him to Portland?

Andrew Benintendi is overcoming a tough start at Portland, .531 OPS over his first two weeks, to post an .825 OPS in June thus far.  He has laced eight doubles and three homers while knocking in 13 runs in 21 June games.   He is five for 20 over his last five contests.

Shortstop Mauricio Dubon was in a slump when the Red Sox promoted him to Portland on Thursday.  He was just two for his last 18 when he was sent up.  He only has had one game in Portland so far, notching a triple and a walk in four plate appearances on his first day.  Dubon struck out just 25 times in 235 High-A at-bats this season to go along with 24 steals and an encouraging 33 walks, so he has an advanced knowledge of the strike zone at an early time in his development.

Next: High-A Salem