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Red Sox Prospect Watch: April is in Full Swing

By Mike El-Far

Apr 13, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Hanley Ramirez (13) celebrates with Boston Red Sox third baseman Marco Hernandez after scoring the go ahead run during the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox first baseman Hanley Ramirez (13) celebrates with Boston Red Sox third baseman Marco Hernandez after scoring the go ahead run during the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 3, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brian Johnson (61) throws a pitch during the sixth inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Brian Johnson (61) throws a pitch during the sixth inning of an MLB spring training baseball game against the Atlanta Braves at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

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That top-10 prospect that was mentioned in the last slide was Marco Hernandez. The 24 year-old has been on the roster since April 7th, and it seems that he factors to be a bench option for most of the season. Offensively, Hernandez has not been very productive, hitting only .230. But he has been exceptional defensively, with plays like this.

Hernandez profiles as a middle infielder, but if he is able to be an everyday player this year it will be at third base. While Pablo Sandoval has virtually half of the team’s home runs, he is also hitting well under the Mendoza line. If his lack of production continues past the middle of May, I think Red Sox Nation will be seeing a lot of Hernandez.

Last night, former highly-touted prospect Brian Johnson was able to make a spot start last night in Toronto. Unfortunately, he did not look overly impressive, giving up 4 earned runs over only 5 innings. What was more alarming was the two home-runs he gave up. Giving up two bombs to the team who has struggled more than any other team in baseball is never a good sign.

Now, Brian Johnson should be optioned by Thursday the latest.  His time in Boston was supposed to be short lived, as he was only in Boston on a spot start. Eduardo Rodriguez left the team on Monday to be with his wife, as they welcomed a baby boy. If the rotation continues to add up injuries, Johnson seems to be the next man up to take over the 5th spot in the rotation.

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