Red Sox prospect Trey Ball could contribute later this year
The Red Sox have converted the former starter to a reliever.
Trey Ball, former seventh-overall pick in 2013, has been converted from a starter to reliever and he’s thrived in his new role with the Double-A Portland.
Ball has thrown 6 2/3 scoreless innings with six strikeouts and two hits.
The Red Sox have a need for lefty relief pitching — Bobby Poyner can’t be counted on as the only solution — and Ball is a viable candidate for a call up at some point this season.
According to Mass Live’s Christopher Smith, Ball has impressed Brian Bannister, Red Sox vice president of pitching development and assistant pitching coach.
"“He’s left-handed so that’s obviously an advantage,” said Brian Bannister, Red Sox vice president of pitching development and assistant pitching coach. “And then he’s developed a good cutter-slider with some power to it. Out of the pen he throws a little harder. He starts hitting those 92, 93, 94 velos, which plays up from the left side."
Ball, 23, threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings last night. His 26 of 33 pitches were hurled for strikes, and he has thrown 71 percent strikes over his three appearances. Bannister thinks Ball will excel in this new role.
"“But he really has just been aggressive in that role,” Bannister added. “I think we’ve all seen him kind of thrive in it. Some guys like to have their stuff play up, they like to be out there more often. And I think it’s a role he can do really well in.”"
It would’ve been huge for Boston to develop a starter with David Price and Drew Pomeranz both possibly headed for free agency. However, resuscitating Ball’s career as a highly effective reliever could be equally useful with Joe Kelly and Craig Kimbrel set to hit free agency.
The 6-foot-6 lefty went 7-12 with a 5.27 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and .322 batting average against in 25 outings (24 starts) for Portland last year. No matter what adjustments Ball made, he never found consistency as a starter for Portland.
That’s where Red Sox vice president of player development Ben Crockett and minor league pitching coordinator Ralph Treuel both stepped in and decided to move him to the bullpen. A decision that has been exceptional thus far. Bannister also thinks a reliever role is more suitable for Ball’s physical attributes.
"“(They) felt like it was best for him based on being around him last year,” Bannister said. “And so far I think he’s rose to the challenge.“I think above all, it lets his natural athleticism shine through,” Bannister added. “He was always a really good athlete. And I think he’s more athletic in that role.”"
The success that Ball has had in his new role is encouraging. Once prized prospect lefty Henry Owens was hyped as the next ace of Boston’s future. in 2016, Owens was 0-2 with a 6.95 ERA in five games. That was the last time he pitched in the majors for Boston. He’s now a member of the Dodgers.
Owens’ struggles shows just how important it is to develop prospects the right way. If they’re not meant to be starters, they must be used in a role they can succeed in. Sometimes, pitchers just flame out and fail to live up to hype. Other times, mismanagement can destroy a young pitcher’s career; just ask Daniel Bard.
"“Today’s game, the lines between starters and relievers are getting so blurred,” Bannister said. “It’s not what it once was. I mean, you can come up here and have a lot of success pitching in multiple types of roles.”"
Exactly right. Brian Johnson and Hector Velazquez are both pitching outstanding for the Red Sox in multiple roles. Whether it’s starter, long relief or late-inning relief, both have answered the task at hand.
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If Ball keeps dominating, he too will be given opportunities and roles by the Red Sox later in the year. But let’s not rush Ball’s development: An inning of Double-A hitters isn’t the same as an inning of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gary Sanchez all in a row.