Red Sox Prospect Watch: Just a couple of games in
By Hunter Noll
Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have four players with extremely limited time in the Majors on the roster right now. Three of them aren’t exactly “prospects” though.
Brian Johnson has been a high-level prospect in the Red Sox system for years. Injuries and other issues have kept him away from the Majors for the most part though. So far this season, however, he’s looked great both as a starter and in the bullpen for Boston. With no more options and a strong start to the year, expect him to stick around.
Hector Velazquez is one of my guys. I have quite a few that I’ll advocate for like I’m Paul Heyman and they’re my clients Brock Lesnar or CM Punk.
Velazquez makes that list.
Ever since the Red Sox brought him over from the Mexican League, Velazquez has done one thing – get outs.
In Triple-A last season, he posted a 2.21 ERA over 102 innings. The right-hander didn’t shy away in the Majors either, rocking a 2.92 ERA over 24 2/3 innings.
This year, Velazquez has been fantastic once again. The 29-year-old has a 3.29 ERA over 13 2/3 innings (two starts and two relief spots) and has won both of his starts.
Sadly, when everyone’s healthy, Velazquez will more-than-likely hit the minors again. The good news is, he always seems to be ready to go when needed.
Next up is Marcus Walden. The 29-year-old has already been down to Triple-A once this year and will be back there once Drew Pomeranz returns. He made his MLB debut this season though, and although his ERA isn’t pretty (5.00) he did get his first career save during his last appearance.
Finally, there’s the true prospect in Tzu-Wei Lin. Boy has that Tzunami hit hard since Xander Bogaerts went down with an injury. Known mostly for his slick fielding, Lin had a breakout year with the bat in Double-A last season. That turned into a call-up in 2017 and being the first man in line should something happen in 2018.
So far this year, Lin’s hitting .500 (6-for-12) with two doubles and one run batted in.
Quite a few people are calling for Lin to take Brock Holt‘s roster spot once Bogaerts returns, but I don’t see it happening. Lin’s playing fantastic, but the Red Sox will want him getting regular at-bats for the time being. Sticking him behind a Devers-Bogaerts-Eduardo Nunez–Dustin Pedroia (when he returns) blockade seems like a waste.