Salem Red Sox (Advanced-A)
Bobby Dalbec still isn’t hitting for average (.211). It’s hard to notice when he’s hitting the ball so hard though.
The right-handed hitting third baseman has five doubles and five home runs already on the year. He’s driven in 16 runs and scored nine more, while even stealing a base. The 22-year-old’s power is quickly morphing into next-level stuff.
Tyler Hill is slashing .255/.397/.294. The right-handed outfielder has just one extra-base hit (one triple), but he’s not here for power. His four steals in four attempts is the real draw here. That’s coming on the heels of a 42-steal season in 2017.
Santiago Espinal also has some steals on the season (2). The right-handed hitting 23-year-old is impressing more with the bat than anything though. He has a .310/.379/.466 slash line with five runs batted in and 16 runs scored. Errors have been a problem for the shortstop early on, but that’s something at should even itself out.
Daniel Gonzalez has looked fantastic on the mound. He’s thrown 15 1/3 innings in five relief appearances, going 2-for-2 in save opportunities. The right-hander has a 1.76 ERA and 1.04 WHIP. He’s also struck out 24 batters while walking just one. Impressive command for anyone, let alone a 22-year-old.
Bryan Mata is still ridiculous by the way. He has a 2.03 ERA in three starts (13 1/3 innings). There have been control problems for the 18-year-old (13 walks and two HBPs). His stuff is fun to watch though. His fastball moves a lot, and his changeup and curveball can both be deadly if he finds command of them.
Roniel Raudes bounced back from a poor start on April 16 to twirl a gem on April 21. You’ve got to love to see something like that from a 20-year-old. He has a 3.86 ERA over 18 2/3 innings but has suffered from walks as well.
The right-hander is another pitcher with electric stuff that is still growing tons. This could be a big year development-wise for Raudes.