Red Sox prospect watch: Bobby Dalbec’s surge headlines new week

Teddy Stankiewicz is back in Double-A after making his first career Triple-A appearance. While he got knocked around, that’s not the reason for the demotion, as it’s just a corresponding move to Beeks rejoining the Triple-A rotation. Stankiewicz didn’t appear in a Double-A game this week though and still holds a 5.43 ERA there.

Mike Shawaryn continued his recent trend of lowering his ERA in a start. He’s done so in four straight starts and now holds a 3.41 ERA on the season. The 23-year-old has a 1.06 WHIP and .228 BAA over 63 1/3 innings. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the right-hander making a Triple-A start soon enough.

Kyle Hart‘s also been in the ERA-lowering business lately. He’s dropped it drastically over his last few appearances and is now under 3.00 with a 2.81 ERA. The left-hander has a respectable .232 BAA and has only allowed two home runs over 57 2/3 innings.

Esteban Quiroz is still on the disabled-list because I can’t have nice things. In all seriousness, Quiroz is an extremely intriguing player and hopefully, he’ll be able to return soon.

Deiner Lopez has struggled in the early goings. Through 10 games the 24-year-old has a .158/.175/.237 slash line with one double and one triple. He’s driven in three runs and scored four more while stealing a base as well.

Lopez is still an interesting prospect though. He’s played every outfield spot and shortstop as well as second and third base.  The switch-hitter doesn’t have much pop but has plenty of stolen base potential. That mixed with his defensive production and versatility can mask some issues at the plate.

More from Red Sox Prospects

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• Predicting Red Sox top prospect Marcelo Mayer’s timeline to the majors
• Red Sox risk repeating rookie mistake with Eric Hosmer release
• Red Sox invited group of players you’ve probably never heard of to Spring Training
• Jeter Downs’ official departure will continue to haunt Red Sox

Josh Ockimey is still raking. The first baseman now boasts a .278/.386/.488 slash line with 10 doubles and eight home runs. He’s also driven in 28 runs and scored 22 more. The 22-year-old left-handed hitter is on-pace for his best season in the minors. While he’s always had plenty of raw power, it’s truly shining this season. He’s currently on track to set new career-highs in doubles (old high is 27) and home runs (old high is 18). If the hot swinging continues, his old record of 74 RBI could be in jeopardy as well.

Danny Mars raised his average slightly again this week. His slash line now sits at .238/.306/.323 with 11 doubles and one triple, as well as one home run. Those aren’t the best numbers, but they’re improving. Mars has been a solid run producer. The switch-hitting outfielder has driven in 13 runs and scored 28 more. He also leads the team with seven steals.

At first glance, Jeremy Rivera‘s slash line isn’t spectacular. It’s not bad, but a .254/.303/.366 line isn’t creating the highest of expectations. The switch-hitting 23-year-old has been superb for the Sea Dogs though. He’s driven in a team-high 33 runs and scored a team-high 35. This has a lot to do with clutch-hitting as he’s batting a solid .292 with runners in scoring position and is 5-for-10 with the bases loaded.

Jhon Nunez is still adjusting to Double-A life. The 23-year-old catcher isn’t doing bad by any stretch of the imagination, but he’s had his ups-and-downs while with Portland. Nunez has a .256 average in Double-A with four doubles and one triple. The switch-hitter has nine RBI and 13 runs scored to go along with one steal (five-for-five between Advanced-A and Double-A).

At a position many consider the Red Sox to be devoid of when it comes to future stars, Nunez is one of the bright spots.