Ty Buttrey might be the next new face to make it to the Majors. His streak is now at 13 innings without allowing an earned run. The relief pitcher has a 2.05 ERA over 22 appearances on the year. In that time, he’s thrown 30 2/3 innings striking out 50 batters and walking 12. The 25-year-old has a 1.17 WHIP while opponents are hitting .200 against him.
Buttrey was solid in Double-A (3.72 ERA) last season but struggled mightily in Triple-A (7.64 ERA). He’s clearly worked out any kinks he had as his numbers are borderline ridiculous.
Speaking of the Red Sox needing bullpen help, maybe give him a chance in the Majors before making a drastic move.
Rusney Castillo is still killing it. I wrote an entire piece on him a few days ago, so I won’t go into too much detail here. He’s hitting .309 with 30 runs and 33 RBIs though. All those stats lead Pawtucket. His 19 doubles and seven steals top the team as well. Absurd.
Beeks is back in Triple-A and has already brushed off his poor Major League debut. The left-hander threw seven innings of one-run ball in his first start back in the minors. He now has a 2.42 ERA to go along with 87 strikeouts over 63 1/3 innings. Opponents are hitting .202 against the 24-year-old who has a 0.96 WHIP.
Was there talk of bullpen help before? I feel like it’s been brought up a few times. Robby Scott‘s another arm that’s proven he can handle Major League hitting. His numbers in Triple-A this season should only serve to help his case. The left-hander has a 1.48 ERA this season.
Scott’s superb ERA is matched by a .187 batting average against and 1.03 WHIP. He’s struck out 37 batters in 24 1/3 innings, allowing just one home run. Left-handed hitters have a .135 average against him.
Chandler Shepherd could prove useful as well. The 25-year-old has yet to make his Major League debut but is building towards it just like Buttrey. Over 69 2/3 innings this season, the right-hander has a 3.36 ERA. He’s gone at least five innings in five straight outings. Four of those saw him last at least six innings.
The Red Sox have the luxury of more relief depth than people realize. It would be wise for them to try out some of these arms before testing the trade market for bullpen help.