Red Sox Prospect Watch: Cole Brannen looking dangerous in Lowell
By Hunter Noll
Oh man, did someone say Ty Buttrey? He’s kind of okay at the whole pitching thing.
The right-handed reliever has a 1.91 ERA in 24 outings this season. He’s now thrown 15 1/3 straight innings without allowing an earned run.
On the year, Buttrey has struck out 52 batters (compared to 12 walks) in 33 innings. The 25-year-old has a 1.18 WHIP and opponents are hitting .208 against him.
Basically, the point I’m trying to make is – there are not many stats you’ll find on Buttrey this season that aren’t dominant. A lot of people feel the Red Sox need bullpen help. Why not dip down to Triple-A and scoop up Buttrey? He’s definitely earned a shot.
From dominant pitching to dominant hitting. Rusney Castillo‘s numbers are only getting better. The outfielder’s batting average is now up to .319 as he rides a nine-game hitting streak. That average still leads the team, as do his 19 doubles. He also leads in all types of run production – with his 38 runs scored and 36 runs batted in tops on the team. Castillo’s seven steals are currently tied for the most on the Pawtucket as well.
Sam Travis had dipped below .200 (.194) heading into June 20. A just-snapped five-game hitting-streak boosted his average rather nicely though. After a 0-for-4 on Monday, Travis is back to a .220 average on the year.
While that’s not what you want to see from someone trying to get back to the Red Sox this year, the fast improvement is encouraging. Travis really doesn’t have any numbers that jump out as a positive. Hopefully, the recent surge is a sign of things to come.
Speaking of getting back to the Majors, Jalen Beeks is dominating again in Triple-A. He could earn himself another chance with the Red Sox this season if it keeps up. The left-hander faltered a bit on June 19, when he allowed four runs (three earned) over 4 2/3 innings.
That was quickly rectified, as Beeks threw seven shutout frames on June 24, striking out seven. His ERA for Pawtucket this year now sits at 2.40, while his WHIP is an even 1.00. Opponents are hitting .201 against the 24-year-old, who now has 101 strikeouts over 75 innings.
Say what you will about Robby Scott, but his ERA in Triple-A is 1.42 and opponents are hitting .197 against him. That, coupled with his 3.64 career-ERA (and .192 BAA) in the Majors should tell you he’s still extremely valuable.
Finally, Deiner Lopez is getting his first taste of Triple-A life. With Tzu-Wei Lin being sent to the Majors, Lopez is now with Pawtucket. The shortstop was struggling mightily in Double-A (.137 average over 51 at-bats) but maybe this will get him going. He’s 1-for-4 with a double and an RBI.