Sam Travis is getting hot. The first baseman is riding a seven-game hitting streak that’s brought his average up to .240 in Triple-A. His other numbers are improving slightly as well, as he’s up to seven doubles and six home runs. The left-handed hitter still has just 23 RBI, but if he continues to hit that number should improve fast.
Rusney Castillo must be getting tired of Triple-A. It really is a tough situation, but one with no light at the end of the tunnel for him. The outfielder isn’t going to find his way to the Majors anytime soon because of his contract paired with the fantastic play of the Red Sox outfield recently. Still though, his team-leading .319 average is tough to ignore. He also holds the team lead in doubles (24) and steals (10), as well as runs scored (46) and RBI (42).
Tony Renda went 1-for-3 with a walk on Tuesday, dropping his average from .457 to .449. He’s been with the Pawtucket Red Sox for 11 games and has a hit in all of them. The second baseman was mashing to the tune of a .371 clip at Double-A, and looks even better in Triple-A. There’s been a lot of talk about Boston needing help at second base, maybe it’s time to give him a look.
Poyner is doing everything he can to get back to the Majors. The left-handed reliever proved he was more-than capable of handling hitters at the highest level. However, a crowded bullpen forced Boston to send him down. He now has a 2.57 ERA in Triple-A and is 3-for-3 in save opportunities. Poyner also has an impressive 30 strikeouts in 28 innings. He should be in the Red Sox longterm bullpen plans.
Jalen Beeks is still going strong in Triple-A. Despite his rough outings in the Majors, Beeks hasn’t let that effect him too much in Pawtucket. The left-handed starter has a 2.89 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. He’s struck out 117 batters over 87 1/3 inning, while opponents are hitting .215 against him. Hopefully he can ride some moment out for the rest of the year.
Ty Buttrey allowed two earned runs over one inning in his last outing. His ERA is now at 2.25 this year – that’s how good he’s been. In 44 innings the right-hander has 64 strikeouts and an opponents batting average of .216. Like Renda, Buttrey is at a position many feel the Red Sox need help in. That coupled with the fact that he’s already on the 40-man roster means there’s no reason for him not to get an opportunity this year.