Red Sox Prospect Watch: Deadly combination mashing in Double-A
By Hunter Noll
The Boston Red Sox have a lethal combination in Double-A with Michael Chavis and Bobby Dalbec. Both are mashing, bringing momentum to the minors.
The injuries are clearing up and the Boston Red Sox Major League roster is starting to look whole again. Chris Sale and Blake Swihart have both returned. That means Brandon Workman and Dan Butler were sent packing. Workman back to Triple-A, while Butler was designated for assignment. It’s expected that he’ll clear waivers and head to Triple-A himself.
Workman has been fantastic out of the Red Sox bullpen whenever called upon. Butler, on the other hand, got his first stint in the Majors of the season in this time around. He didn’t get much playing time but was useful when given the opportunity.
Ian Kinsler is expected back any day now as well. When he returns, it will be interesting to see who is the odd man out on the Boston roster.
Things will get even more complicated when the nearing-a-return Eduardo Rodriguez is healthy as well.
Ryan Brasier continues to look like he belongs in the Majors. The 30-year-old has 15 strikeouts over 16 MLB innings this year. He also holds a 1.13 ERA and 0.81 WHIP, while opponents are hitting .148 against him. It’s getting to the point where the right-hander should start to see higher-leverage situations late in the season. If this continues, Brasier could become a major piece to the bullpen come playoff time.
It’s incredible to think that Brasier hadn’t pitched in the Majors since 2013 or even in the minors since 2016 before this season. Now it’s looking like he could be essential to the Red Sox success the rest of the way.