Red Sox Prospect Watch: Jarren Duran still lighting up Full-A
By Hunter Noll
The Boston Red Sox minor league system has to be highlighted by Jarren Duran at the moment. He managed to raise his already-sky-high average this week.
Let’s start with the unfortunate news that Chris Sale is back on the disabled list. That means that once again, Brandon Workman is back with the team. The reliever has been fantastic for the Boston Red Sox this year, but no one can make up for losing Sale for any period of time.
Workman’s already thrown three innings since returning to the Majors. He’s allowed one run on zero hits in that time. The right-hander has a 2.63 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 26 1/3 MLB innings this season – clearly proving his value.
Other than that one opening, there isn’t much room for prospects or minor league players to get a chance at the moment. Ian Kinsler has returned (although it was Rafael Devers being sent to the DL to make room for him). Meanwhile, Eduardo Rodriguez is closing in on returning (more on him later) and both Steven Wright and Christian Vazquez are progressing.
The good news on the roster front is that September 1 is nearing. Once September hits, the Red Sox won’t be forced to make any tough roster decisions because the roster expands to 40. Therefore, there’s no need to try and decide which bullpen arms need to be sent down or receive a phantom DL trip.
To this point in the season, Boston definitely can’t complain about the contributions received from minor league players. Although you shouldn’t expect any more high-profile call-ups, some moves will still be made. That includes at least one Major League debut that once again we’ll get into later.