Red Sox Prospect Watch: Jarren Duran still lighting up Full-A

Darwinzon Hernandez returned to the mound for the first time since August 4 this week and was dominant. Hernandez has been fantastic lately, but this was next-level and very encouraging coming off an injury.

The 21-year-old went six shutout innings, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out nine. Hernandez now has a 3.56 ERA and 9-5 record in 23 starts for Salem. He’s struck out 124 in 101 innings pitched, and opponents are hitting .220 against the lefty.

Denyi Reyes has thrown 17 2/3 innings for Salem and is proving that his performance in Full-A wasn’t a fluke. So far the righty has a 2.55 ERA and 0.96 WHIP while striking out 15 and walking two.

Durbin Feltman has a 1.35 ERA in 6 2/3 innings with Salem so far. The right-hander has thrown 17 2/3 innings total this year and has a 1.53 ERA and 28 strikeouts. He’s also 4-for-4 in save opportunities and has a 0.85 WHIP. I expect him to be in Portland by next week.

Here’s a serious question. Do the Red Sox consider not shelling out massive money to Craig Kimbrel? Feltman has the potential to be an absolutely dominant Major League closer and should arrive next season at the latest. It’s bold to not sign one of the best closers in baseball when you can, but it would save Boston a ton of money, and that’s seriously how high I am on Feltman.

For a team a lot of people consider to be low on prospects, the Red Sox sure do have a lot of talented infielders.

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Triple-A has Lin and Travis, while Double-A has Dalbec and Chavis. Then there’s Advanced-A.

C.J. Chatham has been superb all year, and his .300/.339/.367 slash line in Salem proves that point. This is the first time the shortstop has appeared in more than 35 games in a season since becoming a professional.

So far, he’s up to 100 and is proving just how good he can be. Combined between Full-A and Advanced-A, Chatham has a .302/.337/.376 slash line with 51 RBI and 50 runs scored. The 23-year-old has also stolen 10 bases in 11 attempts showing how well-rounded his offensive game is.

Brett Netzer is at second base and has a .282 average with two homers on the season (and in his career). He’s also mashed 28 doubles and three triples though and has 48 RBI and 47 runs scored. Besides limited home run power, Netzer checks all the boxes offensively.

Michael Osinski is the third baseman and is riding a nice four-game hitting streak at the moment. The 23-year-old is hitting .299 in Advanced-A and has 18 RBI and 21 runs scored in 147 at-bats. He’s also hit seven doubles and stolen six bases.

Victor Acosta is hitting .279 for Salem after hitting .285 for Greenville. The outfielder has career-highs in nearly every offensive category. His triples (3) and home runs (8) have tied career-bests, while his 28 doubles have set a new mark. Acosta also has new bests in RBI (48) and runs scored (39).