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Red Sox Prospect Watch: Triston Casas is picking up steam

By Hunter Noll

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 23: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox and Triston Casas #20 of the Boston Red Sox talk after batting practice before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park on June 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JUNE 23: J.D. Martinez #28 of the Boston Red Sox and Triston Casas #20 of the Boston Red Sox talk after batting practice before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Fenway Park on June 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 15: Pitcher Bryan Mata #34 of the World Team and the Boston Red Sox works the third inning against the U.S. Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Advanced-A (Salem Red Sox)

How is Jarren Duran still here? The outfielder is 0-for-his-last-8 and is still slashing .378/.434/.505. He has five doubles and three triples, as well as one home run. The left-handed hitter has eight RBI and a ridiculous 26 runs and 12 steals.

What’s crazy is how he’s not that far ahead of a few other hitters. Ryan Fitzgerald is hitting .352 with eight doubles and three triples. The shortstop has 14 runs scored and 23 RBI – as well as eight steals.

Then there’s Victor Acosta. The outfielder is hitting .346 with 14 RBI and 11 runs scored, stealing three bases.  He’s only struck out eight times while walking seven.

Pedro Castellanos still hasn’t hit a home run this year, but I don’t think anyone will care. The right-handed hitter has a .284 average with 10 doubles. He’s driven in 21 runs and scored another 16, stealing three bases. The first base prospect has a lot going for him – even if the expected power never comes.

Marco Hernandez is still in Advanced-A and hitting .333 with five doubles in 48 at-bats. I honestly don’t know why he’s still at this level. Sure, there’s no spot for the 26-year-old in the MLB right now. However, he’s clearly ready to help again whenever needed. Boston would be smart to get him reps at higher levels in-case that time comes.

Bryan Mata turned 20 and had his worst start of the year this week, giving up three earned runs in 3 2/3 innings. Most worrisome was his four walks – which were a big problem last season. However, he still has a 2.15 ERA and 31 strikeouts compared to 11 walks in 29 1/3 innings. He has a .193 BAA and 1.06 WHIP.

Eduard Bazardo has thrown 20 innings so far this year. He has a 1.35 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and .155 BAA in that time. The right-handed pitcher has 19 strikeouts compared to five walks so far – as well as two steals.

Kutter Crawford has a 2.60 ERA and .233 BAA this year. The righty has 34 strikeouts in 27 2/3 innings so far. He had a very strong season in 2018 and looks even better in 2019.

Joan Martinez, on the other hand, struggled in 2018 – posting a 5.19 ERA. Like Crawford though, the 22-year-old righty is looking fantastic in 2019. He has a 2.55 ERA and .224 BAA this year. Martinez also has 28 strikeouts compared to six walks in 17 2/3 innings so far.

Andrew Politi gave up three earned runs in 1/3 innings in his last outing. The 22-year-old right-handed pitcher still has a 3.52 ERA on the year. He’s struck out 17 batters in 15 2/3 innings and has yet to give up a homer.

Dominic LoBrutto has allowed one earned run in 13 2/3 innings (0.66 ERA) so far. The 22-year-old lefty has a .184 BAA and 0.88 WHIP in Advanced-A this year. He’s 2-for-2 on save opportunities and has 15 strikeouts compared to just three walks – without giving up a home run.

Jake Cosart struggled in 2018 after strong 2016 and 2017. The 2014 third-round pick is back in form though. He’s thrown 13 2/3 innings in 2019, posting a 1.98 ERA. The 25-year-old righty has a 0.88 WHIP and 12 strikeouts compared to two walks. He’s also 4-for-4 in save opportunities.

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