Red Sox Prospect Watch: Bryan Mata makes triumphant return

Full-A (Greenville Drive)

Thad Ward continues to shine as his streak of innings without allowing an earned run is reach preposterous levels. It’s getting kind of ridiculous. In his last five starts, the right-hander has combined to go 32 1/3 innings. In that time, he’s allowed ZERO earned runs on 17 hits and four walks, striking out 36 batters.

Overall, Ward has a 1.84 ERA in 12 starts. The 22-year-old has a .187 BAA and 0.98 WHIP. He’s struck out 80 batters in 68 1/3 innings, walking just 21.

Alex Scherff has a 4.66 ERA in 56 innings. He’s been up-and-down lately but his start on Monday saw him give up just one run on two hits in six innings – definitely a positive sign for the 21-year-old. The righty has some of the best stuff in the Red Sox system, so it’s important to let him grow.

Speaking of electric stuff, Yoan Aybar has been trending up lately. The 21-year-old has always had fun stuff to watch on the mound, it’s just a question of if he has control. Lately, he’s done a great job of that though and the lefty is down to a 5.73 ERA. While that seems high, it’s a far cry better than the 8.78 ERA he held less than three weeks ago.

Triston Casas is right up there with Duran as the most must-watch player in the Red Sox minor league system. The 19-year-old is absolutely crushing the ball. He’s hitting .275 with 15 doubles and one triple. Casas also has 11 home runs and 35 runs scored, as well as an organization-high 48 RBI.

He had a career night on Monday, going 4-for-5 with a double and a home run, driving in four.

Kole Cottam is getting hot fast. The catcher is on a six-game hitting streak and has his average up to .242. He’s hit nine doubles and two home runs and has 14 RBI on the season. The 22-year-old might be the most offensively-gifted catcher the Red Sox have and should only get better.

Alan Marrero is in the running for the best offensive catcher as well. The 21-year-old is hitting .265 with seven doubles and five home runs. He’s brought in 15 runs and scored 11 more  – setting highs in nearly every category this year.

Tyler Esplin has at least one hit in eight-of-his-last-nine games. The 19-year-old is hitting .232 with 15 doubles (career-high) and two triples, as well as two home runs. He’s driven in 20 runs and scored 32 more (another career-best).

Brandon Howlett is on a hot streak again. The 19-year-old third baseman has eight RBI in his last 10 games. He’s hitting .241 with 11 doubles and three homers and has 18 RBI and 20 runs scored so far this year.

Tyler Dearden returned from the IL but has only played in three games all season. The 20-year-old is 2-for-11 with one RBI. He’s an exciting prospect with a great bat though, so pay attention to the outfielder when he’s given a chance.