Red Sox Prospect Watch: Austin Rei working his way back

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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) /

Double-A (Portland Sea Dogs)

Darwinzon Hernandez isn’t the only pitcher trying to convert to the bullpen. Dedgar Jimenez is apparently making the move as well and I don’t know how I feel about it.

Something I’ve always loved about Jimenez is I feel confident he can give a team 5-6 innings whenever needed. However, only pitching out of the bullpen could make him ramp up the velocity on his fastball – that would make his changeup even better.

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Jimenez’s first bullpen appearance was awesome. The lefty went two shutout innings, not allowing any hits and striking out three (two walks). He even got the save. However, his next appearance saw him give up two runs in 1 1/3 innings. That was due to three walks (he didn’t allow any hits) while striking out one.

Overall, I think it could work out great. I’d prefer him as a starter but the Red Sox don’t seem sold on it. If it takes a move to the bullpen for them to get behind Baby Bartolo I’m here for it.

Tanner Houck is also attempting a bullpen transition. He’s had a much rockier time though. The righty gave up six runs in 1/3 of an inning – skyrocketing his ERA to 4.30.

Eduard Bazardo has a 2.89 ERA in 9 1/3 innings so far in Double-A. He’s struck out 10 and hasn’t issued a walk in his last two outings (4 1/3 innings).

Adam Lau has a 1.84 ERA in 29 1/3 innings with the Portland Sea Dogs. He’s also 6-for-6 on saves and has 33 Ks in that time.

Bryan Mata made his Double-A debut this week. His first outing was typical Mata. The 20-year-old went six innings, allowing one run on five hits and two walks while striking out five. However, his next start was a little bit of a struggle. The righty gave up five runs on seven hits and three walks (five strikeouts) over 3 2/3 innings. That all adds up to a 5.59 ERA. However, it won’t take much for him to lower that.

Jarren Duran is back on the right track. He now has a three-game hitting streak – including a 4-for-5 night in his last game. JD now has a .240 average in Double-A, with five doubles and one triple. He can get stupid hot fast, and that’s threatening to happen right now.

Duran also went 1-for-2 in the Future’s Game.

C.J. Chatham is now hitting .318 on the year, riding a 10-game hitting streak. The shortstop has 19 doubles and two homers, scoring 28 runs and driving in 26 more – stealing four bases on five attempts.

Jhon Nunez is hitting .307 with career-highs in doubles (10) and home runs (4). He also has one triple, 15 RBI and 20 runs scored. The catcher is making his mark this year and deserves a look in Triple-A if I’m being honest.

Bobby Dalbec is hitting .229 but has a .370 OBP due to his 56 walks. Pitchers aren’t exactly thrilled to pitch to him and it makes sense. Dalbec has 11 doubles and 19 home runs already, driving in 48 runs and scoring 46 more.

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