Double-A (Portland Sea Dogs)
Another starter-turned-reliever is Dedgar Jimenez. The lefty has only had three outings so far since the switch, but it’s going well for the most part. Jimenez has given up two runs over 5 1/3 innings in the bullpen. I’d much rather see him as a starter. Like Shawaryn I think his skill set plays a lot better in that role. However, he’s definitely looked pretty electric out of the bullpen. We’ll see where this goes. I’m hoping it leads to him in the Majors this year because Boston could use some Baby Bartolo magic.
Bryan Mata made his third Double-A start and bounced back like I thought he would. The 20-year-old went six innings, allowing two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out eight. Both the six innings and the eight Ks tie career-highs for the righty. Mata should be untouchable – I don’t even want to hear his name brought up in trade rumors. El idolo.
Denyi Reyes continued his run of strong starts – lowering his ERA to 4.32. This time around he gave up one earned run in six innings. He hasn’t been the dominant force he was last year but the lefty is at a new level in the minors in 2019. This definitely isn’t a terrible season for the 22-year-old.
Eduard Bazardo has a 2.31 ERA after throwing 4 2/3 more innings this week – allowing one earned run. The righty has 13 strikeouts over 11 2/3 innings in Portland after recording 53 strikeouts in 41 Advanced-A innings.
Daniel McGrath has a 1.80 ERA over 60 Double-A innings this season. Opponents are hitting .179 against the 25-year-old – as he went seven shutout innings in his lone appearance this week.
Marcus Wilson is back in Double-A! I called for it last week and my wish was granted. He’s 0-for-3 since returning and is hitting .182 with Portland so far. He was hitting .342 in Advanced-A though so give him some time.
Austin Rei is also back! The catcher is 1-for-5 with a run so far in Portland after being hurt all year. Rei is incredibly talented and a great prospect to watch. The 25-year-old is gifted with a great throwing arm and has a lot of offensive potential. It’s exciting to see him back on the field.
C.J. Chatham is hitting .306 with 21 doubles and two home runs on the year. He’s driven in 29 runs and scored 28 more. Again, this is what a healthy C.J. Chatham can do. The Red Sox should be excited about him.
Jhon Nunez is 0-for-his-last-12 and it’s dropped his batting average from .307 to .286. While that’s still great, it’s a hefty drop. Nunez is still having his best season in the minors and I’d love to see him or Rei moved to Triple-A. That way both catchers can get consistent playing time and could help keep them from prolonged slumps.
Bobby Dalbec is now at .231 with a solid .375 OBP (61 walks). The third baseman has 19 home runs and 48 RBI. That power is very real.
Jarren Duran is down to .225 in Double-A but has at least one steal in five straight games. He’s already swiped 12 bags in 36 games for Portland. Even when he’s not getting on base much, he’s making a massive difference.