Advanced-A (Salem Red Sox)
Dominic LoBrutto has been massively impressive in Advanced-A. The 23-year-old left-handed reliever hasn’t allowed a run in any of his last five outings and is now down to a 1.95 ERA in Salem. He’s struck out 34 batters while walking just four in 32 1/3 innings and has a 0.96 WHIP.
Thad Ward allowed three runs over five innings but did manage seven strikeouts. The right-hander has a 2.36 ERA in Advanced-A after posting a 1.99 ERA in Full-A. He has a .197 BAA and 156 strikeouts over 125 2/3 innings combined.
Rio Gomez had a great week, throwing three shutout appearances. He allowed just three hits in four innings (and all three were in his first inning of the week). He has five strikeouts in that time and has lowered his ERA with Salem to 2.98.
Enmanuel De Jesus had one of his best games of the year this week, throwing seven shutout innings. He allowed three hits and one walk while striking out seven. Although he’s struggled with BAA (.280), the lefty has a 3.75 ERA in 124 2/3 innings this year.
Yoan Aybar has made the jump to Advanced-A. He’s allowed one run in two innings so far. More importantly, he’s only walked one batter. Meanwhile, unsurprisingly he’s struck out two batters. It will be interesting to see how he fairs at a new level as he has dominant stuff but struggles with command.
Grant Williams has done nothing but hit since getting the promotion to Advanced-A. The shortstop has a hit in eight of his 10 games with Salem. He’s hitting .355 with four doubles, three RBI and three runs scored. The 23-year-old has definitely proven he deserved that promotion.
Victor Acosta was slumping before Monday but then went 2-for-4 with a home run. He’s now hitting .281 with 17 doubles, one triple, and three home runs. The outfielder’s also driven in 45 runs and scored 42 more. He’s also walked 35 times compared to just 40 strikeouts on the year.
Pedro Castellanos is at .276 and is by-far having his best year when it comes to extra-base hits. He’s roped two triples as well as career-highs in doubles (23) and home runs (9). The first baseman also has career-bests in RBI (71), runs scored (61) and steals (10). He seriously might’ve jumped into top-prospect status with the team. I’m not talking top-30, but top-10.
Kole Cottam was promoted to Advanced-A in mid-August and is already making his mark. The catcher is hitting .250 with three doubles and one home run. He’s driven in five runs and scored three more. I’ve said it a ton this year but it’s worth repeating – Cottam has incredible offensive potential and should be monitored closely.
Devlin Granberg has also promoted to Salem this month. The first baseman has struggled over (.226 average) but has gotten hot recently and is currently on a five-game hitting streak. Granberg has two doubles and no other extra-base hits but does have nine RBI in 18 games. His numbers will undoubtedly rise before the end of the year.