Boston Red Sox Prospect Watch: Returns and promotions headline

Red Sox Double-A (Portland)

The Portland Sea Dogs saw multiple returns and a major promotion to bolster their ranks. Triston Casas was the biggest of those names, obviously. Casas is slashing .311/.386/.489 with two doubles, one triple, and four home runs. He has driven in 18 runs and scored 19 more, stealing one base. It will be fun seeing how quickly Casas can get back to dominating.

Hudson Potts was the other big return this week. The infielder returned from an injury that kept him out of the lineup all year long. So far, Potts is just 1-for-12 with one walk and two RBI. However, there is no reason to look into the stats right now. Obviously it’s going to take some time for the 22-year-old to get his swing back.

Ronaldo Hernandez had a good week. His average rose from .230 to .240 and he smacked one double and two homers. The catcher has five doubles and five home runs on the year, to go along with seven RBI and 10 runs scored. Hernandez finding his swing should be interesting.

Jeisson Rosario collected at least one hit in all five games that he appeared in this week. The outfielder went 6-for-19 with one double, one RBI, three walks and four runs scored. That boosts his season numbers pretty nicely. Rosario now holds a .254 average and .345 OBP with five doubles. He has 11 RBI, 16 runs scored, and two steals.

Pedro Castellanos with a second straight strong week. He rose his average a little bit more and added two more home runs. The right-handed hitter is slashing .266/.348/.460 with four doubles, one triple, and six home runs. He’s driven in 19 runs and scored 26 more, even stealing one base. Castellanos is extremely underrated and starting to heat up.

Roldani Baldwin is another return, after missing a few games due to injury. He struggled in his three games back, going 0-for-11. That dropped Baldwin’s average from .340 to .279. However, a cold streak should always be expected when missing a chunk of games, he needs time to get his swing back.

Ryan Fitzgerald had a fantastic week for a few reasons. First of all, the right-handed hitter enjoyed multiple clutch hits. He also rose his batting average from .248 to .262. Fitz has 13 doubles and three home runs on the season, to go along with 15 RBI, nine runs scored, and two steals.

Brayan Bello was the big promotion, and boy did he deserve it after absolutely dominating in Advanced-A. The right-handed pitcher made his first start in Double-A and gave up just one run on five hits and two walks (two strikeouts) over four innings. Not the best start, but an impressive debut and something he can absolutely build upon. Is he one of the best pitching prospects in baseball? Seriously, we all know how good he is in the Red Sox system, but he might be that good.

Quick note on Kutter Crawford, who was sent to the IL. Hopefully it’s a short stay and he can go back to the strong season he was having soon enough.

Josh Winckowski bounced back nicely from an “eh” start his last time out. This week the righty went 5 2/3 innings, giving up just two runs on six hits and one walk while striking out five. Winckowski has a 2.39 ERA, .206 BAA, 1.04 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts over 37 2/3 innings.

Denyi Reyes was back in the bullpen this week, and the right-handed pitcher threw well as a reliever. Reyes gave up one run on four hits and one walk (one strikeout) over three innings. In 25 1/3 innings this year, the 24-year-old has a 3.55 ERA, .263 BAA, 1.18 WHIP, and 23 strikeouts compared to just four walks.

Zack Kelly has been phenomenal all year long. The 26-year-old has thrown 13 2/3 innings so far, giving up just one run. That’s a 0.66 ERA and he pairs it with a .208 BAA and 1.24 WHIP. The right-handed pitcher also has a ridiculous 24 strikeouts in that time.

Joan Martinez might not have a good ERA, holding a 4.76 right now. His 1.68 WHIP is not great either. That’s mainly due to command issues though. The 24-year-old righty has walked 10 batters and hit one more over 11 1/3 innings so far. However, he has also struck out 16 and has a very solid .220 BAA. If Martinez can get his command on control, he absolutely has the stuff to put up great numbers.