Red Sox Triple-A (Worcester)
Jarren Duran was hot-and-cold this week. He had a few big games but ultimately saw his average dip from .286 to .276. However, Duran still managed to hit another home run (his 13th of the year) and stole two more bases (he now has eight). The outfielder has been more-than deserving of a call-up but barring injuries it’s unlikely the Red Sox make a move like that right now, not with the team playing the way it is.
Chad De La Guerra is back baybeeeeeeee. DLG has missed most of the season due to an injury but returned this week and had his best game of the year on Sunday. The left-handed hitter went 2-for-3 with a walk, a double, and a home run. He’s now slashing .227/.414/.500 over seven games. DLG back and healthy is major. I’ve said for a long time, I think he’s someone that could get plugged into the lineup in Boston and be a legitimate contributor hitting around .280. Could he get the call at some point this year?
Marcus Wilson bumped his average back up slightly, reaching .273 (.399 OBP). The outfielder has six doubles, three triples, and eight home runs. He has driven in 25 runs and scored 25 more, stealing eight bases in nine attempts. Another legitimate option should the Red Sox need help in the outfield.
Another really strong week for Jeter Downs. Last week he rose his average from .220 to 227. Now it’s up to .239. Downs has three doubles and six home runs so far. Meanwhile, he has driven in 15 runs and scored 19 more, stealing 10 bases. If he’s getting hot he’s another candidate for an infield spot should Boston need help.
Josh Ockimey saw another bump in his average as well (it’s been a good week for batting averages apparently). The first baseman is up to .187 and has one double and seven home runs on the year. He’s driven in 14 runs and scored 15 more. Most importantly, in the three games Ock played this week he struck out just one time, while walking three times. His .324 OBP has been rising nicely and is very solid considering his average. A really solid power hitter is starting to come around.
Tanner Houck threw 3 2/3 innings in his lone appearance this week. The right-hander allowed two runs on three hits, but struck out six. He now has a 4.66 ERA in Triple-A, to go along with a 1.24 WHIP and a .289 BAA. Impressively, he’s struck out 16 batters compared to just one walk in 9 2/3 innings. For Houck though, his Triple-A numbers are not that important. He’s proven he can be very productive in the Majors, and the Red Sox need some pitching help.