Red Sox News: Jarren Duran optioned to Triple-A Worcester

Red Sox rookie Jarren Duran struggled in first big league stint

The Boston Red Sox have optioned rookie and top outfield prospect Jarren Duran down to Triple A-Worcester. Duran was informed last night about the pending roster move, and it was made official this afternoon.

The 24-year-old Duran showed flashes of his potential in his first stint with the Red Sox, including his first career home run against the Toronto Blue Jays and an exciting trip around the bases that highlighted his game changing speed.

Ultimately, Duran’s adjustment from the minor leagues and the hitter friendly Polar Park to the majors proved to be difficult, as Duran managed only a .221/.236/.372 line, with only 2 walks to 33 strikeouts in his 27 games.

With trade deadline addition Kyle Schwarber (.368/.538/.526 in 26 plate appearances) coming off the IL and working his way back into the outfield, as well as reliever Ryan Brasier and utility man Danny Santana figuring to return from their respective rehab assignments soon, the Red Sox are sure to experience a roster crunch. As such, Duran figured to be the most expendable player currently on the major league roster.

Duran will surely benefit from more consistent playing time in Worcester (.270/.365/.561, 15 home runs, and 12 stolen bases in Triple-A this year) and will likely be back with the big league club when rosters expand in September, and he is eligible for the postseason roster should the Red Sox get that far. The Red Sox are high on Duran and expect him to be a key piece to their future success. The hope is that everyday at bats in Worcester will help Duran close the holes in his swing and build his confidence back up.

As the corresponding move, the Red Sox recalled another rookie and top prospect, right-handed pitcher Tanner Houck. Houck has been up and down all year, usually filling the spot as the 27th man for doubleheaders. In his combined big league stints so far, Houck has gone 0-3, with a 3.12 ERA, 46 strikeouts, and 1 save in 9 games (7 starts).

Houck’s latest call up is expected to be final, and he will be the starting pitcher tonight against the Minnesota Twins.