Hot streaks and call-ups highlight this week’s Red Sox Prospect Watch
The Boston Red Sox are having a weird time right now. They can’t seem to gain much momentum. Whenever they seem to start getting things swinging in the right direction, they take a step backwards. That’s been a little annoying. And by “a little” I mean “extremely”.
However, they have at least seemed to be playing a little bit better lately. And that’s a major positive. An even bigger, positive? It’s time for the Boston Red Sox Prospect Watch. And we get to talk about all the exciting news coming from the Boston system. As usual, we start with the Majors.
Bobby Dalbec saw all the noise about the Red Sox needing a solution at first base and shut that down. The right-handed hitter has been insane lately, hitting .345 (19-for-55) in August with four doubles, one triple, six homers, 20 RBI, 11 runs scored, and seven walks. This has helped boost Dalbec’s season numbers to a very respectable .237/.292/.462 slash line with 16 doubles, four triples, and 17 homers. He’s driven in 60 runs, scored 38 more, and stolen one base.
Jarren Duran could possibly be on the verge of turning things around as well. The outfielder went 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI on Sunday. Most importantly, he stole a base. Boston is in desperate need of some speed, and Duran has a terrifying amount of it. The rookie is hitting just .220 at the moment, but still has just 100 at-bats in his career. Give him time. He’s hit three doubles, two triples, and two home runs. Meanwhile he’s driven in nine runs, scored 17 more, and now stolen two bases.
Tanner Houck was extremely wild on Sunday. That was upsetting because he was basically untouchable. Houck gave up just one hit in 5 1/3 innings. Despite that, he gave up three runs. The reason for his was he walked four batters and hit three more. Still, Houck is having a very strong year with Boston. The right-handed pitcher has a 3.63 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, and .247 BAA in 44 2/3 innings pitched. He’s struck out 55 batters compared to 12 walks. Houck needs to be careful and not let the wild side start to show though.
Garrett Whitlock was absolutely phenomenal this week. The reliever made three appearances that totaled 5 1/3 innings pitched. In that time, Whitlock gave up zero earned runs on just two hits and no walks, striking out eight batters. This helped lower his already fantastic numbers even more. The righty now has a 1.57 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and .227 BAA. He’s struck out 71 batters in 63 innings and has a 6-2 record to go along with 12 holds and one save.