Boston Red Sox Prospect Watch: Top name returns to action

Red Sox Triple-A (Worcester)

I’m very tired of people using his .244 batting average as the “Triston Casas clearly needs more time, why do you idiots think he should be called up” argument. Yes, the average isn’t great. The left-handed hitter also has nine doubles and six home runs though. And he’s got 22 runs batted in and 22 more scored. Oh, and sticking with 22, that’s how many walks he has. So sure, a .244 average isn’t great. But what about a .244/.353/.457 slash line? And the defense has been phenomenal. He’s doing everything at a high-level except the average. But he’s still getting on-base so who cares?

Ryan Fitzgerald is slashing .297/.368/.610 with seven doubles, three triples, and eight home runs. The left-handed hitter has driven in 28 runs and scored 15 more. He’s played every position except first, catcher, and pitcher already this season. And apparently he’s been taking some practice at first (he’s played three games there in his career). So it sounds like the Red Sox might be gearing him up for a promotion soon.

Jarren Duran has a .330/.404/.511 slash line with six doubles, two triples, and two home runs. The left-handed hitter has 13 RBI and 18 runs scored. He’s also stolen 10 bases. That’s great to see as he’s using his speed again after stealing only 16 bases in 60 games last year.

Jeter Downs has clearly improved from last season. However, he still needs to make a few more strides. Right now, the right-handed hitter has a .212/.331/.432 slash line. All of those numbers are strong jumps from last year but still not great. He’s hit three doubles, one triple, and a solid seven home runs. While he’s only driven in 13 runs, Downs already has 26 runs scored and five steals.

Connor Seabold got knocked around in his first start this week (five earned runs in three innings). But he bounced back with an absolute gem. The righty tossed six shutout innings, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out 11. He has a 2.45 ERA, .179 BAA, 0.93 WHIP, and 37 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings this year.

Josh Winckowski had an interesting week. The right-handed pitcher started on May 11. He pitched two shutout innings, giving up just one hit and one walk – striking out two. Was he hurt? It doesn’t appear so. Apparently it was more in case he was needed in the Majors. That makes sense too as Wink now has a 2.75 ERA, .181 BAA, 0.92 WHIP, and 19 strikeouts in 19 2/3 innings.

Eduard Bazardo continues to have a great May. In two appearances this week the righty reliever tossed 2 2/3 shutout innings. On the year, Bazardo is down to a 2.84 ERA. He still has a high .277 BAA and 1.42 WHIP but they are dropping. Baz also has 14 strikeouts in 12 2/3 innings.