Boston Red Sox Prospect Watch: Bryan Mata makes his return

Red Sox Triple-A (Worcester)

Brayan Bello continues to have no problems in Triple-A. The right-handed pitcher gave up three runs on five hits in 5 1/3 innings in his lone start this week. He only walked one batter while striking out eight. On the year, he’s tossed 22 1/3 innings for Worcester. Bello has a 3.63 ERA, .224 BAA, 1.25 WHIP, and impressive 34 strikeouts in that time.

Brandon Walter made his debut in Triple-A this week. The lefty struggled, giving up six runs in 1 2/3 innings pitched. He was fantastic in Double-A though and one bad start shouldn’t make anyone worry. Walter has been overpowering all year and shown great command. He’ll be fine.

Frank German now has five innings in Triple-A under his belt. The righty reliever has a 1.80 ERA, .167 BAA, and 1.40 WHIP in that time. He’s allowed just three hits while striking out eight, and has even picked up a save. German looked great in Double-A and could be poised for a run in the Majors this season as legitimate bullpen help.

Andrew Politi is in the same boat as German. He was promoted to Triple-A earlier in the year and could be seen as a solution for the bullpen this season. The right-handed pitcher has a 2.00 ERA, .219 BAA, and 1.00 WHIP in nine innings for Worcester. He’s struck out 12 batters compared to just two walks so far.

Zack Kelly had an insanely dominant week. In two outings, he tossed two innings. In those two innings, he gave up no runs on no hits and no walks, striking out five batters. The right-handed pitcher now has a 2.95 ERA, .203 BAA, and 1.36 WHIP on the year. He’s struck out 31 batters in 21 1/3 innings and is proving that those walk problems he had early in the year were nothing to worry about.

Connor Wong has been on-fire lately. The right-handed hitter entered May 18 slashing .167/254/.183. He’s up to a .282/.364/.410 thanks to a crazy stretch. Wong has six doubles and three home runs to go along with 12 RBI, 18 runs scored, and five steals.

Ronaldo Hernandez continues his nice season turnaround. The right-handed hitter is now slashing .236/.274/.394 with eight doubles and four home runs. He’s driven in 18 runs and scored 15 more. Only six walks on the year, but he’s looked slightly more patient lately. And while the overall numbers still aren’t great it’s a ridiculous 180 compared to the .119/.140/.202 slash line he had just a few weeks ago (entering May 21).

Ryan Fitzgerald is slashing .274/.338/.521 with nine doubles, four triples, and 10 home runs. He’s driven in a ridiculous 42 runs and scored 24 more, stealing two bases. The power that the left-handed bat has generated is wild. Just a few years ago it felt like he was going to be a solid bat with an elite glove. But there didn’t seem to be all that much power. Fitz has completely changed that narrative. Still an elite glove, but the bat is just so dangerous now.

Johan Mieses hasn’t played all that much this year for a variety of reasons. He’s shown the power when he’s played though. The right-handed hitter has a .283/.421/.630 slash line with one double and five home runs in just 46 at-bats. He’s driven in 11 runs and scored eight more, stealing one base.

Jeter Downs has seen the average dip lately. He’s down to .196 now. However, the right-handed hitter has managed to keep a solid OBP (.320) and slugging percentage (.412). Those are thanks to 23 walks and good power numbers with four doubles, one triple, and nine home runs. Downs has driven in 16 runs and scored 31 more (only eight away from his total of last year). Eight steals helps keep him productive as well.