Boston Red Sox Prospect Watch: A week with the Portland Sea Dogs

FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 13: Jay Groome #77 of the Boston Red Sox throws during a spring training team workouts at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on March 13, 2022 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - MARCH 13: Jay Groome #77 of the Boston Red Sox throws during a spring training team workouts at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on March 13, 2022 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
4 of 5
Boston Red Sox Bryan Mata
WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 15: Pitcher Bryan Mata #34 of the World Team and the Boston Red Sox works the third inning against the U.S. Team during the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Nationals Park on July 15, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Red Sox High-A (Greenville)

Bryan Mata made his third rehab appearance and once again looked like an ace. In four innings, the right-hander gave up no runs on one hit and three walks, striking out eight. In nine innings Mata has allowed just one earned run and two hits, racking up 15 Ks. El Idolo is back. It will be exciting to see him get the move up to Double-A soon.

Jacob Webb got the promotion to High-A after some impressive numbers in Low-A. He’s already made two appearances with Greenville this week. In those two games, the righty has yet to give up an earned run. He’s only allowed two hits and two walks, while striking out five.

Shane Drohan lowered his ERA with five innings of three-hit ball. He walked two and gave up three runs, but all were unearned. Meanwhile, he added six more strikeouts to his already sky-high total. The lefty now has a 4.23 ERA, .226 BAA, 1.26 WHIP, and 81 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings pitched.

Matthew Lugo had a massive week that included two doubles and three home runs. The right-handed hitter is slashing .294/.347/.548 with 17 doubles, seven triples, and nine home runs on the season. He’s driven in 39 runs, scored 37 more, and stoles six bases. His added power this year really boosts his status.

Nick Northcut has been mashing home runs all year. The high strikeouts to low walks has been a major issue though. So seeing him rack up six walks in three days was nice. The right-handed hitter is now slashing .231/.303/.560 with eight doubles and 21 home runs. He’s driven in 49 runs and scored 34 more.

Gilberto Jimenez is slashing .276/.324/.417 with 11 doubles, one triple, and five home runs on the year. The switch-hitter has driven in 21 runs and scored 28 more, stealing 10 bases. Jimenez has always been a low-strikeout guy but the Ks have been up this year. He’s limited them in the last few games though so hopefully that’s a trend that sticks around.

Alex Binelas continues to have a really impressive first season in the Red Sox system. The left-handed hitter is slashing .236/.354/.478 with eight doubles, one triple, and 13 home runs. He’s driven in 41 runs, scored 39 more, and stolen eight bases (in eight attempts).

Big Joe Davis has gone on an absolute tear lately. The right-handed hitter is suddenly slashing .257/.322/.552 with one double and 10 home runs on the season. He’s driven in 20 runs and scored 19 more. With just 105 at-bats on the year, he’s averaging a home run nearly every 10 ABs – that’s wild.

Tyler McDonough collected at least one hit in five-of-six games this week. The switch-hitter holds a .244/.336/.406 slash line with 11 doubles, three triples, and seven home runs. He’s driven in 33 runs and scored 39 more, stealing 12 bases. His average has hovered around the same spot all month, so it will be interesting to see if it sees a drastic shift in either direction soon.

Tyler Esplin went 0-for-3 on Sunday but was riding a five-game hitting-streak before that. The left-handed hitter is slashing .255/.343/.394 with seven doubles and three triples in High-A. He’s driven in six runs and scored 15 more. Esplin’s gotten the bump up to Double-A at points this year so if he can put together a nice stretch he might see a more permanent move up soon.

Schedule