Boston Red Sox Prospect Watch: Big performances mark breakouts
By Hunter Noll
Big performances mark breakouts in the Red Sox Prospect Watch
The Boston Red Sox are dealing with some issues at the moment. They barely escaped getting swept by the Chicago Cubs. To add to that, Xander Bogaerts suffered an injury due to getting spiked – needing stitches in his leg. Rich Hill has gone to the IL as well.
All this is coming together to create a whirlwind in the Majors. People are running around trying to keep up with everything going on. We’re seeing call-ups and things are getting shaken up quite a bit.
However, the minor leagues are seeing some steady production from a lot of big names. And even better, some of the big names that were slumping, are starting to get back on the right track.
Okay, yes, it’s still a wild ride because there’s always way too much going on in the minor leagues. But for now, it’s not too much to make your head spin. And the big performances this week that might make breakouts give reason to get even more excited.
In the Majors, Connor Seabold has now made two starts this year. The right-handed pitcher struggled his first time out but cleaned it up a bit for starting two. Overall, he’s given up eight runs in 8 2/3 innings. Not great, but he has racked up 11 strikeouts in that time.
Josh Winckowski continues to impress. The righty has now made five starts in the Majors. He’s posted a 3.12 ERA, .290 BAA, and 1.38 WHIP in that time. Wink struck out 19 batters compared to seven walks in 26 innings. The BAA is very high but he’s managed to work out of trouble a lot.
Jarren Duran is now slashing .333/.389/.530 with six doubles, two triples, and one home run. The left-handed-hitting outfielder has driven in six runs and scored 10 more. He’s also stolen four bases, his speed being something Boston desperately needs more of. Striking out a lot less than he did in his stint in the Majors last year, something has clicked for Duran.