The Boston Red Sox have promoted three of their top prospects to new levels
The Boston Red Sox made a flurry of moves in the minor league system on Sunday.
First, it was announced that pitching prospect Luis Perales was being promoted to High-A. The right-handed pitcher had been dominating with the Single-A Salem Red Sox.
Perales has a 3.21 ERA, .197 BAA, and 1.24 WHIP in 53 1/3 innings. He has struck out 71 batters compared to 28 walks. Meanwhile, he's only surrendered two home runs.
Perales started with two rocky outings this season. The 20-year-old's been untouchable since then. And it's only gotten worse for opposing hitters. Perales has allowed two runs over his last five starts, a combined 26 2/3 innings. In that time, Perales has racked up 36 strikeouts, including a career-high 12 in his second-to-last start.
Next, we found out that Wikelman Gonzalez was being promoted to Double-A.
Gonzalez also had a rough start to the season. However, the right-handed pitcher has bounced back phenomenally. Gonzalez has a 5.14 ERA, .210 BAA, and 1.44 WHIP in 63 innings. He has struck out 105 batters and walked 42 in that time.
The numbers don't look great outside of the strikeouts and BAA. However, Gonzalez allowed 15 earned runs in 8 2/3 innings over his first four starts. In those four starts, he walked 16 batters and struck out 14.
Since then, Gonzalez has dominated High-A lineups. The 21-year-old struck out double-digit batters three times this season, including a career-high 12 on May 27.
So while the numbers aren't jumping out at you, it's clear that Gonzalez has figured out High-A and needs a new challenge.
Finally, we were told that Blaze Jordan is also being bumped up to Double-A.
Jordan has mashed all season long in High-A. The right-handed hitting corner infielder is slashing .324/.385/.533 with 22 doubles, one triple, and 12 home runs. He's driven in 55 runs, scored 48 more, and stolen two bases in 73 games.
There were questions about Jordan's bat speed and being able to handle fastballs. He has answered those questions, though. Meanwhile, people feel he doesn't have the defense for third base, and a right-handed first baseman is a little out of the ordinary.
Once again, it feels like Jordan has answered those questions. His defense at third seems fine, and he has a fantastic arm. Meanwhile, he has looked really strong at first base.
Even if his defense wasn't perfect, it was time for a promotion. Jordan was not being challenged at the plate. Pitchers didn't want to pitch him the ball, and when they were, he was making them pay.
Getting Jordan to Double-A gives the Red Sox a chance to test him. The 20-year-old (seriously, he's still only 20) has a lot of people talking, so even with those question marks, you need to give him a chance to prove himself.