Boston Red Sox prospect watch: Hot hitters and relievers turning heads
By Hunter Noll
Relievers are a couple of hot hitters lead the charge in this week's Boston Red Sox prospect watch
What an awesome end to the week for the Boston Red Sox. They swept the New York Yankees, pushing their rivals far away from the playoff race. At the same time, this kept Boston right in the thick of things for a Wild Card spot.
While the Red Sox are making a push toward the playoffs, they are shaking things up in the minor leagues. We saw more promotions, returns, and some draftees make their debuts this week. Hot hitters and dominant relief appearances led the way.
In the majors, Triston Casas continues to put together a phenomenal rookie season. The left-handed hitting first baseman is slashing .253/.353/.483 with 16 doubles, two triples, and 20 home runs. He's driven in 48 runs and scored 54 more.
Connor Wong is slashing .239/.292/.393 with 21 doubles, one triple, and seven home runs. The right-handed hitting catcher has driven in 29 runs, scored 44 more, and stolen five bases. Wong hit a home run and made a phenomenal play against the Yankees this week, flexing his talents.
Masataka Yoshida is slashing .297/.352/.465 with 26 doubles, three triples, and 13 home runs. The left-handed hitting outfielder has driven in 60 runs, scored 60 runs, and stolen eight bases. Yoshida has slumped a bit but did have a four-RBI game against the Yankees.
Jarren Duran is slashing .295/.346/.482 with 34 doubles, two triples, and eight home runs. The left-handed hitting outfielder has driven in 40 runs, scored 46 more, and stolen 24 bases in just 26 attempts. Duran seemed to be going through some personal/mental things this week, so let's all just hope for the best.
Brayan Bello allowed one run on six hits over six innings against New York this week. The right-handed pitcher walked one batter and struck out four. Bello has a 3.70 ERA, .258 BAA, and 1.26 WHIP in 119 1/3 innings. He's struck out 100 batters compared to 31 walks.