Boston Red Sox prospect watch: Injuries and call-ups rule the week
By Hunter Noll
Red Sox Triple-A (Worcester)
Ryan Fitzgerald has quietly been great this year, and he had another strong week. The left-handed hitting utility man is slashing .314/.383/.578 with seven doubles, one triple, and six home runs. He's driven in 24 runs, scored 15 more, and stolen two bases.
Wilyer Abreu is slashing .296/.398/.490 with four doubles and five home runs. The left-handed hitting outfielder has driven in 18 runs, scored 19 more, and stolen two bases. He's already walked 18 times in 27 games. Triple-A hasn't been a problem for him yet.
Nick Sogard just snapped a six-game hitting streak, but even though it's over, it helped boost his numbers. The left-handed hitting utility is slashing .274/.415/.369 with six doubles and one triple. He's driven in seven runs, scored 15 more, and stolen five bases.
David Hamilton's slumped, but the numbers are still strong. The left-handed hitting second baseman is slashing .271/.367/.496 with six doubles, one triple, and seven home runs. He's driven in 18 runs, scored 26 more, and stolen 21 bases.
Bryan Mata left his start early this week and landed on the IL. The right-handed starter has a 5.61 ERA, .263 BAA, and 2.06 WHIP. He's struck out 26 and walked 27 in 25 2/3 innings. Mata's struggled this season but was showing positive signs, so this is a rough injury.
Chris Murphy has a 7.76 ERA, .331 BAA, and 2.07 WHIP in 29 innings. He's struck out 28 batters and walked 20. The lefty's numbers once again took a small step forward this week.
Brandon Walter has a 5.88 ERA, .296 BAA, and 1.60 WHIP in 33 2/3 innings. The left-handed pitcher has struck out 30 batters and walked 14. The control hasn't looked as dominant this season.
Chase Shugart has now gone seven straight outings (seven innings) without allowing an earned run. The righty reliever has barely even allowed base runners in that time (two hits and one walk). He's down to a 3.52 ERA, .279 BAA, and 1.30 WHIP. Shugart's struck out 11 batters and walked three in 15 1/3 innings.
Andrew Politi has had a phenomenal May, tossing 5 1/3 scoreless inning so far. The right-handed reliever has a 3.31 ERA, .258 BAA, and 1.41 WHIP in 16 1/3 innings. He's struck out 18 batters and walked seven.