Red Sox Single-A (Salem)
Luis Perales had easily the best start of his career this week. On the same day as Gonzalez's gem, the right-handed pitcher allowed one run on four hits over five innings of work. He struck out a career-high 10 batters and didn't walk anyone. Perales has a 5.18 ERA, .274 BAA, and 1.77 WHIP in 24 1/3 innings. He's struck out 31 batters and walked 17. Things are trending up.
Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz gave up three runs on four hits and one walk over five innings in his lone start. The righty also set a career-high with 10 strikeouts. He had 13 all season before the start. ERC has a 2.63 ERA, .245 BAA, and 1.54 WHIP over 27 1/3 innings. He's struck out 23 batters and walked 17.
Bradley Blalock appeared in his first game since 2021 due to Tommy John surgery. The right-handed pitcher allowed one run on one hit and one walk over four innings, striking out three batters. Amazing start considering it was his first game in well over a year.
Jedixson Paez gave up one run on two hits over four innings this week. He struck out two batters and walked none. The righty has a 5.79 ERA, .243 BAA, and 1.23 WHIP in 18 2/3 innings. He's struck out 18 batters and walked five. Paez might not have overpowering stuff, but the command is there.
Jose Ramirez allowed one earned run (three runs total) on three hits in five innings. The right-handed pitcher struck out six batters and walked two. He has a 1.30 ERA, .162 BAA, and 0.92 WHIP in 34 2/3 innings. Ramirez has struck out 30 batters and walked 13.
Felix Cepeda only made one appearance out of the bullpen this week but made it a good one. The righty reliever tossed two perfect innings, striking out three batters. He has a 1.56 ERA, .190 BAA, and 1.62 WHIP in 17 1/3 innings. He's walked 16 batters but does have 17 strikeouts.
Roman Anthony had a strong week and is currently riding a four-game hitting streak. His slash line is up to .256/.401/.355 with nine doubles and one home run. He's driven in 16 runs, scored 22 more, and stolen 11 bases. Anthony has 30 walks compared to 27 strikeouts. He's building something special.
It's been a tough stretch for Miguel Bleis. He looked like he was starting to turn things back around, then an injury sidelined him for a week. The right-handed hitter came back and has struggled since. He's slashing .238/.290/.336 with three doubles, three triples, and one home run. The outfielder has driven in 16 runs, scored 18 more, and stolen 11 bases. Bleis will be fine. These are just some growing pains.
Juan Chacon had some fun this week. That included a game with two triples. Little Papi told me that the celebration the team does after getting hits came from Randy Arozarena, whose game Chacon loves. The right-handed hitting outfielder holds a .273/.407/.388 slash line with four doubles and five triples. He's driven in 11 runs, scored 15 more, and stolen 14 bases.
Ahbram Liendo showed major signs of life this week. They included a game-tying two-run home run in the ninth inning and a 2-for-2 with two walks game. The switch-hitting infielder is slashing .188/.354/.256 with three doubles, one triple, and one home run. He's driven in 11 runs, scored 23 more, and stolen 20 bases.
Allan Castro continues to slowly build his numbers back up. The switch-hitting outfielder is slashing .214/.349/.324 with 10 doubles and two home runs. He's driven in 17 runs, scored 25 more, and stolen 12 bases.
Cutter Coffey has a hit in 6-of-his-last-7 games. The right-handed hitting shortstop is slashing .212/.361/.271 with seven doubles. He's driven in 12 runs, scored 19 more, and stolen 11 bases. Coffey has walked nearly as many times (27) as he has struck out (32).
Enderso Lira continues to hit since being promoted to Single-A. The right-handed hitting catcher is slashing .313/.353/.375 with two doubles. He's driven in three runs and scored two more in nine games.
Yorberto Mejicano is slashing .323/.380/.484 with five doubles, one triple, and one home run. The right-handed hitting catcher/first baseman has driven in eight runs, scored 12 more, and stolen three bases. I've said it before, Mejicano needs more playing time. Having 62 at-bats is wild for someone hitting like Mejicano, especially since he's looked solid defensively.
Luis Ravelo is slashing .265/.369/.382 with seven doubles and three home runs. The switch-hitting infielder has driven in 23 runs, scored 20 more, and stolen six bases. His power and run production has been a pleasant surprise.
Karson Simas is slashing .253/.360/.349 with two doubles and three triples. The right-handed hitting utility has driven in 11 runs, scored 13 more, and stolen seven bases.