June 5, 2013 at 2:15 PM
Workman promoted to Pawtucket, Villarreal released
The PawSox announced on Twitter that right-hander Brandon Workman will be joining their rotation. To make room for Workman in Pawtucket, the Red Sox have granted Oscar Villarreal his release.
Workman, who has thrown 90 2/3 innings in Double-A over the past two seasons, has been one of the most consistent starters in the Red Sox farm system this season. In his 65 2/3 innings this season, Workman has held opponents to a .216 batting average while compiling a 3.43 ERA. He is also posting a career-high strikeout rate in addition to the lowest walk numbers of his young career.
Workman is coming off his best start to date, as he allowed three hits and one run in eight innings of work. The 24-year-old features a low-90s fastball that can touch 95, an 89-90 cutter that grades as a plus pitch, and also a mid-70s curveball that has taken a step forward this season. Workman slots into a strong PawSox rotation, that already features top prospects Allen Webster and Rubby De La Rosa as well as Alfredo Aceves.
Photo Credit: Brandon Workman by Kelly O'Connor