March 15, 2016 at 6:20 PM
Light, Brentz among early cuts from big league camp
The Red Sox announced a round of cuts from major league camp Tuesday afternoon. Four players were optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket: outfielder Bryce Brentz, infielder Sean Coyle, left-handed pitcher Edwin Escobar, and right-handed pitcher Pat Light (pictured). Left-handed pitcher Williams Jerez was optioned to Double-A Portland while infielder Chris Dominguez and catcher Ali Solis were reassigned to minor league camp.
Light didn't fare well in camp. The 24-year-old right-hander allowed 10 hits and three earned runs in 5 2/3 innings. Still, Light could develop into a bullpen staple with a fastball in the high-90s and a splitter that shows plus potential. After moving to a relief role in 2015, Light dominated in Double-A Portland but struggled in Triple-A.
Brentz struggled mightily this spring, going hitless in 16 at-bats and striking out 12 times. A first-round pick of the Red Sox in 2010, Brentz has spent much of the past three seasons with the PawSox. The 27-year-old boasts plus raw power, but his home run totals have steadily declined in his six professional seasons. The Red Sox will likely burn Brentz's final option in 2016.
Light didn't fare well in camp. The 24-year-old right-hander allowed 10 hits and three earned runs in 5 2/3 innings. Still, Light could develop into a bullpen staple with a fastball in the high-90s and a splitter that shows plus potential. After moving to a relief role in 2015, Light dominated in Double-A Portland but struggled in Triple-A.
Brentz struggled mightily this spring, going hitless in 16 at-bats and striking out 12 times. A first-round pick of the Red Sox in 2010, Brentz has spent much of the past three seasons with the PawSox. The 27-year-old boasts plus raw power, but his home run totals have steadily declined in his six professional seasons. The Red Sox will likely burn Brentz's final option in 2016.
Coyle went 3 for 11 in big league camp with a walk and five strikeouts. The 24-year-old infielder battled injuries last season and never found a rhythm in 39 games with Pawtucket, hitting a dismal .159 with a .576 OPS.
Escobar pitched in three games this spring, allowing one run on four hits and a walk in 3 1/3 innings. The southpaw is a bullpen option for the Red Sox, who will need to make a decision on the 23-year-old, as he doesn't have any minor league options.
Jerez was knocked around in five appearances at his first big league camp. He surrendered five runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings. Jerez, who was named Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year last season, returns to Portland, where he finished 2015 and had a 3.65 ERA.
After stints with the Giants and Reds, Dominguez signed a minor league deal with an invite to major league camp. In 14 plate appearances this spring, Dominguez amassed a double, three singles, and three RBI. He also walked once and struck out six times. Solis, known as a defensive-minded catcher, had a single and an RBI in eight plate appearances this spring. His presence adds depth to the Red Sox catching corps.
The seven cuts trim the roster in major league camp to 48 players, including 13 non-roster invitees.
Escobar pitched in three games this spring, allowing one run on four hits and a walk in 3 1/3 innings. The southpaw is a bullpen option for the Red Sox, who will need to make a decision on the 23-year-old, as he doesn't have any minor league options.
Jerez was knocked around in five appearances at his first big league camp. He surrendered five runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings. Jerez, who was named Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year last season, returns to Portland, where he finished 2015 and had a 3.65 ERA.
After stints with the Giants and Reds, Dominguez signed a minor league deal with an invite to major league camp. In 14 plate appearances this spring, Dominguez amassed a double, three singles, and three RBI. He also walked once and struck out six times. Solis, known as a defensive-minded catcher, had a single and an RBI in eight plate appearances this spring. His presence adds depth to the Red Sox catching corps.
The seven cuts trim the roster in major league camp to 48 players, including 13 non-roster invitees.
Photo credit: Pat Light by Kelly O'Connor