Minor Notes: Lakins and Callahan earn promotions

Here are Thursday's minor league notes:

• As first confirmed by SoxProspects.com, seventh-ranked prospect Travis Lakins (pictured) has been promoted to Double-A Portland. After a tough season in Salem last year, the Red Sox kept Lakins in High-A to begin his 2017 campaign. Lakins was excellent in seven starts, pitching to a 2.61 ERA with 43 strikeouts and 13 walks in 38 innings. Boston drafted Lakins in the sixth round of the 2015 draft out of Ohio State. In a pair of corresponding moves, the Red Sox promoted Jamie Callahan to Pawtucket and Daniel Gonzalez to Salem. Callahan was dominant in 13 Double-A innings with a 1.38 ERA, while punching out 20 and walking none. He is 21st in the SoxProspects.com rankings. Gonzalez has posted a 1.85 ERA in 24 1/3 innings in Greenville this season, striking out 25 and walking seven. Finally, Kyle Hart was added to Greenville from extended spring training. 

• Before his promotion, Alex Speier of Baseball America analyzed Lakins' strong start to the season. Returning a fourth pitch-- a slider that he threw in college-- to his repertoire has led to strong results for the right-hander. 

• A couple of Red Sox prospects were recognized for fantastic performances last week. SoxProspects.com's top prospect Rafael Devers was named Eastern League Player of the Week after slashing .440/.500/.920 with four home runs and ten RBI. Tenth-ranked prospect Brian Johnson was the International League Pitcher of the Week after tossing eight innings, allowing a run on two hits and two walks. 

• SoxProspects director of scouting Ian Cundall wrote a scouting scratch on right-hander Hector Velazquez. Though Velazquez does not have a standout pitch, he has a five-pitch mix and solid command that could push him to a swingman or spot starter role for the Red Sox later in the season. 

• In the most recent round of changes to scouting reports, updates were added to several players' career notes section. 

• 2016 first-rounder Jason Groome's first full professional season has gotten off to a slow start due to a lat strain suffered in his first start of the season on April 10. Boston is being cautious with the 18-year old Groome, who ranks as the team's top pitching prospect. Though there is no timetable on his return, Groome is working on a throwing progression in Fort Myers. 

• Third-ranked prospect Sam Travis got off to a shaky start at the plate this season. However, he's been turning it on of late and could be positioning himself for a late-season promotion to the major leagues. 

• After his second disappointing start with the Red Sox, Kyle Kendrick has been optioned back to Triple-A Pawtucket. Left-hander Robbie Ross Jr. will take his place on the 25-man roster and work out of the Red Sox bullpen. In two starts in Boston, Kendrick allowed 12 runs in 8 1/3 innings, and he has a 6.00 ERA in four starts in Pawtucket. 

• Due to an off day on Monday, the Red Sox won't need a fifth starter until May 20. Matt Collins of Over the Monster ponders which Pawtucket starter will get the call when that time comes. 

• From the independent leagues to the Red Sox bullpen, Robby Scott has had quite a journey. He's making the most of his chance and has allowed just one earned run in 8 2/3 innings, striking out seven and walking two, becoming Boston's primary left-handed reliever. Scott is the 23rd prospect in the SoxProspects.com rankings. 

Photo Credit: Travis Lakins by Kelly O'Connor

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