January 22, 2018 at 12:00 PM
Fall/Winter League Roundup: Velazquez takes tough-luck playoff loss
This continues our series of weekly roundups of the Fall/Winter Leagues. Coverage will continue every Monday into January. For the full list of Red Sox prospects participating in these leagues, check out our Fall & Winter Leagues page, which will be updated continuously through January. This week's roundup covers the period from January 15 to 21.
Mexican Pacific League
They Mayos de Navojoa trotted out game one winner Hector Velazquez (pictured) in the fifth game of their semifinal series against Jalisco. Despite a very strong effort by the righty, Navajoa dropped a 3-0 decision. Velazquez allowed just one run on three hits in five innings, striking out three without issuing a walk, and inducing eight groundball outs. Overall, Velazquez surrendered only two runs in 10 innings in his two starts in the semi-final series. Navojoa prevailed in game six to advance to the league championship series against Culiacan.
Velazquez is likely to start in game three on Tuesday if Navojoa holds to its rotation, with los Mayos in a 2-0 hole.
Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League
Ivan De Jesus continues to see regular time as the starting second baseman for Santurce. The veteran, who recently rejoined the Red Sox on a minor league contract, was 8 for 23 (.348) on the week, with a double and three runs scored. Teammate Joseph Monge struck out in his only plate appearance of the week. Rusney Castillo appeared in two games, going 1 for 6, though he did score three runs. Jeremy Rivera made the most of his two pinch-running appearances, scoring runs both times and stealing a base.
Dominican Baseball League
The league moved into its championship round, with Aguilas playing Escogido in the final. Roenis Elias (Aguilas), Justin Haley (Escogido), and Blake Swihart (Escogido) are no longer active on their respective rosters.
Venezuelan Professional Baseball League
Like Mexico and the Dominican Republic, the Venezuelan Winter League advanced to the finals this week. Caribes de Anzoategui and Cardenales de Lara are tied at 1-1 in the best-of-seven set. While Juan Hernandez and Deiner Lopez are both active, neither has seen action yet in the championship series, nor did either player see semi-final action this week.
Australian Baseball League
Left-hander Daniel McGrath appeared in two games this week for Melbourne, earning the win on Sunday with 2 2/3 innings of hitless relief. Overall on the week, McGrath struck out three and walked one without giving him a hit across 3 1/3 frames.
Photo Credit: Hector Velazquez by Kelly O'Connor