Here are Thursday's minor league notes:
- Blake Swihart (pictured) is out of options and once camp breaks, he will either be on the major league roster, with another organization or the Red Sox will attempt to pass him through waivers. In an attempt to increase his versatility, the 25-year-old got the start on Tuesday in left field, the first time he has done so since he suffered a severe ankle injury at Fenway Park in June 2016.
Jason Mastrodonato of the Boston Herald published his first projection of the Red Sox opening day roster on Tuesday and Swihart as well as Brian Johnson and Hector Velazquez make the 25-man roster in his prediction. Austin Maddox was listed as just missing.
Abraham took a stab at predicting the 25 men that Alex Cora will have at his disposal come Opening Day as well, with Johnson and Swihart making the squad.
MassLive's Christopher Smith did a Q&A with Tanner Houck, covering everything from his brand-new full sleeve to how he pitches like Max Scherzer.
The Portland Sea Dogs are celebrating their 25th season and are conducting online voting for their all-time team. Today, broadcaster Michael Antonellis profiled the three third base candidates in Rafael Devers, Will Middlebrooks, and Kevin Youkilis.
SoxProspects.com started to reveal their updated scouting reports, beginning with Jay Groome on Monday.
No. 2 prospect in the Red Sox system Michael Chavis had his scouting report updated on Tuesday as well as Bryan Mata on Wednesday and Houck on Thursday.
On Tuesday, the Red Sox hit four home runs including one each from prospects Santiago Espinal and Esteban Quiroz. Pitchers factored into the win as well, as Hector Velazquez allowed one run in three innings.
Photo Credit: Blake Swihart by Kelly O'Connor
