Fort Report: Shawaryn set to start against Northeastern

Here are Thursday's minor league notes:

• With games starting on Friday there will soon be a lot more news and updates on Boston’s minor leaguers. Mike Shawaryn (pictured) will get the first start of the spring, squaring off against Northeastern University. Christopher Smith of MassLive.com talked with Shawaryn about his 2019 outlook and what it was like to pitch out of the bullpen in the Arizona Fall League (AFL).

• Smith also had an interesting note on Darwinzon Hernandez, who has been pitching alongside the major league rotation this spring. Red Sox manager Alex Cora was surprised by the impressive spin rate on Hernandez’s curveball. It’s not too surprising to the fans who followed Hernandez this offseason, as MLB.com noted that Hernandez’s fastball had the highest spin rate in the AFL, and only two players had a breaking ball with a higher spin rate. 

• For those who have a subscription to The Athletic, Steve Buckley wrote a great update on Marco Hernandez. Hernandez has played only 21 games since 2017 due to shoulder injuries. Hernandez will not be ready for Opening Day as he has yet to receive full clearance for baseball activities, but he could be an important piece later in the season. 

• The Red Sox announced that they have re-signed Mike Miller to a minor league deal. The 29-year-old played in 102 games for the PawSox last season, splitting his time between second base and shortstop. He ended the season hitting .284/.346/.359.

• Boston also signed international free agent Miguel Rojas. Listed at 5-foot-9 and 160 pounds, Rojas will be vying for playing time as a catcher on one of the two Dominican Summer League teams. The 17-year-old was signed out of Venezuela. 

Photo Credit: Mike Shawaryn by Kelly O'Connor

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