April 22, 2019 at 12:15 PM
Minor Notes: Chavis makes MLB debut
Here are Monday's minor league notes:
- With Dustin Pedroia, Eduardo Nunez, and Brock Holt all on the Injured List, Boston called up SoxProspects.com's No. 1 prospect Michael Chavis (pictured) After starting five games at second base for Pawtucket this season, Chavis made his first MLB start on Sunday at second base. On Saturday, he pinch-hit in the top of the ninth in a tie game and roped a double to center field that, according to Statcast, left his bat at 108.7 MPH.
- For more on Chavis, Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic (subscription required) wrote a piece on what the Red Sox can expect from the 2014 first-round draft pick.
- In return for Blake Swihart, the Red Sox received minor league outfielder Marcus Wilson. The 22-year old had an .879 OPS in 12 games at Double-A this year and will start in Portland. Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com wrote more about Wilson here.
- Marco Hernandez played in his first game since 2017 on Saturday for Salem. He played second base and went 1 for 4 with a single.
- Baseball America released its top 20 prospects of the Dominican Summer League entering the 2019 season. The Red Sox were represented by shortstop Antoni Flores and outfielder Gilberto Jimenez.
- Christopher Smith of MassLive.com talked to Portland shortstop C.J. Chatham on Thursday and he discussed his versatility and willingness to play anywhere on the diamond.
- Glenn Jordan of The Portland Press Herald wrote an article about Brett Netzer, who is having a very nice season at second base for Portland.
- Other roster moves over the past few days include Greenville adding Jecorrah Arnold from extended spring and Marino Campana from Salem. Salem added Kervin Suarez from Greenville and Joseph Monge from Portland. Portland added Jonathan Ortega from Salem and Pawtucket added Josh Tobias from Portland and Erasmo Ramirez from Boston. Along with calling Chavis, Boston also added Bobby Poyner to replace Nathan Eovaldi.
Players of the Week (April 15 through April 21)
Jarren Duran, OF, Salem Red Sox
6 G, 24 AB, 10 H, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 4 R, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 4 K, .417/.481/.667
Duran (pictured, left) broke out of a 3-for-16 funk with a huge week. Overall the 22-year old hit .417/.581/.667 in 27 plate appearances. He belted his first home run of the season and recorded multiple hits in four of six games. He also struck out just four times after punching out seven times in his previous 17 plate appearances.
Yorvin Pantoja, LHP, Greenville Drive
2 G, 4 2/3 IP, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K, 0.47 WHIP
Pantoja was tremendous in both of his appearances this past week. He struck out six in 2 2/3 innings on April 16 and then another four in two innings on April 19. He did not walk a batter in either outing and threw strikes on 72 percent of his pitches. Overall, the 21-year old has a 2.53 ERA this season in 10 2/3 innings pitched.
Photo Credit: Michael Chavis and Jarren Duran by Kelly O'Connor
6 G, 24 AB, 10 H, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 4 R, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 4 K, .417/.481/.667
Duran (pictured, left) broke out of a 3-for-16 funk with a huge week. Overall the 22-year old hit .417/.581/.667 in 27 plate appearances. He belted his first home run of the season and recorded multiple hits in four of six games. He also struck out just four times after punching out seven times in his previous 17 plate appearances.
Yorvin Pantoja, LHP, Greenville Drive
2 G, 4 2/3 IP, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K, 0.47 WHIP
Pantoja was tremendous in both of his appearances this past week. He struck out six in 2 2/3 innings on April 16 and then another four in two innings on April 19. He did not walk a batter in either outing and threw strikes on 72 percent of his pitches. Overall, the 21-year old has a 2.53 ERA this season in 10 2/3 innings pitched.
Photo Credit: Michael Chavis and Jarren Duran by Kelly O'Connor