Minor Notes: MLB draft begins tonight

Here are Monday's minor league notes:

• With the MLB draft beginning tonight, be sure to follow along with SoxProspects.com for instant updates on Red Sox selections here. 
• Chris Hatfield has updated scouting reports for Ryan Fitzgerald, Pedro Castellanos, Kervin Suarez, Dylan Hardy, and Deiner Lopez. These updates will be posted on the News Page as well as Player Pages. 
• Be sure to check out the 158th episode of the SoxProspects.com podcast with Chris and Ian Cundall as they discuss Michael Chavis, the draft, and potential promotions this summer. 
• Mike Shawaryn has been called up to Boston to replace Hector Velazquez, who landed on the Injured List. The right-hander was 1-2 with a 3.76 ERA in 55 innings for Pawtucket this year. He has 46 strikeouts, 28 walks, and a 1.33 WHIP. 
• Boston has also called Sam Travis up for the second time this year to replace the injured Steve Pearce. Travis is hitting .251/.359/.371 for the PawSox this year. 
• Christopher Smith of MassLive.com wrote about Josh Taylor, who has gone from being an undrafted free agent signing to the big leagues. Taylor has made two appearances for Boston this year, including a scoreless inning against the Yankees. 
• Chad Jennings of The Athletic (subscription required) wrote about the Red Sox' farm system and how it deserves a bit more credit. Josh Norris of Baseball America and Ben Crockett discuss the state of the system. 
• Kevin Thomas of The Portland Press Herald wrote about the Red Sox late pick in this year's draft. Scouting coordinator Mike Rikard discusses the challenges that come with not having a pick until 43.
• Please help keep SoxProspects.com free by donating to our annual drive. Thank you to all readers and forum members. 

Players of the Week (May 27 through June 2)

Tate Matheny, OF, Portland

6 G, 26 AB, 11 H, 1 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 7 R, 12 RBI, 1 BB,  7 K, .423/.444/1.000

Matheny (pictured, above) had an incredible week with four muli-hit games and two games with four or more RBI. Over the course of the week, he raised his batting average from .213 to .246. He is currently in his second season with Portland after hitting .254/.326/.342 in 114 games for the Sea Dogs in 2018. The 2015 fourth-round pick's four home runs this past week were double the total he had all of last season. 

Kyle Hart, LHP, Pawtucket

1 G, 9 IP, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K, 0.56 WHIP

Hart (pictured, left) showed why he deserved a promotion to Pawtucket in his first career Triple-A start with a complete game shutout. He had been dealing for Portland as well with a 2.91 ERA, 60 strikeouts, and 17 walks in 55 2/3 innings. The 26-year old lefty was drafted by the Sox in the 19th round in 2016 out of Indiana. He has a 2.82 ERA in his minor league career.



Photo Credit: Tate Matheny and Kyle Hart by Kelly O'Connor

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