Minor Notes: Espinal called up; scouting report on Blaze Jordan

Here are this week's Minor Notes:

• SoxProspects.com's Director of Scouting Ian Cundall wrote a Scout Chatter piece on some infielders for the Red Sox Florida Coast League team based on some reports that he received. He highlights the strong start by Blaze Jordan, as well as Brainer Bonaci, Eddinson Paulino, and Karson Simas. Jordan has since been promoted to Salem for his strong production. Paulino, who is 19 years old, is off to an extremely strong start as well, and the reports are that his skills match the numbers.  

• Nick Yorke, Boston's top draft pick in 2020, was recently moved up to Salem as well, and Chris and Ian discuss this move on the latest episode of the SoxProspects.com podcast. Yorke has continued to hit well for Salem. They also talk about reports on Connor Seabold and Kutter Crawford, as well as the newest midseason top 100 list at MLB.com.

• Due to COVID-19 issues, the Red Sox had to make some moves in their bullpen. One of those moves included calling up Raynel Espinal (pictured) to make his major league debut. The right-hander acquired from the Yankees in the Rule 5 draft in 2019 pitched two innings in Tampa Bay on Monday, allowing two runs. 

• The Red Sox also signed relief pitcher Michael Feliz to a minor league contract and assigned him to Triple-A Worcester. He has 241 innings at the big league level across seven seasons. 

• The Sox added even more pitching with the acquisition of Brad Peacock from the Cleveland Indians. The 33-year old right-hander debuted in 2011 with the Nationals and has posted a career ERA of 4.01 in 554 2/3 career innings. He has a 7.68 ERA in 34 innings in Triple-A this season. 

• Tanner Nishioka, the Red Sox' ninth-round selection in 2017, has decided to hang up his spikes and retire. The 26-year old was hitting .253/.315/.413 in 54 games with Portland this season. Nishioka had a stellar farewell effort with two home runs and a stellar defensive play in his final game. 

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Players of the Week (August 24-29)

Christian Koss, SS, Greenville Drive

6 G, 26 AB, 10 H, 4 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 7 R, 7 RBI, 3 BB, 3 K, .385/.448/.846

Koss got his first taste of professional baseball back in 2019 in rookie ball with the Colorado Rockies after they took him in the 12th round that summer. He certainly impressed in his 53 games there, hitting .332/.447/.605 with 11 home runs and 51 RBI, showing he was clearly too advanced for that level. The 23-year old was then acquired by the Red Sox in December of 2020 for Yoan Aybar. In 86 games with Greenville, Koss has hit .279/.336/.453 with 16 doubles, six triples, 11 home runs, and nine stolen bases. He belted seven extra-base hits in six games this past week and now has an impressive .872 OPS during the month of August. 

Kutter Crawford, RHP, Worcester Red Sox

1 GS, 1-0, 6 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 1 H, 0 BB, 8 K

Crawford bounced back from a pair of rough outings with his best start since being promoted to Worcester. The right-hander gave up just one hit, did not walk a batter, and struck out eight while giving just an unearned run. The 27th-ranked prospect put up dominant numbers while with Portland this year, with 64 strikeouts and just five walks in 46 1/3 innings to go along with an impressive 0.82 WHIP. It has been a bit of an adjustment at Triple-A, as he has a 5.52 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP in 29 1/3 innings with Worcester. The strikeouts have still been there, however, with 39. 

Photo Credit: Raynel Espinal by Kelly O'Connor

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