Minor Notes: A great week of pitching highlighted by Bello's no-hitter

With the major league team struggling, the farm system has offered some great performances for fans to follow. The pitching last week was dominant throughout the system, highlighted by a no-hitter from the top pitching prospect. 

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Duran gets a brief call-up after COVID scare

With Kiké Hernandez displaying symptoms, the Red Sox recalled Jarren Duran from Worcester. Duran went 1 for 4 with a triple on Friday, and fans were curious if Duran would be up for good. With the offense struggling, it could certainly use a spark. Duran got sent down the next day when Hernandez cleared the protocols, but with Jackie Bradley Jr. hitting .202, it would not be surprising to see Duran again with the big club soon. 

More pitching injuries

With Rich Hill on the COVID-19 related injured list and Michael Wacha on the 15-day injured list with left intercostal irritation, Tyler Danish and John Schreiber will get more time with the major league squad. 

Jeremy Wu-Yelland underwent Tommy John surgery and was transferred to the 60-day injured list. A fourth-round pick in 2020, the left-hander will look to come back later on in the 2023 season. The news did not get better on the major league front, with Chris Sale and James Paxton both suffering setbacks in their returns from injury. 

Martínez joins the organization 13 years later than anticipated

Carlos Martínez was one of the game's most promising young pitchers five years ago, but a slew of injuries forced him into a relief role. After some initial success in the bullpen, he has since struggled, and he signed a minor league contract with the Giants this offseason. After being released by the Giants a couple weeks ago, he caught on with the Red Sox. Then known as Carlos Matias, Martínez signed with the Red Sox as a shortstop in 2009, but his contract was later voided due to questions about his identity. He signed with the Cardinals a year later as a pitcher, and he was in the majors by 2013. 

Awards

Portland prospects clean up monthly and weekly awards

Brandon Walter edged out teammate Brayan Bello for the April Eastern League Pitcher of the Month award. Walter had a 1.17 ERA over 23 innings and struck out 29 batters without issuing a walk. Bello did win the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week award for the most recent week after he threw a seven-inning no-hitter. Kyle Hart threw six shutout innings for Worcester, which was good enough to earn him the International League Pitcher of the Week nod.

In the monthly awards announced by the Red Sox, Walter was selected as Pitcher of the Month, Ceddanne Rafaela as Hitter of the Month, and Frank German was named Relief Pitcher of the Month. In addition, David Hamilton won Base Stealer of the Month, and Elih Marrero was selected as Defensive Player of the Month. 

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Players of the Week

Eduardo Lopez, OF, Salem Red Sox

6 G, 21 AB, 10 H, 1 2B, 3 HR, 4 R, 6 RBI, 4 BB, 4 K, 1 SB, .476/.538/.952

After being activated from the injured list on April 23, Lopez proceeded to go 2 for 24 over his first six games. He has quickly turned things around, going 13 for 25 over his next seven starts. Lopez received the largest bonus of Boston's 2018 international free agent class but has struggled to stay healthy over the past year. When healthy, Lopez has shown a solid approach and a good feel for the game. The 20-year-old is ranked 35th in the system and has a chance to climb the rankings with continued success in full-season ball. 

Brayan Bello, RHP, Portland Sea Dogs

1 G, 1-0, 7 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 H, 3 BB, 5 K

The competition was fierce, but Bello tossing a no-hitter made up for his lower strikeout rate. Several players were in the running this week, including Brandon Walter, who struck out 10 batters in the same doubleheader as Bello's no-hitter. The top pitching prospect in the system, Bello celebrated breaking into Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects list with another dominant start. With batters hitting just .135 against him after five starts, the Eastern League has not been able to figure Bello out in his second stint in the league. 

Photo Credit: Brayan Bello by Kelly O'Connor

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