July 26, 2022 at 12:46 PM
Minor Notes: First draft signings announced, Abraham Almonte acquired
Now that the MLB Draft has concluded, the focus has turned to signing those that were selected, in addition to adding undrafted free agents.
Signing draftees
On Tuesday, the Red Sox officially announced the signing of Mikey Romero and Cutter Coffey, the organization's top two selections in the 2022 MLB Draft. According to Chad Jennings of The Athletic, Romero received a $2.3 million signing bonus, while Coffey received $1.8475 million. The team also announced Alex Hoppe, Caleb Bolden, Jonathan Brand and Isaac Coffey. While it has not been announced, it has also been reported that No. 79 overall selection Roman Anthony will sign for $2.5 million. The Red Sox also signed Matt Donlan and Bryant Zayas as undrafted free agents.
The deadline to sign draftees is August 1, so more bonus figures and official announcements should come fast and furious over the next few days.
Jim Callis joins the Podcast
Callis, of MLB.com, returns for yet another appearance on the SoxProspects.com podcast to discuss Boston's 2022 MLB Draft.
Transactions
Abraham Almonte acquired from Milwaukee for cash
The outfielder will report to Triple-A Worcester and provide depth, as so many players are on the injured list in Boston. He has hit .290/.380/.533 this season.
Cam Cannon moved to Worcester
Another move to add depth to Worcester, the infielder hit .200/.283/.253 in 95 at-bats with Portland. He was 1 for 4 in his Triple-A debut.
Kyle Hart activated from development list
To replace Cannon on the roster, Hart was activated from the development list. He has pitched in 10 games this year, with a 6.46 ERA in 30 2/3 innings.
Jaylin Davis selected from Worcester
As Rafael Devers was placed on the 10-day IL with hamstring inflammation, Davis was his replacement on the major league roster. To make room on the 40-man roster, Kiké Hernandez was added to the 60-day IL. Davis has hit .247/.336/.404 in 235 at-bats at Triple-A this season.
Triston Casas activated
Casas missed significant time with an ankle injury, not appearing in a game for nearly two months. He has hit 6 for 14 since returning from the IL.
Brayan Bello, Yolmer Sanchez recalled
Bello will replace Chris Sale, who went on the IL with a broken finger, while Connor Wong was optioned to Worcester to make room for Sanchez.
Players of the Week
Kole Cottam, C, Portland Sea Dogs
2 G, 9 AB, 7 H, 2 3B, 2 R, 5 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K, .778/.800/1.222
Despite the full-season affiliates playing just two games due to the All-Star break, Cottam (pictured, top) had an impressive week, knocking two triples and driving in five runs. His offense is ahead of his defense at this point, and the Kentucky graduate is hitting .275/.357/.384 in 211 at-bats this season.
1 G, 1-0, 5 IP, 1.80 ERA, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 8 K
Dobbins (pictured, bottom) has been red hot in July, with a 0.90 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 20 innings. He kept it rolling with another strong outing on July 24, striking out eight hitters and scattering three hits over five innings of work. He walked his first hitters of the month, as well, and had his second-highest strikeout total of the season. He made his debut in June after Tommy John surgery and has pitched well, with a 2.15 ERA in 37 2/3 innings.
Photo Credit: Kole Cottam and Hunter Dobbins by Kelly O'Connor