Minor Notes: Hamilton and Drohan stay hot; Feltman released

It was a busy week of transactions in the majors and upper minors. The major league rotation got a boost, though the bullpen lost a couple key pieces. A new pitcher was added to the 40-man, while a fan favorite from the 2018 draft was released. For the players of the week, fans will see a couple familiar faces. 

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New Podcast

Chris and Ian released a new episode of the podcast recapping Ian's recent trips to scout the Worcester and Portland rosters. They also discussed some recent transactions while going over mailbag questions. 

Roster Turnover

It was a mixed bag of news this week, with the major league roster getting back some impact talent while losing other players to injury. Garrett Whitlock and Brayan Bello returned to the Red Sox to help reinforce the pitching staff. Unfortunately, that came with some bad news as Zack Kelly (right elbow inflammation) and Chris Martin (right shoulder inflammation) were placed on the injured list. Kelly has already been placed on the 60-day injured list. Joining him on the 60-day IL is Wyatt Mills (right elbow inflammation), who got hurt in spring training. 

On the position player front, Jarren Duran got recalled to Boston, while Bobby Dalbec got optioned to Worcester. Duran made an impact, going 1 for 3 with a double, walk, and a stolen base on Monday.

In Worcester, Wilyer Abreu and Taylor Broadway were activated off the seven-day injured list. 

Brennan Bernardino claimed off waivers

With Kelly and Mills on the 60-day IL, the Red Sox had two openings on the 40-man roster. One of the spots got used on Brennan Bernardino, who was last with Seattle. A left-handed reliever, Bernardino made his major league debut in 2022 and spent the first weeks of the 2023 season in Triple-A. With Joely Rodríguez out and Richard Bleier struggling, the Red Sneeded of some left-handed pitching depth. 

Faria DFA'd; Feltman and Mendoza released

The Red Sox designated Jake Faria for assignment on Monday and will wait and see if he is claimed, elects free agency, or returns to Worcester. Durbin Feltman and Carlos Mendoza were released as well. Mendoza appeared in nine games for the DSL Red Sox in 2022. Feltman was a third-round pick in the 2018 draft who peaked at ninth in the rankings. Feltman was terrific in the 2018 season after being drafted, and he was fast-tracked to Portland at the start of 2019. While he has had pockets of success, he never got back to the success he flashed early on in his career. 

Players of the Week 

David Hamilton, SS, Worcester Red Sox

6 G, 24 AB, 8 H, 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 R, 2 RBI, 2 SB, .333/.429/.667

If this looks familiar, Hamilton (pictured, above) and Drohan won this award last week. The torrid start to the year has Hamilton's line sitting at .370/.420/.674 after 12 games. Some fans scratched their heads when Hamilton got added to the 40-man roster this offseason, but he is flashing the potential that Boston's front office saw in him. He has three home runs and seven steals in 2023. Hamilton has been playing shortstop almost exclusively, though reports on his defense there have not been glowing. If his defense proves sufficient, he could factor into Boston's plans while the middle-infield depth is strained. 

Shane Drohan, LHP, Worcester Red Sox

1 G, 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K

It was another scoreless effort for Drohan, as his ERA sits at 0.00 on the season after 11 innings. SoxProspects.com Director of Scouting Ian Cundall attended the game and noted that Drohan hit 95 with his fastball while holding his velocity between 92-93 into the sixth inning. Currently ranked 12th in the system, Drohan is trying to prove he belongs in the top 10 with his dominant start to the season. Drohan also won the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week award. 

Photo Credit: David Hamilton by Kelly O'Connor

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