June 27, 2023 at 1:00 PM
Minor Notes: Rafaela promoted to Worcester; three prospects attending Futures Game
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Podcast Episode #284
Chris and Ian released a new episode of the SoxProspects.com Podcast, where they discussed certain players they are higher or lower on than the fanbase. The players discussed in detail include Rafaela, Nick Yorke (pictured, below), Blaze Jordan, and Chase Meidroth.
Rafaela promoted to Worcester
After 131 games in Portland over two seasons, Rafaela got promoted to Worcester. He had turned things on lately, batting .341/.384/.533 over his last 135 at-bats. After a slow start to the year, he finished with a respectable .294/.332/.441 line in 60 games. He also added 30 steals while continuing to play excellent defense in center field.
Walter and Hamilton make MLB debuts
Two of the system's top 20 prospects made their major league debuts last week. Brandon Walter saved the bullpen with 6 2/3 innings against the Twins. He allowed three runs on six hits while walking three and striking out two. It was an encouraging outing for Walter, who has turned the corner of late with his performance. He got optioned to Worcester after the game, where he will look to build off of this outing.
David Hamilton also debuted against the Twins, going 1 for 9 with two steals over four games. Hamilton is getting some extended run at shortstop after Pablo Reyes got placed on the injured list with an abdominal strain.
Mayer, Yorke, and Drohan to participate in Futures Game
Marcelo Mayer, Yorke, and Shane Drohan will be playing in the All-Star Futures Game in Seattle. The game will take place on Saturday, July 8, at 7 p.m. ET. The full rosters are available here.
Red Sox acquire Scott from the Dodgers
The Red Sox acquired Tayler Scott from the Dodgers for cash considerations. Scott is a 31-year-old who was born in South Africa, and he has spent parts of three years in the majors. His career ERA of 10.75 over 34 1/3 innings is elevated, but he has also struck out over a batter per inning. Scott is on the 40-man and got optioned to Worcester. He throws his slider over half the time and has a sinker, four-seam fastball, and changeup.
Romero debuts
Mikey Romero, the 24th overall pick in the 2022 draft, started a rehab assignment in the FCL. He has been slowed by back stiffness since spring training but went 1 for 3 with a double in his first game. If all goes well with his health, he should be patrolling Salem's outfield shortly.
Other transactions
A few other transactions to note are Bobby Dalbec and Chris Murphy being recalled to Boston, Corey Rosier being promoted to Worcester and Yordanny Monegro getting promoted to Salem, and Jeremy Wu-Yelland continuing his comeback from Tommy John surgery as he started a rehab assignment in the FCL. Wu-Yelland made his first appearance since September 2021 last week.
Players of the Week
Johanfran Garcia, C/DH, FCL Red Sox
4 G, 15 AB, 8 H, 3 2B, 2 HR, 5 R, 5 RBI, 3 BB, 6 K, .533/.611/1.133
Garcia received Boston's third-highest signing bonus in the 2022 International Signing Period, and he has hit the ground running in his stateside debut. The younger brother of Red Sox minor league outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia, Johanfran is now batting .340/.441/.620 in 50 at-bats this season. The 18-year-old signed for $850,000 out of Venezuela and had a decent debut in the Dominican Summer League in 2022. He has moved up to 33rd in the system rankings, with the potential to move higher if he keeps playing like this. He is splitting time behind the plate with Brooks Brannon, giving the FCL Red Sox a formidable catching duo with two prospects in the top 40.
Yordanny Monegro, RHP, FCL Red Sox and Salem Red Sox
2 G, 1-0, 0.90 ERA, 10 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 17 K
It was a dominant week for Monegro, who fired five innings of one-run ball in the FCL on Monday. He got promoted to Salem mid-week, where he struck out 11 in five shutout innings in his debut. It was an electric first impression for the 20-year-old in Low-A, as his fastball was up to 97 while flashing a plus curveball. Monegro was under the radar heading into the season after pitching to a 7.36 ERA in 25 2/3 innings in the FCL last season. He received just a $35,000 signing bonus in 2020, which is a bargain based on the results so far this season. In 20 innings, he has struck out 31 while walking just four.
Photo Credit: Ceddanne Rafaela and Nick Yorke by Kelly O'Connor