Minor Notes: Worcester adds Campbell; Hill signs minor-league deal

Last week's top story was the system's three top prospects moving to Triple-A. This week, the fifth-ranked prospect is set to join them. After a power surge over the last two weeks, Kristian Campbell (pictured, right) will see if the International League poses more of a challenge.

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Campbell promoted to Worcester

Chase Ford of Milb Central reported on Sunday that Kristian Campbell got promoted to Triple-A. Campbell's Double-A tenure lasted only 10 weeks as he slashed .362/.463/.582 over 213 at-bats. The power came on over his last 10 games when he slugged .725 with four home runs and two triples. He joins a loaded Worcester roster that will include six of the system's top 15 prospects. With Roman Anthony, Marcelo Mayer, Vaughn Grissom, and Chase Meidroth seeing time up the middle defensively, it will be interesting to see how playing time shakes out among this talented group. 

Hendriks begins rehab assignment

Liam Hendriks made the next step in his comeback from Tommy John surgery. He pitched a scoreless inning for the WooSox on Sunday, and his rehab is expected to be transferred to Portland with the Sea Dogs playing at home this week while Worcester is on the road. His fastball averaged just under 95 mph in his first game back. 

Hill signs eighth contract with the Red Sox

Boston signed Rich Hill to a minor-league deal, and the 44-year-old left-hander will report to Worcester. Hill's first contract with Boston was in 2010 when Theo Epstein was the General Manager. He figures to be a factor in either the big league bullpen or rotation this season after ramping up in the minor leagues. 

Smith designated for assignment; Casas activated

With Triston Casas ready to come off the injured list, the Red Sox designated Dominic Smith for assignment. After a tough May that saw him hit under .200, Smith rebounded to hit .256/.335/.441 from June 1 through August 15. Casas had a .954 OPS in his 11 games with the WooSox. 

Churning the bullpen

Boston made a handful of moves to reinforce its bullpen with Brennan Bernardino and Greg Weissert joining the major league squad, while Bailey Horn and Chase Shugart got optioned to Worcester. Additionally, Cam Booser went on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation. 

Infielder movement

After brief stints in Boston, Enmanuel Valdez and Nick Sogard were optioned to Worcester. Joining them is Jamie Westbrook, who was outrighted to Triple-A after being designated for assignment on August 12. To make room, Tyler McDonough got moved to Portland. 

Drohan returns to action

Shane Drohan was a Rule 5 pick of the White Sox in December 2023 and was returned to Boston in June 2024. He was placed on the development list shortly after but got activated last week before his start on Tuesday with the WooSox. Ian Cundall was at the game and noted his fastball was 91-94, though he did struggle with his control and walked four over 3 2/3 innings. 

Salem adds Ayubi, Bickerstaff, and Kilander

Salem added a trio of players for its stretch run. Right-handers Griffin Kilander and Calvin Bickerstaff were part of the 2024 draft class. Kilander was a 16th-round pick out of Wayne State, while Bickerstaff signed as an undrafted free agent out of Kent State. Karim Ayubi is an outfielder who played in 38 games with the FCL Red Sox this year. He hit just .198 but coupled that with an impressive .398 on-base percentage. 

Landry, Denlinger, and Jerez released

Nathan Landry, Theo Denlinger, and Luis Jerez were released after posting disappointing results in 2024. Landry, a 15th-round 2022 pick out of Missouri, was named the Red Sox Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Month in April 2023. He did not allow a run over 10 1/3 innings with Salem and was quickly promoted to Greenville. He struggled with the Drive in 2023 and 2024, posting an ERA of 5.24 this year.

Denlinger was acquired from the White Sox in exchange for Franklin German in February 2023. He posted solid results with the Sea Dogs in 2023 but struggled upon his promotion to Worcester. He opened the 2024 season in Portland but had an ERA of 5.53 at the time of his release. 

Jerez was born in Cuba and received an $18,000 signing bonus. After a good showing in the DSL in 2023, he came stateside in 2024 but posted an ERA of 5.09 in the FCL. 

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Players of the Week for August 12-18

Nathan Hickey, C/DH, Portland Sea Dogs

4 G, 13 AB, 5 H, 4 2B, 0 HR, 4 R, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 5 K, .385/.529/.692

This was Hickey's first week back with Portland after being moved down from Worcester to make room for Kyle Teel. The 24-year-old did not miss a beat, doubling four times in only 13 at-bats. Hickey struggled to a .211/.339/.398 line with the WooSox, with a strikeout percentage of 31.4. Before this season in Worcester Hickey had hit at every stop in the minors, and the Red Sox will hope that more consistent playing time with the Sea Dogs will get him back on track. Hickey is ranked 40th in the system, though he opened the year ranked 17. 

Blake Wehunt, RHP, Greenville Drive

1 G, 1-0, 5 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K

Wehunt (pictured, above) went five innings and did not allow a hit for the second time this season as he collected his second Pitcher of the Week award. The SoxProspects.com Pitcher of the Month in May, Wehunt went through a rough patch over his first nine starts with the Drive as he adjusted to the High-A competition. Friday's performance lowered his ERA in Greenville from 5.40 to 4.80, with 49 strikeouts in 45 innings. Ranked 33rd in the system, the 6-foot-7 right-hander will look to build on this start to end the season strong. 

Photo Credit: Kristian Campbell and Blake Wehunt by Kelly O'Connor

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