Minor Notes: Scouting reports galore, Dobbins shines in second Boston start

Another full week of Minor League Baseball is in the books as more of Boston's top prospects gain their footing as we approach the end of April. On the mound, several hurlers turned heads both in the minor leagues as well as contributing to the Red Sox, while several big league mainstays work their way back

from injuries. 

Scouting report updates

Last week, Ian Cundall released a trio of updated scouting reports for a handful of Boston prospects as they showcase their early season success. The first report of the week included infielder Mikey Romero (pictured) as well as starting pitchers Juan Valera and Brandon Clarke, who have both garnered more attention due to their impressive starts. The second edition of the reports highlighted pitchers Payton Tolle, Brady Tygart, and Blake Aita, who all made their pro ball debuts this week. The latest scouting report focused on Justin Gonzales, Jojo Ingrassia, and Enddy Azocar. 

Dobbins impresses in second Major League start

After making his Major League debut in a win against the Cardinals in early April, Hunter Dobbins was called into action again in Boston following the placement of Richard Fitts on the injured list due to a pectoral strain. Dobbins was recalled on Friday to start against the White Sox, where he appeared in and won his second big league game. 

In Boston's 10-3 over Chicago, Dobbins recorded his first career quality start. The right-hander pitched six innings, allowing three hits, two runs (one earned) with no walks and six strikeouts on 79 pitches while generating 11 whiffs. Across his two starts, Dobbins has pitched 11 innings to a 2.45 ERA along with adding 11 strikeouts. Dobbins was eventually optioned back to Worcester in the corresponding move for Liam Hendricks, but has established himself as an important arm to lean on when depth is short in Boston.  

A bat flip for the ages

Greenville's 10-9 extra-inning victory on Saturday night was impressive in its own right as the team rallied from a seven-run deficit to force extras and scored two runs in the 10th inning to prolong the game before walking it off in the 11th. 

Amid the walkoff single by Andy Lugo, the 21-year-old infielder may have found himself trending across baseball social media circles when he checked his phone postgame. After roping the game-winning hit to center field and as the broadcast camera was following the travel path of the ball, Lugo's bat could be seen launched into the air before the scene shifted to the ensuing celebration on the field.    

Transactions

• With much of Boston's pitching depth beginning to return from preseason injuries, Michael Fulmer, who had pitched for Worcester early in the season was designated for assignment on Friday and eventually outrighted. The right-hander elected free agency, ending his time with the Red Sox. Fulmer appeared in three games this season with the WooSox, pitching 11 2/3 innings. 
• According to reports, Brayan Bello appears to be making his next pitching appearance in Boston on Tuesday after starting the season on the injured list with a banged up shoulder. Bello made four rehab starts across Portland and Worcester in recent weeks, striking out 21 in 14 innings. 
• Liam Hendriks made his triumphant return to the Major Leagues after a nearly two-year absence on Sunday as he battled cancer and Tommy John surgery recovery. Hendricks appeared in three games between Worcester and Portland and threw three scoreless innings while also renting a taco truck to feed both the Sea Dogs and their opponent.

Where are they now?

• In a Boston-centric roster move, former Red Sox first baseman and current member of the Chicago White Sox Bobby Dalbec was recalled from AAA to replace former Boston prospect Chase Meidroth who was placed on the 10-day IL prior to Chicago's final meeting of the season with the Red Sox on Monday morning. In Monday morning's game, Andrew Benintendi homered off of Aroldis Chapman in the eighth inning in Boston's 4-2 win over Chicago. 

Players of the Week

Abraham Toro, IF, Worcester

It was a monster week at the plate for the WooSox bats, with seven players posting an OPS up over 1.000 and another driving in 13 runs. For the second straight week, Toro was the best of the bunch. The 28-year-old veteran gored Rochester pitching with a 10-for-23 line that included seven runs scored, three doubles, a triple, a homer, and five walks. The effort brings his season line through 18 games to .344/.429/.594. 

Connelly Early, LHP, Portland Sea Dogs 

2 G, 1-0, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 14 K

With pitching prospects dazzling across the Boston affiliates, Early was the latest to continue a stellar start to the year on the mound. The 2023 fifth-round pick turned in a pair of appearances on the mound in Hartford where he was nearly untouchable. The University of Virginia product picked up the win on Tuesday after pitching four impressive innings, allowing his lone run of the week while striking out eight. In his second outing of the week, he relieved the rehabbing Lucas Giolito and tossed three scoreless frames adding in six strikeouts. Through 10 2/3 innings this season, Early has allowed a single earned run and sports an 18.5 K/9.  

Photo Credit: Mikey Romero by Kelly O'Connor

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