Minor Notes: Number one prospect Roman Anthony called up, makes MLB debut

It was one of the more exciting days for the Red Sox organization in recent years, as their number one prospect was given the call, joining Marcelo Mayer and Kristian Campbell in the show. Another pitching prospect also got the call for the first time. 

 

Roman Anthony makes MLB debut

The top prospect in all of baseball, 21-year old Roman Anthony (pictured, left), was called up by the Red Sox yesterday and made his big league debut. MassLive's Chris Cotillo first floated the call-up as a possibility before MassLive's Katie Morrison O'Day confirmed the news. Anthony took the place of Wilyer Abreu, who was placed on the IL with a left oblique strain. That meant that Anthony was playing right field, a position he had only played four times this year in Triple-A. He hit fifth in the Boston batting order, in front of Campbell and Mayer. Anthony showed off his ability to hit the ball extremely hard in his second at-bat, roping a 111.2 mph line drive off the pitcher. Unfortunately for Anthony, the ball went right to the third baseman, keeping him hitless in his first game. Despite the 0-for-4 debut, he did draw his first career MLB walk, while also driving in his first run. 

 

New podcast episode 

The hottest topic surrounding the Red Sox these days is centered around Anthony, and Chris and Ian hop on the 365th edition of the SoxProspects podcast to rant about him still being with Worcester (I think the Red Sox listened). They also discuss other related roster issues and decisions, as well as answering several email questions about Blaze Jordan, MLB development, and more. 

 

Jordan, Rivera named May Players of the Month

Speaking of Jordan, he was just named the SoxProspects.com Player of the Month for May. For the month, Jordan hit .390/.490/.671 with six home runs in 98 plate appearances. Left-handed pitcher Eduardo Rivera was also named the May Pitcher of the Month. In the month, he posted a 2.50 ERA across 18 innings. Read more here. 

 

June rankings update 

The newest SoxProspects.com top 60 prospects list is officially live, with several notable changes. Kristian Campbell has graduated, meaning Marcelo Mayer now occupies the second spot behind Anthony. Franklin Arias, who has had a tremendous season so far, is bumped up to third. Payton Tolle, the Sox' second round pick last summer, has jumped into the top five after his dominant start to the season on the mound. Jordan, Yordanny Monegro, Enddy Azocar, Tyler Uberstine, Zach Ehrhard, and Freili Encarnacion also make sizable leaps in the rankings. Check out the full list at the SoxProspects.com homepage. 

 

Transactions

After pitching against the Yankees on Sunday Night Baseball, Robert Stock was designated for assignment. The 35-year old righty had been pitching well for Worcester with a 3.09 ERA in 55 1/3 frames. The team also designated first baseman Ryan Noda for assignment after 13 games with Worcester. In addition to Anthony, Brian Van Belle (pictured, right) was also called up by Boston. More on Noda and Van Belle later, as they were named the Players of the Week. 

 

To fill the vacant spots on the Triple-A roster, the Sox moved right-handed pitcher Gabriel Jackson and outfielder Corey Rosier up to the WooSox. Jackson will make his Triple-A debut, while Rosier saw time with Worcester in 2023 and 2024. 

 

SoxProspects donation drive

Our annual donation drive is open, and we are looking for your help to raise $10,000 to keep SoxProspects.com running and free. As always, we greatly appreciate everyone reading, listening, and posting on forums!

 

Where are they now?

Former Red Sox top prospect Kyle Teel was just called up by the White Sox and made his MLB debut on Friday. He picked up his first career hit in his first game, a line drive single to left field. He also went 2 for 4 in his second game. Teel was drafted 14th overall by the Red Sox in 2023 out of the University of Virginia. He was dealt to Chicago in the Garrett Crochet trade. 

 

Speaking of former Red Sox prospects who now play for the White Sox, Chase Meidroth is having a terrific rookie campaign for Chicago. In 42 games, the infielder is hitting .300/.386/.373 (118 OPS+) with seven extra-base hits, eight stolen bases, and more walks (21) than strikeouts (20). He has seen action at second base and shortstop, and has been worth 1.7 bWAR so far this year. 

 

Players of the Week for June 3 - June 8

 

Ryan Noda, 1B, Worcester Red Sox

5 G, 15 AB, 6 H, 2 2B, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 1 SB, 5 BB, 4 K, .400/.571/1.133

 

Noda was tremendous in 13 games with Worcester. He hit .378/.519/.703 with three home runs and 13 RBI across 54 plate appearances. The 29-year old was acquired from the Angels for cash considerations in May and has gave the Sox some Triple-A depth at first base. 

 

Brian Van Belle, RHP, Worcester Red Sox

1 G, 1-0, 7 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K

 

The Red Sox needed a fresh arm in their bullpen, and Van Belle more than deserved the spot. The 28-year old righty has been great for the WooSox this season, posting a 2.29 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in 51 innings. He has 41 strikeouts and only seven walks. Van Belle has worked his way through the system after being signed as a undrafted free agent in June of 2020 after pitching at Miami. 

 

Photo Credit: Roman Anthony and Brian Van Belle by Kelly O'Connor 

 

 

 

 

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