Minor Notes: Worcester's season ends as Red Sox cling to wild card spot

The 2025 season has officially concluded for all Red Sox minor league affiliates as Worcester's season came to an end on Sunday. The big league team is currently one game ahead of Cleveland and Houston, who are tied for the last wild card spot, and the Red Sox' exciting pitching depth has been a major factor in their postseason push. 

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Young left-handers fortify Red Sox pitching staff 

A trio of left-handed pitchers in Connelly Early, Kyle Harrison (pictured), and Payton Tolle have been recalled to the major league club in recent weeks and have provided a boost to a battered Red Sox pitching staff. Over the last week, Harrison made his first start with the Red Sox and delivered six innings of one-run ball against the Rays on Saturday night. Harrison struck out five and walked two while throwing 70% of his pitches for strikes in a much-needed excellent performance. Early made two starts in the last week, throwing 5 1/3 innings while allowing a run and striking out seven against the A's on Tuesday. The third start of Early's major league career was less dominant on Sunday night, as he allowed three runs (two earned) in four innings. However, the eighth-ranked prospect in the system has been impressive through his first 14 1/3 innings with Boston, as he has pitched to a 1.88 ERA with 22 strikeouts. The Red Sox have placed Tolle in the bullpen as they continue to monitor his innings in his first professional season. He has allowed two runs while striking out five batters through four innings in his first two relief appearances. 

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Perales makes two appearances in Worcester

In the last week of Worcester's season, Luis Perales was promoted to the Triple-A level for the first time as he continues to rehab from Tommy John Surgery. His first outing in Worcester was excellent as he struck out the side while throwing 10 of 11 pitches for strikes. However, he struggled with his control in his second appearance on Saturday as he walked two batters in 1/3 of an inning, both of whom came around to score. Perales will report to the Arizona Fall League to continue his rehab later this fall. 

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New podcast episode

In the latest episode of the SoxProspects.com podcast, Chris and Ian discussed the Red Sox' postseason hunt, the return of Luis Perales, and checked in on Kristian Campbell's recent performance in Worcester. 

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Additional transactions

• The Red Sox activated Wilyer Abreu from the injured list after the right fielder missed the last month with a calf strain. He made his return on Sunday night against the Rays and struck out four times in four plate appearances. To open up a space on the major league roster, the Red Sox designated Ali Sanchez for assignment. 
• Over the final week of the season, Worcester placed Trayce Thompson on the injured list with low back inflammation. They also placed Tyler Uberstine on the development list while activating Karson Simas and Enderso Lira from the development list. 

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Where are they now?

As the Red Sox fight for a postseason spot over the last week of the season, one former Red Sox who is likely to be a factor in the postseason is Mariners right-hander Eduard Bazardo. Bazardo has had an excellent season as a setup man in the AL West-leading Mariners' bullpen, pitching to a 2.34 ERA with 79 strikeouts and 26 walks in 77 innings pitched. Bazardo was initially signed by the Red Sox for $8,000 as an international free agent in 2014 and made 14 appearances in Boston between 2021 and 2022. 

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Players of the Week September 15-21

Nathan Hickey, 1B, Worcester Red Sox

6 G, 23 AB, 9 H, 3 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 1 R, 3 BB, 8 K, .391/.462/.652

Hickey closed out his season on a high note, as he hit nearly .400 over the final week of Worcester's season. Overall, Hickey slashed .234/.325/.408 with 17 home runs in 128 games with the WooSox this season. Hickey was drafted in the fifth round in 2021 and is eligible for the Rule 5 draft in the offseason. 

Tyler Uberstine, RHP, Worcester Red Sox 

1 G, 5 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K 

One of the biggest risers in the system over the 2025 season, Uberstine (pictured) delivered five shutout innings against Rochester in his final start of the season last Wednesday. In 19 starts after a promotion to Worcester, Uberstine pitched to a 3.56 ERA with 102 strikeouts in 91 innings pitched. He is also eligible for the Rule 5 draft and is a candidate to be added to the 40-man roster this winter. 

Photo Credit: Kyle Harrison and Tyler Uberstine by Kelly O'Connor 

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