May 12, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Minor Notes: Eyanson debuts in Double-A; Valera out for the season
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SoxProspects.com May rankings update
There was quite a bit of movement in the first rankings update of the 2026 season, starting at the top of the system. Third-ranked prospect Connelly Early graduated from the SoxProspects.com rankings in style, as he threw seven shutout innings against the Rays last Friday, striking out eight batters. Early, a fifth-round pick in 2023, has been one of the most notable success stories of the Red Sox pitching development program over the last few seasons and he has a 3.16 ERA through 42 2/3 innings in Boston this season. Taking Early's place in the rankings was 2025 third-rounder Anthony Eyanson, who leapfrogged first-rounder Kyson Witherspoon. Other notable risers in the system include Yoeilin Cespedes (35th to 20th), Eduardo Rivera (33rd to 21st), and Yophery Rodriguez (55th to 36th). Prospects that dropped in the rankings include Allan Castro (16th to 24th), Nelly Taylor (23rd to 38th), and Ryan Watson (31st to 37th).
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Eyanson makes Sea Dogs debut
Fresh off his jump in the rankings, Anthony Eyanson made a successful debut in Portland on Sunday. He tossed four innings, allowing one run on three hits and a walk while striking out four batters. Eyanson received a quick promotion to Double-A after five electric starts in Greenville, which saw him allow just one run while striking out 34 batters in 20 1/3 innings. Eyanson has shown increased velocity this season and both his slider and curveball have potential to be above-average pitches.
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Valera undergoes Tommy John Surgery
Flamethrowing right-hander Juan Valera underwent Tommy John Surgery last Tuesday and he will miss the rest of the season. Valera flashed premium stuff in three starts with Greenville this season, striking out 17 batters in 9 1/3 innings. The 19-year-old Valera has had trouble staying healthy to start his professional career, as he missed more than half of last season with elbow soreness.
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Tolle starts for Red Sox on Mother's Day
After his scheduled start on Saturday was postponed, top prospect Payton Tolle took the mound on Mother's Day against the Rays last Sunday. It was an emotional start for Tolle, whose mother passed away two years ago, and Alex Speier of The Boston Globe spoke with Tolle about the profound impact that she has had on his life.
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Bennett optioned after two major league starts
With Sonny Gray returning to the rotation, left-hander Jake Bennett was optioned to Worcester on Friday. Bennett made two starts in his first taste of the major leagues, surrendering five runs in 10 1/3 innings, striking out four and walking four. He will return to Worcester, where he has been excellent this season, pitching to a 0.86 ERA with 16 strikeouts and three walks in 21 innings pitched.
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Additional transactions
- In addition to Gray, Justin Slaten returned from the injured list last week after a brief rehab assignment. Jack Anderson was optioned in his place after spending one day in the major league bullpen.
- Roman Anthony was placed on the injured list with a right wrist sprain, with Mickey Gasper recalled to take his place on the roster.
- 46th-ranked prospect Jojo Ingrassia was placed on the injured list by Greenville and Worcester transferred TJ Sikkema to the 60-day injured list with a left ankle sprain.
Where are they now?
Kyle Teel is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte on Tuesday as he works his way back from a hamstring injury that he sustained while playing for Team Italy during the World Baseball Classic. Teel, the Red Sox first-round pick in 2023, was impressive in his major league debut with the White Sox last season as he hit .273/.375/.411 in 78 games. Teel was sent to the White Sox as part of the Garrett Crochet trade in December 2024.
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Players of the Week May 4-10
4 G, 15 AB, 9 H, 2 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 3 R, 1 BB, .600/.588/1.467
After being held hitless in Portland's series opener against New Hampshire, Brannon (pictured, right) tormented the Fisher Cats in his next three games. Brannon earned the SoxProspects.com Player of the Day with his performances on Friday and Sunday, going 7 for 8 with three home runs and 11 RBI with a day off in between. Brannon's recent hot streak has pushed his season line to .359/.469/.897 through his first 12 games after returning from a hamate injury.
Dalvinson Reyes, RHP, Salem RidgeYaks
1 G, 0-0, 4 1/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K
Reyes was dominant against Delmarva on Friday, throwing 4 1/3 perfect innings while fanning five batters. Reyes threw 66% of his 56 pitches for strikes and generated 10 whiffs. In four appearances with the RidgeYaks this season, Reyes has pitched to a 4.85 ERA with 13 strikeouts and 10 walks in 13 innings.
Photo Credit: Anthony Eyanson and Brooks Brannon by Kelly O'Connor