May 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM
Minor Notes: Azocar, Andujar highlight late May promotions
-----
Tyron Guerrero recalled
Fireballing right-hander Tyron Guerrero (previously incorrectly known as Tayron Guerrero) had his contract purchased by the major league club on Friday after seven dominant weeks in Worcester. The 6-foot-8 Guerrero has been touching 102 on the radar gun with the WooSox, where he allowed just two runs in 19 2/3 innings (0.92 ERA) while striking out 22 batters. Guerrero was originally signed by the San Diego Padres back in 2008, reaching the majors with the club for one game in 2016. He was dealt to the Marlins along with Andrew Cashner and Colin Rea at the 2016 deadline in a seven-player deal that sent Luis Castillo and Josh Naylor to the Padres. Guerrero was a regular part of the Miami bullpen in 2018 and 2019, appearing in 112 games but struggling to a 5.91 ERA. He bounced around the minors thereafter, going through the White Sox, Reds, and Angels systems before spending 2025 with Japan's Chiba Lotte Marines. After getting a long look in spring training, Guerrero quickly found himself in the good graces of Worcester manager Chad Tracy. To make room for him on the roster, Zack Kelly was optioned back to Worcester and Kutter Crawford was transferred to the 60-day injured list.
The Red Sox made another bullpen move on Sunday, optioning Tyler Samaniego to Worcester and activating Danny Coulombe from the IL. Samaniego, ranked 17th in the system, appeared in 18 games with the big club, posting a 1.04 ERA.
Azocar highlights minor league moves
The Red Sox marked the Memorial Day weekend milestone with a round of promotions. Three promotions that had been rumored since Sunday were made official on Tuesday as outfielder Enddy Azocar and catcher Luke Heyman move up from Salem to Greenville, while shortstop Louis Andujar follows on the ladder to Salem up from the FCL Sox:
- Azocar is the most notable prospect of the group. Signed for just $40,000 as an International Free Agent out of Venezuela, Azocar generated buzz with a strong showing in 2025 spring training and then with a hot start to his pro career. After scuffling some with his promotion to Salem last year, Azocar was assigned to the level to star the 2026 campaign, and proved ready for the challenge. In 39 games with the RidgeYaks, Azocar hit .295/.344/.530 with six homers and a system-leading 15 doubles. He is currently ranked 12th in the system.
- Joining him in Greenville will be Luke Heyman, acquired in the offseason for pitcher Alex Hoppe. Heyman's slash line of .218/.383/.420 did not jump off the page, but he boasted strong peripherals with a .202 Isolated slugging and a walk rate over 20 percent. Heyman is currently ranked at #31 in the system.
- Louis Andujar has been a breakout player in the first month down in Fort Myers. Like Azocar, Andujar was not a high-bonus signing, getting only $20,000 out of the Dominican in January 2025. He had a strong showing in the DSL last season and was outstanding in to kick off the 2026 Complex League season. In 15 games, he went 21 for 52 with three home runs, eight doubles, and 14 runs scored, good for a .404/.483/.731 slash line.
- Swapping places with Heyman, catcher Adonys Guzman will shift from Greenville to Salem. Acquired as part of the trade that brought Samaniego and Johan Oviedo to Boston, Guzman was 17 for 74 (.230) with three homers with the Drive.
- Tyler Uberstine began a rehab assignment in Greenville on Tuesday. The right-hander made his major league debut in early April but has been on the shelf for a little over a month with shoulder soreness.
News and Notes
- Left-handed hurler Devin Futrell was the subject of a new profile from SoxProspects.com Feature Writer Andrew Parker. Topics discussed included his offseason preparation, readiness to start the season strong, and a recent promotion to Greenville.
- Alex Speier of The Boston Globe checked in with two top graduates in the Class of 2025. On Thursday, the subject was Roman Anthony, the game's top overall prospect a year ago, who has had an uneven and frustrating start to 2026, in large part due to the injury bug. He also profiled Marcelo Mayer, the team's top draft pick in 2021 who finally got the chance to make his first start of the season at shortstop on Sunday.
Podcast Triple Threat
Chris was back from the Dalmatian coast and back on the pod for Episode #415 with Ian and Mike. They discussed Ian's notes from his scouting excursion through Worcester and Portland last week, as well as some players who may be lining up for a promotion.
-----
Players of the Week May 18-24
Franklin Arias, SS, Portland Sea Dogs
5 G, 9-21, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R, 1 3B, 1 BB, 2 K
The 20-year-old emerged from his first mini-slump of the season to win his second Player of the Week honor of the system. Homerless for the first three weeks of May, Arias went deep twice in Portland's 2-1 win on Friday against Reading. He followed that up with another round tripper on Saturday and a triple on Sunday. Currently ranked second in the system, Arias seems primed to be elevated to the top slot when Payton Tolle officially graduates from prospect status.
Blake Wehunt, RHP, Portland Sea Dogs
1 GS, 1-0, 0 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 11 K, .222 OBA, 1.000 WHIP
It was stiff competition for the big right-hander, who lost out to teammate Anthony Eyanson for the Eastern League Player of the Week recognition. Wehunt dominated Reading in Thursday's start, firing five scoreless innings while striking out 11 of the 18 batters he faced. It his the second consecutive scoreless outing and it gives him 20 punchouts against only four walks across three May starts. The 2023 ninth-round pick out of Kennesaw State is currently ranked 18th in the system.
Photo Credit: Enddy Azocar by Kelly O'Connor