Minor Notes: Red Sox clinch postseason berth; Arias named Eastern League MVP

The 2026 season is officially over for Boston's minor league affiliates, as Worcester's campaign ended via rainout on Sunday after being eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday. The big club, meanwhile, clinched a postseason berth for the second straight year despite dropping Sunday's series finale to Tampa Bay. To make that happen, they received some help from the grandson of a franchise legend.

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Yastrzemski helps Red Sox clinch

With a go-ahead three-run home run in the sixth inning of Sunday's 4-2 win over the Astros, Braves outfielder Mike Yastrzemski, the grandson of Red Sox legend Carl Yastrzemski, helped the Red Sox clinch a spot in the postseason. Boston now leads Houston, on the outside looking in, by seven games for the second American League Wild Card spot with six games remaining. The White Sox and Blue Jays sit between the two teams in the standings. 

Yastrzemski's homer allowed the Red Sox to celebrate inside the visitors' clubhouse at Tropicana Field on Sunday afternoon. After Monday's off day, Boston opens a six-game homestand against the Guardians and Cubs at Fenway Park beginning Tuesday night. They currently trail the Yankees by 5 1/2 games for the top American League Wild Card spot.

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Rehabbers in Worcester

Potential pitching reinforcements were getting work in at Polar Park last week. Johan Oviedo, sidelined since late March with a right flexor strain, made a rehab start for Worcester on Thursday. In 2 1/3 innings against Durham, the 28-year-old allowed one earned run on two hits, one walk, and four strikeouts. He threw 30 pitches (20 strikes), generating three whiffs and averaging 95.9 mph with his fastball.

Fellow righty Tanner Houck, working his way back from Tommy John surgery, made two relief appearances for Worcester against Durham. Working 4 1/3 total innings, the 30-year-old allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits, one walk, and five strikeouts. He threw 42 pitches (28 strikes) on Saturday, generating eight whiffs and averaging 93.2 mph with his heater.

Kutter Crawford (right wrist surgery) was scheduled to make a rehab appearance for Worcester on Sunday before the game was rained out. Garrett Crochet (left shoulder inflammation), meanwhile, threw roughly 20 pitches in a side session on Saturday.

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Arias named Eastern League's MVP, Top MLB Prospect

Franklin Arias (pictured, top left) was named 2026 Eastern League MVP and Top MLB Prospect on Monday. The 20-year-old infielder batted .318/.407/.587 with 19 home runs and 52 RBI in 75 games (332 plate appearances) for Portland before being promoted to Worcester in late July. Anthony Eyanson, who the Red Sox sent to the Orioles as part of the Adley Rutschman trade, was recognized as the Eastern League's Pitcher of the Year.

In addition to Arias and Eyanson, Brooks Brannon was also named a 2026 Eastern League All-Star. The 22-year-old first baseman slashed .280/.355/.560 with a career-high 22 home runs and 70 RBI in 93 games (398 plate appearances) for Portland this season.

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Arizona Fall League contingent revealed

Rosters for the 2026 Arizona Fall League, which begins on October 3, were revealed last week. The Red Sox will be sending a group of eight to play for the Mesa Solar Sox: Mason White, Antonio Anderson, Nazzan Zanetello, Harry Blum, Madinson Frias, Nicholas Judice, Trennor O'Donnell, and Caden Vire.

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New podcast

On the latest episode of the podcast, Chris and Ian celebrate the 23rd anniversary of the launch of SoxProspects.com and look ahead to the Red Sox' potential playoff roster against the Yankees in the Wild Card round. Be sure to check it out wherever you get your podcasts.

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Players of the Week for September 14-20:

Allan Castro, OF, Worcester Red Sox

5 G, 19 AB, 8 H, 4 R, 3 2B, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 2 BB, .421/.455/1.053

Castro (pictured, right) ended his season on a high note, homering twice on Wednesday and driving in a career-high seven runs on Friday. The 23-year-old switch-hitter batted .289/.354/.482 with 11 doubles, seven home runs, 36 RBI, 28 runs scored, three stolen bases, 19 walks, and 27 strikeouts in 44 games (189 plate appearances) for Worcester following July's All-Star break. He is slated to become a minor league free agent in the coming weeks.  

Michael Sansone, LHP, Worcester Red Sox

1 GS, 1-0, 6.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, .053 OBA

Sansone turned in a strong final start of the season on Friday. The 26-year-old lefty spent much of 2026 being shuttled between Portland and Worcester, finishing with a 5.74 ERA and a 93:44 strikeout-to-walk ratio across 25 outings (17 starts) and a career-high 111 1/3 innings. Like Castro, Sansone is in line to become a minor league free agent this winter.  

Photo Credit: Franklin Arias and Allan Castro by Kelly O'Connor

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