Plus, some hardware for Marcelo Mayer.
Over the past month, Roman Anthony has built himself up into the most feared hitter in all of AAA. So why isn’t he in a Red Sox uniform? Roster construction is one issue, with the Sox having too many big league outfielders for just three spots (and remember: Masataka Yoshida still technically exists). Money is probably the biggest factor, as the Sox seem reluctant to start the clock on a player who seems reluctant to sign a team-friendly extension. But injuries have been somewhat of a factor as well. Earlier this month, Anthony suffered some shoulder inflammation that limited to the DH role. And now he’s dealing with a lower body issue after fouling a ball off his foot. The injury is not believed to be serious and the WooSox hope to have him back some time this week, but Anthony has not played since Friday. (Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic)
But regardless of Anthony’s stasis, we are now seeing some promotions in the Sox minor league system. Most notably, top-100 prospect Franklin Arias has been promoted to high-A Greenville after putting up an OPS over .800 to start the year in Salem. He’ll be joined on the drive from Virginia to South Carolina by pitcher Brandon Clarke, while pitcher Hayden Mullins will move from Greenville to Portland. (Chris Cotillo, MassLive)
And for as much as we’ve all been talking about Roman Anthony earning a promotion, Marcelo Mayer is pushing the conversation as well. He was just named the International League Player of the Month. (Lauren Campbell, MassLive)
But even without Marcelo and Roman, there’s plenty excitement on the Red Sox roster right now, as evidenced by the face that Jarren Duran just did the most exciting thing in baseball by stealing home. (Rob Bradford, WEEI)
And then Romy Gonzalez stole home, too, though in a way less cool manner, which Romy readily admits. (Adam London, NESN)