Final Callup
Contributing Writer
The Boston Red Sox have activated three minor league players, who will be ready for Tuesday against the Orioles; Steven Wright, Brayan Villarreal, and Brock Holt.
This brings the active roster to 36 players.
Steven Wright (RHP), our last flutterballer, is 2-0 with a 5.40 ERA over 4 appearances with the Red Sox this year. At Triple-A Pawtucket he did not allow an earned run in 11 innings during Pawtucket’s postseason run. His last appearance for the Red Sox was a start against Houston where he was uncatchable by Ryan Lavarnway. It would have been nice this time around to call up his Triple-A catcher so that he would not have to worry about his dancing pitches baffling the Red Sox catchers. Either way, looking forward to see him make a solid appearance and to watch that knuckleball dance.
Brayan Villarreal (RHP), was acquired in the trade that sent shortstop Jose Iglesias to Detroit. He appeared once for the Red Sox, walking the only batter he faced on Aug. 20. In 39 minor league outings between Pawtucket, Single-A Lowell and Detroit’s Triple-A Toledo, the 26-year-old was 2-3 with two saves and a 2.60 mark. Villarreal has struck out 86 batters in 75 innings in the majors which is extremely promising for relief efforts leading up to the postseason.
Both pitchers will be getting a chance to prove themselves down the stretch to the postseason, most likely when the Red Sox have sewn up their pennant race.
Brock Holt is making his third appearance with Boston this season and can play both second base and third base. He hit .203 with 11 RBIs and had a stolen base in 23 games this year. One can assume he will be given a chance to backfill these two positions once the postseason is secured, giving the regulars a chance to rest up a bit.
Barring sudden illness or injury, these players will only be on display through the final weeks of the regular season so enjoy them while you can.
Post a comment or via twitter @ericschabell with your thoughts.
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