Red Sox Minor Lines: Jason Groome starts again

Pawtucket W 8-0

Steve Selsky: 0-5, 3 K

Bryce Brentz: 2-4, 2 2B, 1 BB, 1 R, 1 K

Blake Swihart: 2-4, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI

Chandler Shepherd: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K

Jamie Callahan: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 2 K

It was a solid night for Swihart down in Triple-A, which isn’t something we’ve been able to say much in 2017. Part of that (though it’s tough to speculate on how big of a part) is due to a thumb injury that caused him to miss a chunk of time early in the year and is likely still affecting him. Whatever the reason, it hurts that the Red Sox haven’t had a surging Swihart to either push the performances of their major-league players or simply to call up. Swihart is now hitting .211/.255/.336 on the season. In better news, a couple of potential major-league relievers had nice days.

Portland L 5-6

Danny Mars: 0-4, 1 BB

Rafael Devers: 0-5, 1 K

Michael Chavis: 1-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 K

Josh Tobias: 0-3, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 E

Teddy Stankiewicz: 6 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, 4 K

Overall, it wasn’t a terrible day for the SeaDogs offense, but almost none of that production came from players of note. Of the hitters listed above, though, Tobias is the only one who is really struggling right now and he’s probably the least likely to be a major leaguer. The other three are certainly allowed to have less-than-exciting days, particularly Chavis who just got started in Double-A.

Salem W 6-3

Tate Matheny: 1-4, 1 R

Austin Rei: 2-4, 2 2B, 2 R, 1 RBI

Every time Rei goes through a stretch in which it looks like it’s time to think about writing him off, he turns it around just in time. He’s certainly not on fire of late, but he’s hitting the ball decently well. After a strong game on Saturday, the catcher is hitting .241/.330/.397 and I still have no idea what to think of the former third round pick.

Greenville W 5-4 (F/10)

Tyler Hill: 3-5, 2 R, 1 K, 1 SB

Roldani Baldwin: 1-4, 1 BB, 1 RBI, 1 K

Hill had been struggling a little bit of late, but could be ready to go on yet another hot streak after a big game on Saturday. This was his first multi-hit game since the first week of June, and while he stole his 21st base of the season it was only his third swiped bag of the month.

Lowell L 2-9

Aneury Tavarez: 1-4, 1 3B, 1 E

Yoan Aybar: 1-4, 1 3B, 1 R, 1 K

Jason Groome: 3.2 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K

Originally, the plan was for Groome to make two rehab starts in Lowell before re-joining Greenville’s roster for the rest of the season. However, after his first start was shortened by rain and the second start was fine but not overly impressive, one has to wonder if he’ll get another start in short-season ball. This isn’t a major concern long-term, but it sure would be nice to see Groome against Sally League competition at some point soon.

DSL Red Sox W 7-0

Willis Figueroa: 3-5, 1 3B, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 K

Alexander Martinez: 2-4, 1 3B, 1 BB, 2 RBI, 1 K, 1 CS

Marcos Martinez: 1-3, 1 2B, 1 BB, 2 R, 1 RBI