Red Sox Minor Lines: Brian Johnson has to leave early

Pawtucket W 11-5

Rusney Castillo: 4-5, 2 2B, 1 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI

Sam Travis: 1-5, 1 2B, 2 R, 1 K

Bryce Brentz: 2-5, 1 HR, 2 R, 2 RBI

Blake Swihart: 1-3, 2 BB, 2 R, 1 K

Deven Marrero: 2-5, 1 K

Brian Johnson: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Kyle Martin: 2.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Noe Ramirez: 1.2 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 1 K

First, the bad news. Johnson had to leave this game after just one inning of work after getting hit in the leg with a line drive. This just continues the awful luck suffered by the lefty throughout his career. As of this writing, it’s not clear how serious this injury is but it’s certainly a blow to the rotation depth for now. On the more positive side, Castillo and Brentz went deep...again. Both have been slugging all year, and Castillo in particular was impressive in this game. He is one of the most interesting players to watch this winter.

Portland W 6-1

Danny Mars: 2-5, 1 R

Michael Chavis: 1-4, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 K

Josh Ockimey: 2-4, 2 RBI, 1 K

Dedgar Jimenez: 6.2 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Ty Buttrey: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Another really strong start from Jimenez with a line with which it doesn’t seem possible that he allowed only one run. I’m not sure how he’s doing it, but it’s been happening all year and at a certain point you just have to give him the benefit of the doubt. I’m not sure we’re there yet with Jimenez, but we’re approaching that point.

Salem W 8-4 (F/10)

Tate Matheny: 0-4, 1 BB, 1 R

Mike Shawaryn: 5 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 7 K

It seems as if Shawaryn was a little too hittable in this game, though as I’ve said all year it’s hard to judge minor-league pitchers just by how many hits they allow considering the often subpar defense that is behind them. What is encouraging is the seven strikeouts and one walk, and it’s especially encouraging as he has appeared to be suffering from some fatigue in his last few outings. It’s turning out to be a strong year overall for the former Maryland ace.

Greenville L 2-5

Tyler Hill: 1-4, 1 R

Bobby Dalbec: 0-3, 1 BB, 2 K, 1 E

Darwinzon Hernandez: 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 5 K

This start for Hernandez was something of the anti-Shawaryn start, as he walked a few too many guys but only allowed the one hit. Like Shawaryn, it’s hard to call Hernandez anything other than impressive this season and he is one of the bigger breakout stars in the system for the year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him get a start or two in Salem before the year closes.

Lowell L 4-7

Frankie Rios: 2-4, 1 BB, 1 R, 1 RBI

Garrett Benge: 1-4, 1 R

Zach Sterry: 3-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI

GCL Red Sox L 5-6

Cole Brannen: 0-3, 2 BB, 2 K

Pedro Castellanos: 2-5, 2 2B, 2 R, 1 RBI

DSL Red Sox W 4-3 (F/12)

Keibert Petit: 1-3, 2 BB, 1 RBI