Red Sox Minor Lines: Blake Swihart is back in action

Pawtucket L 4-6

Rusney Castillo: 2-4, 1 2B, 1 K

Sam Travis: 1-3, 1 BB, 2 RBI

Bryce Brentz: 0-4, 2 K

Deven Marrero: 1-4, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI

Robby Scott: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Pretty underwhelming day overall for Pawtucket, with Castillo being the one standout on the day. This gives me a chance to address the question of whether or not he can be an option off the bench next year after the luxury tax penalties reset. He has been very good this year, and there are real changes such as hitting the ball in the air more. On the other hand, the Red Sox really don’t want to be stuck with that contract on the books if he busts. So, in short: I have no idea. My final answer is maybe.

Portland W 11-10

Michael Chavis: 2-4, 1 2B, 1 HR, 1 BB, 3 R, 3 RBI, 1 K

Danny Mars: 2-4, 1 RBI, 1 K

Teddy Stankiewicz: 3.1 IP, 8 H, 9 R, 2 BB, 2 K

Chavis just continues to hit in what has been an incredible year. We’re at the point where we start to think about next year, and I’m really curious what the plan will be with him. They are supposedly going to start getting him time at first base, but the timing is curious with Josh Ockimey just getting called up to Portland. Either way, that certainly seems like the most likely spot at which he can contribute for the Red Sox, and it’s at the point where they have to start thinking about that sort of thing. Anyway, that home run gave him 27 on the season which ties him for the most in the minor leagues. Ho hum.

Salem PPD

Greenville W 6-3

Tyler Hill: 1-5, 1 RBI, 1 K, 1 SB

Roldani Baldwin: 1-5, 1 2B, 3 K

Bobby Dalbec: 1-4, 1 2, 2 K

Brett Netzer: 2-4, 1 R, 1 K

Lowell G1 L 4-6

Michael Osinksi: 1-4, 2 K

Yoan Aybar: 0-2, 1 RBI

Zach Sterry: 0-1, 2 BB

Jake Thompson: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 0 BB, 2 K

Lowell G2 W 2-1

Michael Osinski: 1-4

Alexander Martinez: 2-2, 1 2B, 1 3B, 1 BB, 1 R

Thursday marked the professional debut for Thompson, the team’s fourth round pick. The former Oregon State star didn’t put up the best line, but according to Ian Cundall of Sox Prospects the damage came on some weak contact. As I’ve been saying with Houck, the results are really not what matter for someone just starting their professional career.

GCL Red Sox L 2-3

Blake Swihart: 0-2, 1 BB, 1 K

Rio Gomez: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K

Hey, look who I found? Swihart is finally back in action making his first rehab appearance down on the complex. It wasn’t a great day, of course, but at least he’s back in action. Clearly there is still some recovery to be had, though, as he’s still not playing defense. Swihart handled DH duties in this game.

DSL Red Sox L 3-4

Willis Figueroa: 0-3, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 1 K

Yasel Santana: 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 4 K