Boston Red Sox Giving Ryan Brasier A Much Deserved Shot After All-Star Start For PawSox, Cuevas Also Recalled

After posting a 1.34 ERA in 40.1 innings and not allowing an earned run in his last 22 outings, Ryan Brasier is getting his shot in Boston.

On Sunday morning with both Cristian Vasquez and Brian Johnson landing on the disabled list, Boston selected the contract of Brasier from Pawtucket, and recalled William Cuevas.

Brasier who is 30-years-old has 9 innings of Major League experience coming with the Los Angeles Angels back in 2013. After undergoing Tommy John and sitting out the entirety of the 2014 season and much of 2015 Brasier bounced back in Triple-A in 2016. With no Major League looks coming though Brasier decided to go to Japan in 2017 before coming back to the States to join the Boston Red Sox organization prior to the 2018 season.

Brasier was named an International League All-Star a few weeks ago and has served as the “closer” for the PawSox this season being lights out in the late innings. It is not shocking that Boston is finally giving him a go in the Majors given their late inning struggles. It is unclear how Brasier’s success will translate in Boston but it is certainly worth trying.

As for the Cuevas recall, this is his second stint in Boston this season with his first being a 2-day stint between July 2nd and the 4th. Cuevas appeared in one game with 2 innings of work allowing 2 base hits and an earned run.

At the moment it is unclear how long Boston will carry an extra pitcher. Cuevas provides them length in the absence of Johnson while Brasier is a relative unknown but could provide much needed back end help.

Take A Look At The New Paw Sox Outfielder Jordan Wren

On July 3rd, the Boston Red Sox signed free agent outfielder Jordan Wren to a minor league contract. He was then assigned to AAA Pawtucket the following day when he made his debut against the Rochester Red Wings that night. This was after he war released by Colorado Springs, the AAA affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers on June 26th. To make room for him on the roster, the team released Ramon Flores.

In his time with Colorado Springs this season, he played well in 47 games. In those 47 games, he hit .294 with 2 home runs and 28 RBI’s. In his minor league career, he has hit .295 with 12 home runs, and 235 RBI’s. This is in 624 games. He has yet to make his major league debut.

What Kind Of Player Is Wren?

Prior to Friday nights home game for the Pawtucket Red Sox against the Scranton Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Paw Sox manager Kevin Boles talked about Wren and what kind of player he is and what he has seen from him. He also pointed out that he has only seen him play in one game.

“Quality defender, can play all three (outfield positions). He’s a guy that can steal a base. Throughout his career, if you look at it, he’s a .290-.300 hitter. We faced a left handed pitcher the other day. He got a couple walks I believe in that game. He played a good center field the other day, I will say that. He moved around pretty good.” -Kevin Boles

That seems exactly like the type of player he is. A good defender who can steal you a base when you need it. What is shocking about Wren is that he hasn’t made his major league debut yet. He has hit for a really good average at the AAA level. Usually that and being a good defender, will give you a chance to play at the major league level as a fourth outfielder at one point or another.

It will be interesting to see if Wren plays well enough to get the call up to Boston in September as an extra guy off the bench who could steal a base or come in as a defensive replacement later in the game. This is definitely an upgrade in the Paw Sox outfield over Ramon Flores. With the Red Sox having a weak minor league system, this addition could actually help them at the major league level. An upgrade over Flores, who actually has major league experience.

Pawtucket Red Sox Offense Shut Down In Loss To Red Wings

The Pawtucket Red Sox dropped the second game of their four game home and home series with the Rochester Red Wings on Tuesday night by a score of 2 to 1.

The only run of the night came on a ninth inning home run by Red Sox prospect Tzu-Wei Lin. However it wasn’t like the Paw Sox didn’t have chances to score in this one. The Paw Sox left 11 runners stranded on base in this game and hit 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position. That formula will keep any team from winning ball games.

Chandler Shepher Labored

Chandler Shepherd started tonight’s game for Paw Sox and he labored through 4 and 1/3 innings of work tonight. In those 4 and 1/3 innings, he gave up two runs on nine hits while striking out five batters on 93 pitches (61 strikes). It could have gotten away from Shepherd all throughout his start but he was able to get outs when he needed to.

In the fifth inning, Shepherd was able to get the first out, but he then allowed three straight singles before being pulled from the game by Paw Sox manager Kevin Boles He then brought in reliever Kyle Martin to get out of the jam. He then struck out Chris Carter and Edgar Corcino to get out of the bases loaded jam.

Shepherd has struggled in his last three starts for the Paw Sox. In 11 and 2/3 innings, he has allowed 12 runs (8 earned runs).

Next For The Paw Sox

The Paw Sox will now go to Rochester to play the final two games of their home and home series with the Red Wings. The Paw Sox will send out Jalen Beeks as the starting pitcher on the fourth of July. He will be up against LHP Stephen Gonsalves who has a record of 5 and 3 on the season with a 4.30 ERA. On Thursday, the Red Wings will send out LHP Adalberto Mejia. The Paw Sox have yet to announce a starter for Thursday, however Justin Haley could be an option since he was sent back down to AAA Pawtucket after Sunday’s game.