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.

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.

Paw Sox Beat Chiefs as Jalen Beeks And Oscar Hernandez Lead The Way

The Pawtucket Red Sox beat the Syracuse Chiefs by a score of eight to one on Sunday afternoon. This was thanks to a great outing from Jalen Beeks once again. Then offensively, Oscar Hernandez was a surprise as he went 2 for 3 at the plate with his first Paw Sox home run.

Beeks was able to show great mix with his pitches as well. That was able to keep Chiefs hitters off balance all day as he only gave up three base hits on the afternoon.

Jalen Beeks Showed Better Mix With His Pitches

Red Sox pitching prospect Jalen Beeks was making his 13th start of the season at AAA of Sunday afternoon against the Syracuse Chiefs. Beeks struggled his last time out however on June 19th against the Buffalo Bisons. In that game, he went only 4 and 2/3 innings while giving up four runs (three earned) on five hits on 97 pitches (55 strikes). That was his second start for the Paw Sox since he was sent back to down to AAA after his major league debut for the Boston Red Sox back on June 7th.

On Sunday, Beeks got back to his normal self as he pitched extremely well against the Chiefs in seven innings of work. In those seven innings, he only gave up three base hits and he struck out seven batters on 99 pitches (62 strikes).

“I thought he used his curveball, cutter, change, fastball, had good command. I thought he was outstanding today. That’s more of a mix. That was exactly what we’re looking for” said PawSox manager Kevin Boles after the game. “(Beeks) executed pitches and he was able to throw his curveball for land strikes. He was able to finish with it. Nice job overall.

Oscar Hernandez Caught Well Today

Oscar Hernadez has never been known for his bat. However today, he showed that he has some pop in the bat. In the bottom of the third inning he connected for his first Paw Sox home run that was blasted right down the left field line. Later in the game, he hit another rocket to left field that one hopped the wall for an RBI double.

On top of that, Hernandez had caught two base runners with his arm. All season, Hernandez has shown that he has a cannon of an arm and get throw out base runners from behind the plate.

“He caught well. He swung the bat well also” said Paw Sox manager Kevin Boles after the game. “I thought he was very athletic behind the plate. Had a couple of caught stealing.

Next For The Paw Sox

The Paw Sox are now heading to Buffalo for a four game series beginning on Monday night. The Paw Sox will send the left handed Josh Smith to the mound to start the game. After that, they will send Justin Haley out on Tuesday, William Cuevas on Wednesday, and Chandler Shepherd to the mound on Thursday to close out the series.