3 Red Sox Prospects Who Should Be Called up by September

The 2019 season has not been kind to the Boston Red Sox, who have had all sorts of woes that have led the World Series champions to a pedestrian 49-41 record, putting them nine games behind the first-place New York Yankees. It would be embarrassing for the Red Sox to win the World Series one year, and then miss the playoffs the following year with roughly the same roster.

They'll most certainly need some reinforcements from the minors if they want to back in the second half. Here are three prospects that should be called up by September to help the Red Sox chase a playoff spot.

1. Bobby Poyner

The Red Sox have had some issues in the bullpen this year, and could certainly use some reinforcements to work some lower-leverage situations. Poyner has pitched in the majors this year, but didn't have much success, allowing seven runs in just four innings of work. That's not indicative of his skills, however, as he has a solid 3.34 ERA with a .219 batting average against him in Triple-A, and had a solid 3.22 ERA in 22.1 innings of work with Boston in 2018. Poyner has solid strikeout upside with his awesome deception and command, and should be considered for more work sometime during the summer in low-leverage situations.

2. Josh Taylor

Like Poyner, Taylor is another relief pitcher who has seen time with the Red Sox this year. In 17.1 innings of work, Taylor has compiled a 4.15 ERA, with a .300 batting average against him. Yes, that's poor, but his 13.0 K/9 in that short time is very encouraging. The lefty has performed very well in Triple-A this year, with a 2.70 ERA, 32 strikeouts in 23.1 innings, and a .222 batting average against him. Prior to the All-Star break, he had a solid showing against the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays, throwing 4.2 shutout innings, which is a sign of improvement. He's most certainly near the top of Boston's list of relievers in line for a call-up should an injury occur, and could do enough to lock down a spot in the bullpen by September.

3. Josh Ockimey

Ockimey has solid bat speed and strength that allows him to launch home runs, and knows how to get on base despite his low batting average. As of right now, players like Michael Chavis and Mitch Moreland block him from receiving any playing time in the majors, so it's likely that he won't be called upon this summer. However, he'll likely be in consideration for a call-up in September when the rosters expand should he continue to smash homers in the minors. As a left-handed bat in Fenway Park, he should have plenty of success.