Red Sox Promote Top Pitching Prospect Darwinzon Hernandez to Triple-A
By Max Scoli
The Red Sox are looking to fast-pass the progression of one of their best minor league pitchers.
Boston has announced that its promoted top pitching prospect Darwinzon Hernandez to Triple-A Pawtucket.
The 22 year-old has struggled in Double-A Portland this season, sporting a 1-4 record with a 5.13 ERA. Nevertheless, the Red Sox feel that the lefty is ready for the next step.
Boston Red Sox top pitching prospect Darwinzon Hernandez promoted to Triple-A Pawtucket https://t.co/tXoAOLqgvF
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) June 15, 2019
Hernandez made his first major league start on Tuesday before being sent back down to the minors after the game. He gave up 3 runs on 3 hits in 3 innings pitched in a losing effort to the Texas Rangers. Although he wasn't too impressive in this outing, there were some flashes of things to come.
My God, Darwinzon Hernandez. That first inning was unbelievable. Three strikeouts. Two on 98 mph. Other on a nasty slider.
— Jason Mastrodonato (@JMastrodonato) June 11, 2019
I understand he's still developing and is prone to command issues but remains hard to believe the Red Sox have been using Josh Smith and Ryan Weber over him
The Venezuelan pitcher was signed by Boston in August of 2013, and has been in the organization ever since. In that time, he has earned himself a 24-21 record with a 3.44 ERA in 105 appearances, while striking out 448 batters and walking 232. However, the Red Sox believe this is just the tip of the iceberg, expecting the promotion to significantly impact his development:
Thus ending the first Boston-to-Portland shuttle I can recall for the Red Sox. A few advantages to Hernandez in Pawtucket: The ball is the same as in MLB, and he'll work with veteran catchers Juan Centeno and Oscar Hernandez, whose experience should be a development asset. https://t.co/ouyHE5udjs
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) June 15, 2019
With some MLB experience already under his belt, you can expect Hernandez's confidence to remain high as he attempts to earn his way onto Boston's roster.