Tag: 2024 season

Red Sox prospect Blaze Jordan ‘expected to miss multiple weeks’ with fractured finger

Red Sox corner infield prospect Blaze Jordan is “expected to miss multiple weeks” after fracturing his left ring finger over the weekend, the club’s director of player development Brian Abraham told The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.

Jordan suffered the injury in the first inning of Double-A Portland’s 10-7 loss to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies at Hadlock Field on Saturday afternoon. After drawing a two-out walk, the 21-year-old attempted to score from first on a Nick Yorke double. He was instead thrown out at home and fractured his finger while extending his left hand towards the plate.

Though he was taken out of the game and carted off the field, Jordan offered an optimistic take on the injury after the fact by tweeting “We’ll be back” with a heart emoji. He was placed on Portland’s 7-day injured list on Sunday but a more precise timetable for his return has not yet been revealed.

Jordan had been riding a 17-game hitting streak coming into play on Saturday, so this development certainly comes at an inopportune time. On the 2024 season as a whole, the right-handed hitter has batted .283/.342/.414 with seven doubles, two home runs, 16 RBIs, 12 runs scored, six walks, and 11 strikeouts in 26 games (111 plate appearances) for the Sea Dogs.

Among qualified hitters in the Eastern League to this point in the year, Jordan boasts the lowest strikeout rate at 9.9 percent. He also ranks 17th in batting average, 37th in on-base percentage, 28th in slugging percentage, 33rd in OPS (.756), 21st in swinging-strike rate (9.9 percent), and 34th in wRC+ (116), per FanGraphs.

On the other side of the ball, Jordan has unsurprisingly split time between first and third base with Portland this season. The 6-foot-1, 220-pounder has made nine starts at the former and 14 starts at the latter, committing a total of three errors in 97 defensive chances. He has also started three games at designated hitter.

A former third-round draft selection coming out of DeSoto Central High School in 2020, Jordan is currently ranked by Baseball America as the No. 17 prospect in Boston’s farm system. The Mississippi native can become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft for the first time in his career later this year if he is not added to Boston’s 40-man roster by the protection deadline in November.

(Picture of Blaze Jordan: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox’ Juan Daniel Encarnacion named South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week

Red Sox pitching prospect Juan Daniel Encarnacion has been named the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week for the week of May 6-12, Minor League Baseball announced on Monday.

It is a well-deserved honor for Encarnacion, who was not even lined up to start for High-A Greenville this past Saturday. He was instead thrown into the fire after the Drive’s scheduled starter, David Sandlin, was scratched late due to forearm soreness.

In Sandlin’s place, Encarnacion spun a gem against the Hickory Crawdads at Fluor Field on short notice. The right-hander yielded zero hits, one walk, and one hit batsman to go along with six strikeouts over five scoreless innings of work. He retired the first 13 batters he faced before running into some trouble in the top of the fifth.

After plunking Quincy Scott and issuing a one-out walk to Konner Piotto, Encarnacion got Benjamin Blackwell to ground out and Yosy Galan to pop out, thus extinguishing the threat. The 23-year-old hurler finished with 64 pitches (46 strikes) and induced 16 swings-and-misses but did not factor into the decision as Greenville ultimately fell to Hickory by a final score of 3-2.

Encarnacion now owns a 3.27 ERA and 3.26 FIP with 31 strikeouts to eight walks in five starts (22 innings) for the Drive this season. Among 60 pitchers in the South Atlantic League who have accrued at least 20 innings on the mound, Encarnacion ranks sixth in strikeouts per nine innings (12.68), 22nd in walks per nine innings (3.27), eighth in strikeout rate (33.3), 20th in walk rate (8.6 percent), 24th in batting average against (.207), 24th in WHIP (1.14), second in swinging-strike rate (17.3 percent), 25th in ERA, 17th in FIP, and 18th in xFIP (3.38), per FanGraphs.

A former international free agent who signed with the Red Sox for $40,000 in September 2018, Encarnacion has spent parts of the last three seasons (2022-2024) at the High-A level. The San Pedro de Macoris native struggled to a 6.32 ERA (6.05 FIP) across 99 2/3 innings for Greenville last year, so the results he has produced so far in 2024 are certainly encouraging.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and 173 pounds, Encarnacion throws from a three-quarters arm slot and incorporates a medium-high leg kick into his delivery. As noted in his SoxProspects.com scouting report, the lanky righty operates with a three-pitch mix that consists of a 92-94 mph fastball that tops out at 95 mph, an 85-87 mph slider that features 10-to-4 break, and an 89-91 mph changeup.

Encarnacion, who does not turn 24 until next March, is not currently ranked by publications such as SoxProspects.com as one of the top pitching prospects in Boston’s farm system. He could, however, emerge as a candidate for a promotion to Double-A Portland before long if he continues to impress for Greenville.

(Picture of Juan Daniel Encarnacion: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox catching prospect Johanfran Garcia to undergo season-ending knee surgery

Red Sox catching prospect Johanfran Garcia has a “significant knee injury” and will have season-ending surgery, according to reports from MassLive.com’s Christopher Smith and The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier.

Garcia was placed on Low-A Salem’s full-season injured list earlier this week after injuring himself last Wednesday. The 19-year-old ripped a line drive single to left field in the seventh inning of Salem’s 6-4 loss to Myrtle Beach but fell to the ground while rounding first base. He had to be carted off the field and was initially diagnosed with a right knee sprain.

Further imaging revealed a more serious prognosis that will ultimately require Garcia to go under the knife. Red Sox director of player development could not immediately offer a timetable for Garcia’s return when speaking with MassLive.com’s Sean McAdam on the most recent episode of the Fenway Rundown podcast.

“Unfortunately, with some more testing and some information we received, it’s a significant knee injury and he’s going to be out for the season,” said Abraham. “I don’t have details exactly on the injury but it’s unfortunate for him. He’s been one of our best performers, offensively and defensively. He continues to improve and was making a ton of progress.”

Garcia is currently regarded by Baseball America as the No. 13 prospect in Boston’s farm system, which ranks second among catchers in the organization behind only 2023 first-round draft selection Kyle Teel. The native Venezuelan originally signed with the Red Sox for $850,000 as an international free agent coming out of Valencia in January 2022.

Before getting hurt last week, Garcia had gotten his 2024 campaign off to a roaring start. In 14 games for Salem to begin the year, the right-handed hitter batted a stout .385/.467/.596 with five doubles, two home runs, five RBIs, five runs scored, six walks, and 15 strikeouts over 60 plate appearances.

On the other side of the ball, Garcia made 10 of his 14 starts at catcher this season. In the process of logging 85 innings behind the plate, the 5-foot-11, 196-pound backstop allowed two passed balls while throwing out six of 32 possible base stealers.

Garcia, who does not turn 20 until December, could have emerged as an intriguing trade candidate this summer had he stayed healthy. Instead, he will have to shift his focus toward rehabbing and getting ready for 2025 once he is cleared to resume baseball activities.

(Picture of Johanfran Garcia: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox to promote hard-throwing relief prospect Ryan Zeferjahn to Triple-A Worcester

The Red Sox are promoting relief prospect Ryan Zeferjahn from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester, as was first reported by MassLive.com’s Christopher Smith.

Zeferjahn, 26, did not allow an earned run in seven appearances with Portland to begin the 2024 season. To go along with a 0.00 ERA and 0.73 FIP, the right-hander struck out 22 and walked only three over 13 2/3 innings in which he held opposing hitters to a .176 batting average against. He also converted all three of his save opportunities.

Among 127 pitchers in the Eastern League who have accrued at least 10 innings to this point in the season, Zeferjahn ranks sixth in strikeouts per nine innings (14.49), 20th in walks per nine innings (1.98), fifth in strikeout rate (40.7 percent), 21st in walk rate (5.6 percent), 30th in batting average against, 16th in WHIP (0.88), 29th in swinging-strike rate (14.6 percent), first in ERA, second in FIP, and fifth in xFIP (1.76), per FanGraphs.

In a recent conversation with Smith, Zeferjahn revealed that he spent most of this past offseason working out at the JetBlue Park complex in Fort Myers and lost approximately eight to 10 pounds “by dieting and hitting the weight room hard”. He now stands at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds as a result of having “better weight” on him.

“I knew it was going to be a big year for me,” Zeferjahn explained. “I needed to show that I was putting in the work. And it’s starting to kind of pay off.

“I’m 26 now, which is not necessarily old for baseball but in the minor leagues, people think it’s old,” he continued. “But honestly, this is the best I’ve ever felt. I’ve kind of been hurt every year coming up and whatnot. Just knick-knack injuries that kind of set me back on what I really could show. This year, my body is in a better place. I’m going to show what I really have. I think I’ve done that. I know the work I’ve put in and the stuff I have. … Honestly, I’m not a prospect anymore. But I’m going to be there. I’m going to do my best to try to help the big-league club.”

Zeferjahn was originally selected by the Red Sox in the third round of the 2019 amateur draft out of Kansas. The former Jayhawak signed with Boston for $500,000 and made his professional debut as a starter but has since transitioned to the bullpen on a full-time basis. He has struggled with his command in the past, evidenced by a 5.02 ERA (5.44 FIP) in 34 outings (43 innings) for Portland in 2023, but he made strides over the winter to address that.

“The focus for him was throwing strikes, being competitive in the zone,” Red Sox director of player development Brian Abraham said of Zeferjahn when speaking with The Boston Herald’s Mac Cerullo last month. “It’s only been a short amount of time this year but he’s done that.”

For his part, Zeferjahn told Smith that he has “bought into” the new pitching infrastructure laid out by Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and pitching coach Andrew Bailey. One of the many philosophies embedded within that infrastructure is to simply throw more strikes.

“I’m willing to try anything,” said Zeferjahn. “I really bought into Bailey and Breslow and what they’ve kind of brought in. It started from the top and they’re bringing it down. I bought in and it really has shown. I think that’s a big, big thing for my success — is buying in, experimenting with it, switching a few things, and then going from there.”

Zeferjahn is currently regarded by SoxProspects.com as the No. 31 prospect in Boston’s farm system, which ranks 14th among pitchers in the organization. He operates with a three-pitch mix that consists of a 97-98 mph four-seam fastball that has reached triple digits this year, an 84-88 mph sweeper, and a cutter that “plays like a slider.”

As it stands now, Zeferjahn is just one call away from reaching the major-leagues. With that being said, the hard-throwing righty can also become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this winter, so this promotion to Worcester should help in determining if he is worthy of a spot on the Red Sox’ 40-man roster before the year is over.

(Picture of Ryan Zeferjahn: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox’ Blake Wehunt named Carolina League Pitcher of the Week

Red Sox pitching prospect Blake Wehunt has been named the Carolina League Pitcher of the Week for the week of April 29-May 5, Minor League Baseball announced on Monday.

Wehunt picked up the first win of his professional career for Low-A Salem in its 3-1 victory over the Myrtle Beach Pelicans at Carilion Clinic Field on Sunday afternoon. The 23-year-old right-hander allowed just one hit and zero walks with one hit batsman and a season-high eight strikeouts over five scoreless innings of work.

After cruising through the first four innings of Sunday’s series finale, Wehunt ran into some trouble in the top of the fifth by plunking Miguel Pabon with two outs. One passed ball and balk later, Pabon advanced all the way to third base, but Wehunt left him there by punching out Christopher Paciolla on four pitches to retire the side.

Finishing with 75 pitches (48 strikes), Wehunt induced 14 swings-and-misses en route to improving to 1-0 on the young season. In four starts for Salem now, the righty has posted a 1.15 ERA and 2.84 FIP with 20 strikeouts to eight walks over 15 2/3 innings in which he has held opposing hitters to a .148 batting average against.

Wehunt is currently regarded by SoxProspects.com as the No. 38 prospect in Boston’s farm system, which ranks 18th among pitchers in the organization. The Georgia native was selected by the Red Sox in the ninth round of last year’s amateur draft out of Kennesaw State. He signed with the club for $100,000 and debuted in the Florida Complex League, making one scoreless appearance there as a reliever.

Standing at an imposing 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, Wehunt throws from a three-quarters arm slot and incorporates a high leg kick into his delivery. He operates with a three-pitch mix that consists of a 93-94 mph fastball that tops out at 96 mph, an 82-85 mph sweeping slider, and an 84-85 mph splitter, per his SoxProspects.com scouting report.

Wehunt, who does not turn 24 until November, could be a candidate for a promotion to High-A Greenville later this year if he shows his strong start to the 2024 campaign is no fluke. He projects as a multi-inning reliever in the long term but is currently part of an intriguing six-man rotation in Salem that is comprised of lefty Noah Dean and fellow righties Matt Duffy, Elmer Rodriguez, Luis Cohen, and Jedixson Paez.

(Picture of Blake Wehunt: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox pitching prospect Ryan Zeferjahn (0.00 ERA in April) off to strong start for Double-A Portland

Red Sox pitching prospect Ryan Zeferjahn put the finishing touches on a stellar month of April for Double-A Portland on Tuesday night.

Zeferjahn was the second reliever used by Sea Dogs manager Chad Epperson in Tuesday’s series opener against the Reading Fightin Phils at Hadlock Field. The 26-year-old took over for fellow right-hander Jonathan Brand to begin the top half of the seventh inning.

After fanning the first two batters he faced, Zeferjahn gave up a two-out single to Robert Moore, who went from first to third on a throwing error committed by third baseman Blaze Jordan. With runners on the corners and still one out to get, Zeferjahn escaped the jam by getting Trevor Schweke to fly out to Roman Anthony in center field.

Zeferjahn came back out for the eighth inning but made quick work of Reading this time around by retiring the side in order. Altogether, he needed just 27 pitches (21 strikes) to punch out four over two scoreless, one-hit frames of relief. He induced four swings-and-misses as the Sea Dogs bested the Fightin Phils by a final score of 9-3 to snap a three-game losing streak.

Following Tuesday’s performance, Zeferjahn is now 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA (0.57 FIP) and 19 strikeouts to two walks over six relief appearances (11 2/3 innings) for Portland this season. He has converted both of his save opportunities while holding opposing hitters to a .178 batting average against.

Among 99 pitchers in the Eastern League who entered Wednesday with at least 10 innings under their belts to this point in the year, Zeferjahn ranks third in strikeouts per nine innings (14.66), sixth in walks per nine innings (1.54), second in strikeout rate (40.4 percent), seventh in walk rate (4.3 percent), 22nd in batting average against, 11th in WHIP (0.86), 27th in swinging-strike rate (14.3 percent), first in ERA, second in FIP, and second in xFIP (1.55), per FanGraphs.

Zeferjahn is in the midst of his fourth full professional season after originally being selected by the Red Sox in the third round of the 2019 amateur draft out of the University of Kansas. The former Jayhawak signed with Boston for $500,000 and made his pro debut as a starter but has since transitioned to the bullpen on a full-time basis.

Though he struggled to a 5.02 ERA (5.44 FIP) in 34 outings (43 innings) for Portland in 2023, Zeferjahn has been turning heads with improved results so far this year. As noted by The Boston Herald’s Mac Cerullo, Zeferjahn was recently singled out by a Red Sox front office source “as someone who has raised eyebrows” thanks in part to a great offseason.

“The focus for him was throwing strikes, being competitive in the zone,” Brian Abraham, Boston’s director of player development, said of Zeferjahn. “It’s only been a short amount of time this year but he’s done that.”

Zeferjahn, who just turned 26 in February, is currently regarded by SoxProspects.com as the No. 46 prospect in the Red Sox’ farm system, which ranks 21st among pitchers in the organization. The 6-foot-5, 209-pound righty operates with a four-pitch mix that consists of a high-90s fastball that can touch triple digits, a high-80s slider, a low-80s changeup, and a high-70s curveball.

Considering the fact that he can once again become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft at the end of the year, it would not be too surprising if Zeferjahn made the jump from Portland to Triple-A Worcester before long. A promotion to Worcester may help the Red Sox in determining if Zeferjahn is worthy of a spot on the 40-man roster this winter.

(Picture of Ryan Zeferjahn: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox promote relief prospect Caleb Bolden to Double-A Portland

The Red Sox have promoted relief prospect Caleb Bolden from High-A Greenville to Double-A Portland, according to the club’s MiLB.com transactions log.

Bolden has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 season with Greenville. The 25-year-old right-hander has allowed just two unearned runs on six hits and six walks to go along with 20 strikeouts over eight appearances (13 innings) for the Drive in which he has held opposing hitters to a .136 batting average against. He has also gone 3-for-3 in save opportunities.

Bolden was originally selected by the Red Sox in the seventh round of the 2022 amateur draft out of TCU. As a graduate transfer who previously spent four years at Arkansas, the Texas native received a modest $7,500 signing bonus from Boston and made his professional debut in the Florida Complex League.

Since then, Bolden has compiled a 3.84 ERA and 3.23 FIP with 104 strikeouts to 37 walks over 42 relief outings (72 2/3 innings) at three different minor-league levels. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound hurler throws from a three-quarters arm slot and incorporates a high leg kick into his delivery. He operates with a three-pitch mix that consists of a 92-94 mph fastball that tops out at 95 mph, an 80-82 mph sweeping slider, and an 83-85 mph changeup, per his SoxProspects.com scouting report.

Bolden, who does not turn 26 until December, is the second reliever from the Red Sox’ 2022 draft class to make the jump from Greenville to Portland in as many weeks. Fellow righty Jonathan Brand was promoted last Wednesday. Those two now help make up a Sea Dogs bullpen that already includes the likes of Alex Hoppe, Ryan Zeferjahn, Christopher Troye, and Felix Cepeda.

(Picture of Caleb Bolden: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox’ Robert Kwiatkowski earns win in Triple-A debut

Red Sox minor-league reliever Robert Kwiatkowski earned the winning decision in his debut for Triple-A Worcester on Sunday afternoon.

Kwiatkowski, who was promoted from Double-A Portland earlier Sunday morning, made his first appearance for the WooSox in the third inning of their series finale against the Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field. The 26-year-old right-hander took over for starter Justin Hagenman, who had surrendered two earned runs in 2 1/3 innings of work.

Kwiatkowski subdued the lone runner he inherited by getting the first batter he faced to ground into a force out at second base. He then fanned Mud Hens right fielder Bligh Madris on four pitches to record his first Triple-A strikeout and end the inning.

After his side jumped out to a 4-2 lead, Kwiatkowski worked his way around a leadoff walk in an otherwise clean bottom of the fourth. He gave up a hard-hit double to Jace Jung with one out in the fifth but escaped the frame unscathed by punching out Keston Hiura and getting Justice Bigbie to ground out to the rehabbing Vaughn Grissom at second base.

All told, Kwiatkowski allowed just the one hit and one walk across 2 2/3 scoreless frames of relief as Worcester went on to defeat Toledo by a final score of 8-5. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound hurler struck out three of the 10 batters he faced and induced six swings-and-misses on the 42 pitches (27 strikes) he threw. He averaged 93.4 mph and topped out at 94.3 mph with his four-seam fastball while mixing in a high-80s changeup, a low-80s slider and curveball, and a high-80s sinker, per Baseball Savant.

Kwiatkowski, who turns 27 in June, opened the 2024 season with Portland after spending nearly two months there last year. In his second stint with the Sea Dogs, he posted a 2.08 ERA and 3.67 FIP with eight strikeouts to two walks over five relief outings (8 2/3 innings) in which he held opposing hitters to a .175 batting average against.

In making his WooSox debut on Sunday, Kwiatkowski joined fellow righty Brian Van Belle as the only other undrafted free agent signed by the Red Sox in 2020 to make it as far as Triple-A. Of the 16 undrafted free agents Boston signed in the wake of the COVID-shortened draft that summer, Kwiatkowski, Van Belle, and Juan Montero (a catcher with Low-A Salem) are all who still remain in the organization.

A Georgia native, Kwiatkowski inked his first professional contract with the Red Sox after spending the final two years of his collegiate career at Marshall. As was the case for all undrafted free agents in 2020, Kwiatkowski received a modest $20,000 signing bonus. He made his pro debut in May 2021 and has since forged a 4.23 ERA (4.37 FIP) with 125 strikeouts to 59 walks over 101 appearances (four starts, 174 1/3 innings) across four minor-league levels.

(Picture of Robert Kwiatkowski: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox’ Tyler Miller named South Atlantic League Player of the Week

Red Sox corner infield prospect Tyler Miller has been named the South Atlantic League Player of the Week for the week of April 22-28, Minor League Baseball announced on Monday.

Miller appeared in five of High-A Greenville’s six games against the Greensboro Grasshoppers at Fluor Field this past week. The left-handed hitting 24-year-old went 9-for-18 (.500) with two doubles, one home run, four RBIs, four runs scored, one walk, and zero strikeouts.

After recording just two hits in his first two starts of the series, Miller went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs on Friday. He stroked three more hits, including a solo homer, on Saturday before singling and scoring a run on Sunday to extend his hitting streak to five games.

Miller, who is repeating at High-A to begin the season after spending all of 2023 with Greenville, has gotten his 2024 campaign off to an encouraging start. The left-handed hitting 24-year-old is currently batting .305/.349/.492 with five doubles, two home runs, seven runs driven in, 11 runs scored, four walks, and nine strikeouts over 16 games (63 plate appearances) for the Drive.

Among 88 qualified South Atlantic League hitters, Miller currently ranks seventh in batting average, 33rd in on-base percentage, ninth in slugging percentage, 17th in OPS (.841), 21st in isolated power (.186), eighth in strikeout rate (14.3 percent), third in line-drive rate (32.7 percent), 34th in swinging-strike rate (11.4 percent), and 18th in wRC+ (145), per FanGraphs.

Much like Blaze Jordan, who took home Eastern League Player of the Week honors for Double-A Portland on Monday, Miller has made eight starts at both first and third base for Greenville this year. The 6-foot-1, 193-pounder has committed just one error (at third base) in 83 total defensive chances between the two corner spots thus far.

Unlike Jordan, Miller is not regarded by publications such as Baseball America as one of the top prospects in Boston’s farm system. The Alabama native was originally selected by the Red Sox in the ninth round of the 2021 amateur draft out of Auburn University. He signed with the club for $157,800 and put up strong numbers in his debut season (.934 OPS in 27 games between the Florida Complex League and Low-A Salem) but has yet to graduate past the High-A level.

With that being said, it will be interesting to see if Miller — who does not turn 25 until December — can keep producing the way he has for Greenville and possibly make the jump to Portland later this year. He would probably benefit from someone with a similar profile, like Jordan, earning a promotion of his own.

(Picture of Tyler Miller: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox’ Blaze Jordan earns Eastern League Player of the Week honors

Red Sox corner infield prospect Blaze Jordan has been named the Eastern League Player of the Week for the week of April 22-28, Minor League Baseball announced on Monday.

This marks the second consecutive week where a Sea Dogs player earned Eastern League Player of the Week honors. Left fielder Matthew Lugo was recognized for a stellar series against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Hadlock Field last week.

Jordan appeared in all six of Double-A Portland’s games against the Hartford Yard Goats at Dunkin’ Park this past week. The right-handed hitting 21-year-old went 12-for-27 (.444) with four doubles, two home runs, eight RBIs, five runs scored, zero walks, and two strikeouts.

Jordan crushed his first home run of the season and drove in a game-high four runs in Tuesday’s series opener. He then pushed across two more runs on Wednesday, had three hits on Thursday, homered again on Friday, and recorded four hits over the weekend to extend his hitting streak to nine games.

Over the life of that hitting streak, which began on April 19, Jordan has batted a stout .385/.390/.461. After getting his 2024 campaign off to a slow start, he is now slashing .265/.307/.441 with six doubles, two home runs, 13 runs driven in, 10 runs scored, one walk, and seven strikeouts in 17 games (75 plate appearances) for the Sea Dogs.

Defensively, Jordan has split his playing time on the field between both corner infield spots. To this point in the year, the 6-foot-1, 220-pounder has logged 60 innings at first base and 68 1/3 innings at third base. He has committed one error at each position and has also made two starts as Portland’s designated hitter.

Jordan is in the midst of his fourth full professional season after originally being selected by the Red Sox in the third round of the COVID-shortened 2020 draft out of DeSoto Central High School in Mississippi. The Southaven native forwent his commitment to Mississippi State by signing with Boston for $1.75 million.

Though he dealt with — and was even hospitalized by — struggles relating to anxiety and depression early in his pro career, Jordan has worked to overcome those issues, as he revealed in a heartfelt social media post last October. After going public with that information, he strove to get in better shape over the winter and came into the spring ranked by Baseball America as the No. 21 prospect in the Red Sox’ farm system.

Jordan, who does not turn 22 until December, can become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft for the first time later this year if he is not added to Boston’s 40-man roster by the protection deadline in November. Taking that — as well as the fact that he played in 49 games for Portland to close out last season — into consideration, it will be interesting to see if Jordan can make his way to Triple-A Worcester at some point in 2024.

(Picture of Blaze Jordan: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)