Tag: promotions

Red Sox to promote pitching prospect John Holobetz to Triple-A Worcester

The Red Sox are promoting pitching prospect John Holobetz from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester, as was first reported by Christopher Smith of MassLive.com.

Holobetz, who turns 24 on Friday, is moving up to the minors’ top level for the first time after reaching Double-A last August. The right-hander is currently regarded by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 17 prospect, ranking sixth among pitchers in the organization.

In 17 appearances (15 starts) for Portland to begin the 2026 season, Holobetz posted a 4.33 ERA with a staff-leading 93 strikeouts to 25 walks over 79 innings. Opposing Eastern League hitters slashed .236/.303/.298 in 331 plate appearances against him.

Among 19 qualified Eastern League pitchers entering play Sunday, Holobetz ranks second in WHIP (1.22), third in xFIP (3.81), fourth in FIP (4.02) and strikeout rate (28.1%), fifth in strikeouts per nine (10.59), swinging-strike rate (13.2%), walks per nine (2.85), and walk rate (7.6%), sixth in batting average against, seventh in groundball rate (45.9%), and ninth in ERA, according to FanGraphs.

A former fifth-round draft pick (156th overall) of the Brewers out of Old Dominion in 2024, Holobetz was acquired by the Red Sox last May as the player to be named later in the Quinn Priester trade from the previous month. The Pennsylvania native split the remainder of his first full professional campaign between High-A Greenville and Portland, forging a 3.04 ERA with 89 strikeouts to just 15 walks over 100 2/3 innings.

Listed at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds with a repeatable delivery, Holobetz has shown improved velocity this season. In addition to a mid-90s fastball that reached 98.1 mph in his most recent outing, the lanky righty mixes in an 83-87 mph slider, a 79-82 mph curveball, and an 84-87 mph changeup. His fastball grades as a 55 on Baseball America’s 20-80 scouting scale, while each of his secondary offerings grades as a 40 and his control as a 60.

Holobetz is the second notable Red Sox pitching prospect to earn a promotion to Worcester in recent days, joining fellow right-hander Blake Wehunt. Both hurlers could potentially emerge as intriguing names to monitor between now and the fast-approaching August 3 trade deadline.

In the more immediate future, Holobetz is tentatively in line to make his Triple-A debut during Worcester’s upcoming road series against Norfolk, which begins on Tuesday.

(Picture of John Holobetz: Dan Squicciarini/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Red Sox promote pitching prospect Jacob Mayers to High-A Greenville

The Red Sox have promoted pitching prospect Jacob Mayers from Low-A Salem to High-A Greenville, as was first reported by Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com.

Mayers is currently regarded by SoxProspects.com as Boston’s No. 44 prospect, ranking 19th among the organization’s pitching prospects. The 22-year-old right-hander is making his professional debut this season after being selected by the Red Sox in the ninth round (268th overall) of last summer’s draft out of Louisiana State. He received a below-slot $190,000 signing bonus.

In 15 appearances (eight starts) for Salem to begin the 2026 campaign, Mayers posted a 4.27 ERA with 64 strikeouts to 42 walks over 46 1/3 innings. Opposing Carolina League hitters slashed .175/.363/.299 in 204 plate appearances against him.

Among 75 Carolina League pitchers who entered play Friday having thrown at least 45 innings this season, Mayers ranks second in batting average against, fourth in strikeouts per nine innings (12.43), fifth in strikeout rate (31.4%) and swinging-strike rate (16.3%), 19th in groundball rate (48.9%), and 35th in ERA. On the flip side, he also ranks 70th in walks per nine (8.16) and 74th in walk rate (20.6%), according to FanGraphs.

Standing at 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds, Mayers throws from a high-three-quarters arm slot and operates with a three-pitch mix. The Louisiana-born hurler has been up to 96-97 mph with his upper-90s fastball this season after topping out at 101.8 mph with it in college. He also features an 88-91 mph slider and an 84-86 mph changeup, per his SoxProspects.com scouting report.

While Mayers — who just turned 22 last month — can miss bats at an exceptional rate, there are questions surrounding his ability to consistently throw strikes. If he can refine his command and control, he could elevate his stock even further as he looks to put the finishing touches on his first full season in pro ball.

(Picture of Jacob Mayers: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox promote top prospect Franklin Arias to Triple-A Worcester

The Red Sox are promoting top prospect Franklin Arias from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester, as was first reported by Tommy Cassell of The Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

Arias, in the midst of a breakout campaign, is reaching the minors’ highest level for the first time and is now just one call away from the big leagues. The 20-year-old middle infielder is currently ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 1 prospect and the No. 3 prospect in baseball behind only the Brewers’ Jesus Made and the Athletics’ Leo De Vries.

In 75 games for Portland this season, Arias batted a stout .318/.407/.587 with 17 doubles, an organizational-leading 19 home runs, 52 RBIs, 50 runs scored, five stolen bases, 37 walks, and 46 strikeouts over 332 plate appearances. The right-handed hitter slashed .309/.427/.574 against lefties and .321/.400/.591 against righties.

Among 73 qualified hitters in the Eastern League, Arias ranks first in OPS (.994), second in batting average, slugging percentage, and strikeout rate (13.9%), third in on-base percentage, fourth in isolated power (.269), and 34th in walk rate (11.1%), according to MiLB.com’s leaderboards.

Defensively, Arias unsurprisingly saw most of his playing time with Portland this season come at shortstop. In 54 starts there, the sure-handed 5-foot-11, 180-pounder committed just three errors in 210 chances over 474 2/3 innings. He also made five starts at second base, where he did not commit an error in 14 chances over 41 innings, and 11 starts at DH.

A native of Venezuela, Arias originally signed with the Red Sox for $525,000 as an international free agent in January 2023. At that time, he was viewed as more of a glove-first shortstop. He changed that narrative quickly by putting together an impressive professional debut in the Dominican Summer League, then followed that up by earning 2024 Florida Complex League MVP, Top Prospect, and All-Star honors in his first season stateside.

As a 19-year-old last season, Arias worked his way from Low-A Salem to High-A Greenville before arriving in Portland for a 10-game cameo in September. Over the winter, he added muscle to his frame and refined his approach at the plate, helping fuel the power surge he has experienced in 2026. He was recognized for his efforts earlier this month when he represented the Red Sox at the All-Star Futures Game in Philadelphia on July 12.

Though Arias returned to Portland immediately following the All-Star break, this promotion suggests that the organization believes he is ready for a new challenge with a little over two months remaining in the season. As noted by The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier, Arias joins Roman Anthony, Xander Bogaerts, and Glenn Hoffman as the only Red Sox position players in the last 50 years to reach Triple-A by the age of 20.

Arias, who turns 21 in November, is unlikely to be rushed to the majors with the Red Sox in the thick of the American League Wild Card race following a historic 15-game winning streak that has turned around their season. For now, he is set to make his Triple-A debut at some point during the latter half of Worcester’s series against Jacksonville at Polar Park this weekend.

(Picture of Franklin Arias: Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

Red Sox promote pitching prospect Sadbiel Delzine to Low-A Salem

With the 2026 Florida Complex League regular season ending later this week, the Red Sox promoted teenage pitching prospect Sadbiel Delzine to Low-A Salem on Tuesday.

Delzine is moving up to full-season ball after a strong start to his first campaign stateside. The 18-year-old right-hander posted a 2.72 ERA with 43 strikeouts to 18 walks over 11 outings (seven starts) spanning 39 2/3 innings for the rookie-level FCL Red Sox. Opposing hitters slashed just .170/.282/.199 across 163 plate appearances against him.

Among the 27 pitchers who entered Tuesday having thrown at least 35 innings in the Florida Complex League this season, Delzine ranks first in FIP (3.71), second in batting average against and WHIP (1.06), fifth in ERA, sixth in strikeout rate (26.4%), ninth in walks per nine (4.08), 11th in walk rate (11%), and 13th in strikeouts per nine (9.76) and xFIP (5.07), according to FanGraphs.

Delzine is currently ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 11 prospect, placing fourth among pitchers in the organization. The native Venezuelan originally signed with the Red Sox for $500,000 as a highly-touted international free agent in January 2025. He made his professional debut shortly thereafter, but was limited to just three starts and 9 1/3 innings in the Dominican Summer League last season due in part to flexor tightness.

After working to strengthen his shoulder over the offseason, Delzine has experienced an uptick in velocity this year. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound righty features an upper-90s fastball that has topped out at just below 100 mph. He is also capable of mixing in a curveball “with depth,” a slider “that tunnels well off his fastball,” and a changeup “that dives to the arm side,” per his Baseball America scouting report.

Having last pitched on July 17, Delzine — who does not turn 19 until January — could make his Low-A debut as soon as the latter half of Salem’s home series against Augusta this weekend. He joins catcher Franklin Primera and infielder Louis Andujar as notable Red Sox prospects who have joined the RidgeYaks from the Florida Complex League this season.

(Picture of Sadbiel Delzine: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox promote pitching prospect Blake Wehunt to Triple-A Worcester

The Red Sox have promoted pitching prospect Blake Wehunt from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester, as was first reported by Tommy Cassell of The Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

After missing most of April with a left hamstring strain, Wehunt emerged as one of Portland’s top starters this season. In 13 starts for the Sea Dogs, the 25-year-old right-hander posted a 3.52 ERA with 72 strikeouts to 16 walks over 53 2/3 innings. Opposing hitters batted .235 against him.

Twice recognized as the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week (June 22-28 and June 29-July 5), Wehunt is one of 52 pitchers who have thrown at least 50 innings in the league this year. Among that group, he ranks second in xFIP (3.27), third in strikeout rate (33%), fourth in strikeouts per nine (12.07), seventh in FIP (3.61) and WHIP (1.17), ninth in walks per nine (2.68), 10th in ERA and walk rate (7.3%), 11th in groundball rate (49.2%), and 15th in batting average against, according to FanGraphs.

Standing at 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, Wehunt throws from a three-quarters arm slot and operates with a diverse pitch mix. In addition to a 93-96 mph power fastball that tops out at 97 mph, the hard-throwing righty features an 89-91 mph cutter, an 83-86 mph sweeper, and an 85-87 mph splitter. He is capable of mixing in a changeup and curveball as well.

Wehunt is currently ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 25 prospect, placing 12th among pitchers in the organization. The Georgia-born chicken farmer was originally selected by the Red Sox in the ninth round (268th overall) of the 2023 draft out of Kennesaw State. He received a $100,000 signing bonus and quickly worked his way up the system in his first full professional season before a lat strain limited him to 63 1/3 innings with Portland last year.

Wehunt, who turns 26 in November, is slated to join Worcester’s starting rotation ahead of its upcoming series against Jacksonville at Polar Park. With his Triple-A debut on the horizon, it is worth noting that Wehunt is reaching the minors’ highest level at a significant time, as he will become eligible for the Rule 5 Draft after the season if he is not added to Boston’s 40-man roster by this winter’s protection deadline.

Taking that into consideration, this promotion should help the Red Sox determine Wehunt’s role in the organization as they continue to evaluate his future.

(Picture of Blake Wehunt courtesy of the Portland Sea Dogs)

Red Sox promote power-hitting IF prospect Mason White to Double-A Portland

The Red Sox have promoted power-hitting infield prospect Mason White from High-A Greenville to Double-A Portland, as was first reported by Andrew Parker of SoxProspects.com.

White is currently ranked by both Baseball America and SoxProspects.com as Boston’s No. 27 prospect. The 22-year-old has reached the upper minors in his first full professional season after being selected by the Red Sox in the fourth round (118th overall) of last summer’s draft out of the University of Arizona. He received a $642,200 signing bonus and made his pro debut with Low-A Salem before moving up to Greenville, where he opened the 2026 campaign.

In 68 games for Greenville out of the gate this year, White batted .270/.362/.525 with 14 doubles, three triples, 14 home runs, 42 RBIs, 36 runs scored, 31 walks, and 63 strikeouts over 282 plate appearances. The left-handed hitting slugger slashed .317/.417/.537 in 48 plate appearances against lefties and .261/.350/.522 in 234 plate appearances against righties.

Among 71 qualified South Atlantic League hitters entering play Saturday, White ranks ninth in isolated power (.254), 10th in slugging percentage and OPS (.887), 11th in batting average, 14th in wOBA (.386), 15th in wRC+ (121), 18th in swinging-strike rate (10%), 24th in on-base percentage, and 27th in strikeout rate (22.3%), according to FanGraphs.

Defensively, White primarily split his playing time with Greenville between second base and shortstop. In 35 starts at second, the 5-foot-11, 178-pounder committed two errors in 136 chances across 308 1/3 innings. In 27 starts at short, he committed one error in 87 chances across 237 1/3 innings. He also made five starts at DH.

White, who turns 23 in September, is the third member of Boston’s 2025 draft class to make the jump to Portland this season, joining third-rounder Anthony Eyanson and 13th-rounder Jack Winnay. Though there will be questions about how he adjusts to tougher, higher-quality pitching at Double-A, his promotion nonetheless helps the Sea Dogs address the void left by fellow infielder Marvin Alcantara, who was placed on the 7-day injured list on Friday.

(Picture of Mason White: Gwinn Davis/Greenville Drive)

Red Sox promote pitching prospect Hayden Mullins to Triple-A Worcester

The Red Sox have promoted pitching prospect Hayden Mullins from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Worcester, as was first reported by Tommy Cassell of The Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

Mullins was slated to start Worcester’s series opener against Rochester at Polar Park on Tuesday, but it was postponed due to inclement weather. The 25-year-old left-hander will now presumably get the starting nod and make his Triple-A debut in either Game 1 or 2 of Wednesday’s scheduled doubleheader.

Mullins is reaching the minors’ highest level for the first time following an up-and-down start to his season with Portland. In 12 outings (11 starts) for the Sea Dogs out of the gate, the southpaw posted a 5.85 ERA with 73 strikeouts to 31 walks over 47 2/3 innings in which Eastern League opponents batted .215 against him. That includes a .182 mark against left-handed hitters and a .236 mark against right-handed hitters.

Among 49 pitchers who entered play Tuesday having thrown at least 45 innings in the Eastern League this year, Mullins ranked first in strikeouts per nine (13.78), second in strikeout rate (34.8%), fourth in swinging-strike rate (15.7%), sixth in batting average against, 16th in FIP (4.16), and 17th in xFIP (4.13). On the flip side, he also ranked 28th in WHIP (1.43), 40th in ERA, and 46th in walks per nine (5.85) and walk rate (14.8%), according to FanGraphs.

Mullins is currently ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s No. 21 prospect, placing 12th among the system’s pitchers. The Tennessee native was originally selected by the Red Sox in the 12th round (369th overall) of the 2022 draft out of Auburn. He signed for just $97,500 but did not make his professional debut until the following August, as he was recovering from the Tommy John surgery that cut his junior season short.

After splitting the remainder of the 2023 campaign between the Florida Complex League and Low-A Salem, Mullins spent all of 2024 and the first part of 2025 with High-A Greenville before arriving at Portland last April. He fared well in his first stint with the Sea Dogs despite missing time in May due to shoulder fatigue, forging a 2.44 ERA across 18 starts (84 2/3 innings) en route to being recognized as the team’s Pitcher of the Year.

Even in light of that production, Mullins was somewhat surprisingly left off the Red Sox’ 40-man roster last November, leaving him available to other clubs in December’s Rule 5 Draft. He did not get picked, however, and remains in the organization without occupying a 40-man spot.

Listed at 6-foot and 194 pounds, Mullins possesses plus extension and features a 93-94 mph fastball that is capable of reaching 96 mph. The lefty also mixes in an 81-85 mph slider, a 77-80 mph sweeper, an 81-83 mph changeup, and a recently-implemented cutter. His secondaries are considered by Baseball America to be “inconsistent,” even though they “can all miss bats.”

Mullins, who turns 26 in September, can once again become Rule 5-eligible this winter if he is not added to Boston’s 40-man roster by the November protection deadline. Barring a trade or another move between now and then, he can further strengthen his case for a roster spot with a strong showing down the stretch at Worcester.

(Picture of Hayden Mullins: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox to promote catching prospect Franklin Primera to Low-A Salem

The Red Sox are promoting teenage catching prospect Franklin Primera from the Florida Complex League to Low-A Salem, as was first reported by Chris Hatfield of SoxProspects.com.

Primera, who turned 19 earlier this month, lit up the Florida Complex League to begin his first season stateside. The right-handed hitter batted .427/.549/.718 with six doubles, eight home runs, 29 RBIs, 30 runs scored, four stolen bases, 22 walks, and 13 strikeouts in 32 games (134 plate appearances) for the rookie-level FCL Red Sox. He slashed .250/.478/.250 in 24 plate appearances against lefties and .460/.564/.805 in 110 plate appearances against righties.

Among 73 qualified hitters in the FCL entering play this week, Primera leads in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS (1.267), wOBA (.571), and wRC+ (202). He also ranks second in strikeout rate (9.7%), sixth in isolated power (.291), seventh in swinging-strike rate (7.6%), and 24th in walk rate (16.4%), according to FanGraphs.

Defensively, Primera saw most of his playing time in the FCL at catcher. Primarily splitting reps with Jorge Rodriguez, the 6-foot, 230-pound backstop allowed five passed balls and threw out 17 of 101 would-be base stealers in 23 starts behind the plate. He also made eight starts at first base, marking his first exposure there as a professional, and one start at DH.

A native of Venezuela, Primera originally signed with the Red Sox for just $10,000 as an unheralded international free agent in September 2024. He made his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League the following June, emerging as a 2025 DSL All-Star and All-Star Game Co-MVP after hitting a crucial home run for his first (unofficial) round-tripper as a pro.

Thanks to his hot start out of the gate in 2026, Primera is now ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s top catching prospect and No. 19 overall prospect. Evaluators have been impressed by his approach at the plate, his ability to impact the baseball, and his defensive capabilities.

As he prepares for his first taste of full-season ball, Primera is slated to join a Salem catching group that currently includes the likes of Kleyver Salazar, Andonys Guzman, and Andruw Musett. The RidgeYaks are on the road for the next two weeks and open a six-game series against the Augusta GreenJackets on Tuesday.

(Picture of Franklin Primera: Kelly O’Connor/sittingstill.smugmug.com)

Red Sox promote Newton native, power-hitting prospect Jack Winnay to Double-A Portland

The Red Sox have promoted corner infield prospect Jack Winnay from High-A Greenville to Double-A Portland, as was first reported by Andrew Parker of SoxProspects.com.

Winnay, who turned 23 earlier this month, is in his first full professional season. The Newton, Mass. native (and Belmont Hill alumnus) was selected by the Red Sox in the 13th round (388th overall) of the 2025 draft out of Wake Forest. He received an at-slot $150,000 signing bonus and debuted at Low-A Salem last August, batting .321/.393/.434 with one home run and 11 RBIs in a limited 15-game sample.

After integrating himself with the Red Sox player development program over the winter, Winnay entered his first spring training with little fanfare and broke camp with Greenville as an unranked prospect. The right-handed hitter struggled out of the gate, slashing just .184/.382/.250 with one home run and nine RBIs in his first 23 games (102 plate appearances) for the Drive through May 3. From there, however, he began to turn a corner offensively — particularly in the power department — and hit .304/.470/.598 with 10 home runs and 23 RBIs across his next 33 games (149 plate appearances) before being promoted late Sunday.

Overall, Winnay batted a respectable .255/.434/.457 with five doubles, 11 home runs, 31 RBIs, 43 runs scored, 53 walks, and 51 strikeouts in 56 games (251 plate appearances) for Greenville to begin the 2026 season. He posted a .364/.475/.788 clip in 40 plate appearances against lefties and a .232/.427/.387 clip in 211 plate appearances against righties.

Among the 80 qualified hitters in the hitter-friendly South Atlantic League, Winnay ranks second in walk rate (21.1%), fourth in on-base percentage, sixth in wOBA (.413), ninth in wRC+ (136), 12th in swinging-strike rate (8.9%), 14th in OPS (.891), 22nd in strikeout rate (20.3%), 27th in isolated power (.202), 28th in slugging percentage, and 35th in batting average, according to FanGraphs.

Defensively, Winnay primarily split his playing time with Greenville between the two corner infield positions. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder made a team-leading 40 starts at third base, committing 12 errors in 94 chances, and 14 error-free starts at first base. He also made one start at DH and has prior experience in the outfield.

Thanks to his recent hot stretch at the plate, Winnay is now regarded as Boston’s No. 40 prospect by SoxProspects.com. He is not yet ranked by Baseball America or MLB Pipeline, but that may not be too far behind, given the amount of attention he has received as of late.

Winnay joins third-round right-hander Anthony Eyanson as the second member of the Red Sox’ 2025 draft class to reach the upper minors this season. As was the case for Eyanson — who has forged a 1.46 ERA through his first six Double-A starts (24 2/3 innings) — the jump to Portland represents a new challenge for Winnay in the form of more advanced competition.

The Sea Dogs hit the road and open a six-game series against the Hartford Yard Goats on Tuesday night.

(Picture of Jack Winnay: Gwinn Davis/Greenville Drive)

Red Sox to promote prospects Enddy Azocar, Luke Heyman to High-A Greenville

The Red Sox are promoting prospects Enddy Azocar and Luke Heyman from Low-A Salem to High-A Greenville, as was first reported by Hunter Noll of Beyond the Monster.

Azocar, a 19-year-old outfielder, and Heyman, a 22-year-old catcher, are currently ranked by Baseball America as Boston’s Nos. 10 and 25 prospects, respectively. The pair were among Salem’s top offensive performers to start the season (they are tied for the team lead in home runs) and are being rewarded with a new challenge in a promotion to Greenville.

Azocar played in 39 of Salem’s first 45 games and was swinging a hot bat as of late. The right-handed hitter batted .295/.344/.530 with 15 doubles, three triples, six home runs, 26 RBIs, 31 runs scored, seven stolen bases, 12 walks, and 40 strikeouts over 180 plate appearances. That includes a .372/.426/.767 line against lefties and a .268/.316/.447 line against righties.

Heyman, another right-handed hitter, played in 36 games for Salem to mark his professional debut. He slashed .218/.383/.420 with six doubles, six home runs, 21 RBIs, 19 runs scored, 31 walks, and 36 strikeouts across 154 plate appearances. His platoon splits are similar to Azocar’s, as he batted .276/.462/.448 off of southpaws compared to .200/.357/.411 off of right-handers.

Defensively, both Azocar and Heyman were used exclusively at one position when not serving as DH for Salem. Azocar, who is up to 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, made 30 of his 39 starts and logged 260 error-free innings in center field, recording one assist. Heyman, who is listed at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, made 22 of his 36 starts and logged 190 1/3 innings behind the plate, allowing four passed balls and throwing out 15 of 53 would-be base stealers.

Azocar, a native of Venezuela, originally signed with the Red Sox for $40,000 as an international free agent in January 2024. His stock first started to rise last year following a strong spring and impressive showing in the Florida Complex League. With five-tool potential and encouraging underlying data, he has emerged as one of the organization’s top teenage talents. He does not turn 20 until next February.

Heyman, meanwhile, was acquired from the Mariners for reliever Alex Hoppe in November. Selected in the 14th round (422nd overall) of last summer’s draft out of Florida, he received an above-slot $230,000 signing bonus. Because he was rehabbing from a fractured forearm that cut his junior season short, however, Heyman did not appear in a game for a Seattle affiliate before being dealt to Boston. He turns 23 in July.

Azocar and Heyman are now slated to join an exciting position player group in Greenville that includes other ranked prospects like Justin Gonzales, Henry Godbout, Yoeilin Cespedes, Gerardo Rodriguez, and Mason White. The Drive open a six-game series at home against Asheville on Tuesday night.

With Azocar and Heyman on the move, the Red Sox are also promoting 18-year-old infielder Louis Andujar from the Florida Complex League to Salem, according to Ari Alexander of 7News Boston WHDH.

(Picture of Enddy Azocar: Scott Audette/MLB Photos via Getty Images)