Here’s a quick update — and it’s a very positive update — of two prospective Red Sox stars currently in Pawtucket:
Closer-in-the-making Daniel Bard, is tied for the International League lead with 3 saves in 3 chances while allowing just one run in 6 appearances over 9.0 innings (1.00 ERA). Better yet, he has an astounding 16 strikeouts versus only three walks over nine innings. The only run he allowed was a home run on April 16.
The other is starting pitcher Michael Bowden, who has allowed just one run in 14.0 innings over 3 starts this season, good for 3rd in the league with a 0.64 ERA. He ranks second to Bard on the club with 15 strikeouts. He struck out seven in 5 1/3 scoreless innings versus Lehigh Valley in his last start on April 20, allowing just 3 hits and one walk.
Can you say trade bait come July? Or will these guys be suited up for the Sox in October?
We will watch these two closely.
FYI … Clay Buchholz has been decent in two starts (one he left early because of stiffness), allowing three earned runs and six hits in just under nine innings of work. He is projected to be pitching at Fenway real soon if injuries persist, Buchholz would be the first pitcher in.
