Elite speedster Rafaela, Boston’s No. 3 prospect, getting called up
The Red Sox are calling up Rafaela for the workforce’s stretch run, per MLB.com’s Ian Browne. The Red Sox have not introduced the transfer. MLB Pipeline ranks Rafaela as Boston’s No. 3 prospect and the No. 77 prospect in baseball.
Rafaela is hitting .302 with an .870 OPS throughout Double-A and Triple-A this 12 months with 20 dwelling runs, 79 RBIs and 36 steals in 108 video games in what’s been the perfect offensive Minor League season for him so far.
Rafaela solely had a .729 OPS in Single-A in 2021 earlier than elevating that quantity to .880 final season throughout High-A and Double-A. Along with bettering his bat, he’s additionally improved his plate self-discipline, as he’s already tied his stroll complete from final season (26) regardless of taking part in in eight fewer video games.
“The one thing that we want from him, regardless of the numbers, is controlling the strike zone,” Red Sox supervisor Alex Cora advised Browne earlier this month. “He’s very unique in what he does, because he chases pitches, but he is hitting. The other day, he hit a homer and walked four times. That’s a great game for me. The more he walks, the more he controls the strike zone, the better he’s going to be.”
A gifted defender who can play a number of positions, Rafaela has spent most of his season in middle discipline, however can play any place apart from first base and catcher. MLB Pipeline describes him as “a Gold Glover ready to occur with excellent vary together with plus arm power” within the outfield, and he boasts 20 outfield assists throughout his Minor League profession together with a .956 fielding proportion at shortstop.
“I wouldn’t want to compare him to others, but his ability to play a plus center field and a plus shortstop is pretty special and valuable,” stated Red Sox director of participant growth Brian Abraham. “His glove provides a lot of value and is a game changer on the dirt and in the grass. He takes pride in what he does on the field and I only see him continuing to improve with the work he puts in and more thorough understanding of positioning and opponents at the upper levels.”
Rafaela is becoming a member of the Red Sox at what may arguably be the most essential juncture of their season. Boston enters play Monday at 69-62 and 4 1/2 video games again of the ultimate AL Wild Card spot. They open a three-game sequence in opposition to the defending champion Astros on Monday.
Along with calling up Rafaela, the Red Sox are additionally selling INF/OF David Hamilton. In corresponding strikes, Wilyer Abreu is headed to the paternity checklist whereas Pablo Reyes is headed to the injured checklist. Hamilton posted a .427 OPS in 13 video games with the Red Sox earlier this season.
