The Boston Red Sox could be calling upon one of their Triple-A pitching prospects for some help this weekend when they face the Houston Astros.
The ball club decided to scratch left-hander Jake Bennett from his start with the WooSox on Tuesday, just in case the big league team needs him in the coming days, per Mass Live. Bennett, 25, is currently on Boston’s 40-man roster.
“We’re just keeping options open leading into next week after the off day (Thursday),” interim manager Chad Tracy said on Tuesday.
Bennett has been dominant in Triple-A so far, giving up just two earned runs in 21 innings of work. Tracy, who has taken over for Alex Cora after he was fired, said the Red Sox have yet to decide who will pitch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Jake Bennett is an Intriguing Red Sox Prospect
Bennett came over to the Red Sox in 2022 in a trade with the Washington Nationals. He was a second round pick that year by the Nats, and although he missed all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, the southpaw impressed last season.
He compiled a 2.27 ERA across three levels, striking out 64 in 75.1 innings of work. Bennett reached as high as Double-A, and he pitched well enough to earn a promotion to Worcester this season.
So far, the Tulsa, Oklahoma native has a 0.86 ERA. He doesn’t overpower hitters with a fastball that sits in the low 90s, but Bennett consistently pounds the strike zone and pitches to contact.
“Big-time strike thrower,” Tracy said. “The velocity and the fastball has obviously ticked up. He was coming off an arm injury when he was with Washington. But when he’s sitting there 94 — another guy kind of like Tolle, doesn’t throw as hard, but big guy that really gets down the mound with big extension. So he tends to get in on hitters, too, because the fastball plays up.
“He’s in the zone a lot,” Tracy added. “Does a good job of holding runners. He can go from a slide step, he can use a leg kick, lands all stuff. But he’s really, really good, at least down there has been, of getting the ball in the strike zone. And he gets a lot of weak contact.”
Red Sox Rotation Could Use Help
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 13: Garrett Crochet #35 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning at Target Field on April 13, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Boston’s rotation owns a 3.83 ERA. Not terrible, but they could use some more depth, especially with Sonny Gray now injured. Brayan Bello and Garrett Crochet, who are considered two of the team’s better arms, have struggled early on. Bello starts the finale against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday.
Bennett obviously hasn’t faced big league hitters quite yet, but he has solid command, throws strikes, and keeps his defense busy. There isn’t much more you can ask for.
We’ll see if he gets a call-up to the show later this week.
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Red Sox Make Eye-Opening Decision With Top Pitching Prospect appeared first on HEAVY.