Rusney Castillo Returns to PawSox from Disabled List

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Rusney Castillo returned to the Pawtucket Red Sox on Wednesday night after being activated from the disabled list, and went 0-4 with a strikeout as the designated hitter in their 5-1 loss against the Syracuse Chiefs. He was not in the lineup for Pawtucket's 4-0 victory over the Chiefs on Thursday, which had an early start time of 12 PM.

Castillo had been sidelined since April 11 with a right shoulder injury, and John Farrell has expressed that he will need more playing time before having any chance of being called up to the majors.

"He's missed significant time," Farrell told Jimmy Toscano of CSNNE.com. "He's going to need more than three to four at-bats tonight, or six to eight total. I think we need more than that."

In four games for Pawtucket this season, Castillo is hitting .313/.353/.375 with a double and two runs batted in. He played in 10 major league games for the Red Sox last season, where he slashed a .333/.400/.528 line with two home runs, a double, three walks and six runs batted in.

With Shane Victorino on the disabled list, and Allen Craig struggling mightily at the plate, many are left to wonder how long it will be before Castillo gets the call.

Victorino was placed on the disabled list retroactive to April 25 because of nagging right hamstring injury, and has managed to do little offensively this season, hitting .143/.302/.171 with seven strikeouts in 12 games.

Craig has largely failed to live up the expectations the Red Sox had for him when they acquired him from the St. Louis Cardinals along with Joe Kelly in exchange for John Lackey at least season's trade deadline. In 46 career games for the Red Sox, Craig has managed to hit only .125/.222/.172 with only four extra-base hits, including .118/.189/.118 with no extra-base hits in 17 games this season.

Although Boston's offense has looked very good at times, they have still run into patches of inconsistency and at points been unable to take advantage of some good pitching performances, which have been hard to come by these days. After Castillo gets some more playing time in Pawtucket, it should only be a matter of time before you see him roaming the outfield at Fenway Park.

Sea Dogs Swept By Binghamton Mets

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After splitting their four-game weekend series with the New York Yankees' Double-A affiliate Trenton Thunder, the Sea Dogs were swept in three games by another New York affiliate, the Binghamton Mets.

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New England Patriots' hero, Malcolm Butler, attended the series opener on Monday night, throwing out the first pitch, and was available to the fans for pictures and autographs. The game, however, was suspended after two innings due to inclement weather and resumed as part of a double-header on Tuesday.

Luis Diaz got the start in the opener, allowing two earned runs on a single hit and three walks over two innings. Jonathan Aro took the mound when play resumed on Tuesday, taking the loss after allowing seven runs, six of them earned, on six hits and a walk.

The Sea Dogs scored seven runs on RBI hits by Oscar Tejada, Kevin Heller and Jantzen Witte, but that was not enough against the Mets' 11-run attack.

Mike Augliera took the loss, bringing his record to 0-4 on the season, in the second game of Tuesday's double-header, lasting only 3 1/3 innings while allowing seven earned runs on 10 hits and a base on balls. The Sea Dogs' lone run in the 7-1 loss came on a strikeout and wild pitch by Mets' pitcher Beck Wheeler, allowing Reed Gragnani to score from third.

Portland dropped the third and final game of the series by a score of 8-3 on Wednesday night, with Sea Dogs' starter Mike McCarthy taking the loss to bring his record to 2-2. McCarthy allowed six runs on eight hits and two walks over four complete innings.

Portland took their only lead of the game in the bottom of the first inning on a run scoring wild-pitch by Mets' starter Rainy Lara, allowing Mike Miller to score. First baseman Jantzen Witte followed that up with an RBI ground out to give the Sea Dogs a 2-1 lead going into the second. Portland's catcher, Luis Martinez, added an RBI double which drove in Keury De La Cruz in the fourth, but that was all the offense the Sea Dogs could muster.

The Sea Dogs will have an off-day Thursday, before resuming play in Reading, PA against the Fightin' Phils on Friday night at 7:05 PM.

Robby Scott Looking Impressive So Far for Sea Dogs

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Robby Scott continued his hot start to the season against the Trenton Thunder on Sunday afternoon at Hadlock Field; tossing two innings of relief and allowing just a single unearned on one hit, while striking out two.

Scott has not allowed a run in four of his five appearances this season, including four shutout innings against the New Britain Rock Cats last Tuesday, only the second start of his professional career.

So far this season Scott is 0-0, with a 2.70 ERA and nine strikeouts in 10 innings.

The 25-year old Miami, FL native is coming off a strong 2014 campaign in which he owned a 8-2 record to go with a 1.96 ERA and 51 strikeouts.

Those numbers were good for a trip to the 2014 Mid-Season All-Star Game for the Eastern League. Scott was also voted to the Arizona Fall League's Rising Star team in October.

"Between being in the All-Star game last year in the Eastern League and then having the opportunity to play in the All-Star game in the Fall League was awesome, two opportunities, two accolades that I will remember when my playing career is over," Scott told Yawkey Way Report.

"It’s one of those things where you get to reward yourself for something for your efforts, for the work you put in throughout your time. It’s not the last time I want to be on an All-Star team, and hopefully can be on an All-Star team at [every] level."

Despite a shortened off-season because of the Arizona Fall League, Scott felt no ill effects during Spring Training this year.

"I [actually] felt better, just because I didn't have that extended period of time off. My arm felt a lot better getting ready to go for Spring Training because I didn't have that extra month and a half off, so I felt actually a lot better the first time I started throwing," Scott said.

Robby Scott also realizes that with his recent string of success, his promotion could be just a phone call away.

"That’s what it’s all about, seeing guys have that opportunity. You got to be able to put yourself in the best possible position to succeed and be ready for that opportunity when your name is called, and hopefully that opportunity comes," he said.

"A year ago now Mookie Betts was in this locker room. Now seeing him doing what he’s been doing [for the Red Sox] it’s been awesome. It’s exciting for us and exciting for the entire organization."

Sea Dogs Manage Four-Game Split With Trenton Thunder

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After two straight wins, the Portland Sea Dogs dropped the series finale to the Trenton Thunder by the score of 8-2 on Sunday, giving them a split in the four-game series at Hadlock Field.

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Justin Haley was handed his third loss on the young season, as he failed to get through the fifth inning after allowing six earned runs on eight hits, including two home runs, and four walks, bringing his ERA on the season to 9.42.

Keury De La Cruz, who was playing in his first contest in over a week after suffering a leg injury, provided the lone offense for the Sea Dogs. After back-to-back singles by Jantzen Witte and Oscar Tejada, De La Cruz drove them both in with a fly ball double to left field.

One bright spot in the series came on Friday, when the Sea Dogs were able to hand the New York Yankees number one prospect, Luis Severino, the worst loss of his Double-A career, after tagging him with six runs, three of them earned, on eight hits and three walks over five innings.

They were able to chase Severino in the bottom of the sixth inning, after he committed a throwing error on a Jonathan Roof bunt with two men on which allowed a runner to score, then gave up an RBI single to Sea Dogs' right fielder Kevin Heller. The Sea Dogs added an RBI single by second basemen Carlos Asuaje in the inning, followed by a two-run double off the bat of left fielder Oscar Tejada.

Portland added three more runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, and won by a final score of 10-2.

The Sea Dogs will host last year's Eastern League champions, the Binghamton Mets, for a three-game series at Hadlock Field beginning at 6:00 PM on Monday night. The New England Patriots Super Bowl hero, Malcolm Butler, will be in attendance, throwing out the first pitch, as well as signing autographs and taking pictures.

Mookie Betts Provides Walk-Off Heroics for Red Sox

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Mookie Betts put together another impressive game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on Monday night, including the walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth inning to drive in Xander Bogaerts for the winning run.

Joe Kelly took the mound for the Red Sox and struggled out of the gate, allowing three runs to score in the bottom of the first inning. He allowed single runs to score in the third and fourth innings, and left the game after six complete allowing five earned runs on five hits and three walks, while striking out a career-high 10 batters. Alexi Ogando and Koji Uehara provided three scoreless innings of relief in support of Kelly.

Betts led off the game for the Red Sox with a tough at-bat against Toronto's starter, Aaron Sanchez, drawing a walk on seven pitches, before being caught trying to steal second by Blue Jays' catcher Russell Martin. After David Ortiz doubled with one out in the inning to set up men on second and third, Pablo Sandoval drove them both in to bring Boston within one run. Sandoval added a solo home run, his second long-ball of the year, in the fourth.

With two outs in the bottom of the fifth, Betts line a double to left field before scoring on a RBI single by Dustin Pedroia. The 22-year old center fielder again found himself on base after singling in the eighth, and after a passed ball allowed Betts and Pedroia to advance to second and third, Hanley Ramirez hit a line drive into left field and Betts scored on the sacrifice fly to tie the game at five runs a piece.

After Brock Holt struck out on five pitches to lead off the ninth inning, Xander Bogaerts and Ryan Hanigan were able to hit back-to-back singles to set the stage for Betts' heroics. After taking a first pitch slider for a ball, Betts laced a 96-MPH fastball past the shortstop, who was playing near the infield grass, to drive in Bogaerts and complete the 6-5 victory for the Red Sox.

Matt Barnes Recalled, Makes First Appearance in '15 for Sox

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The Boston Red Sox placed Shane Victorino on the 15-day disabled list with a hamstring injury on Saturday, then recalled right-handed pitcher Matt Barnes from Triple-A Pawtucket to join the Major League club in Baltimore for their series against the Orioles at Camden Yards.

After being told on Saturday afternoon that he had been promoted, Barnes drove from Scranton, PA to Baltimore, MD and arrived approximately two hours before the start of the game.

He was called on to make his 2015 debut by replacing Justin Masterson in the bottom of the eighth, and responded by firing two scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out one.

Barnes was actually in line for his first big league win after Xander Bogaerts hit the first pitch he saw from Brad Brach for the go-ahead home run in the top of the 10th inning, making the score 4-3, but had his hopes quickly dashed as Boston's closer Koji Uehara blew the save opportunity by giving up a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the frame, his first blown save of the season.

"It was a crazy day," Barnes told Ian Browne of MLB.com. "It's not how I envisioned [the day] when I woke up this morning, but I'm happy to be here … trying to do what I can to help the ball club win."

Many thought the 24-year old native New Englander would make the Opening Day roster as a reliever after throwing in the high-90s for most of Spring Training, but he was sent down to Triple-A during the last round of roster cuts and subsequently reverted back to a starting role.

Barnes made two starts for the PawSox before being recalled on Saturday, posting a 0-0 record with a 5.63 ERA. He made five appearances for the Major League ball club last season, allowing four runs on eleven hits, over nine complete innings.

Sea Dogs Split Doubleheader With Rock Cats

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After weather postponed the series opener on Monday night, the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs managed a split with the New Britain Rock Cats, at New Britain Stadium in New Britain, CT.

Justin Haley took the mound for the Dogs in the first game of the twin bill, surrendering four earned runs on four hits and three walks, while striking out three over 3 1/3 innings. The loss is the second of the season for Haley whose ERA now stands at 8.38.

Ryan Carpenter started opposite Haley for the Rock Cats, and held the Sea Dogs to just two hits over seven innings, striking out seven and allowing just two hits and a single walk.

The score remained tied at zero until the bottom of the fourth, when Juan Ciriaco hit a fly ball single to center field to drive in the first two runs of the game. Rockies top position prospect David Dahl then reached on an error which scored a run, before Tyler Massey drove in Ciriaco with a single to left field.

The Sea Dogs were able to end the rally there, but unable to generate any offense and lost by a final score of 4-0.

Portland's offense wasted no time getting started in the second game, scoring four times in the first on a pair of two-run doubles by Reed Gragnani and Blake Tekotte. They added another run on a Jantzen Witte sacrifice fly in the second and three more on RBI hits by Witte and Oscar Tejada in the fourth.

Robby Scott got the start for the Sea Dogs in the nightcap, tossing four shutout innings and allowing only three hits and no walks, while striking out four. Boston's 22nd prospect, according to SoxProspects.com, Simon Mercedes, completed the final three innings for the 8-1 victory, his first ever in Double-A. Mercedes allowed just one run on one hit, while walking two and striking out five, including his final batter of the game.

Justin Haley Looking to Build on 2014 Campaign With Sea Dogs

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23-year old Justin Haley looked impressive in his six starts with the Portland Sea Dogs last season, going 3-2 with a 1.19 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 37 2/3 innings pitched. He earned a win in the first round of the Eastern League playoffs against the Binghamton Mets, firing six scoreless innings while allowing only five hits and a walk, striking out eight.

Although his time in Portland last season was brief, he was able to learn a few things from Red Sox top pitching prospects, Brian Johnson and Eduardo Rodriguez, that he's looking to apply this season.

"Being able to watch guys go out and throw, go out and compete, keep their composure, I think that’s going to be the greatest thing I learned from some of the veteran guys." he told Yawkey Way Report. "Just keeping your composure under pressure and being able to shrug off a bad outing, or maybe a bad inning, and go out there and dominate the next one."

Although Portland was unable to advance out of the first round of the Eastern League playoffs last season, after winning a franchise-best 88 games and graduating 14 players to Triple-A Pawtucket, Haley attributed some of last year's success to the Red Sox organization's emphasis on player development and creating a winning atmosphere.

"Every guy in the clubhouse wants to win; win a championship every year and it boils down to winning every game, we go out there every night trying to win," he said.

"It inspires me. We have a great organization. One that uses guys and really develops guys, I think is a big part of it. Being able to see yourself at that next level really helps, seeing guys be successful at that level, it helps you be able to focus and know that you can make it that far."

Although inspired by the thought of pitching at the next level, Haley has not let that idea distract him from staying focused on the job at hand.

"Those thoughts don’t help me pitch. I am in the game of throwing strikes, that’s what I do, that’s what I stick to, and that’s what’s going to make me successful. Anything else is just noise."

Currently ranked the 35th top prospect by SoxProspects.com, Haley has struggled in his first two starts for Portland this season. The Sacramento, CA native owns a 0-1 record with a 7.11 ERA while allowing a .333 opponent batting average. The Sea Dogs hope he can build on what he learned from Johnson and Rodriguez last season, shrugging off his less-than-stellar start and getting back to being the effective pitcher he has been in the past.

Sea Dogs Lose First Series of Season With Yankees' Affiliate

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After winning their first series of the season against the New Britain Rock Cats, the Portland Sea Dogs dropped three of four games to the New York Yankees' Double-A affiliate, Trenton Thunder, in their first match-up of the season.

Portland opened the four-game series with a 3-2 loss in extra innings on Thursday night at Arm & Hammer Park in Trenton, NJ, in front of a crowd of 6,495. The Sea Dogs trailed 1-0 until the top of the seventh, when left fielder Keury De La Cruz hit an inside-the-park-home run on a ball to left field. Trenton scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game at two runs a piece, and before the Thunder's right fielder, Aaron Judge, drilled the first pitch he saw for a walk off home run in the bottom of the 10th.

Sea Dogs' starter Mike Augliera earned his second loss of the season in the 7-0 loss on Friday night, tossing 6 1/3 innings while allowing three earned runs on six hits, bringing his ERA to 4.50 on the season. The Thunder tagged Portland reliever Kyle Martin for four runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, putting the contest out of reach.

Mike McCarthy was able to earn the first and only win of the series for the Sea Dogs in Saturday's contest, allowing no runs on two hits and two walks over five innings. Portland scored five times in the second inning to bust the game open, and added runs in the sixth and ninth innings to complete the 10-1 victory.

The Thunder tagged Sea Dogs' starter William Cuevas for five runs over three innings on Sunday afternoon, bringing his record to 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA on the season. Portland relievers Jonathan Aro and Dyan Diaz continued their impressive start to the season, however, tossing a combined five innings of scoreless relief, bringing their ERA's to 1.00 and 1.69, respectively.

The Sea Dogs open their next series on the road today, taking on the New Britain Rock Cats for a three-game set.

Starting Rotation Struggling Mightily for Red Sox

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After a very impressive first time through the rotation, Boston's starters have failed to replicate that success the second and third times through the order.

Rick Porcello was the latest Sox starter to struggle, allowing eight earned runs on 12 hits and three walks over five innings against the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday afternoon at Fenway Park. Porcello gave up a home run to Orioles' center fielder Adam Jones in the top of the first, and another to second baseman Ryan Flaherty in the top of the second. Known for his ability to induce ground balls, Porcello has already given up three home runs on the season, and in three starts owns a 1-2 record with a 6.63 ERA.

Clay Buchholz, who many expected to lead the staff this season, looked impressive when he threw seven scoreless innings on Opening Day against the Philadelphia Phillies.

However, he showed more of the inconsistency that has plagued him throughout his career in his second start, allowing nine earned runs on nine hits and two walks, in just 3 1/3 innings, against the New York Yankees on Sunday Night Baseball. In three starts, Buchholz has a 6.06 ERA after giving up 12 earned runs on 23 hits in 16 1/3 innings.

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David Ortiz Drives in Mookie Betts with a RBI Single - Fenway Park Opening Day 2015

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Mookie Betts Double Steal - Fenway Park Opening Day 2015

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Daniel Nava Proving His Worth for the Red Sox

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After much was made about which of Boston's plethora of outfielders would make the Opening Day roster during Spring Training, Daniel Nava has wasted little time showing how much value he has for the Red Sox despite playing in a bench role.

The 32-year old Redwood City, CA native played a key role in the Red Sox victory over the New York Yankees on Friday night, going 2 for 3 with two runs batted in. Nava laced a 98-MPH Nathan Eovaldi fastball into right field for a single in the top of the fourth, then lined a change-up that ricocheted off Mark Teixeira's glove, allowing Pablo Sandoval and Mike Napoli to score in the top of the sixth.

The 19-inning marathon contest lasted six hours and 49 minutes, and included a 16-minute delay to fix malfunctioning light towers near the foul poles caused by a power surge. The game was the longest in terms of time in Red Sox history, despite playing a 20-inning contest against the Yankees in August of 1967.

Nava continued his success against the Yankees on Saturday afternoon, not even 12 hours after the conclusion of Friday night's contest, again going 2 for 3 with two runs batted in, a walk and a run scored.

With two outs and Mike Napoli on third base in the top of the second, Nava hit a ball into left field that was badly misplayed by Yankee's outfielder Brett Gardner, which allowed Napoli to score and Nava to cruise into second base with a double. He added another RBI single in the top of the fourth, lining an Adam Warren fastball to center field scoring Pablo Sandoval.

In his career against the Yankees, Nava is hitting .308/.410/.523 with a .933 OPS and eight extra base hits, 15 runs batted in and 10 walks in 65 at-bats. Nava has home runs against three of the Yankee's starting pitchers—C.C. Sabathia, Michael Pineda and Saturday's starter, Adam Warren.

Portland Sea Dogs Win Home Opener Over Fightin Phils 4-2

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Jonathan Aro pitched three shutout innings in relief of Luis Diaz to earn the win and Keury De La Cruz got the scoring started with a 3-run home run in the bottom of the first inning, propelling the Portland Sea Dogs to a 4-2 Opening Day victory on Saturday against the Reading Fightin Phils.

After guaranteeing baseball would be played at Hadlock Field for Opening Day on Thursday, April 9, the Portland Sea Dogs were forced to push back their home opener two days because of inclement weather. Fans who had tickets for the April 9 contest will receive two tickets for future games.

Sea Dogs' third baseman, Mike Miller, led off the bottom of the first with a single to center field, and second baseman, Carlos Asuaje, followed with a nine pitch walk. After Henry Ramos popped out to Phil's third baseman, Gustavo Pierre, Keury De La Cruz drilled a hanging breaking ball to right field for a three-run home run off Reading's starter and MLB.com's 38th ranked prospect, Aaron Nola.

Portland would add their fourth and final run of the contest in the bottom of the second inning. After first baseman, Jantzen Witte, drilled a two-out double to left field, Mike Miller hit a line drive single to left field to drive him in.

Boston's 28th top prospect, according to SoxProspects.com, Luis Diaz, who turned 23 years old on April 9, got the start for Portland and performed well pitching four innings while allowing two runs on five hits and a walk. Jonathan Aro came out of the bullpen in relief and pitched three shutout innings, allowing a hit and a walk, while striking out one, en route to his first win of the season.

Due to the inclement weather postponing Thursday and Friday's attempts to open the season, this game was played as part of a single admission double-header on Saturday, with both contests scheduled for seven innings. The Sea Dogs dropped the second game to Reading by a score of 9-0 to split the twinbill.

Will We See Brian Johnson in the Majors This Season?

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After one of the more impressive seasons for a Red Sox minor league pitcher in recent memory, Brian Johnson has continued to impress many with his Spring Training performance.

Johnson added another effective start to his Grapefruit League resume last Sunday afternoon (March 29) at JetBlue Park in Ft. Myers, FL, tossing four innings and allowing two earned runs on six hits and three strikeouts.

"I think this has been a very productive spring for him,'' Red Sox manager John Farrell told Sean McAdam of Comcast Sportsnet. "He has certainly helped his cause here. He's has a very good mound presence, good poise. He's attacked the strike zone and he works as a very quick pace. Sometimes that gets the better of him, where he might rush into some pitches. But he's shown very well.''

The only glaring number for Johnson is his eight walks in just 15 1/3 innings, which equates to 4.7 walks per nine innings.

"He's a guy who's typically has good command of the strike zone,'' Farrell said. "A couple of times during the course of his outings, there's been some base-on balls that have lead off an inning that result in a run.''

Despite a lack of command at times, it has not wavered the 24-year old first round draft pick's confidence.

"I'm confident with any pitch in any count," Johnson told Jen McCaffrey of MassLive.com. "I threw a couple 2-2 changeups, 3-2 cutters and 3-2 curveballs today. Didn't always work out, but I'm confident when I throw it."

Johnson is coming off a season in which he was voted the Boston Red Sox Minor League Pitcher of the Year, as well as earning a runner-up finish to fellow teammate, Henry Owens, in the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year Voting. Johnson finished 2014 with a 13-3 record with a 2.13 ERA in 25 starts between AA Portland and AAA Pawtucket.

Mookie Betts Has Come A Long Way Since Last Opening Day

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Mooke Betts began the 2015 regular season right where he left off in Spring Training—going 2 for 4, including a home run, an RBI and two runs scored in the Red Sox 8-0 shutout victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Betts led off the bottom of the third inning by lacing an 89 MPH first-pitch cutter from Cole Hamels over the left field fence, extending the Red Sox lead to 2-0 at the time. Betts is the youngest player to hit lead off on Opening Day for the Red Sox since Rico Petrocelli did the honors in 1965, according to ESPN.

The road to the show for Betts has been a long one, as the 22-year old Nashville, TN native began last season as the starting second baseman for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs against the Phillies (this time of Reading, PA), before transitioning to center field mid-season.

Betts started that 2014 campaign, one that saw him reach the majors for 55 games with the Red Sox, in a similar fashion to this year. In his first at bat Betts drilled a home run, finishing the day 4 for 4, with three runs scored an a RBI.

"He's taken an uncommon path to get to this point when you consider last year at spring training he wasn't even in major league camp and now he's hitting leadoff in a whole different position," Red Sox manager John Farrell told Jen McCaffrey of MassLive.com.

Even though the last 12 months or so have been a whirlwind for the young outfielder, Betts has remained humble and focused.

"It feels kind of normal now," Betts said prior to his Opening Day start. "That I got to play last year, then the off season to think about it, and coming to big league spring training, it's kind of normal now. I got used to it."

"Everything starts from zero now—I'm not trying to roll anything over, I'm just trying to go out and continue to do whatever I do."

Former Sea Dogs Shine for Sox on Opening Day

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The Boston Red Sox put on an impressive Opening Day show against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, with many former members of the Portland Sea Dogs contributing in big ways.

Dustin Pedroia, a 2005 alumni of the Sea Dogs, didn't waste any time getting the scoring started when he crushed a first inning, one-out pitch from Cole Hamels over the left field fence for a solo home run.

22-year old Mookie Betts, who was the starting second baseman for the Sea Dogs against the Reading Phillies to begin last season, started in center field and went 2-4 with a long solo home run off Hamels to lead off the third inning.

Pedroia launched another home run to left field with one out in the fifth, showing that for the first time in a few seasons, he may be completely healthy. He added a brilliant defensive play in the bottom of the seventh inning, scooping up a ball on a short hop and firing to second base to force out Grady Sizemore and save a run from scoring.

Sea Dogs Hall of Famer, Hanley Ramirez, who spent 2004-05 with the Double-A club, followed suit in the fifth with a long home run of his own to left field.

Ramirez added his second home run in the top of the ninth inning, a grand slam, giving him five RBI's on the day to go with two hits, a walk and two runs scored.

Clay Buchholz, a 2007 Double-A All-Star for the Sea Dogs, took a huge step in the right direction in showing he is ready to take over as the ace of the staff. Buchholz fired seven shutout innings, allowing only three hits and a walk while striking out nine. The tall right-hander seemed in complete control of his full arsenal of pitches, throwing 66 of 95 of them for strikes.

Red Sox in No Hurry to Rush Blake Swihart

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Despite projected starting catcher Christian Vazquez beginning the season on the 60-day disabled list, the Red Sox are in no hurry to rush Blake Swihart's progression to the majors.

Swihart, who will turn 23-years-old in April, is considered the top catching prospect in baseball, and is currently listed as the Red Sox number one prospect according to SoxProspects.com. In 13 Grapefruit League games, Swihart is hitting .333/.375/.533 with a double, triple, home run and eight runs batted in.

“The view is that with a young player like Blake or other guys, we prefer to get them on a little bit of a roll at the minor league level before they come to us,” Farrell shared with NESN.com on Monday morning. “There’s also the need to continue to refine the receiving side of things. He’s gotten quite a bit of opportunity here in camp. He’s shown well I think. But just in the big picture, I think we can probably all benefit by playing every day and continuing to work on the developmental areas that are there.”

The Red Sox will presumably look to Ryan Hanigan, whom they acquired from the San Diego Padres in December in exchange for third baseman Will Middlebrooks.

So far this spring, Hanigan is hitting .263/.353./.341 in nine games. For his career, the 30-year old veteran has hit .256/.353/.341 with 25 home runs and 172 runs batted in over eight seasons with the Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays.

The Red Sox didn't waste much time adding another catcher to bolster their depth at the position, acquiring catcher Sandy Leon from the Washington Nationals on Monday in exchange for cash considerations.

"This is a guy who, given Christian's situation, we felt like we needed to build some depth at the position—a guy that's available because of being out of options and someone we've always graded fairly high on the receiving end of the position," Red Sox manager John Farrell told ESPN Boston.

Baseball America Votes Red Sox Minor League Second Best

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The Boston Red Sox have been voted as having the second best farm system in the major leagues with seven of the top-100 MLB prospects, according to Baseball America. The Chicago Cubs topped the list, with six top-ten prospects in the MLB's top-100.

Leading the top prospects for the Red Sox is newly acquired Cuban shortstop, Yoan Moncada. Boston officially inked the international free-agent earlier in the month to a minor league contract and a $31.5 million signing bonus. Because the Red Sox had already gone over their allotment of international bonus money with the signing of fellow Cuban, Rusney Castillo, Boston was forced to pay a 100 percent tax, bringing the total cost closer to $63 million.

Second on the list is 22-year old Blake Swihart, who is considered the top catching prospect in all of baseball. Swihart spent 2014 between AA Portland and AAA Pawtucket, where he hit .293/.341/.469 with 13 home runs and 64 runs batted in, while throwing out 46% of attempted base stealers. Despite Boston's starting catcher Christian Vazquez beginning the 2015 season on the 60-day disabled list, Swihart is still projected to start the year with the AAA Pawtucket Red Sox.

The Red Sox top pitching prospect, Henry Owens, ranks third on the list, just ahead of fellow southpaws Eduardo Rodriguez (5) and Brian Johnson (6). Owens was voted the 2014 Eastern League Pitcher of the year in 2014, after going 14–4 with a 2.60 ERA and striking out 126 batters, before being promoted to Pawtucket in early August.

Brian Johnson was voted runner-up to Owens in the 2014 Eastern League Pitcher of the Year voting, after being promoted to Portland in early May, and going 10-2 with a 1.75 ERA, 0.932 WHIP, allowing only six home runs over 20 starts for the Sea Dogs.

Other notable names on the list include outfielder Rusney Castillo (4), third baseman Rafael Devers (7), outfielder Manuel Margot (8), pitcher Matt Barnes (9) and shortstop Deven Marrero (10).

Justin Masterson Progressing Well as Opening Day Nears

(Photo Source: Yawkey Way Report)

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Justin Masterson is hoping for a bounce back season with the Red Sox, after going 7-9 with a 5.88 ERA for the Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals in 2014.

Although he has been shaky at times, Masterson has looked good overall this spring, going 2-1 with a 3.50 ERA and .250 opponent batting average in 18 innings over five games.

The 30-year old Kingston, Jamaica native delivered what was arguably his best outing of the spring so far on Monday, pitching 5 2/3 innings while allowing just one unearned run.

According to Masterson, part of his effectiveness is due to having a clean bill of health.

"It was a combination of feeling good and feeling strong and, for the most part, hitting my spots," Masterson told MLB.com. "It is definitely moving in the right direction. I was able to make a few adjustments."

"I feel great. At this time last year, if we were going into the fourth or fifth inning, I'd be giving up at least a couple of homers out there," Masterson continued. "The first couple would be good, and after that, not so much."

Boston's newly stacked offense has also seemed to have an effect on Masterson's level of comfort while on the mound.

"What I'm really excited about is, you're going to have a different guy who I feel is just going to go on hot streaks for a while. You'll have a week of this guy, a week of that guy and when they all come together, I'm going to sit there and just watch. Put my feet back and say, 'This is awesome'," shared Masterson in the same interview.

The Red Sox signed Masterson in December to a one-year, $9.5 million contract, returning him to the team that originally drafted him in 2006. With many questions surrounding Boston's rotation, the Red Sox should have a lot of reasons to feel optimistic about the return of his health.

Mookie Betts Taking More Aggressive Approach at the Plate

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Mookie Betts has easily been the biggest story of Spring Training for the Boston Red Sox, in large part due to his more aggressive approach at the plate as of late.

In 14 Spring Training games thus far, Betts is hitting .452/.477/.857, good for an astounding 1.334 OPS. The 22-year old infielder-turned-outfielder has collected seven doubles, two triples, two home runs and five runs batted in.

What number stands out the most, however, is only two base on balls.

"[Major league] pitchers are just around the zone more. I feel like you have to swing a little more. You can’t go up there taking,” Betts shared with Alex Speier of the Boston Globe. “I kind of learned last year that you can’t go up there taking. You've got to be ready to swing it. That’s how [Derek] Jeter got 3,000 hits. He wasn't up there taking."

“That’s kind of why my approach is a little more aggressive than it used to be, which is all right. I feel like it works both ways — it cuts down on strikeouts and it may cut down on walks, but that’s OK. I’ll take [walks] when they come, like today."

The new offensive approach seems to be working brilliantly for Betts, who at one point this spring had more extra base hits than any player in the Grapefruit League.

“I think [the more aggressive approach] just kind of just developed over last year, especially against [major league] pitchers,” Betts said. “They’re kind of in the zone with everything. I feel like if you go up there taking, you’ll be 0-2 in the blink of an eye."

“It’s not something that I think about. It’s just something that’s naturally been an adjustment, the same way I always say – I feel like I just make natural adjustments."

The ability to make those adjustments on the fly should pay huge dividends for Betts, as he prepares for his first full season in the majors. In 52 games in 2014, Betts hit .291/.368/.444 with five home runs, 18 runs batted in, seven stolen bases and 21 walks.

Rusney Castillo Is Making His Case for Outfield Spot Heard

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Rusney Castillo, an international free-agent the Red Sox inked to a 7-year, $72.5 million contract last August, is making Boston's decision on which outfielders will start the season in the majors very difficult.

Castillo launched a 10th inning pitch from Minnesota's Jake Reed over the left-field wall on Thursday at JetBlue Park, giving the Red Sox a 5-4 lead and the victory. In six Spring Training starts thus far, the 27-year old Cuba native is hitting .235/.235/.706 with two home-runs, a triple and four runs batted in.

Despite missing two weeks of Spring Training with a left oblique injury, Castillo has wasted very little time showing that he is in-game condition.

"It's definitely gratifying, especially given I came up a little short in the previous at-bat with the bases loaded," Castillo shared with MLB.com's Ian Browne, using his interpreter Adrian Lorenzo. "It was nice to kind of pick up my team and be able to have that at-bat be a home run, especially to decide the game."

"I've always enjoyed those moments because it's a time when the fans are expecting you to decide the game,'' Castillo said in Spanish in an interview with USA TODAY. "I like being in those situations and I try to focus in those at-bats.''

Hanley Ramirez and Mookie Betts seem like locks to start the season in the outfield, which leaves Castillo, Allen Craig, and Shane Victorino vying for the starting right fielder position. Castillo has the most minor league options out of those three candidates, so it seems as though the easiest move would be to start him in AAA to begin the season.

"I don't worry too much about it. I just look ahead and train to get ready,'' Castillo told USA TODAY. "When you're at [AAA], the next step is the big leagues, and the season is very similar to the majors. I try to focus on doing my job wherever I am.''

However, Craig and Victorino have both shown an inability to stay healthy the last couple of seasons, playing in only 156 games combined in 2014.

Castillo, on the other hand, has performed well at every level since signing with the Red Sox, and seemingly has a much higher offensive and defensive ceiling than either Craig or Victorino.

In 11 minor league games between A and AAA in 2014, Castillo hit .293 with five extra-base hits, five runs batted in, seven runs scored, five walks and two stolen bases. He followed that up with an impressive major league debut, hitting .333/.400/.528 with two home runs, six RBI and three steals in 10 games with the big league club.

Although it seems like the easiest choice would be to let Castillo begin the season in AAA, he has made a strong case as to why he should start the 2015 season in Fenway Park as the starting right fielder. With Boston facing many questions regarding their pitching rotation and bullpen, the Red Sox should look to the slugging Castillo if they want to put their best possible lineup on the field.

Matt Barnes Fighting for Opening Day Roster Spot

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With Boston's bullpen still a very big question mark less than two weeks from Opening Day, Matt Barnes is doing everything he can to prove his worth as a big league pitcher.

Barnes entered Saturday's contest against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charolette Sports Park with two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning, replacing knuckle baller Steven Wright. He promptly got Asdrubal Cabrera to roll a ground ball to shortstop Xander Bogaerts, who forced out Steven Souza Jr. at second base to retire the side.

The 24-year old Danbury, CT native returned to the mound for the bottom of the fifth, and promptly retired Evan Longoria, James Loney and Desmond Jennings in order.

After Brandon Guyer started the bottom of the sixth frame with a double to left field, Barnes was able to retire Logan Forsythe, Curt Casali and John Jaso on three consecutive strikes outs.

Barnes finished the day with 2 2/3 innings pitched, allowing a single hit and striking out four. In seven Spring Training games, he owns a 0-1 record to go with a 5.25 ERA, but has held opponents to just a .227 batting average, and has posted an impressive 1.08 WHIP.

Although there is a very real possibility Barnes ends up on the Opening Day roster, he is trying only to focus on the things he can control personally.

"I'm not trying to think about that at all," stated Barnes in an interview with MLB.com's Ian Browne. "If you start thinking about that, I'm getting ahead of myself.

"The only thing I can control is going out there and pitching. I'm focusing on that, getting my work in between outings, and letting the rest take care of itself. I feel happy with how I've thrown the ball. We'll just let the management make the decision on that."

Red Sox manager John Farrell was impressed with Barnes' outing, especially coming in a true relief scenario.

"I thought he was very good. He gives up the 1-2 double and then records the three strikeouts following that [in the sixth inning]," Farrell told Browne. "Went to his curveball a little bit more to get some swing and miss against some quality major league hitters. He looks poised coming in for the middle of an inning. That's the first time he's come in with men on base. It's a quick out to end the threat. He looked fine."

With the clock ticking towards the start of the season, and the Red Sox still facing several questions regarding their bullpen, there is a good chance we will see Matt Barnes in the big leagues at some point this season, if not on Opening Day.

Rusney Castillo Contributes Big in Sox 3-2 Extra Innings Victory

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After replacing Shane Victorino in right field to start the seventh inning in Sunday's contest against the Tampa Bay Rays at JetBlue Park, Rusney Castillo furthered his argument as to why he should be a starting outfielder come Opening Day.

With one out in the top of the 10th inning, he made a brilliant diving catch in foul territory, then came up firing to catch the runner trying to score and end the frame.

"It turned out to be a good play," Castillo stated in an interview with Ian Browne of MLB.com. "I'm always kind of anticipating that kind of thing to happen. When you have a man on third in a big situation, you hope you can make a play like that and execute it. Fortunately it went our way."

Red Sox manager John Farrell seemed equally impressed by Castillo's skill in right field.

"I don't know that you can make a play better than the one he made -- diving play in foul territory, he gets up, sets his feet, and then he throws a 150-foot strike," Farrell told Browne. "A dynamic player, when you consider the skill set that he has. If there was any question on whether he could play right field, he's certainly answering those for us in camp here."

With JetBlue Park sharing the same right-field dimensions as Fenway, the 27-year old Cuba defector is showing he is having no problem transitioning from center field, where he has spent most of his playing time since coming to America, to a right field known for being difficult to defend.

Castillo then lead off the bottom of the 10th inning with a single, advanced to second on a passed ball, then tagged up and went to third on a fly ball from Allen Craig. Shortstop Deven Marrero drilled a two-out walk-off single off the Green Monster, driving in Castillo for the winning run.