Red Sox Minor League Report: Allan Castro Out-Wrestles Durham On WWE Night In Worcester

[Ayden Mason]

Boston Red Sox Affiliate Recap (September 16)

Triple-A Worcester Red Sox

Season Record: 75-65

Worcester’s third straight win came on WWE Night, as the WooSox defeated the Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays) 8-5. 

The WooSox collected 10 hits, with multi-hit games from Braiden Ward (3), Tsung-Che Cheng (2), and Allan Castro (2), who became the hero once again in back-to-back nights, and cracked two homers for his squad.

While Worcester was facing a 3-0 hole in the third, they showcased perfect baseball. Cheng started things off with a single, then advanced to second on a Ward sacrifice bunt. Franklin Arias followed up with a single of his own, bringing in Cheng. Now with Arias aboard, Castro smacked his first of two homers, a two-run shot to tie the game 3-3. 

Another obstacle was in Worcester’s way in the seventh, now facing a two-run deficit. Singles from Cheng and Ward gave the Sox some life once again. After breaking the record for most stolen bases in Triple-A Red Sox history with 58, Braiden stole two bases, including his 60th, to put two runners in scoring position. Arias recorded his 2nd RBI of the night with a sacrifice fly, cutting the deficit to one run. Then came the hottest hitter on the team, Castro, who clobbered another two-run bomb, giving the Sox their first lead of the game, 6-5.

In the eighth, Nate Baez gave the WooSox some comfort with a sacrifice fly, then Ward’s third hit of the night was a big one, extending the lead to 8-5 with an RBI single. Sam McWilliams shut the door in the ninth with a hitless inning, earning his second save of the season. 

Blake Wehunt, one of Boston’s top pitching prospects, pitched his last regular-season game. The right-hander was not at his best over his five-inning start, but he did not let the game get out of hand, allowing four runs on seven hits and three walks, with three strikeouts. Seth Martinez earned his fourth win out of the bullpen with a dominant seventh inning, striking out the side. 

Standout Performances: 

• Allan Castro: 2-for-3, 2 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, BB
• Braiden Ward: 3-for-4, R, RBI, 2 SB
• Franklin Arias: 1-for-3, R, 2 RBI, SB

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[JerseyJoey]

IF there's a 2027 season, Castro will be given a fair chance to win the LF position as they either trade or DFA the player we want to root for (but can't seem to generate consistent exit velo)

Arias will get the position they put Mayer in the past two years -- utility Inf and SS heir -- until Story gets injured, and 2027 will be the last year of his contract.  Sogard is better than we expected at 2B and can play anywhere so that fits with Arias as well.

They have room for a 1Ber in a couple of years, but Contreras brings a lot, and he's exceeded expectations. 

3B, C, CF and RF are set for quite a few years, which is pretty good

We'll see if Kristian Campbell challenge any of these positions.   Gaspar can play DH we think, and who knows about Masa?

Bullpen is incredible and they will need one more RH-SP but perhaps will find one internally, or Bello will find himself.  

I hope they win the WC series, but if that's all, the season will still be moderately successful and they are trending in the right direction.

[Jayinjax]

Hard to believe Castro is the 34th rated prospect. Curtis Mead will probably get the nod at 2b next season. Pressure will be on Story to hold off Arias. Sogard will play all four infield positions. Anthony is the big question mark! Not a great fielder so there may be an opening in LF if Duran is traded.  Mickey and Yoshi are left handed DH prospects to compete with Anthony. The other big issue is catcher as Rutschman may not be the answer and should be batting 8th or 9th in the order.