BRADENTON, Fla. — Travis Shaw kept making a solid impression on the Boston Red Sox, homering and driving in three runs Wednesday during a 6-2 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Shaw had a two-run homer and an RBI single, giving him eight hits and two walks in 16 plate appearances. He is pushing converted outfielder Hanley Ramirez for playing time at first base.
Blake Swihart doubled twice and singled for Boston. Pablo Sandoval snapped an 0-for-11 skid with an RBI double.
Pirates outfielder Starling Marte singled and scored on a wild pitch.
Yoan Moncada, Boston’s top prospect, was called up from minor league camp and started at second base. He went 0 for 2 with a walk.
“This is an opportunity for some young players to get some exposure to this environment, to the game at this speed and strength,” Red Sox Manager John Farrell said.
The Cuban free agent signed for a $31.5 million bonus in March 2015, then hit .278 in 81 games with Low-A Greenville.
The 20-year-old Moncada played last week in Boston’s doubleheader against Boston College and Northeastern. The Pirates were the first major league team he faced.
“He was down in Fort Myers a good week or 10 days before our big league camp opened, so he’s game ready,” Farrell said.
In the minors, Moncada produced four homers and 38 RBI. He also made 23 errors at second base.
“We’re still taking a look at him at that position,” Farrell said. “Who knows how fast the advance is? That’s all yet to be determined. But he’s a young, athletic guy who seemingly has a really bright future ahead of him.”
Joe Kelly worked 21/3 innings and gave up one run on three hits for Boston. He walked two and struck out three.
NOTES: Red Sox catcher Christian Vazquez (elbow surgery) reported no problems after catching two innings in a game on Tuesday. He’ll work three or four innings Friday against Toronto, according to Farrell. …. Pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (knee) is throwing a normal flat-ground routine from 60-90 feet. … Koji Uehara threw a 30-pitch simulated game.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.