Report: Former Red Sox Prospect Anthony Rizzo Could Be Close to Major League Call-Up With Padres

by Seth Lakso on Fri, Apr 22, 2011 at 5:50PM

In San Diego, it's looking as though big league time may come sooner rather than later for Red Sox former top prospect Anthony Rizzo.

Poor play from current Padres' first basemen Jorge Cantu and Brad Hawpe could result in an early call-up for Rizzo, according to Jason A. Churchill on ESPN.com.

The Padres' first basemen tandem of Cantu and Hawpe have been disappointing to say the least, hitting a combined .122/.173/.189, with three extra-base hits this season.

Rizzo, who was moved to San Diego as part of the Adrian Gonzalez trade during the offseason, has been on fire this season for Triple-A Tucson, putting up a line that reads: .458/.500/.814, with five home runs.

"He looked ready last month," a pro scout told Churchill. "But [the Padres] aren't doing anything this year and he will benefit from his work down here."

Calling up one of the players for which the Padres traded their franchise first baseman in Gonzalez could go a long way in boosting fan morale in San Diego. However, keeping Rizzo in the minors until late May would save the club a year before the first baseman becomes arbitration eligible.