Trey Ball, who was drafted in the first round by the Boston Red Sox in 2013, was placed on the disabled list Wednesday by Single-A Greenville.
Ball was placed on the DL because of strep throat, according to WEEI.com’s Alex Speier. The left-hander reportedly had several days of inactivity and missed a side session due to his ailment, prompting the Drive to make a roster move before Wednesday’s game against the Savannah Sand Gnats.
Ball became the Red Sox’s earliest draft pick since Trot Nixon (1993) when Boston selected the pitcher seventh overall last June. Ball has struggled in the Red Sox organization to this point, but the 19-year-old has tremendous potential. Ball was ranked the Red Sox’s No. 10 prospect before this season by Baseball America.
Ball, who was drafted out of New Castle Chrysler High School in New Castle, Ind., also was an outfielder in high school, but he since has become a full-time pitcher. The 6-foot-6 southpaw posted a 6.43 ERA (five earned runs in seven innings) over five appearances in rookie ball last season. He owns a 6.59 ERA (10 earned runs in 13 2/3 innings) over three appearances with Greenville this season.
Left-hander Daniel McGrath, who had been in extended spring training after a bout with tonsillitis, joined Greenville on Wednesday in a corresponding roster move.
Photo via Twitter/@tpriddy
