As expected, the Boston Red Sox called up prized outfield prospect Andrew Benintendi before Tuesday night’s game against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field.
Benintendi’s selection to the major league roster was one of several moves the Red Sox made before the second game of their four-game series with the Mariners. Boston also designated left-handed pitcher Tommy Layne and infielder/outfielder Michael Martinez for assignment while adding newly acquired lefty reliever Fernando Abad to the active roster.
Benintendi, who is jumping straight from Double-A Portland to the majors, has been sensational since joining the Red Sox organization as the seventh overall pick in the 2015 draft. The 22-year-old tore up Single-A and then hit .295 with eight home runs, 44 RBIs and an .872 OPS in 263 plate appearances over 63 games at Double-A.
The Red Sox acquired Abad from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for right-handed pitcher Pat Light before Monday’s Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline. The 30-year-old southpaw owns a 2.65 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP in 39 relief appearances spanning 34 innings this season.
Thumbnail photo via YouTube screen grab
