A notable Boston Red Sox prospect could make his MLB debut Sunday.
The Red Sox appointed right-handed pitcher Hunter Dobbins as their 27th man for Sunday’s doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals at Fenway Park.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora told reporters before Game 1, scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET (watch on NESN), that Dobbins could start Game 2 against the Cardinals.
MLB Pipeline ranked Dobbins as the No. 13 prospect in the Red Sox farm system. SoxProspects.com has Dobbins at No. 12 in its rankings.
Dobbins, an eighth-round pick in 2021, spent most of last season with Double-A Portland before a promotion to Triple-A Worcester. He made 25 starts across the two levels and finished with a 3.08 ERA in 125 2/3 innings.
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Dobbins began this season at Worcester, where he allowed five runs over 3 2/3 innings in his first start of the year with the WooSox. The 25-year-old appeared in two Grapefruit League games for the Red Sox during spring training.
It remains to be seen whether Dobbins will carve out a consistent role with Boston this season, but Sunday’s call-up — albeit as the 27th man for a twin bill on the heels of Saturday’s rainout — certainly marks a step in the right direction for the young hurler.
Dobbins has worked primarily as a starter throughout his minor league career, but the Red Sox could convert him into a reliever at some point based on need. Again, time will tell.
Featured image via Woo Sox/Ashley Green
