In a very literal sense, Justin Gonzales has become one of the biggest Red Sox prospects in the system. Standing at 6-foot-7, 277 pounds, the 19-year-old outfielder is a towering presence and has already displayed some eye-popping power.
He put those talents to use on the big league field Saturday afternoon.
Gonzales’ RBI single in the first inning wound up being the difference in the Red Sox’s rain-shortened 2-0 win over the Rays. The prospect got the start in left field and went 1 for 2 with the RBI in the victory.
Trevor Story drove in Boston’s other run with a single in the fifth inning, with Kristian Campbell scoring thanks in part to a throwing error by the left fielder. The game was called shortly afterwards following the sixth inning due to rain.
Oviedo impresses again
Johan Oviedo continued to make a strong case for the Red Sox’s No. 5 rotation spot, striking out four over 3 1/3 scoreless innings. The big right-hander allowed two hits with no walks, and he has now started the spring with eight innings without allowing a run through his first three starts.
Chapman, Kelly close deal
Aroldis Chapman posted a scoreless inning in the top of the fifth, sending the Rays down 1-2-3 with one strikeout, and Kelly was credited with the save after working around a hit and a walk to post a scoreless sixth.
Coming up next
Jake Bennett is scheduled to start Sunday for the Red Sox against the Pirates in Bradenton, and Tyler Uberstine, Jacob Webb, Kyle Keller and Noah Song are currently expected to follow him out of the bullpen. First pitch is 1:05 p.m.