The Portland Sea Dogs’ Breakout Star
The Portland Sea Dogs roster includes three Top 100 prospects, but neither Roman Anthony (15), Marcelo Mayer (42), nor Kyle Teel (83) has been the Double-A affiliate’s best player so far this season. That distinction belongs to a 23-year-old, shortstop-turned-left-fielder whom the Boston Red Sox drafted 69th overall in 2019 out of the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy.
Along with playing stellar defense at a new position, Matthew Lugo is slashing .306/.404/.653 with 10 home runs and an Eastern League-best 191 wRC+. Markedly-improved plate discipline has played a big role in his breakout. Last year, Lugo logged a 5.9% walk rate and a 27.6% strikeout rate. This year those numbers are 13.4% and 22.5%.
The decision to move Lugo off of his natural position and into an outfield corner wasn’t based on defensive shortcomings, but rather on the arrival of Mayer. The high-ceiling shortstop was promoted to Portland last year on Memorial Day weekend, and given his first-round pedigree, he wasn’t going to be the one moving.
Positional versatility will not only help Lugo reach the big leagues, it befits his overall skillset. While not elite in any one area, he does most things well. “I’ve always had a little bit of everything,” concurred Lugo, who is comes off as equal parts humble and confident. “I’m not a guy that has the most power, but I do have power. And I’m not the fastest guy, but I can steal some bases (he has nine this year in 10 attempts).
As for his chances of one day playing in Boston alongside Rafaela and other prospects, Lugo remains optimistic. “There’s no doubt in my mind that, with God’s will, I will play in the big leagues.”
RANDOM HITTER-PITCHER MATCHUPS
Aaron Judge is 5 for 5 against Ryan Pressly. Joe Judge went 8 for 9 against Johnny Miljus. Billy Jurges went 11 for 18 against Orville Jorgens. Arndt Jorgens went 9 for 23 against Rube Walberg. Rube Lutzke went 12 for 23 against George Mogridge.
The Rise of Braiden Ward
Braiden Ward is having one of the best seasons in the Colorado Rockies system. The 25-year-old speedster slashed .340/.426/.550 in 115 plate appearances for High-A Spokane, and since being promoted to Double-A Hartford earlier this week he’s gone 6-for-18 with a double, a triple, and a bunt hit.
“I’m not going to be a power hitter, so I need to get on base any way I can,” said Ward, whose 16 times reaching base via HBP is the most in the minors. Baseball America ranked Ward the fastest baserunner in the Rockies organization.
NEWS NOTES
The Detroit Tigers announced two promotions and a hiring on Thursday. Ryan Garko has been promoted to Vice President, Assistant General Manager, while Georgia Giblin has been promoted to Vice President, Baseball Performance Science. Andrew Thomas has joined the organization as Vice President, Baseball Analytics.
Cuno Barragan, a catcher who appeared in 69 games for the Chicago Cubs across the 1961-1963 seasons, died earlier this month at age 91. John Upham, a native of Windsor, Ontario who played in 21 games for the Chicago Cubs across the 1967-1968 seasons, died on Wednesday at age 83.
QUIZ ANSWER
The answer to the quiz is Jim Slaton, who was credited with 117 wins while pitching for the Brewers from 1971-1977, and again from 1979-1983.
The Red Sox Young Talent
The Red Sox won two out of three when they played the Nationals at Fenway Park earlier this month, but Alex Cora was nonetheless impressed with Dave Martinez’s team’s young talent. After addressing the challenges that come with controlling Washington’s running game, Boston’s manager said the following: “They’re very athletic,” Cora told reporters in his postgame presser. “They’re very good at what they do. They’ve got something good going on over there… it’s just a matter of time.”
