Blake Wehunt shines once again for Salem Red Sox on Thursday
It’s going to be tough to find a pitcher more locked in on the mound in the Red Sox organization right now than Blake Wehunt.
The 23-year-old got the start on Thursday for Salem and picked up his second win of the year after throwing five solid innings against Fayetteville.
Wehunt threw 5 innings where he gave up 1 run and 3 hits. He allowed 2 walks and struck out 7 batters. The outing has been just another reminder of the exceptional year the right-hander has had.
The Georgia native has started 7 games this season and carries a 2.22 ERA over 28.1 innings pitched. Opponents are hitting just .167 off of him this season and he is carrying an outstanding 13.0 K/9. In his first two starts in May, he had a combined 18 strikeouts and 34 swings and misses. He is even better against right-handed hitters, as righties only hit .127 off of him.
At 23-years-old, it might be time the Red Sox move him up to High-A Greenville given the success he has had at the Low-A level. In some cases, pitchers start to look like they need better challenges and this case falls into that bucket. He would be a logical replacement for recently departed starter Luis Perales, who earned a promotion to Double-A Portland.
Coming in at 6-7, 240 pounds, Wehunt presents an intimidating presence when on the mound. The biggest question mark is going to be whether the fit long term is in a starting role or a bullpen role. As of right now, Wehunt belongs in the starting rotation and should be getting the chance in Greenville sooner than later.
