Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz showing encouraging signs in his second minor league season

Photo Credit: Primera Hora

Over the last few months, the Red Sox's top 30 prospect list has undergone some changes. As some players' stock has fallen, others have risen. One prospect who has stood out is Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz. He was one of the youngest pitchers in the 2021 draft, and so far, in the minors, he is showing why the Red Sox hold him in high regard.

In nine starts this season for Salem, Rodriguez-Cruz has posted a 2.29 ERA and walked 18 batters. Opponents are having difficulty barreling him up and hitting .227 against him. Through 39.1 innings of work, Rodriguez-Cruz has used his four-pitch mix to strike out 33 batters.

The young right-hander possesses a fastball that reaches the mid-nineties and a curveball with good depth. The Puerto Rican native also throws a slider and changeup, but they are still a work in progress. Due to the extension that he gets on his delivery, Rodriguez-Cruz’s pitches tend to get on hitters quicker than they expect.

Although the 19-year-old has only 22 minor league games on his resume, he is making the most of his opportunities. In 71.2 innings of work, Rodriguez-Cruz has pitched to a 2.09 ERA. He has allowed 18 earned runs and spent most of his career in the rotation. So far this season, the former fourth-round pick has given his team a chance to win every time he takes the mound.

Additionally, Elmar-Cruz has only allowed more than two earned runs in an outing once this season. As a result, the Leadership Christian High School product is working deeper into games and giving the bullpen some rest. In his last two starts, he has pitched into the sixth inning for the first time all year.

Due to his recent play, Elmar-Cruz is currently ranked No.22 on the Red Sox’s top 30 prospect list. He is not expected to make his MLB debut until 2026. At the moment projects to be a number four starter. However, that could change as the talented teenager will only get stronger.

As the minor league season continues, the former 105th overall pick will be a player to watch. He is getting better as the innings pile up. Opponents hit .221 against him in May after hitting .257 against him in April. If Elmar-Cruz can build on his success, his stock will continue to rise.

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