Red Sox MiLB Pitching Notes: Two pitchers released, Justin Slaten throwing final BP session, Blake Wehunt earns honors
The Red Sox are on the road, playing a three-game with the Houston Astros from Minute Maid Park. Boston dropped the series opener with the bullpen continuing to show its warts, while the club loses ground in the American League Wild Card race.
Here are a handful of pitching notes from the weekend for the big league club, the Portland Sea Dogs and the Greenville Drive.
Red Sox release two minor league pitchers
The Red Sox have released right-handed pitcher Theo Denlinger, who was with the Portland Sea Dogs, and left-hander Nathan Landry, according to the MiLB transactions log.
Denlinger struggled over the past two seasons, splitting time between the WooSox and Sea Dogs. This year, the righty posted a 5.53 ERA with three holds, 35 strikeouts, and nine walks. He appeared in 23 games, all out of the bullpen, pitching in 40 2/3 innings.
Boston initially acquired Denlinger from the White Sox in February last year, in a deal that sent right-handed pitcher Franklin German to Chicago.
Denlinger was drafted in the seventh round of the 2021 MLB draft out of Bradley University.
Landry was selected in the 15th round out of Mizzou during the 2022 MLB Draft. He spent the last year and a half with Greenville Drive. This season, he went 2-1 with a 5.24 ERA with two holds and 48 strikeouts in 46 1/3 innings.
Two more pitchers promoted to Double-A Portland
The Red Sox promoted two more pitchers to Double-A Portland on Monday. Greenville Drive right-handers Bryce Bonnin and Reidis Sena will report to the Sea Dogs, per the X account RedSoxMiLB.
Bonnin signed with the Red Sox on March 14 and has spent the season with the Drive. In 19 games, Bonnin has pitched out of the bullpen, owning a 3-3 record with a 4.04 ERA and two holds in 35 2/3 innings.
Sena has posted a 6-4 record in 28 games while owning a 3.56 ERA. He has three saves with 67 strikeouts and 24 walks in 48 innings. The 23-year-old offers a three-pitch mix, a fastball that sits between 94 and 97 mph, an above-average slider that averages 82–85 mph, and a 90 mph changeup, according to his SoxProspects scouting report.
Tyler Uberstine to make his 2024 season debut
Red Sox right-handed minor league pitcher Tyler Uberstine will be making his 2024 debut on Friday for the Greenville Drive, according to SoxProspects editor Chris Hatfield.
The 25-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery on June 14, 2023. Boston initially acquired the righty in the 19th round of the 2021 MLB draft out of Northwestern.
Uberstine, who stands at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, throws from a three-quarters arm slot and features four-pitches within his repertoire. He offers a 92-94 mph fastball, which is considered to be an above-average pitch. In addition, he throws an 82-84 mph slider, an 86-88 mph changeup, and a 76-80 mph curve, per his SP scouting report.
Blake Wehunt wins South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week
Red Sox pitching prospect Blake Wehunt won the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week.
The righty tossed five hitless and scoreless frames with one walk and six strikeouts. Wehunt had a dominant start to the season for Low-A Salem, pitching to a 2.16 ERA and holding opponents to a .167 batting average in eight starts. He’s struggled with the Greenville Drive; in 10 starts, he owns a 4.80 ERA in 45 frames.
Justin Slaten to throw final bullpen session
Red Sox reliever Justin Slaten will throw a final bullpen session on Monday, according to MLB.com’s Ian Browne. If all goes well following the session, the team could send Slaten on a brief rehab stint with Triple-A Worcester or Double-A Portland.
The Red Sox key setup man has been dealing with right elbow inflammation. Prior to his injury, Slaten had a 3.38 ERA with 45 strikeouts over 42 2/3 innings.
