Red Sox promote right-handed pitcher Caleb Bolden to Double-A Portland after stellar start with the Greenville Drive
The Red Sox are continuing their internal promotions, elevating right-handed reliever Caleb Bolden from High-A Greenville to Double-A Portland, per the team’s transactions log.
Bolden has been off to a stellar start this season, recording a 3-0 record with a 0.00 ERA, three saves, 20 strikeouts, and a 0.92 WHIP over 13 innings.
The 25-year-old tossed a scoreless 1 1/3 innings on Saturday, earning a save while striking out three batters. In each of his outings where Bolden recorded a save, he struck out two batters or more. That includes a five-strikeout performance on April 17 on the road against Wilmington.
The promotion of Bolden comes on the heels of the organization elevating reliever Jonathan Brand from Greenville to Salem. Boston is continuing their aggressive nature in promoting talent in order to challenge them at the next levels.
Bolden has been in the Red Sox organization since he was drafted in the seventh round during the 2022 MLB Draft. He was the second Horned Frog to get selected during the draft after pitching in high-leverage situations in college.
Used mainly as a reliever, Bolden struck out 84 in 88 2/3 innings with a 3.86 ERA combined during his Arkansas stint. He was also drafted by the Rays in 2017.
The TCU alum’s first full-season professional season saw him split time between Low-A Salem and High-A Greenville. All told, he posted a 4.17 ERA with two holds and four saves in seven opportunities while walking 29 with 84 strikeouts.
The Texas native throws from a low-three-quarters arm slot and offers a three-pitch mix. His fastball sits between 92 and 94 mph and tops out at 95 mph. He also throws an 80-82 mph slider and an 83-85 mph changeup. All three pitches are considered to be “potential below-average” offerings, according to his SoxProspects scouting report.
Bolden will join recently promoted Brand to go along with Theo Denlinger, Alex Hoppe, Ryan Zeferjahn, Jacob Webb, Christopher Troye, and Wyatt Olds in a strong bullpen for the Sea Dogs.
