Red Sox prospect Nathan Hickey comes back slugging
After spending a week on the Injured List, Red Sox's top catching prospect Nathan Hickey came back in a big way. Returning to action on Thursday, he entered Sunday’s contest with just one hit in his last nine at-bats. That changed quickly, thanks to Akron RubberDucks starting pitcher Hunter Stanley.
In a 1-1 count, Stanley grooved a 92 mph fastball to which Hickey had no problem depositing over the right field wall. It was the 23-year-old’s 4th home run since being promoted to AA with the Portland Sea Dogs.
In his short time in Portland, his production has come down a tick, but that’s no slight. In just 66 at-bats the 2021 5th-round pick is slashing .273/.338/.500, proving he is not overmatched to start his AA career. His .500 slugging percentage places him 11th in the Eastern League, just behind teammate Nick Yorke, who’s doing some slugging of his own.
The left-handed hitter has been a strong performer at the plate overall. So far he has shown the ability to hit for contact, power, and work a walk. Like teammate Chase Meidroth, he’s showing why he earned the early promotion to AA. Hickey will likely be the Sea Dogs’ go-to catcher for the rest of the season, especially against righties.
An average-at-best defender behind the plate, Hickey’s best attribute is still his power. With a 55-grade power, it is no doubt his best tool. He will look to continue mashing this upcoming week, on the road facing the Binghampton Rumble Ponies.
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