Catch him in the event you can.
Ceddanne Rafaela is thought for his Gold Glove-potential protection and severe pace, however he took the latter to the subsequent stage over the weekend. On Saturday, the Double-A Portland standout set a franchise document when he stole six bases in a single sport. He was initially credited with seven, however his ninth-inning seize was later modified to defensive indifference.
According to Major League Baseball, solely 4 gamers in American and National League historical past have stolen six bases in a sport, the primary of whom had important ties to Boston baseball. Philadelphia Athletics star Eddie Collins had a 6-steal sport in 1912, 21 years earlier than new Red Sox proprietor Tom Yawkey employed him to be his membership’s vice chairman and normal supervisor. Collins famously signed Bobby Doerr and Ted Williams throughout the identical scouting journey, however can also be notorious for his involvement within the group’s resolution to go on Jackie Robinson.
But again to Rafaela, as a result of the 22-year-old confirmed up for Sunday’s sport hungry for extra. He stole three bases, all within the first three innings, bringing his season whole as much as 19 in 28 video games.
Ceddanne Rafaela who stole a franchise document 6 bases yesterday, already has 3 as we speak via three innings.
The man can’t be stopped! pic.twitter.com/f0oCDYfLYV
— Portland Sea Dogs (@PortlandSeaDogs) May 14, 2023
“Stealing bases has been part of my game since the day I was signed,” Rafaela instructed reporters after Saturday’s sport. “It’s in my mind that I have to get 30, that’s the goal. I was close last year, but I didn’t get there. That drives me.”
He stole 28 bases over 116 video games between High-A and Double-A final season, and at this price, it’s all however assured that he’ll attain his desired purpose. Most possible, he’ll blow previous it.
But how lengthy will he stay in Double-A?
Entering Sunday’s sport, the infielder-turned-outfielder had 28 hits in his first 27 contests, together with seven doubles and a house run, 17 runs, 16 RBI, six walks, and 28 strikeouts.
Given his breakout efficiency in 2022 and his invitation to main league camp this spring, many have been shocked when the Red Sox determined to not promote him to Triple-A for the beginning of the minor league season.
At the time, sources instructed the Herald that it wasn’t an indictment of his efficiency in Fort Myers (16 video games, 7-for-32, 5 R, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 6 Ok). Rather, Rafaela’s potential is so monumental that the Red Sox aren’t attempting to maneuver him up too rapidly, particularly when there are nonetheless areas by which they need him to enhance, specifically plate self-discipline.
And with Jarren Duran’s newfound success this yr, there’s no have to rush Rafaela now, however as he continues to impress, they gained’t be capable to hold him down for lengthy.
Happy Mother’s Day
On the mound, Chris Sale has been one of many sport’s scariest pitchers.
But beneath that fearsome exterior lies a philanthropic coronary heart, and it was on show Sunday, when the veteran southpaw hosted a gaggle of breast most cancers survivors and Susan G. Komen Foundation employees and donated a collection for them to observe the Mother’s Day sport.
Sale has been donating a collection every month since 2018, however of the assorted causes he helps, this one is very private.
“Breast cancer is a disease that has affected so many people, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to host this incredible group at Fenway Park on Mother’s Day. My grandmother had breast cancer and that was a big reason for me to be involved,” mentioned Sale.
Injury updates
Joely Rodríguez is anticipated to be activated this week, “in the upcoming days,” Alex Cora mentioned Sunday afternoon. “We’ll see where we’re at, how he feels, but he’ll be in the next series.”
The left-handed reliever has but to make his Red Sox debut; an indirect pressure throughout spring coaching landed him on the injured checklist to start out the season.
“He’s a guy that we trust,” the Red Sox supervisor mentioned. “Little by little, he’s going to be come a big part of what we’re trying to accomplish, and we’re happy to have him.”
Next up
Starting Monday, the Seattle Mariners are on the town for 3 consecutive nights of seven:10 PM video games earlier than an off-day on Thursday and a highway journey that can hold them out of city till June.
Probable pitching matchups: RHP Tanner Houck/RHP George Kirby, RHP Nick Pivetta/RHP Luis Castillo, RHP Brayan Bello/LHP Marco Gonzales
Source: www.bostonherald.com