Spring training is in full swing, and the Red Sox organization is buzzing with player development updates and rehab assignments. Here's a breakdown of the latest action across the minors, with a special focus on Danny Coulombe's return to the mound.
Triple-A Worcester: A Tough Bullpen Day
The WooSox dropped a 5-2 decision to Buffalo in what was essentially a bullpen game, and the pitching staff struggled to contain the Blue Jays' affiliate. Every Worcester reliever allowed runs, putting the team in an early hole they couldn't climb out of. The offense didn't help matters either. Despite drawing eight walks, the team went just 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position and only four batters recorded a hit. By the time Buffalo's Je'Von Ward launched a home run off Wyatt Olds, the 4-2 deficit felt insurmountable—even though it wasn't mathematically out of reach.
Double-A Portland: A Late-Night Thriller
Fans in Hartford who stuck around for extra innings were treated to some late-game heroics. Max Ferguson delivered his third hit of the night, driving in what would become the winning run in a game that lacked offensive firepower on a night when Franklin Arias got a breather. The story here, as it has been across the organization, was missed opportunities. Portland couldn't bring runners home despite getting plenty on base—a frustrating pattern that made this game closer than it should have been. Still, the Sea Dogs found a way to pull out the win.
Rehab Watch: Danny Coulombe
A notable storyline was John Holobetz putting together one of his best outings of the season, covering five innings after an opener role from a rehabbing Danny Coulombe. The 36-year-old veteran is working his way back, but his performance so far raises questions. With an ERA nearing 6 and a declining strikeout rate, Coulombe's return might not be the most exciting move for a team looking to develop younger arms. Sometimes, giving fresh talent a chance to shine—or at least gain experience—could be the smarter play. But as always, the front office knows best.
High-A Greenville: A Tough Stretch
If you're keeping track, Greenville has now lost 13 of their last 14 games. Marcus Phillips couldn't make it out of the fourth inning, Shea Sprague got peppered by Hot Rods bats, and the offense was hitless in 11 chances with runners in scoring position. The lone bright spot? Yophery Rodriguez mashed his 10th home run of the year. But even that highlight was short-lived—his blast cut the deficit to 5-2, only for Bowling Green to score two more runs in the next inning anyway.
Single-A Salem: A Fight to the Finish
Salem found themselves in an early 3-1 hole in Fredericksburg, but they didn't go down without a fight. The team battled back, showing resilience against the Nationals' affiliate. While the final result wasn't a win, the effort was a positive sign for a young squad still finding its identity.