Fresh off his headline-grabbing performance during Thursday’s Spring Breakout prospect showcase, Roman Anthony rejoined the Red Sox big leaguers in Jupiter on Friday and enjoyed another mammoth showing.
The top Red Sox prospect homered for the second straight day, hitting a solo shot in the fourth inning of Boston’s 9-4 win over the Miami Marlins.
Anthony also had a two-run single and an RBI groundout as part of a 2 for 4 showing with four RBI.
The 20-year-old outfielder wasn’t the only Red Sox hitter who had a big day. Seby Zavala hit a two-run home run in the fourth, Romy Gonzalez hit a two-run triple in the seventh, and Abraham Toro came off the bench and went 2 for 2 with an RBI single.
Rookie right-hander Richard Fitts got the start and turned in another strong outing, posting 4.1 shutout innings while allowing just one hit and no walks with four strikeouts. Fitts, who is now a prime contender to earn a spot in the Opening Day rotation with Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello and Kutter Crawford all expected to start the season on the injured list, has appeared in four Grapefruit League games in total and has allowed just one earned run over 10.2 innings.
Aroldis Chapman came on with one out in the bottom of the fifth and struck out both batters he faced, and Michael Fulmer allowed two runs (both unearned) over 2.2 innings.
Abreu cleared
Wilyer Abreu has been cleared to return to game action, Alex Cora told reporters prior to Friday’s game in Jupiter.
According to Jen McCaffrey of The Athletic, Cora said Abreu will make his Grapefruit League debut on Saturday. The Red Sox manager also addressed Rafael Devers’ comments yesterday that he’d spoken to the team about his role for the upcoming season. While Cora wouldn’t say if Devers will start the year as a designated hitter, he said he’s glad Devers addressed the media and cleared the air.
McCaffrey also reported that Cora said Kutter Crawford will throw bullpens next week on Tuesday and Friday, and Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito will each throw in the coming days. All three starting pitchers are expected to open the season on the injured list.