Minor League Update

The Red Sox recently called up Jose Iglesias, Will Middlebrooks, and Aaron Cook from the minor leagues. Here are the players that could be called up next:

Daisuke Matsuzaka, Double-A, Portland Sea Dogs- The perennially disappointing Matsuzaka looked strong in his last rehab start, going 4 2/3 innings, striking out 7, walking 2, and allowing three hits. He looked fully recovered from his Tommy John Surgery, and his fastball reached as high as 93 MPH. The only downside was his high pitch count of 74. Matsuzaka has struggled with walks and high pitch counts in the past. With the Red Sox rotation struggling, he looks like a viable option if Aaron Cook fails.

Ryan Lavarnway, Triple-A, Pawtucket Red Sox- Many Sox fans had hoped that Lavarnway would start the year in the majors, but management felt that the catcher wasn't ready defensively for the majors. So far, this worry has proved correct, as Lavarnway has struggled at both the plate and in the field, hitting just .260. Still, it is expected that he will turn things around, and with only Jarrod Saltalamachia and Kelly Shoppach blocking his way in the majors, it wouldn't be surprising if Lavarnway finds his way back to the majors by the end of the year.

Mar Melancon, Triple-A, Pawtucket Red Sox- Melancon, originally expected to be the set-up man this year, but he imploded in just 4 games, going 0-2 with an ERA of 49.50 before being sent down to the minors. Since coming to Pawtucket, he has settled down, throwing 4 2/3 scoreless innings while striking out 8. If he continues at this pace, the Red Sox might decide to give him another shot.

Junichi Tazawa, Triple-A, Pawtucket- Tazawa- aka the Japanese guy who isn't Dice-K- has yet to allow a run in either Triple-A or the Majors. once Youkilis gets healthy and Iglesias reurns to Pawtucket, Tazawa will certainly be called up, barring some sort of Melancon-esque collapse.

Justin Thomas, Triple-A, Pawtucket- Thomas is yet another pitcher who has spent time in both the minors and the majors this season. The lefty specialist struggled with the Sox, putting up an unimpressive 7.71 ERA in 4 2/3 innings. If Rich Hill pitches poorly, Thomas will likely be the man to take over the lefty specialist role.