A couple of Red Sox prospects are getting a chance to show their stuff on a bigger stage.
Both Jarren Duran and Triston Casas were named to the Team USA Olympic qualifying training camp roster. The initial group will consist of 28 players, with the number being cut to 26 just before the first qualifying game against Nicaragua.
Both players played for their respective minor league teams Sunday before joining Team USA.
Duran, who was coming off a 5-for-5, two-home run game Saturday with Triple-A Worcester, struggled, going hitless in five at-bats in the WooSox's 4-0 win over Buffalo. The outfielder is hitting .278 with a .991 and seven home runs.
Casas fared muchbetter.
The Portland first baseman hit his fourth homer of the season, finishing with a pair of his and three RBI. Casas carries a .328 batting average and .928 OPS for the Sea Dogs.
The Team USA includes a plethora of familiar names, with veterans such as Homer Bailey, Edwin Jackson, David Robertson, Todd Frazier, Matt Kemp and Matt Wieters all participating.
The group will be playing its qualifying round games in Florida, following the meeting with Nicaragua with games against the Dominican Republic (June 1) and Puerto Rico (June 2).
"I saw part of the roster and it’s a good learning experience," said Red Sox manager Alex Cora. "Obviously, to play for your country is an honor, it’s a great opportunity for them to learn from some guys that were very successful at this level. I hope for them they can contribute adn do their jobs obviously against everybody except us, Team Puerto Rico. I hope they struggle against us. But no, all joking aside, I think it’s a great experience being around (Team USA manager Mike) Scioscia. Mike Scioscia, what an honor. He’s going to help him to be better.
"I know (Red Sox minor-league coach Darren) Fenster is going to be there too. Very proud of him and the work he’s put in teh last few years with the organization is paying off he’s very respected and for him to be selected for this staff is an honor too. I wish him the best and for them too, this is actually part of player development. Be around some guys who have done it at the highest level of competition or one of the highest levels it’ll be great for them."