Steven Wright made his 2019 debut with Triple-A Pawtucket in Sunday’s 5-3 loss to the Rochester Red Wings (Twins). Wright’s start to the season had been delayed due to his recovery from his injured left knee, as well as his 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance.
Wright relieved Brian Johnson, who struck out six and gave up one run on four hits and two walks in his four-inning start. The knuckleballer lasted 1 2/3 innings and gave up one run on a solo shot hit by Red Wings center fielder Jake Cave. Other than the home run, Wright was flawless. He struck out two and didn’t walk anyone. The knuckleballer threw 26 pitches, 19 for strikes.
Tyler Thornburg also pitched for the PawSox. He logged a scoreless inning of work and struck out one batter.
Dalbec brings hitting streak to five games
Bobby Dalbec’s batting average continues to climb steadily after hitting .197 in the month of April. The Red Sox top prospect according to Baseball America is hitting .251 on the year after going 1-for-4 in Sunday’s 4-2 loss to the Bowie Baysox (Orioles). Dalbec has now hit safely in each of his last six games, batting .353 (6-for-17) with a home run and two RBI during the stretch.