Third Top Red Sox Prospect Could Have Major Arm Injury

The Red Sox have had good luck with avoiding major injuries to young pitchers in the big leagues or on the cusp like Jonathan Papelbon, Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, Justin Masterson, and Michael Bowden.

Unfortunately, the next wave of highly anticipated pitching talent has not been as fortunate.

Last season, 2006 high school draft pick Caleb Clay had Tommy John surgery on his pitching arm. Reports are his is recovering well and should be back in action next year.

Earlier this season, 2007 high school draft pick Austin Bailey tore his labrum. This is a devastating shoulder injury that is probably the hardest injury to recover from.

And today there are whispers on Sox Prospects that 2007 first round pick Nick Hagadone could be having Tommy John surgery soon. The flame throwing lefty out of the University of Washington is the best pitching prospect the Red Sox have at the lower levels of the minor leagues. Again, this is still a rumor, but Hagadone did have to leave his last start and I trust the sources.

Hopefully these players all recover fully, and others take this opportunity to climb up the prospect rankings.

Red Sox Minor Leaguers Open Up Tonight

Pawtucket - Bartolo Colon vs. Indianapolis - 7:05 pm
Portland - Justin Masterson @ New Britain - 6:05 pm
Lancaster - Travis Beazley @ High Desert - 10:05 pm
Greenville - Chris Province vs. Kannapolis - 7:00 pm

Bartolo Colon opens up for the PawSox and if everything goes well he could be exchanging spots with Clay Buchholz relatively soon. With Colon healthy the big club should get as much out of the former Cy Young winner as they can. This will also allow them to be extra cautious with Buchholz for a few weeks/months.

Justin Masterson is the best prospect throwing tonight, it is somewhat surprising that he is back in Double-A to start the season, but only expect him to get a few starts before he is bumped up.

Travis Beazley is a 24-year old control artist who utilizes many pitches in his arsenal since he doesn’t have a strong fastball. He should be in Lancaster for at least the first half of the season.

Chris Province is going to be a future bullpen arm; however the Red Sox will go their usual route and have him start to work on his secondary pitches (slider). This is the same approach they have used with another college closer we all know… Jonathan Papelbon. Province can run his fastball up there in the mid-to-high 90’s.