SEATTLE (AP) The Red Sox are calling up top prospect Andrew Benintendi from Double-A Portland, giving the big club a boost in the outfield hours after the non-waiver trade deadline passed.
Benintendi is expected to arrive before Boston's game Tuesday night at Seattle, Red Sox President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski told reporters after a 2-1 win over the Mariners on Monday night.
Benintendi was the seventh overall pick in the 2015 draft as a sophomore out of Arkansas. He's since emerged as one of the top prospects in baseball after hitting .312 with nine homers, 76 RBIs and 16 stolen bases this season between Class A Salem and Portland.
The left-handed hitter also draws strong marks for his plate discipline, posting a .378 on-base percentage this year. He's primarily played center field, where he's considered a solid defender.
Boston has Jackie Bradley Jr. and Mookie Betts entrenched in center and right field but has been playing Bryce Brentz and Brock Holt in left, meaning Benintendi could get regular at-bats while learning to play in front of the Green Monster.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.