Infielder Yoan Moncada, the Red Sox top prospect, made his Double-A debut for Portland going 1-for-5 with an RBI single and a run scored Tuesday night at Hadlock Field as the Sea Dogs beat the Harrisburg Senators 10-4. Moncada was also good for two diving defensive stops. Plus, he made a lunging grab on a liner that he turned for a double play.
But, don’t get used to it. he doesn’t plan to be here long.
Yoan Moncada watches the game from the dugout Tuesday night at Hadlock Field in Portland while making his Sea Dogs debut. Troy R. Bennett | BDN
“He said he never really heard of the state or the city,” said Portland’s athletic trainer Eric Velazquez, as he translated an interview for Moncada before the game. “But he did expect to come here because he was planning on getting to double-A. There’s not too much he’s really planning on doing besides playing baseball. This is just another step towards getting to the big leagues, which is his goal.”
Well, I guess that’s a good, honest answer. I’d rather hear him say he’s serious about baseball than serious about sampling the Old Port nightlife and gorging on lobster.
Top Boston Red Sox prospect Yoan Moncada stops a ball in the infield Tuesday night at Hadlock Field in Portland while making his Sea Dogs debut. Troy R. Bennett | BDN
Moncada is MLB.com’s No. 5 national prospect. He’s in his second full season since signing with the Red Sox for $31.5 million in March 2015 and he slashed .307/.427/.496 with four home runs, 34 RBIs and 36 stolen bases over 61 games with the Red Sox A-Advanced affiliate in Salem, Virginia this year.
If he keeps those numbers up, he may not be here for an extended stay. But you can see him with the Sea Dogs as they play a home stand Wednesday through Sunday before taking off for Trenton on Monday.
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Infielder Yoan Moncada, who was promoted to AA baseball this week, takes a bouncer during practice before Tuesday night’s Sea Dog’s game in Portland. Moncada, 21, was signed by the Red Sox as an international free agent in 2015 and is the No. 3 prospect in Major League Baseball. Troy R. Bennett | BDN
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Top Boston Red Sox prospect Yoan Moncada takes a swing during batting practice at Hadlock Field in Portland on Tuesday afternoon. Moncada, 21, was promoted to AA Portland this week. Troy R. Bennett | BDN
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Top Boston Red Sox prospect Yoan Moncada talks to the media at Hadlock Field in Portland on Tuesday afternoon. Moncada, 21, was promoted to AA Portland this week. Troy R. Bennett | BDN
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Yoan Moncada makes contact batting leadoff Tuesday night at Hadlock Field in Portland while also making his Sea Dogs debut. Troy R. Bennett | BDN
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Top Red Sox prospect Yoan Moncada gets up off the ground and makes a throw to first base for an out Tuesday night at Hadlock Field in Portland while making his Sea Dogs debut. Troy R. Bennett | BDN
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Leaving his feet, Yoan Moncada collects a high throw from his right fielder Tuesday night at Hadlock Field in Portland while making his Sea Dogs debut. Troy R. Bennett | BDN
Yoan Moncada makes contact batting leadoff Tuesday night at Hadlock Field in Portland while also making his Sea Dogs debut. Troy R. Bennett | BDN