Boston Red Sox call up Ceddanne Rafaela, minor leaguer who set record for stolen bases
The Boston Red Sox will have a fresh spark as they continue sprinting in the wild-card race.
On Monday, the team called up infielder/outfielder Ceddanne Rafaela in a series of roster moves. According to NESN, the star prospect will make his major league debut on Tuesday in the middle game of a series against the Houston Astros. He will wear No. 43.
“It’s everything I’ve always wanted in my life,” Rafaela said.
The 22 year old from Curaçao made headlines this spring when he stole a franchise record six bases in a game for the Portland Sea Dogs, Boston's Class AA team. Part of his awe-inspiring performance included two stolen bases in one series. The next day, he stole three bases in three innings.
Rafaela is batting .302 with 79 RBI and 20 home runs with 36 stolen bases in minor league play this season. He was promoted to the Triple-A Worcester Red Sox in June.
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The team placed shortstop Pablo Reyes on the 10-day IL after he left Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers with elbow pain. Outfielder Wilyer Abreu went on paternity leave.
Boston also called up infielder David Hamilton, who was hitting .243 with 15 home runs for the Worcester Red Sox. He made his major league debut in June and appeared in 13 games.
Alex Cora's team is currently 69-62, 4.5 games out of an American League wild-card spot. They've been plagued with injuries throughout the season and had so few pitchers available that Reyes has twice taken the mound as a closer.