Red Sox Planning To Deploy Top Pitching Prospect For MLB Debut Vs. Twins

With Tanner Houck sidelined with a facial fracture, this young fireballer has a chance to step up during his absence

A highly anticipated arrival to the big leagues for a Boston Red Sox prospect is underway in Minnesota. 

"Brandon Walter all but certain to be called up tomorrow." MLB.com's Ian Browne tweeted Wednesday. "Sox could start him or go with an opener, said Alex Cora."

Walter has been off to an uncharacteristic start this year with a 6.28 ERA , 64-to-26 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .300 batting average against, and a 1.65 WHIP in 61 2/3 innings across 13 games for the Worcester Red Sox. 

Although his mediocre start to this season may look bad on paper, Cora clearly sees his potential--rightfully so. 

The southpaw is the No. 7 prospect in the organization according to MLB Pipeline thanks to his impressive performance last season with the WooSox and Portland Sea Dogs. Between the two minor-league affiliates, Walter posted a 3.59 ERA, a whopping 75-to-7 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .205 batting average against, and 0.90 WHIP in 57 2/3 across 11 games. 

Walter would take the mound on Thursday for his Major League debut for the finale of a four-game series against the Minnesota Twins, which the Red Sox have dominated thus far.  It remains to be seen if they will deploy a right-handed reliever before Walter as they did with fellow southpaw Chris Murphy last week, or if they just start him.

Game 3 of the four-game set against the Twins is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET from Target Field.

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