Red Sox call up Mookie Betts

The Red Sox were shutout by Vidal Nuno and the Yankee bullpen last night, mustering just three hits in the losing effort.  A year after leading the majors in runs scored with 853, they rank 26th this season, ahead of just the Padres, Rays, Braves and Cubs. In addition, guys like Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz are having sub-par seasons at the plate. In an effort to give their lineup a shot in the arm, the Red Sox called up top hitting prospect Mookie Betts this morning.

Betts has emerged as one of the best hitting prospects in the game this season. After hitting .355-.443-.551 with 6 home runs, 56 runs scored, 34 RBI and 22 stolen bases in 54 games in AA this season, Betts was promoted to AAA. In his short stay in AAA, consisting of just 23 games, Betts hit .322-.425-.444 with 2 home runs, 14 runs scored, 14 RBI and 7 stolen bases.

Matt Mattingly took a look at Mookie Betts in his Making the Grade piece back in early May, and here is an excerpt from his article:

Regardless of where Betts ends up, if he keeps hitting like this, it won't be long before he forces his way into a big league lineup. The second baseman now rivals the upside of any other prospect at the position in the minor leagues.

Betts will more than likely start in one of the outfield spots for the Red Sox in tonight's game vs Masahiro Tanaka and the Yankees at Yankee Stadium. This series vs the Yankees isn't a big series as one would expect, as the Red Sox are currently in 4th place in the American League East, eight games behind first place Toronto and six games behind the third place Yankees.

The Red Sox have not received much production from their patched up outfield this season, so Betts should represent an improvement to their lineup. He should be picked up in all leagues right now, but the Red Sox will need more than Betts to make a move in the AL East.