Minors

There seemed to be a gap in the Red Sox minor league system, with few prospects at the upper levels this past season.

Argenis Diaz appeared set to go to Triple-A, and he did, in the Pirates organization. Diaz, once a can't-miss shortstop in the Red Sox organization, was given up on, in a trade to the Pirates.

Salem outfielder Che-Hsuan Lin (.26) went 2-for-4 for Salem Wednesday night. In Lowell, Ryan Westmoreland (.297) was also 2-for-4.

Clay Buchholz and Casey Kelly, two premium prospects, showed how dominant they can be at their respective levels, and also how it can slip away quickly.

After the Portland Sea Dogs' 3-1 win over New Hampshire Saturday night, Mark Wagner was all smiles; and he didn't even play.

John Smoltz is done with his last minor league rehab start, throwing four innings for Pawtucket. Smoltz was scheduled to be on a tighter pitch count tonight, before he joins the Red Sox rotation.

Outfielder Bubba Bell has been promoted from Portland to Pawtucket, according to the PawSox website. Bell, 26, was batting. 275 for Portland (.323 in June).

After a few rough outings, Pawtucket starter Michael Bowden got back to form with six innings of work (6 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K). His ERA is now 2.47

Clay Buchholz ran his record to 4-0 with seven innings of work Thursday (6 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 5 K). Louisville got all its runs in the fifth on a double, home run, double and single.

Portland Sea Dogs reliever Justin Hedrick was released today which will stop the paper moves to the Lowell roster.