The Boston Red Sox had a scare this past week, as big-time prospect Andrew Benintendi looked like he did some real damage to his knee.
Andrew Benintendi is a 22-year old rookie for the Boston Red Sox who has looked very good since coming up to the big leagues. The seventh-overall pick in the 2015 MLB Draft, Benintendi shot through the minor leagues and was called up on August 2. He is one of the cornerstones of the team’s future, so it is understandable why the team held their breath when he had an awkward moment on the base paths.
Benintendi looked like he did some damage to his ACL, and had to be helped off the field. However, an MRI revealed he had no structural damage, and it is possible he could be back this season. The team may choose to sit him down the rest of the way, as he is too important to the organization in the long run.
The Red Sox will likely use a tandem of Chris Young and Brock Holt in left field for the rest of the regular season.
Prior to being called up, Benintendi was batting .312 between both A and AA. He is an extra-base hit machine, smacking 31 doubles, 12 triples, and nine home runs during his time in the minors this season. For his efforts, Keith Law named him the #3 prospect in baseball during his midseason Top-50 rankings.
In 21 games with the big league club, Benintendi was batting .324 with one home run.
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Boston is currently one game back of the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the American League East. With a record of 71-57, they hold the first Wild Card in the AL. They have had an incredible season, and as they say goodbye to long-time star David Ortiz, the baton will be handed off to players like Benintendi.