The Red Sox have added first-round pick Nick Yorke to their player pool at Pawtucket, giving the 18-year-old a taste of professional life in what would otherwise be a lost developmental season.
The promotion doesn't mean that Yorke is on the verge of making his big-league debut. It's simply a chance to let the recent high school grad immerse himself in a professional environment in a season without minor-league games.
The Red Sox selected Yorke in the first round this year, 17th overall, out of Archbishop Mitty in San Jose, where he hit over .500 during his final three seasons.
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The infielder was considered a first-round reach by draft experts, but the Red Sox love his makeup and athleticism and were able to sign him for $2.7 million, almost $1 million below slot. The savings allowed them to be more aggressive in signing high school home run derby champ Blaze Jordan later in the draft.
Yorke isn't the only highly regarded prospect to get the call to Pawtucket. First baseman Triston Casas, fresh off his only full season in the minors, has also been a regular there, impressing with some booming home runs.
The team's 60-man player pool currently stands at 59. To make room for Yorke, the Red Sox removed right-hander Colten Brewer, who's currently on the 45-day injured list.
