Trey Ball, former seventh-overall pick in 2013, has been converted from a starter to reliever and he’s thrived in his new role with the Double-A Portland.
Ball has thrown 6 2/3 scoreless innings with six strikeouts and two hits.
The Red Sox have a need for lefty relief pitching — Bobby Poyner can’t be counted on as the only solution — and Ball is a viable candidate for a call up at some point this season.
According to Mass Live’s Christopher Smith, Ball has impressed Brian Bannister, Red Sox vice president of pitching development and assistant pitching coach.