The Boston Red Sox have been relying on Andruw Monasterio at shortstop, and while he has been playing well, Franklin Arias is making a case to be called up.
Monasterio has stepped up with Trevor Story injured, but neither of them are the Red Sox's future at shortstop. Arias is the team's top prospect and was recently promoted to Triple-A. In 12 games for the WooSox, he has a .289/.356/.519 slash line with three home runs, three doubles and 14 RBIs.
Story was not playing well even when he was healthy, and Monasterio is really more of a utility player. It's still early for Arias in Triple-A, but when the rosters expand in September, it would not be a surprise to see the Red Sox give him a shot.
If Story is still hurt, Arias should 100% get a look in the big leagues. Monasterio has hit well enough to stay in the lineup, and he could slot in at second base while Curtis Mead recovers. The Red Sox were reportedly looking for long-term options at shortstop near the trade deadline, so they may already have accepted that Story is not going to be much help for them even if he returns.
Arias had a .993 OPS in Double-A and has flown through the Red Sox system. If he's not called up this year, he figures to be the Opening Day shortstop next year. The Red Sox saw the Yankees call up their top prospect, George Lombard Jr., to play shortstop, and he has made an immediate impact. With the race for the American League East title heating up, Arias could give the Red Sox enough of a boost to win.
