WORCESTER — The catch of the season belongs to an employee of the Worcester Red Sox.
On a night off from his duties as WooSox bat boy, Aaron Buckley made the grab of the spring from the Monster Seats at Fenway Park Thursday during the Red Sox’ win over the Cincinnati Reds.
Buckley’s highlight catch made its rounds on social media and ESPN’s SportCenter.
“He’s become an overnight sensation,” said Mario Oliveira, the WooSox clubhouse manager.
On Tuesday, Buckley will be back at Polar Park with a tale to tell WooSox players as they gear up for a six-game homestand with the Rochester Red Wings.
“The WooSox (job) is just an awesome opportunity and just adding this on top of this, I can’t really put it into the words,” Buckley, 18, said.
Bobby Dalbec on a tear at the plate
Buckley isn’t the only member of the WooSox (27-30) who made headlines this past week.
Bobby Dalbec continues to mash the ball as the infielder homered seven times on Worcester’s two-week road trip and has 10 HRs in his last 18 games since he was optioned from the big leagues on May 16.
With his recent tear at the plate, Dalbec is making a case for a return trip to Boston.
“He’s going to be part of it at one point,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said. “For us to accomplish the things that we are set to do, it’s more than 26 guys. Bobby’s still a good player. I think the at-bats are (going to) help him. He’s just (got to) be ready, and whenever we call his name, if we need it, just be ready to come here and contribute.”
Who else to watch with WooSox?
Other than Dalbec, WooSox fans should keep an eye on Adam Duvall and Christian Arroyowho are both in the midst of rehab stints with the Triple-A club before likely returning to the Red Sox.
Duvall, 34, began an injury rehab assignment with the WooSox on May 30 and is 3-for-16 with a double and two home runs in five games so far. Duvall, who signed a one-year contract this offseason, was off to a great start for the Red Sox this season batting .455 with 4 HRs and 14 RBIs in eight games. He has been on Boston’s injured list since April 10 with a distal radius fracture of his left wrist suffered while trying to make a diving catch in centerfield in Detroit. He was initially placed on the 10-day IL, but eventually moved to the 60-day IL and is eligible to return to the Red Sox on June 9.
Arroyo, 28, has been on Boston’s injured list since May 7 with a right hamstring strain. The infielder became the first Red Sox position player to rehab for Worcester this season on May 26 and is currently 5-for-23 in six rehab games.
On the move
On Saturday, the Red Sox granted Jorge Alfaro his release after the veteran catcher exercised an opt-out of his Minor League contract. The soon-to-be 30-year-old Alfaro was hitting .320 to lead the WooSox in batting to go along with six homers and 30 RBIs in 43 games. The former Padres, Marlins and Phillies catcher has a career Major League average of .256 with 47 HRs and 194 RBIs in 478 big league games.
In other moves, left-handed pitcher Ryan Sheriff was optioned to Worcester on Sunday while right-hander Caleb Ort and left-hander Brennan Berandino were recalled from Worcester to Boston.
What’s on tap at Polar Park?
Here are the WooSox’ promotions for the upcoming homestand:
Tuesday, June 6 (6:45 pm): ALS Awareness Day, when the WooSox will remember those lost and uplift those in the battle against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig Disease).
Wednesday, June 7 (12:15 pm): School Field Trip Day, presented by Fontaine Brothers; First Responder Wednesday, presented by National Grid; a special appearance by Rich Gale, who pitched for the Red Sox in the 1980s and whose batterymate was WooSox hitting coach Rich Gedman. Gale will sign autographs for fans in Sherwood’s Diner from the third inning through the fourth inning.
Thursday, June 8 (6:45 pm): Los Wepas de Worcester game, presented by La Mega Radio, and spotlighting the culture of Cuba; Throwback Thursday, featuring a special appearance by Red Sox Hall of Fame pitcher Luis Tiant.
Friday, June 9 (6:45 pm): Greek Heritage Night; UniBank Fireworks featuring a medley of classic rock hits.
Hometown hero: Former Algonquin hoop star tosses first pitch at WooSox game after winning national title
Saturday, June 10 (4:05 pm): On-Field Photo Day from 2–2:45 pm, when fans can take photos with WooSox players along the warning track; WooSox Scholars Class of 2023 to be recognized; Scout Sleepover Day; Sunset Catch on the Field, presented by Dunkin’.
Sunday, June 11 (1:05 pm): Fallon Health Sunday Funday, when Future Starters take the field with the WooSox; Kids Run the Bases, presented by HP Hood; WooSox to pay homage to the Worcester Worcesters of the 1800s by wearing special “Worcester Ruby Legs” uniforms as part of MiLB’s “What If?” promotional series.
— Contact Tommy Cassell at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @tommycassell44.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester Red Sox welcome Rochester Red Wings for a six-game homestand