(Press Release; Photo Credit: Mick Lite)
The contract of Gateway Grizzlies shortstop Vladimir Frias was purchased by the Boston Red Sox on Sunday afternoon.
In his sixth pro season, the 26-year-old Frias was batting .275 with seven home runs and 33 RBIs in 58 games for Gateway this season.
“We’re thrilled for Vlad,” Grizzlies manager Phil Warren stated. “He’s deserving of this shot and we know he will do well. Vlad is a great player and has meant a lot to our organization the last two years.”
This marks the second straight season Frias, a native of the Dominican Republic, has had his contract purchased in August. Last season Frias went to the Chicago Cubs organization, where he appeared in 15 games at High-A Daytona.
This year, Frias will report to High-A Salem.
The promotion will mark the second go-around for Frias in the Red Sox system. The 6-foot, 2-inch, 190-pound shortstop was with Boston in 2010 and 2011, reaching Double-A Portland. Frias played in 24 games for Salem in 2011.
Frias has played in 402 career games with action in the San Francisco Giants, Cubs and Red Sox organizations. Frias is a career .241 hitter with 132 runs batted in.
“This is what this league is all about,” Warren said. “Every player in this league wants that shot. Hopefully we’re watching Vlad in the big leagues one of these days. He has the talent to get there. He’ll always be one our guys.”
