Morning Sports Update
Gonzales is currently the third-ranked prospect in Boston’s minor league system.
Justin Gonzales during Red Sox Spring Training in Feb. 2026 at Jet Blue Park in Fort Myers, FL. Barry Chin/Globe Staff
July 24, 2026 | 11:25 AM
2 minutes to read
Red Sox prospect Justin Gonzales had an eventful night: According to MLB.com’s current Red Sox rankings, 6-foot-5 Justin Gonzales is the organization’s third-best minor league prospect.
The 19-year-old, who signed with Boston in 2024 as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic, has tremendous power at the plate. He proved that again on Thursday, smashing a three-run blast for the Greenville Drive (a High-A minor league affiliate of the Red Sox).
Unfortunately for Gonzales, the end of the home run turned into a moment that clearly got away from the youngster. As he reached home plate, Gonzales exchanged words with opposing catcher Cal Stark of Hub City. The two quickly became heated and teammates tried to separate them.
Gonzales eventually tried to strike Stark, but mostly hit his own teammate in the process. He was promptly ejected from the game, with no update at this point on if he will receive a suspension as well.
Gonzales will undoubtedly use Thursday as a teaching moment, but he remains an extremely promising player in the Red Sox system. In 73 games in 2026, Gonzales has so far notched a slash line of 263/.379/.443, with 13 home runs and 40 RBIs.
The Drive won the game over Hub City, 13-6.
Scores and schedules:
The Red Sox begin a three-game series against the Blue Jays at Fenway Park this evening at 7:15 p.m.
Tomorrow, the Revolution host Atlanta United at 7:30 p.m.
Also on Saturday, the Patriots open training camp. Gates open at the practice field at 9:15 a.m.
More from Boston.com:
A New England tie to a World Cup winner: Rodri, the midfield leader who helped Spain win the World Cup (and won the player of the tournament award) has a background attending summer camp in Connecticut.
On this day: In 2004, the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry reached fever pitch amid the iconic dust-up between Boston catcher Jason Varitek and New York superstar Alex Rodriguez. The game also crucially ended with Bill Mueller hitting a walk-off three-run home run off of Mariano Rivera, handing the Red Sox an emotional (and, in retrospect, fateful) win.
Daily highlight: Chris Sale fulfilled the commentator prediction, striking out Freddy Fermin with him falling forward after whiffing. Sale struck out 11 in a 6-5 win over the Padres. He also joined Pedro Martinez as the only pitchers to have at least 2,500 strikeouts and a sub-3.00 ERA through 330 career starts.
“I’m just gonna go ahead and tell you Freddy Fermin is the 11th strikeout victim of Chris Sale.”
“I think he’s sweeping the leg here. And I think he falls down too after he swings at it.”
Well done guys! 🔊🤣 pic.twitter.com/YfnXOunkUx
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 23, 2026
Hayden Bird
Hayden Bird is a sports staff writer for Boston.com, where he has worked since 2016. He covers all things sports in New England.
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