Red Sox prospect right-hander Anthony Ranaudo threw sit shutout innings on Saturday, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out five.

The line was very good and not spectacular, but it's the first quality start for Ranaudo in 2014. His ERA sits at 4.35 with a 3.88 FIP, so he may be pitching better than his ERA would indicate. He still sports a 9.1 K/9, so if he gets called up he could be a useful pitcher for fantasy purposes.

Red Sox right-handed pitching prospect Anthony Ranaudo continues to struggle in 2014, as he allowed five runs (four earned) and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings, while striking out four.

Ranaudo has allowed nine runs (five earned) in 9 2/3 innings in 2014, and Triple-A hitters are hitting .282/.364/.538 with a .346 BABIP off him. After a solid 2013, Ranaudo has struggled to start 2014, which could leave the door open to someone else (Brandon Workman, Henry Owens, Matt Barnes) to be the first call-up if a pitcher is needed.

Red Sox optioned RHP Anthony Ranaudo, RHP Alex Wilson, INF Garin Cecchini, OF Bryce Brentz, and OF Alex Hassan to Triple-A Pawtucket.

The Red Sox cut their camp roster down from 58 to 46 on Thursday morning with no real surprises. Ranaudo posted a 2.96 ERA, 1.136 WHIP, and 127/47 K/BB ratio in 140 innings last season between Double-A and Triple-A. He could get a look in the majors in 2014.

Anthony Ranaudo fanned four in two perfect innings in his start against the Twins on Friday.

The Red Sox may well need someone from the group of Ranaudo, Allen Webster, Rubby De La Rosa, Henry Owens and Matt Barnes to fill a spot in the rotation this year, but it's anyone's guess who will emerge as the top option from the group. Ranaudo did get a nice review from Pedro Martinez the other day, but while a strong spring would help his stock, he's almost certainly Triple-A bound.