BOSTON -- At 18 years old, just a few months removed from graduating high school, Nick Yorke should be a boy amongst men at the Red Sox' alternate training site at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I.

Instead, Boston’s first-round pick in this year’s MLB Draft -- and now No. 11 prospect per MLB Pipeline -- has shown an impressive ability to hold his own since he joined the 60-man player pool late last week.

In six plate appearances in sim games, the second baseman is 3-for-4, including two doubles and two walks.

“It’s been a blast,” Yorke said on Tuesday. “I’ve been having so much fun getting on the field again. Competitiveness-wise, it’s just fun getting to be on the field against another pitcher and to have some at-bats. I’ve been happy with that.”

How was Yorke able to stay sharp while he was at home in California to the point where he’s been able to compete against players who have been at the alternate training site for two months?

“Yeah, I got a nice little setup in the backyard with the batting cages and all. Of course, we’ve had family and friends to help me along the way as well,” said Yorke. “I was just working out in Santa Cruz, taking batting practice, working in the weight room, lifting, running.”

All of this has helped Yorke hit the ground running in his first experience as a pro.

Yorke has adapted well to the increase in velocity, which says something about his bat speed.

“A 10 mph difference is a lot, so I mean, just trying to control the controllables,” Yorke said. “Do what I can do to be on time, and I’ve been fortunate enough to get a couple of pitches I can put the barrel on.”

Yorke credits other prospects with helping him adjust.

“They’ve been really good,” Yorke said. “I’ve kind of gotten my feet wet. I took the first two and a half days just kind of taking BP and working out with the guys. Triston Casas has been really good with me. I go and hit with him before we report every day, come hit off the machine and get the velo before the games and stuff.”

The Red Sox have taken notice of how well Yorke has handled himself.

“Yeah, really impressive,” said director of player development Ben Crockett. “Eighteen years old, being around quite a few older [guys] -- Triple-A, Major League-type players with a lot more experience. He’s handled himself like a pro. Certainly, he has the offensive upside. His profile has stood out here to our coaches. Obviously, in some games, he’s done pretty well.

"He’s been really mature and he’s handled himself with a quiet confidence, coming up here amongst older players.”

Fall ball
Though there was no Minor League season due to COVID-19, Crockett is expecting a productive fall camp for prospects in Fort Myers, Fla. It will essentially be a less formal instructional league.

“We’re planning to have an approximately six-week-long camp starting at the beginning of October,” said Crockett. “We’re excited to get some guys down there. Obviously, quite a few hoops to jump through. Approximately 60 [players].

“Still working through the numbers exactly with how that all will come together, and still working on any conversations with other teams at this point about the possibility of playing [games]. No games on the schedule yet. I think most teams are playing a little bit of a wait-and-see approach to see how players come in, get a sense of when games might be a possibility and then go from there. But we would certainly plan to be having some intrasquads and the possibility of games against external competition.”

E-Rod expected in 2021
Though lefty Eduardo Rodriguez continues to be under evaluation for the Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) that prevented him from pitching this season, the Red Sox have no reason to believe he won’t be healthy come next season.

“We plan on him having a good offseason, building back up, being ready to go next year. Hopefully, that’s still the case,” Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said. “I haven’t heard anything otherwise.”

Arroyo could return Wednesday
The Red Sox had been enjoying watching Christian Arroyo swing a hot bat. The right-handed hitter has clearly put himself into the mix for second base next season. After leaving Saturday’s game with back spasms, Arroyo was again out of the lineup for Tuesday's series opener against the Orioles.

How is he progressing?

“Pretty good,” Roenicke said. “I just saw him a few minutes ago, and he feels really good. He took some swings earlier in the batting cage. He’s going to do everything today. He’s not going to field ground balls, but he’s going to throw, he’s going to run, he’s going to swing some more. He thinks he’ll be OK tomorrow, and we’ll just come in and see how that is.”