Red Sox call up Owens, Light from Triple-A
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HOUSTON -- The Red Sox made two roster moves on Sunday afternoon, including recalling left-hander Henry Owens to start Sunday night's game against the Astros.
Right-hander Pat Light also was called up from Triple-A Pawtucket to replace lefty Roenis Elias and righty Noe Ramirez, who were optioned to Pawtucket on Saturday.
Owens, who almost made the team out of Spring Training, allowed three runs on five hits and four walks in 3 1/3 innings in his 2016 debut, a 7-5 Red Sox win.
Owens, 23, is joining the Red Sox for the second straight season after making 11 starts for Boston last year. He was 1-1 with a 1.00 ERA in those three Triple-A starts this year.
He issued 10 walks in 18 innings, but Red Sox manager John Farrell attributed that more to a Minor League strike zone. Owens said the command that eluded him this spring should show itself at the Major League level, even if it turns out to be for just a couple of spot starts.
"I work on my mechanics every day, trying to keep them fluid and trying to keep the same rhythm, same pace, everything, tempo," Owens said. "I've locked in now, and we'll see where it goes."
This marks the first Major League stint for the 25-year-old Light, the Red Sox's No. 15 prospect, according to MLB.com. He had a 4.05 ERA and .130 batting average against in five Triple-A relief appearances.
The right-handed reliever was shocked by the callup, even though he'd pitched just 1 2/3 innings over the past five days and knew the Red Sox were looking for bullpen help.
"I didn't think this was coming it all," he said. "Pretty cool moment."
Farrell said the team has been looking to add a bullpen arm, given the number of innings the unit has worked.
"Because we're in that spot where we've had to rotate guys through, he's valuable on the roster," Farrell said. "He's been able to use his split to get back into counts and the power on the fastball is there."