Red Sox next in line – Henry Owens

And then there was just one. Off to MLB is Eduardo Rodriguez and Brian Johnson while 22-year-old Henry Owens remains in Pawtucket to develop “consistency.” The “C” word is a euphemism for getting your pitches over the plate in a desirable (for the pitcher) location in just about any count. That is why Messieurs Johnson and Rodriguez have moved on. And, that is the ultimate goal for the left-handed Owens.

If you consistently pitch behind hitters at the MLB level you will get mauled. A rare few have the talent to survive when all is not functioning as expected and those are few and far between. For Owens the issue has been an issue – as in issuing a free pass. Walks at any level can lead to disaster, but at the MLB level you might as well light your grill using a stick of dynamite.

Hitters talk and hitters observe. They know what is working and what is not for a pitcher and an educated guess on a count can turn from a guess to a sure thing. Even a .200 hitter can magically become a .300 hitter knowing that at 3-1 I’m getting number one sent my way.

More from Red Sox Prospects

• Predicting top Red Sox outfield prospect Ceddanne Rafaela’s timeline to the majors
• Predicting Red Sox top prospect Marcelo Mayer’s timeline to the majors
• Red Sox risk repeating rookie mistake with Eric Hosmer release
• Red Sox invited group of players you’ve probably never heard of to Spring Training
• Jeter Downs’ official departure will continue to haunt Red Sox

Owens is not a hard thrower. Despite his size he tops out in the low 90s and relies on stealth and a devastating change. A change of MLB quality – if it gets over. Owens also possesses a competent curve and will occasionally experiment with a slider. When the total repertoire is operating efficiently – Owens is one tough pitcher.

I mentioned experiment and that is often an unmentioned sub-set in pitching philosophy of high-profile prospects in the minors. A Owens just may toss in a series of pitches designed for self-improvement – this may be by design from the coaching staff. You may see a pitch in certain counts that is in the developmental stage and in the experimental stage in certain situations. Winning is important at any level, but the primary goal is a finished product for the parent club. How much of this is part of the Red Sox philosophy – I have no idea, as they may not even use it.

The issue is control so has there been improvement? In April the BB/9 was 7.29, May it was 4.86, June down to 3.22 and in July another drop to 2.63. Owens H/9 for the season is 5.87, with the highest month being May with a 6.48. Owens WHIP for the season is 1.15 and for June it was 0.96 and July 0.95. The K/9 has reached a monthly high of 10.54 for July.

The numbers are showing that Owens is in the waiting room with his number about to be called.

Statistics via Sox Prospects

More from BoSox Injection

• Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
• Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
• Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
• Why Red Sox fans should be rooting for Carlos Correa’s Mets deal to go through
• Red Sox exec claims Mookie Betts loss changed management style, but actions say otherwise