Pawtucket glance: Who could help Red Sox?

May 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox catcher

(23) reacts to a hit during the sixth inning in a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Toronto Blue Jays won 7-1. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox and their Triple-A farm club, the Pawtucket Red Sox (PawSox), are drifting in different directions as the season progresses. Boston is drifting towards the shoals that will eventually deposit them into the abyss of the AL East while Pawtucket is performing just the opposite in the early part of the season.

The PawSox have been in first place or close to first place in the six team International League North Division since the beginning of the season. The Pawsox have been consistent at both home and road and it has been reflected in the standings. The standings are important, but the main focus is on the development of talent that could have a positive impact on the parent club.

The Boston club has already dipped into the PawSox roster and brought up Blake Swihart and Jackie Bradley. Both were well above .300 and that should eventually neuter the PawSox offense.

So who could be eventual lifelines?

Mar 12, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher

(79) throws a pitch during a spring training baseball game at McKechnie Field. The Boston Red Sox beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The name that is gathering all the attention is Eduardo Rodriguez who has fit well in the Pawtucket rotation. The left-handers last outing was a noon game (I love those) on Wednesday where Rodriguez was a bit unsettled in the early going allowing six hits and two earned runs through the first three. The last two innings were clean and Rodriguez was finished after a 79 pitch five inning stint.

With Justin Masterson being a victim of the Red Sox version of the “Hellenic Flu” you may soon see Rodriguez enjoy a jaunt up I-95 for the next home stand. For the season, Rodriguez has an impressive 34 K’s with a mere five walks in 34.2 innings. Capable of consistently locating his slider, change and a fastball that can touch into the high 90s. Rodriguez will toss any pitch at any count. Currently his WHIP is an impressive 1.01 and his ERA sits at 2.86.

Aug 5, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; New York Mets third baseman

(5) celebrates with pitcher

(64) after defeating the Washington Nationals 6-1 at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Dana Eveland was signed as a roster filler. Eveland, now 31-years-old, has seen service with eight MLB teams and Boston just may make it nine before the season is over.

Eveland will not blow hitters away and can best be described as a “savvy” veteran who moves the ball around and knows the value of no free passes. Currently Eveland has issued only two walks in 17.1 innings to keep a WHIP at an impressive 0.81 and an ERA of 2.08.

With the current burnout tendencies of the bullpen – thanks to a crumbling rotation – you may see Eveland be given a shot.

Mar 19, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher

(76) pitches in the third inning of the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Henry Owens is turning into a control mystery. Twenty-five walks and the same number of strikeouts in 31 innings. In his last start Owens tossed 13 consecutive balls. The real plus is only 18 hits allowed.

Owens will not overpower hitters. His game is to use an effective change to make an average fastball seem impressive, but IL hitters are now fully aware that Owens is struggling and with struggles comes an ERA that has now climbed above 4.00. Can he turn it around?

Owens, now 22-years-old, is quite formidable when he has his control. The change is of ML quality and with his lanky frame he hides the ball rather well and can be devastating, but at this point the numbers just don’t warrant a move to Boston.

Mar 24, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher

(78) delivers a pitch against the Miami Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Johnson has also displayed some dubious control with 16 walks in 36.2 innings, but Thursday night he tossed a 6.2 inning gem allowing no walks and fanning eight. Johnson’s fine effort lowered his ERA to 2.72 and WHIP to 1.16.

Johnson, like Owens, will not overpower hitters. Johnson mixes in an excellent curve and a reasonable slider and change to go with a low 90s fastball. Johnson is a physical presence at a listed 235 pounds and has a smooth delivery. You will not see Johnson have any clock violations as he is an extremely quick worker.

Can Johnson help this season? The Red Sox may just give the 24-year-old a shout out before the book is closed on the 2015 season – either as a one shot call up or a longer stint depending on the trials and tribulations of the Boston rotation.