Henry Owens Strikes Out 5 In Spring Debut, Hopes To Pitch '200-Plus' Innings
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- For all the talk about David Price's and Rick Porcello's contracts, Clay Buchholz's durability, and Eduardo Rodriguez's knee, Red Sox starter Henry Owens has become something of an afterthought.
The 23-year-old stated his case on Wednesday as a player to watch and a candidate to take a big step forward in 2016, delivering a strong effort in two shutout innings against the Minnesota Twins in the Red Sox's 7-4 victory. Owens allowed a single and walked two batters in the first inning, but struck out two batters in a row to get out of the bases-loaded jam. He struck out Minnesota's Byron Buxton, Baseball Prospectus' No. 2 prospect, twice, including to end the second inning with a runner on third. Owens said he needs more work on his breaking pitches, but felt great about his fastball command and velocity.
Manager John Farrell praised Owens' maturity and poise on Tuesday, and if the way Owens pitched out of trouble on Wednesday is any indication, it showed.
"I thought [Owens has] demonstrated a mound presence and a calmness about him while in-game that is pretty advanced for a young pitcher," said Farrell. "I think [Owens] is someone who has embraced and met the major league environment fairly well."
Farrell reiterated his statements postgame: "The thing that stood out was how he kept those innings from further damage being created, so [Owens'] mound presence and poise I thought was very good."
Owens himself said the one thing he worked on more than anything in the offseason was his durability. Like any front-line starter would, he wants to pitch big innings for a full season.
"I wanted to build up my body and make sure that, instead of 80 innings this year, I can go 200-plus," said Owens.
Owens had a solid, if inconsistent, run as a starter for the Red Sox in August and September of the 2015 season. He allowed 7 earned runs in three of his eleven starts but in the other eight had an ERA of 1.99. Pitching like even a decent third starter would give the Red Sox rotation a much-needed boost after a rough 2015. The former top prospect appears to be coming into his own and he believes his 2015 experience will help him take a step forward in 2016.
"Getting my feet wet last year was great for me, and I think it's going to take me a long way this year."
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
