Henry Owens is heading back to the minors after a rough outing against the Chicago White Sox.
The Boston Red Sox optioned the 23-year-old left-hander to Triple-A Pawtucket on Friday, calling up right-hander Sean O’Sullivan to take his place.
Owens lasted just three innings Thursday in the Red Sox’s 7-3 win over Chicago, issuing a career-high six walks and getting pulled after allowing a leadoff home run to Avisail Garcia to start the fourth inning. Owens has struggled with control issues during his three starts this season, issuing 13 walks in 12 1/3 innings. He has yet to earn a decision and sports a 5.11 ERA, although Boston has won all three games he’s started this year.
O’Sullivan, a seven-year Major League Baseball veteran, signed a minor-league contract with the club in December. The 28-year-old right-hander has gone 2-2 with a 3.00 ERA in five starts for Pawtucket this season, recording 32 strikeouts and five walks in 33 innings pitched. O’Sullivan will wear No. 62 and be available Friday night for the Red Sox’s game in New York against the Yankees.
Boston also transferred third baseman Pablo Sandoval to the 60-day disabled list to make room for O’Sullivan. Sandoval underwent surgery on his left shoulder Tuesday and is expected to miss the rest of the season.
Thumbnail photo via Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports Images
