Henry Owens Makes Debut in The Bronx
Henry Owens, the Boston Red Sox top pitching prospect and 36th overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, made his major league debut on Tuesday against the rival New York Yankees. With pitcher Rick Porcello going on the Disabled List, it opened up the opportunity for the Baseball Factory alumnus to make his first start on one of the biggest stages in all of baseball: Yankees Stadium.
On Tuesday, Owens took the mound at Yankees Stadium for the visiting Red Sox. He pitched well heading into the 6th inning carrying a 2-1 lead, but when Manager John Farrell called on the bullpen they could not keep the Yankees hitters in check. Farrell said about the rookie, “What was impressive was that he seemed to keep the emotion of the moment under control, made some quality pitches, he settles down and gives us five solid innings of work, gives us a chance.”
The #2 rated prospect in the Red Sox farm system heading into the season, Owens attended the 2009 Under Armour Baseball Factory National Tryout in Costa Mesa, CA. Additionally, the Huntington Beach native starred at the Team One West Showcase that same year.
Owens has a long 6’7” frame with which he is able to use to intimate and dominate hitters. In 2014, splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A, the young lefty compiled a 17-5 record with a 2.94 ERA and 170 strikeouts. After his break out year, it was only a matter of when, not if, he would have a shot with the Red Sox in their starting rotation. This year, Owens has continued with his strong play at Triple A Pawtucket as he has amassed a 3-8 record with a 3.16 era and a solid 1.14 whip.
With the Red Sox out of the pennant race, the team is taking time to reevaluate their roster heading into the 2016. With the opportunity to showcase his talents on the Major League Level, Henry Owens has the potential to win a Starting Rotation spot heading into next season.
“I was pleased with the opportunity and tried to seize it as best I could,” Owens said.
We congratulate Henry on his promotion and wish him well as he begins to live out his dream of being a Major Leaguer!
