Red Sox Promote Infielder Chris Owings and Lead Him Off in Sunday's Game
The Red Sox are still looking for an unexpected jolt, and they'll now turn to a new leadoff man.
Former Kansas City Royals and current Boston Red Sox infielder Chris Owings was called up from Triple-A and will be in the lineup Sunday against the Angels.
Red Sox call up Chris Owings from AAA. Hector Velazquez optioned. Steve Pearce to 60-day IL (procedural move.)
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) August 11, 2019
Owings was a solid contributor for the Arizona Diamondbacks through the first six seasons of his career before joining the Royals prior to the 2019 season. With Kansas City, Owings struggled, hitting .133 with a -0.9 WAR in 135 at-bats. He was promptly designated for assignment at the end of May and would later join the Red Sox's Triple-A squad in Pawtucket.
In 44 games at Triple-A, Owings has impressed with a .325 average and .385 OBP to accompany his 11 home runs and 34 RBI. The infielder could contribute to the Red Sox playoff run down the stretch this season, if all goes according to plan, of course.
Prior to today’s game against the Los Angeles Angels, the #RedSox announced the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/P0a5BCwz02
— Red Sox (@RedSox) August 11, 2019
The Red Sox need all the help they can get in a stacked AL playoff race. At 62-57, Boston sits 15 games back of the Yankees in the AL East, while they are 6.5 games back of the second Wild Card spot.
Owings clearly won't be a panacea for this Red Sox team, but if he continues his hitting from the minors, he could be a small part in a late season turnaround for Boston.