Owens reassigned to minors in latest roster cuts; Boggs released

The Red Sox announced their latest round of spring training cuts on Thursday morning. Left-handed pitchers Henry Owens (pictured) was reassigned to minor league camp, while right-handers Heath Hembree and Zeke Spruill, outfielder Bryce Brentz, and third baseman/outfielder Garin Cecchini were optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket. The Red Sox also released right-handed pitcher Mitchell Boggs.

Owens, the third-highest ranked prospect in the Boston system, struggled in his second major league camp. The 6-foot-7 lefty allowed 13 runs (11 earned) in 11 1/3 innings across five appearances, walking six and striking out eight. Barring a major surprise, Owens will begin the 2015 campaign with Triple-A Pawtucket where he finished the 2014 following an outstanding season with the Portland Sea Dogs.

Hembree will return to Pawtucket, where he spent most of 2014 after he was acquired as part of the deal that sent Jake Peavy to San Francisco. Hembree saw only 3 1/3 innings of work this spring, allowing four runs on three hits. He had a short stint on the Red Sox major league roster last September, allowing five runs in 10 innings. Hembree is in his second option year. 

The Red Sox acquired Spruill in the offseason in exchange for Myles Smith after Arizona had designated the righty for assignment. He appeared in six games, allowing five runs on seven hits in six innings. A starter throughout much of his minor league career, Spruill has worked more frequently out of the bullpen in the last two seasons, including in nine of his 12 major league appearances. It is the final option season for Spruill. 

Brentz, the last of Boston's three 2010 first-round picks remaining with the organization, returns to Triple-A for a third consecutive season. In 150 Triple-A games, Brentz has shown some power potential, hitting 29 home runs as part of a .251/.320/.461 slash line, but he has also struck out in over one-quarter of his at bats. The 26-year-old outfielder was 6 for 30 with a pair of homers this spring.

Cecchini, currently ranked 12th on SoxProspects.com, had seen extensive playing this spring. His 39 at-bats lead the team, while his 11 hits rank second. Exclusively a third baseman in his first three professional seasons, the 2010 fourth-round pick began to see playing time in left field last season.

Boggs was signed to a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training with hopes that he could regain his 2012 form, when he posted 2.21 ERA in 73 1/3 innings out of the St. Louis bullpen. However his velocity did not return to his pre-injury levels, and he struggled with his control, walking five batters in four innings.

After the moves, the Red Sox have 43 players remaining in camp - 32 on the 40-man roster, and another 11 non-roster invitees.

Photo Credit: Henry Owens by Kelly O'Connor

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