Fort Report: Owens, Johnson highlight first round of cuts

Here are Thursday's minor league notes:

• In the most recent episode of the SoxProspects.com podcast, executive editor Chris Hatfield, managing editor Matt Huegel, and director of scouting Ian Cundall detail what they're looking forward to in the group's annual trip to spring training.

• The Red Sox made their first round of cuts from the spring training roster on Tuesday. Left-handers Henry Owens (pictured) and Brian Johnson were optioned to Pawtucket alongside right-hander Brandon Workman while number two prospect third baseman Rafael Devers, outfielder Junior Lake, and catcher Jordan Procyshen were reassigned to minor league camp.

• Alex Speier of the Boston Globe examines how Owens, who once peaked at number two in the SoxProspects.com rankings, has struggled to break into the major leagues. Owens has displayed major control problems, walking 12 batters and pitching to a 15.95 ERA in 7 1/3 spring training innings this season. He began his winter training programs earlier this offseason and has experimented with mechanical adjustments, but continues to have issues. 

• While the Red Sox appear to be losing faith in Owens as a depth option, Kyle Kendrick continues to impress this spring. Kendrick tossed five shutout innings against the Rays on Wednesday, striking out six with no walks. Evan Drellich of the Boston Herald details why Kendrick chose to sign a minor league deal with the Red Sox and his outlook for the season.  

• First baseman Sam Travis has been crushing the ball during spring training, slamming his third home run on Wednesday and bringing his slash line to .321/.424/.750 in 33 plate appearances. However, Red Sox manager John Farrell emphasized that he still needs to work on his defense before becoming a major league regular.  

• Outfielder Rusney Castillo continues to make a strong impression in camp. He hit his first home run of the spring on Monday and is now hitting .435/.458/.696 with three stolen bases through 24 plate appearances. 

• Matt Collins of Over the Monster takes a look at left-handed reliever Edgar Olmos, whom the Red Sox signed to a minor league deal this offseason. Olmos has looked great this spring, pitching to a 1.17 ERA with 11 strikeouts and two walks in 7 2/3 innings, and could work his way into the bullpen picture for the Red Sox this season.  

• Old friend Manny Delcarmen is making a comeback attempt. The right-handed reliever, who pitched to a 3.89 ERA during six seasons with the Red Sox, worked out for the Red Sox on Tuesday. The 35-year old Delcarmen hasn't pitched in the majors since 2010 and spent last season in the Mexican League. 

•  The following minor league players (not on the 40-man or a non-roster invitee to major league camp) saw action in major league games this week: Jalen Beeks, Erik Cordier, Shawn Haviland, Nick Longhi, Deiner Lopez, Heiker Meneses, Mike Miller, Cole Sturgeon. 

Photo Credit: Henry Owens by Kelly O'Connor

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