On Friday, the Los Angeles Dodgers announced they have claimed left-handed pitcher Henry Owens off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks. He was added to the 40-man roster, which now stands at 38 players.
Owens, who was originally a member of the Boston Red Sox organization, was removed from their 40-man roster on Dec. 5, and subsequently claimed by the Diamondbacks three days later.
His time with Arizona was short-lived though, as they needed room on their 40-man roster presumably for the signing of Japanese reliever Yoshihisa Hirano.
Owens was a first-round pick by the Red Sox in 2011 out of Edison High School in Huntington Beach, Calif. He made his MLB debut for Boston in 2015, starting 11 games and going 4-4 with a 4.57 ERA, 4.28 FIP and 1.37 WHIP while striking out 50 and walking 24 in 63 innings of work.
Owens then started five games for the Red Sox in 2016, yielding a 6.95 ERA, 7.06 FIP and 1.96 WHIP in 22 innings. Overall in 85 big league innings, Owens has a 5.19 ERA.
Owens spent this season between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket, and in 26 starts went 7-11 with a 4.21 ERA and 1.68 WHIP. He struggled with his control as he struck out 121 while walking 115 hitters in 126 innings pitched.
The 25-year-old was once a promising prospect in the Red Sox organization, so the Dodgers may feel that with some coaching they can fix his control issues and get the southpaw back on track to having a successful professional career.
One thing that the Dodgers front office has always valued, especially in their pitching staff, is depth, and that is exactly what Owens will provide if he remains in the organization for the 2018 season.
