Projo Sox Blog

By STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- One day after he earned a win in his major league debut, Michael Bowden was optioned to Pawtucket this morning.

Taking his place on the roster will be outfielder Jonathan Van Every, who was promoted from Pawtucket.

The move with Bowden was not unexpected, especially with the Red Sox short on healthy position players. The plan is for Bowden, a starting pitcher by trade, to work out of the bullpen for a few innings for the PawSox Friday night in their playoff game against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

That will help the organization manage his innings while keeping their options open for the rest of Boston's season. Bowden, who turns 22 in a few weeks, could be called up to either work out of the bullpen or make another start or two down the stretch, though the Red Sox view him as a starter down the road.

Bowden, though, takes with him a game ball, courtesy of his five-inning debut in Boston's 8-2 victory over the White Sox Friday night at Fenway Park. Bowden allowed two runs on seven hits.

Bowden, who now has pitched for Double A Portland, Triple A Pawtucket and Boston this season, expected the move and said he isn't concerned about making a transition to the bullpen.

"I think I'll adjust quickly to the role," said Bowden, the Sox' fifth pick in 2005. "It won't be that hard."

Nor was it difficult for him to be optioned back to Pawtucket after his solid debut.

"I wasn't thinking about that when I was pitching but I pretty much knew that would happen," said Bowden with a smile. "They had my hotel room for two days and the team is here longer than that."

Bowden's outing generated much interest among his friends and family.

"After the game I had 84 text messages, 30 missed calls and 18 voice mails," said Bowden.

Van Every, meanwhile, is making his second appearances with Boston. He was called up on May 14, played in his first and only big-league game that day io Baltimore, going 1 for 3, and was optioned back to Pawtucket on May 18. He was surprised but happy to hear the news this morning that he was going back to Boston.

"It always happens when you least expect it," said Van Every, who has recently battled through an oblique strain and a stiff neck. "It's always exciting to be called up to a championship-caliber ballclub. You just try to do everything you can to help them win."

Because Van Every is on the roster today, he'll be eligible for the posstseason roster. His presence is necessary as an outfield option for manager Terry Francona because Coco Crisp remains out because of flu-like symptoms.

 Tags  coco crisp jonathan van every michael bowden

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