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Velazquez could be the pitcher Boston calls up for a start next Saturday in Oakland, Brian MacPherson of the Providence Journal reports.
The Red Sox won't need a fifth starter until Saturday, and Velazquez, a refugee of the Mexican League, is pitching like a realistic option. He hasn't been overpowering for Triple-A Pawtucket but has used an unpredictable repertoire to dazzle opposing batters. Velazquez has a 1.55 ERA and has four times as many strikeouts (20) as walks (5) over 29 innings. Kyle Kendrick's 12.96 ERA in two starts for Boston seemingly takes him out of the discussion for Saturday's start. That leaves either Brian Johnson or Velazquez as the best options. Velazquez's pinpoint command with middling velocity may not translate to success in the major leagues, but his ability to throw strikes consistently makes him a better option than Henry Owens. If the Red Sox choose Velazquez for the start, they could easily add him to the 40-man roster by transferring Steven Wright to the 60-day disabled list.
