Red Sox recall left-handed pitcher Edwin Escobar from Triple-A Pawtucket

BOSTON, MA - The Boston Red Sox today recalled left-handed pitcher Edwin Escobar from Triple-A Pawtucket. To make room for him on the 25-man roster, right-handed pitcher Heath Hembree was optioned to Pawtucket after last night's game against the Angels. Escobar (wearing No. 72), will be available for this afternoon's series finale in Anaheim at 3:35 pm ET.

Executive Vice President/General Manager Ben Cherington made the announcement.

Escobar, 22, was acquired from the San Francisco Giants along with Hembree in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jake Peavy and cash on July 26. This will mark the first major league stint of his career. Since the trade Escobar has made two starts for Pawtucket, posting a 1.50 ERA (2 ER/12.0 IP), with three walks, and 10 strikeouts with no record. Between the PawSox and Triple-A Fresno where he began this season, Escobar has gone 3-8 with a 4.76 ERA (65 ER/123.0 IP), 40 walks and 106 strikeouts in 22 starts. He entered this season as the No. 2 overall prospect in the Giants minor league system as rated by Baseball America. 

Hembree, 25, threw a career-high 4.0 scoreless innings in his Red Sox debut last night against the Angels. He had been recalled by the club on August 5 after making two scoreless appearances for Pawtucket. Between both Fresno and the PawSox this season, he has gone 1-3, with 19 saves, a 3.73 ERA (17 ER/41.0 IP), 15 walks, and 50 strikeouts in 43 games. A 2014 Pacific Coast League mid-season All-Star, Hembree entered this season as the No. 7 overall prospect in the Giants organization according to Baseball America. For his major league career between the Giants (2013) and Red Sox, he has made 10 scoreless appearances, all in relief (11.2 IP).