BOSTON — The Red Sox promoted infielder Chris Owings from Triple-A Pawtucket and optioned right-hander Hector Velazquez, the team announced before the game.

First baseman Steve Pearce was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room on the 40-man roster for Owings.

Owings, who turns 28 on Monday, signed a minor-league deal with the Red Sox in June after being released by the Royals. He has torn up Triple-A in the two months since, hitting .325/.385/.595 with 11 homers and a .980 OPS in 44 games, including a stretch in late July in which he hit home runs in six consecutive games.

Owings struggled to a .133/.193/.222 line in 40 games with Kansas City before being released and played six different positions (second base, shortstop, third base and all three outfield spots) early in the season. Prior to joining the Royals, he spent six years with the Diamondbacks, hitting .250/.291/.378 while primarily playing the middle infield.

Velazquez owns a 5.81 ERA in 48 innings for the Red Sox this season. He was called up Thursday and appeared in two games against the Angels, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits.

Pearce has been out since May 31 with back and knee injuries, so the move to the 60-day IL is a procedural move. Owings is leading off and playing second base Sunday afternoon against the Angels.