The Red Sox recalled pitcher Steven Wright from Triple-A Pawtucket Monday and optioned pitcher Heath Hembree to the same team.

"Steven being here in the event something unforeseen takes place we have someone to protect us with length," manager John Farrell said, per WEEI.com. "We needed to go to the bullpen early yesterday, but that’s where we are today."

Wright made one appearance for the Red Sox earlier this season, allowing two runs while pitching five innings in relief. He has also allowed 13 runs (eight earned) in 11 innings over two starts with Pawtucket this month.

"It's been up and down the last couple of years and I know that that's my role so if they need innings then I get an opportunity to come up here and pitch some innings," Wright said. "And then if they need a starter, I'm ready. For me, it's just knowing that I'm going to come up here just to pitch. I'm not going to have a set role, just whenever they need me I'm going to be ready to go."

Hembree was rocked in his season debut Sunday, allowing six earned runs on six hits and one walk in 1 1/3 innings of relief while striking out three.