Owens suspension almost up

On Saturday afternoon, the Marlins will face the Mets at Citi Field.

It will mark the 50th game of the season, an important number for right-hander Henry Owens, because it marks the last game of his suspension.

On Nov. 11, 2008, it was announced that Owens tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance in violation of MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. 

The 30-year-old last pitched in the big leagues in 2007. He currently is pitching for Class A Jupiter, where he has made one appearance — a scoreless inning — as he builds his innings back up.

For players who were suspended 50-games before the start of the season, their earliest return date is June 1 — or Monday.

The hard-throwing right-hander won’t get a call up within the next week, but he could become a welcomed addition to the bullpen as the season progresses.

The Marlins acquired Owens and Matt Lindstrom from the Mets on Nov. 22, 2006 for Jason Vargas and Adam Bostick.

– Joe Frisaro