HOUSTON – It’s been a long road back to the Major Leagues for Red Sox left-hander Jovani Morán . And while protecting a double-digit lead is hardly any reliever’s dream assignment, the 28-year-old left-hander relished his first appearance on an MLB mound in more than two years.

Twenty-one months after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Morán threw two innings Tuesday night in closing out the Red Sox’s 14-1 blowout of the Astros at Daikin Park.

“It’s a big relief, to be honest,” Morán said through interpreter Daveson Perez. “To be able to close the game is something I had been envisioning for a while. It’s awesome.”

While this was no save situation, Morán finished Dustin May’s first victory in a Boston uniform by throwing 22 of his 34 pitches for strikes. Morán allowed three singles an

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