Red Sox acquire James Paxton from Dodgers for minor league infielder
The Red Sox will reunite with left-hander James Paxton ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline at 6 p.m.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Red Sox will acquire Paxton from the Dodgers for minor league infielder Moises Bolivar. Los Angeles designed the southpaw for assignment following Sunday’s game versus Boston.
During that Sunday night start against the Red Sox, he earned the win after allowing three runs over five innings with seven strikeouts, four walks, and four hits allowed.
Paxton had signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers this offseason after spending two seasons with the Red Sox. The veteran lefty sat out his first season with Boston, recovering from Tommy John surgery. He returned to the mound the following season and posted a 4.50 ERA in 19 starts, tossing over 96 innings.
Paxton is 8-2 on the season pitching for the Dodgers, making every start before he was designated for assignment. The 35-year-old owns a 4.43 ERA in 89 1/3 innings, making 18 starts. While he’s been durable this season, Paxton has been inconsistent, striking out 64 batters to 48 walks, which is a National League high.
Boston has been in the market for starting pitching help and has been open to adding a left-hander. Paxton will slide into the Red Sox rotation led by Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Nick Pivetta, and Kutter Crawford.
Bolivar, 17, signed with the Red Sox in January as an international free agent. He made his pro-debut in the Dominican Summer League this season, hitting .270/.364/.423 with three homers.
To make room for Paxton on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox moved right-handed pitcher Bryan Mata to the 60-day injured list. Mata has been on the injured list all season, dealing with a right hamstring strain and right elbow inflammation. He has made 10 rehab appearances (seven starts) this season with the Florida Complex League Red Sox, High-A Greenville, Double-A Portland, and Triple-A Worcester.
