Red Sox acquire Japanese rookie pitcher from Rays (report)
With Opening Day less than 24 hours away, the Red Sox made a minor trade within their division to acquire additional rotation depth.
The Boston Red Sox acquired 30-year-old Japanese right-hander Naoyuki Uwasawa from the Rays for cash considerations, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. It’s not clear whether the Red Sox will be adding Uwasawa to the 26-man roster or if he will be assigned to Triple-A Worcester.
Uwasawa is a veteran of nine Nippon Professional Baseball seasons with the Nippon Ham Fighters. He went 9-9 with a 2.96 ERA in 24 games last season (170 innings).
The right-hander signed with the Rays this winter on a minor league deal. His deal with the Rays offered a split contract that pays him $2.5 million if he is on the big league roster and $225,000 while he is in the minors. Uwasawa can earn up to $1 million in incentives based on the number of innings he pitches.
The Rays gave Uwasawa an opportunity to earn a spot in their rotation this spring, but he struggled in camp. The veteran allowed 14 earned runs and 15 hits in 9 ⅔ innings (13.03 ERA) while striking out nine batters and walking eight.
The Red Sox are in need of additional pitcher depth, especially at the upper levels of the system. Boston signed veteran righty Chase Anderson before camp closed this past weekend. The Red Sox are going to be without left-handed pitcher Brandon Walter. The southpaw will begin the season on the injured list; he is dealing with a left rotator cuff strain, per MassLive’s Chris Cotillo.
