Red Sox acquire right-handed pitcher Maurico Llovera
Red Sox acquire right-handed pitcher Maurico Llovera
Red Sox and Giants complete a deal
The Boston Red Sox acquired right-handed reliever Maurico Llovera from the Giants for minor league righty Marques Johnson.
Llovera was designated for assignment by the San Francisco Giants on July 22nd. This marks the second trade this week for the Red Sox and have now acquired right-handed reliever depth in both deals. The Sox new reliever has been added to the 40-man roster with righty Kaleb Ort getting transferred to the 60-day IL to make room.
Llovera has a solid 2.82 ERA in 92.2 innings in his AAA career. In his short stay with the Giants this season he pitched to a 1.69 ERA over 5.1 innings of work.
The Venezuelan native throws a sinker and slider mostly and has a 10.5K/9 this season in Triple-A. While the strikeout numbers have remained consistent on both levels, his biggest issue in his major league career has been command. The 27-year-old has averaged 4.6 per nine innings.
This move will force the Red Sox to option someone prior to their next game against the Giants as Llovera is out of options and can’t be sent to the minors. The most obvious move is to option lefty Joe Jacques. This would give Boston a more balance bullpen with six righties and just four lefties.
Johnson was drafted in last years 11th round. He has had a a rough 6.55 ERA over 34.1 innings for Low-A Salem, but has turned a corner as of late with allowing just 1 run in his last 9.2 innings.
The MLB trade deadline is just five days away and trades are getting complete already. Stay locked in to Beyond the Monster for all of your Red Sox related trade news.
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