Red Sox trade deadline acquisition joins World Series champion Dodgers on minos pact
The Red Sox made a last-minute trade, literally, before the trade deadline was to expire when they acquired right-handed reliever Luis García for four prospects, including reliever Ryan Zeferjahn and first baseman Niko Kavadas.
García and the Dodgers agreed to a minor league deal that will include an invite to major league camp, according to Just Baseball’s Aram Leighton. The veteran righty will compete for a spot in the Dodgers bullpen that already includes new free agent signings Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates.
Boston acquired García and Lucas Sims, who remains a free agent, before the trade deadline last July. Unfortunately for the Red Sox, García was an absolute bust, posting an 8.22 ERA in 15 appearances. He also missed a few weeks with right elbow inflammation during his disastrous run with the Red Sox.
His unimpressive run with the Red Sox last season hindered the 38-year-old’s market this winter.
This isn’t the first time that García has been a member of the Dodgers organization. He signed as an international free agent back in 2004. He spent a few years as a Dodgers pitching prospect before he was traded to the Nationals in 2009 for infielder Ronnie Belliard.
García has pitched for six big league teams over a 12-year Major League career. He has a career 4.14 ERA, 3.99 FIP, and 1.417 WHIP in 545 games.
The Dodgers will have competition for spots in their bullpen due to right-handed pitchers Evan Phillips and Michael Kopech dealing with injuries and potentially starting the season on the injured list.
