Boston Red Sox trade to get Minnesota Twins right-handed Alcala to bolster the bullpen

The Boston Red Sox announced a deal with the Twin Cities ahead of today's game: infielder Andy Lugo in exchange for right-hand pitcher Jorge Alcala. To make room on the roster, right-hand thrower Brian Van Belle was designated to be transferred.

Transaction details
Red Sox wins: Right throw Jorge Alcalá
Twin Cities wins: Infielder Andy Lugo

The 29-year-old, who has an 8.88 ERA this season and is a seven-year Twin Cities bullpen veteran, was a key backup option. The right-hand shooter just came to the board yesterday and lost 6 points (5 self-blame points) in 1.2 innings. He played 166 games in his career, with a 4.32 ERA and 193 strikeouts.

Due to the retirement of many main bullsheds, the Red Sox have been burdened with cattle barns recently: layout pitcher Justin Slaten (Justin Slaten) has not recovered as expected from right shoulder inflammation; Chris Murphy is expected to return after the star game after ligament replacement surgery; Liam Hendriks has an inflamed right hip and is temporarily unavailable for baseball, head coach Alex Cora confirmed today.

Left-handed Brennan Bernardino had a 0.71 ERA (10 appearances) in May, but made four appearances in June 5 and lost six ERAs (18.00) in three games. Right-hand Greg Weissert has played seven of his last 10 games, including two key exits in Wednesday's win over the Rays.

Korra today stressed the importance of hosting the Yankees at home this weekend:
"The cowshed is about to come back to blood. Wesett is used today to secure a series victory," Korra said, "and will reassess the form on Saturday." With the team gradually recovering their available power, and with Garrett Crochet's starting schedule on Friday, the weekend series should be fine. "

Lugo has been with the Red Sox since 2021 and has played 44 games for Greenville, a 1A-1A player with a .265 batting average, including 4 hits, 11 second-run hits, and 20 RBIs.

Van Bell, who joined the team in 2019, was promoted to the league for the first time on Monday and did not play. In Triple A Worcester, he played in 12 games (8 starts) this season and had a 2.29 ERA.