The Boston Red Sox evidently thought trading for reliever Lucas Sims wasn’t enough to cure their current bullpen woes.
So, the Red Sox made sure to acquire another reliever right before Tuesday’s trade deadline expired.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman was first to report that the Red Sox obtained right-handed reliever Luis García from the Los Angeles Angels. Heyman didn’t immediately note what Boston gave up in the trade. Beyond The Monster’s Hunter Noll also had the Red Sox trading for García and there were reports that Boston gave up multiple prospects in the deal.
García spent this past season pitching for the Angels as part of a journeyman MLB career — the Red Sox will be his sixth team in 12 seasons in the big leagues. The 37-year-old performed well with the Angels this year, posting a 5-1 record with a 3.71 ERA and four saves. He also owned a 1.168 WHIP and struck out 40 batters in 43 2/3 innings.
Prior to the deadline, Boston was linked to Garcia, who will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Getting bullpen help was a necessity for the Red Sox at the trade deadline given the way the unit has performed since the All-Star break by routinely coughing up leads late in games.
Sims and Garcia bring experience and should bolster a Boston bullpen, which is expected to get back both Chris Martin and Justin Slaten. They are both on the injured list at the moment. Three-time All-Star reliever Liam Hendriks, who notched 37 saves last season, is also eyeing a return as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
