It's hardly a blockbuster move, but the Red Sox added to their bullpen depth Tuesday with a trade with the San Diego Padres, obtaining right-handed reliever Colten Brewer.
In exchange, the Red Sox sent the Padres infielder Esteban Quiroz.
Brewer, 26, appeared in 11 games with the Padres in 2018, compiling a 5.59 ERA. The Red Sox are his fourth organization. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates, then selected by the New York Yankees in the 2016 Rule 5 draft. After becoming a minor league free agent last winter, he signed with the Padres.
Brewer appeared in 37 games at Triple A El Paso, with a 3.75 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 48 innings. He also succeeded in getting a high percentage (56 %) of ground balls in the minors.
BSJ ANALYSIS
Brewer has two minor league options remaining, meaning the Red Sox can shuttle him back and forth between Triple A Pawtucket and the big leagues when they need short-term bullpen reinforcements and not have to worry about exposing him to a waiver claim.
Such pitchers are valuable over the course of a long season, providing a fresh arm after an extra-inning contest or following a game in which the Red Sox have to utilize most of their relievers.
The Padres, who have one of the top minor league systems in the game, needed additional roster space by 8 p.m. today to protect players who would otherwise be available in next month's Rule 5 draft, making Brewer expendable.
Quiroz, 26, was signed out of Mexico last winter and split time between the Gulf Coast League and Portland of the Eastern League, slashing .283/.406/.547. He recently played in the Arizona Fall League. He does not have to be protected on the Padres' 40-man roster.
The Sox have sufficient depth at second base, freeing up Quiroz to be moved.
The Sox also made a number of roster moves in advance of Tuesday's 8 p.m. deadline to protect players from the Rule 5 draft.
- The Sox added infielder Michael Chavis, pitchers Travis Lakins, Darwinzon Hernadnez, Josh Taylor and Denyi Reyes to the 40-man roster.
- The Sox also outrighted Austin Maddox to Triple A Pawtucket. Maddox underwent shoulder surgery last in the season and is expected to miss all of 2019.
- Finally, the Red Sox placed pitcher William Cuevas on unconditional release waivers. Cuevas is expected to soon sign with a team in Korea.