The Boston Red Sox have acquired relief pitcher Burke Badenhop from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for minor league relief pitcher Luis Ortega. The trade was announced on the teams' Twitter accounts.
Red Sox acquire reliever Burke Badenhop from Brewers
Milwaukee receives minor league reliever Luis Ortega from Boston.
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Badenhop is a 30-year-old who has pitched for three teams in his six-year career. The right-hander posted a 3.47 ERA last season in 63 appearances for the Brewers. For those interested in fielding-independent stats, Badenhop showed uncanny consistency over the last two seasons; in both 2012 (with the Tampa Bay Rays) and 2013, Badenhop threw exactly 62⅓ innings, struck out 42 batters, issued 12 walks, and allowed 6 home runs. However, he is eligible for arbitration and MLB Trade Rumors estimates that he will earn $2.1 million in 2014; despite his solid performance, the Brewers have cheaper options available to cover the middle innings.
More on the trade: Over The Monster Brew Crew Ball
Ortega is a 20-year-old who has pitched for two seasons in Boston’s system. The left-hander spent 2013 playing Rookie ball in the Gulf Coast League, where he posted a 2.45 ERA in 36⅔ innings while striking out 26 batters and allowing only two home runs. Here is one scouting report on Ortega from SoxProspects.com:
Small frame with limited physical projection. Over the top delivery. Fastball sits in the high-80s and tops out in the low-90s. Also throws a mid-80s changeup and curveball.
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