Boston Red Sox trade for ‘another good fastball in the bullpen'

Yahoo

16-06-2025

BOSTON — Right-handed reliever Jorge Alcala, who the Red Sox acquired from the Twins in a trade Wednesday, is here at Fenway Park. He will be available out of the bullpen for Boston's series opener against the Yankees on Friday.
Boston sent minor leaguer Andy Lugo to Minnesota.
Advertisement
'Having another good fastball in the bullpen will benefit us,' manager Alex Cora said. 'Another breaking ball. Obviously (the bullpen is) a little bit banged up — not only the guys who are active but with (Justin) Slaten down, it makes sense to keep adding good arms.'
Alcala has struggled this season with an 8.88 ERA in 24 ⅓ innings after posting a 3.24 ERA in 58 ⅓ innings last year.
His average fastball velocity (96.9 mph) ranks in the 88th percentile among major league pitchers. Opponents have gone 8-for-39 (.205 batting average) with a .143 expected batting average against his four-seam fastball, his most often used pitch.
Opponents have gone just 3-for-21 (.143) with a .155 expected batting average against his curveball, his third most used pitch.
Advertisement
His slider — his second most used pitch — has been an issue though. Opponents are 7-for-18 (.389 batting average) with a .295 expected batting average against it.
'I feel with the slider just missing the location of the pitch and I haven't been able to execute that pitch,' Alcala said through translator Carlos Villoria Benítez.
Alcala said the trade took him by surprise and he's looking forward to a new opportunity.
'He's ready to go today,' Cora said. 'We'll see how we use him. But happy that he's with us.'
Cora said Alcala has struggled with his command behind in counts.
"The velocity's good," Cora said. 'The curveball is a good one. Texted with a few people I know in Minnesota. Great kid. There's a few things — probably lost a little confidence throughout the season. But you saw the year he put (together) last year."
Advertisement
Cora was asked if this trade was made because setup man Justin Slaten will be out longer than expected. Slaten (right shoulder inflammation) still has not begun throwing.
Right-handed reliever Liam Hendriks, who's also on the IL with right hip inflammation, has begun throwing.
'I think it's adding another arm,' Cora said. 'That's important. Yeah, it's gonna take longer than expected (with Slaten). But it was just an opportunity that came up and we like the arm. We like the fastball.'
More Red Sox coverage
Read the original article on MassLive.