The Boston Red Sox didn’t make a major splash in the trade market on deadline day, but they didn’t need to.
Boston activated All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel on Monday, shortly after Major League Baseball’s non-waiver trade deadline passed at 4 p.m. ET. He’ll be available for the Red Sox’s series opener against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field.
Right-handed reliever Joe Kelly was sent down to Triple-A Pawtucket to make room on Boston’s 25-man roster.
Kimbrel was placed on the disabled list July 9 after suffering a tear in the medial meniscus of his left knee. He underwent surgery and made a full recovery, leading to his quick return.
Prior to the DL stint, Kimbrel was 1-3 with a 3.55 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 34 appearances, 28 of which were scoreless.
The Red Sox also acquired left-handed reliever Fernando Abad on Monday from the Minnesota Twins to bolster their bullpen.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
