The Red Sox would probably love to add a bullpen arm before the July 31 trade deadline, and a former No. 1 overall pick could be an option for the first-place club.
While Luke Hochevar, the top pick in the 2006 draft, hasn’t exactly panned out as an ace, he’d still be a good addition to any bullpen. FOXSports.com reports the Kansas City Royals could be willing to move him before next week’s trade deadline, and the Red Sox have expressed interest. According to the report, the Red Sox have been scouting the Royals, but while there’s reported interest in the right-hander, the two teams have yet to discuss a deal.
Hochevar came up as a starter for Kansas City, and he had served in that role until this season. Royals manager Ned Yost made the decision to put Hochevar in the bullpen prior to the start of the season, and that’s where he’s stayed since then. Hochevar has made 30 appearances this season with a 2.00 ERA in 36 innings pitched. He has 38 strikeouts to just 10 walks, and opposing batters are hitting just .175 against the 29-year-old. That’s almost 100 points below his career average, as Hochevar entered this season with a career .273 batting average again.
Hochevar has really picked up his game in the last couple of months. In 15 1/3 innings pitched since June 1, the righty has allowed just one run on seven hits. That stretch includes 18 strikeouts to just five walks, with opponents hitting just .135 against him.
Photo via Flickr/Keith Allison
