Report: Red Sox Have Shown Preliminary Interest in Veteran Reliever Luis Ayala

The Red Sox recently added Burke Badenhop to their bullpen for 2014. Now, it sounds like Boston might have its sights set on another veteran right-hander.

According to Chris Cotillo of MLBDailyDish.com, the Red Sox are among the teams who have shown preliminary interest in reliever Luis Ayala. The Rays, Dodgers, Giants, Braves, Orioles and Phillies reportedly have shown interest as well, while the Royals reportedly have backed off from their pursuit of the 35-year-old.

Ayala appeared in two games with the Orioles in 2013 before being traded to the Braves. He posted a 2.90 ERA in 31 innings over 37 appearances with Atlanta, bringing his season ERA to 3.27 (12 earned runs in 33 innings). Ayala missed two months with an anxiety disorder, although a stomach virus reportedly was to blame for strength issues that he endured this past season.

Ayala, who turns 36 in January, posted a 2.09 ERA in 52 appearances with the Yankees in 2011 and a 2.64 ERA in 66 appearances with the O’s in 2012. He’s reportedly seeking a two-year deal in free agency but is currently waiting for the middle relief market to further develop.

[tweet https://twitter.com/ChrisCotillo/status/406588451849371649 align=’center’]

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Photo via Wikipedia/Luis Ayala