Red Sox Acquire Minor League Pitcher Ryan Verdugo, Release A.J. Pierzynski
The Kansas City Royals announced that they traded left-handed pitcher Ryan Verdugo to the Sox for cash considerations. The 27-year-old southpaw missed almost the first two months of the season with a sports hernia but is 5-2 in nine starts with the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers with a 4.24 ERA and 8.5 strikeouts and 2.7 walks per nine innings.
Verdugo has the ability to come out of the bullpen or act as a spot starter. He has a 90 mph fastball, a slider and a changeup and is expected to be assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket.
The move came on the same day that the Red Sox announced the release of catcher A.J. Pierzynski from their roster.
Photo via John Rieger-USA Today Sports
