It’s officially trade deadline season for the Boston Red Sox.
The Red Sox traded outfielder Shane Victorino and cash considerations to the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for infielder Josh Rutledge, the clubs announced Monday. The Boston Globe and ESPNBoston.com cited sources in reporting the Red Sox will pay $3.8 million of Victorino’s remaining $4.9 million salary.
Boston recalled outfielder Rusney Castillo from Triple-A Pawtucket to take Victorino’s spot on the 25-man roster. Castillo immediately was inserted into the starting lineup as the Red Sox’s right fielder and No. 7 hitter for their series opener against the Chicago White Sox at Fenway Park.
Victorino, 34, spent two-plus seasons in Boston after signing a three-year contract in December 2012. The veteran outfielder has dealt with various injuries the last two seasons, but he was an extremely valuable contributor during the Red Sox’s 2013 World Series run.
Victorino, who entered Monday hitting .245 in 33 games this season, hit .294 with 15 home runs, 61 RBIs and an .801 OPS in 122 regular-season games in 2013. He also won his fourth career Gold Glove.
Red Sox fans likely will most remember Victorino for his game-winning grand slam in Game 6 of the 2013 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers and his three-run double in Game 6 of the World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Rutledge, 26, has spent much of the season at the Angels’ Triple-A affiliate, where he batted .274 with five homers and 32 RBIs while appearing at shortstop (38 games), second base (14 games) and third base (13 games).
Rutledge appeared in a career-high 105 major league games with the Colorado Rockies last season, hitting .269 with four homers, 33 RBIs and a .728 OPS.
Thumbnail photo via Bob DeChiara/USA TODAY Sports Images
