From a talent standpoint, the Boston Red Sox have not made much progress this winter because most of their additions have been accompanied by losses that are comparable.
Consider the trade of Chris Sale for Lucas Giolito in the rotation or Tyler O’Neill for Alex Verdugo in right field; both transactions included depth players.
The bullpen has experienced the most change thus far, and on Wednesday, this trend persisted.
Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports that right-hander Mauricio Llovera has been claimed by the Seattle Mariners from the Red Sox.
Llovera did not return to the Red Sox organization after being assigned to make way for fellow right-hander Lucas Giolito last week. Theoretically, he could have rejoined the team off the 40-man roster as a depth reliever.
In 29 2/3 innings pitched with the Red Sox last season, the 27-year-old recorded a 5.46 ERA, a 24-to-13 strikeout-to-walk ratio, a.264 batting average against, and a 1.52 WHIP.
A few days prior to the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline, he was acquired by former Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom. At that time, the only other addition was infielder Luis UrÃas, who was traded for right-hander Isaiah Campbell by the Mariners.
The Red Sox will play both of the former players early in the season when they begin play in Seattle on March 28.