Once again, Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski did good work in acquiring a player without having to give up his A-list prospects.
In separate deals, he picked off Aaron Hill and Brad Ziegler, two quality veterans who can be plugged into the team for the short term and add protection. Each player can make a difference down the stretch.
“Two class acts,’’ is the way one veteran American League scout termed the acquisitions. “Both players have something left in the tank. Ziegler has been one of the most consistent relievers in either league since he came up to the big leagues in 2008 with Oakland. I think he has enough to compete in that division. Hill has had a rebirth after getting over his injuries and he seems to be a perfect fit at Fenway Park because he’s a righthanded pull hitter.’’
The concern is age.
At 36, Ziegler has logged a lot of wear and tear. He already has made 36 relief appearances for the Diamondbacks this season. His funky sidearm delivery has been nasty against righthanded hitters over the years, whether he was in the American League with Oakland or in the National League with Arizona.
He has been Arizona’s closer and was 18 for 20 in save opportunities. With Craig Kimbrel’s knee injury expected to keep him out for 3-6 weeks, Ziegler likely will get the call over Koji Uehara in the closer role. When all are healthy, Ziegler should give manager John Farrell great flexibility, especially late in the game when a succession of righthanders are due up.
Dombrowski acted fast on Ziegler.
As soon as Farrell told the media that Junichi Tazawa was not available Friday night because of a sore shoulder and that Kimbrel had hurt his knee while jogging before the game, Dombrowski went to work knowing there was little help at Pawtucket, although Joe Kelly will be added to the bullpen after the break.
Dombrowski needs to add a starting pitcher and also might need a left fielder if Brock Holt’s ankle injury is serious. The Red Sox had to transfer Blake Swihart to the 60-day DL to make room for Hill, who went 2 for 4 in his Red Sox debut at third base in Friday night’s 6-5 victory over the Rays.
Third baseman Travis Shaw is nicked up after he fouled a ball off his foot. Shaw also is hitting only .211 vs. lefthanders.
The Red Sox gave up two Single A prospects, righthander Jose Almonte and infielder Luis Alejandro Basabe, for Ziegler. The Sox also will pick up the $2.51 million left on Ziegler’s contract.
Ziegler has a 2.49 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and has allowed only 22 home runs in 567 innings since his debut in 2008. He’s 2-3 with a 2.82 ERA this season. He’s also thrown 10 double-play ground balls, tops in the National League.
“It’s always nice to have a guy who can get you a ground ball in a big spot,’’ said Cubs catcher David Ross.
Tony La Russa, Arizona’s chief baseball officer, called Ziegler “a total pro. You can use him in different roles and I’m sure John [Farrell] will find the right situations. Need a double play, he’s the guy. Of course, occasionally a ball will get through the infield. But he’s a very experienced pitcher and you can use him a lot.’’
The only mystery will be how Ziegler’s stuff translates to the AL East.
Another NL player said, “He’ll help, but he’s probably not a game-changer. Given their situation, he’s definite insurance.’’
The Red Sox gave up Almonte, 20, who was 2-2 with a 3.91 ERA in 10 starts for Greenville, and Basabe, 19, who was hitting .310 for Greenville with 24 extra-base hits, 25 RBIs, and 14 steals in 20 attempts. They showed great promise and some would argue the Red Sox shouldn’t be giving up pitching, young and unproven as it may be.
In the Hill deal, the Sox gave up righthander Aaron Wilkerson, the independent league feel-good story who was one Pawtucket’s best pitchers. He was 6-3 with a 2.14 ERA in 17 games (16 starts) at Portland (Double A) and Pawtucket. Infielder Wendell Rijo, also dealt for Hill, was hitting .201 in Single A, but the Brewers believe he’ll be a good player.
One scout’s take on the players Boston gave up: “Wilkerson and Rijo are depth prospects. Almonte has a good arm, but not much feel. Needs time. He may be a pen guy in the end. Basabe is a speedy, top of the order type who is inconsistent defensively. Turns it on and off. The Red Sox didn’t lose any quality.’’
Dombrowski also picked up veteran infielder Michael Martinez from Cleveland in a minor move.
When you’re in a divisional race in which you have a legitimate shot to win it, you have to go for it, particularly after two last-place finishes.
Dombrowski is doing just that.
He’s also plugging holes created by injuries. That alone can be daunting.
Dombrowski now has left himself in good position to get a starting pitcher — Rich Hill, Jeremy Hellickson, Jake Odorizzi, Ervin Santana? — who he believes can be a consistent performer in the middle of the rotation.
If Dombrowski can accomplish everything without relinquishing his elite prospects, and the players he acquired contribute to an AL East title, he will be hailed.
Nick Cafardo can be reached at cafardo@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @nickcafardo.
