Rangers trade Robbie Ross to Red Sox for Anthony Ranaudo

The Boston Red Sox acquired left-hander Robbie Ross from the Texas Rangers on Tuesday in exchange for right-hander Anthony Ranaudo, the team announced.

Ranaudo, a first-round pick of the Red Sox in 2010, was named the International League's Most Valuable Pitcher last season after going 14-4 with a 2.61 ERA in 138 innings. He made his major league debut in August, and posted a 4.81 ERA over seven starts. 

The 25-year-old should have a much better chance of cracking the Rangers' Opening Day rotation than he would have with Boston, and could conceivably battle it out with offseason acquisition Ross Detwiler and others for the No. 5 spot if he doesn't begin the season in the minors. 

Ross, meanwhile, has primarily served as a reliever over his three-year career and will almost surely compete in that role with the Red Sox. The southpaw struggled over 12 starts last season but has been effective in a relief role in the past. 

From 2012-13, Ross pitched to a 2.62 ERA over 123 relief appearances.