Red Sox land Rajai Davis from Athletics
The Boston Red Sox solidified their outfield depth as the club announced it has acquired Rajai Davis in a trade with the Oakland Athletics.
Minor-league outfielder Rafael Rincones is headed the other way.
"These things happen. It was a great time here. I learned so much from our coaches here," Davis told MLB.com's Jane Lee (courtesy of MLB.com's Ian Browne) about the Athletics after learning of the trade. "Our hitting coaches have worked extremely hard with me to get in good positions to hit, and I'm extremely grateful for what we accomplished over these last couple of months especially.
"I had a slow start, but over the last couple of months I've felt really good, and I just appreciate the patience they've had with me."
To make room for Davis on the 40-man roster, Boston designated outfielder Steve Selsky for assignment.
Davis gives the Red Sox immediate World Series experience in their outfield, and also serves as an insurance option for starting center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr., who was placed on the disabled list Wednesday with a sprained thumb.
As a member of the Cleveland Indians last season, Davis hit .227/.292/.409 in 22 at-bats in the World Series, including a memorable two-run home run off then-Chicago Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman to temporarily tie Game 7 in the eighth inning.
Davis is slashing .233/.294/.353 in 300 at-bats this season with the Athletics.