Red Sox make a move in the outfield

(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Eric D. Schabell
Contributing Writer

The Red Sox think to have found an answer to their outfield problems in Carlos Peguero who was acquired Wednesday from the Texas Rangers for cash considerations.

Wait a minute, the Red Sox have an abundance of outfielders, right?

This is partially true, but none of them seem to be able to hit from the left side of the plate.

Daniel Nava, a switch-hitter, has batted just .159 in 63 at-bats this season with no home runs and seven RBIs. Shane Victorino, also a switch-hitter, is currently on the 15-day DL, and Jackie Bradley Jr. is with Triple-A Pawtucket and has never hit .200 or more at the major league level.

Peguero, 28, has played parts of five seasons in the majors with Seattle, Kansas City and Texas. The left-handed batter appeared in 30 games with the Rangers before being designated for assignment May 20. He’s batting just .186 (13-for-70) with 10 runs, four doubles, four home runs and nine RBIs. He also has played all three outfield positions this season, with his most appearances coming in left field.

This also appears to be another gamble that they can turn him around and find a left handed hitting valuable outfield asset.

Peguero was known for his power in the minors hitting 30 home runs in 104 games for the Omaha Storm Chasers, Texas’ Triple-A team last year. That same year he also drove in 76 runs and posted a .266/.349/.563 slash line.

There is a bit of an unknown factor in how durable he might be as Peguero has never appeared in more than 46 games in a major league season.

Is this the move you were expecting from the Red Sox?

Probably not, but with the chance to scoop up a lefty hitting outfielder that was DFA'd by the Rangers for a bit of change, it is a low risk transaction.

Post a comment or via twitter @erics_redsox with your thoughts.

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