The Red Sox filled a huge need when they acquired Brad Ziegler from the Arizona Diamondbacks early Saturday morning.
Ziegler has 18 saves this season with a 2.82 ERA. He will fill the setup role that has been a void since Carson Smith went down with a season ending injury in May.
Ziegler could be asked to step in as closer for a period of time pending Craig Kimbrel’s health. The Red Sox closer was sent for a MRI on Friday night. Junichi Tazawa also hasn’t pitched in six days because of a sore right shoulder.
Ziegler should be able to fill any role. He has 48 saves since the start of last season. He has only allowed one home run this season. Ziegler has induced the highest rate of ground ball outs since the start of the 2009 season.
The Red Sox gave up two minor leaguers currently at single A In the deal. This is the Red Sox third trade in the last three days. Look for dealer Dave Dombrowski to continue to fill the needs of a team that is two games out of first place in the American League East with two games remaining until the all star break. The Red Sox are still in need of another bullpen arm, another starter or maybe two depending on the progress of Eduardo Rodriguez, and maybe a left fielder. The Red Sox have acquired Aaron Hill from the Brewers and Michael Martinez from the Indians this week.
