Red Sox Trade For Ian Kinsler

Just hours ahead of the MLB trade deadline, the Boston Red Sox have made a move to solidify one of the few weak spots on the team. 

Just after the team's 2-1, walk-off win over the Philadelphia Phillies, news broke that the Sox had struck a deal with the Los Angeles Angels to acquire veteran second baseman Ian Kinsler.

The trade for Kinsler, who is expected to slide into the everyday second base role with Boston, helps replace the injured Dustin Pedroia whose return seems less an less likely with each passing day.

Kinsler's presence will likely also allow the team to move utility man Eduardo Nunez to third base, in the wake of regualr third baseman Rafael Devers' hamstring injury. With Devers on the DL, Nunez can slide over, for the time being, to play the hot corner.

Kinsler, who played under Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski during his tenure with the Detroit Tigers, has had a sub-par season thus far. Slashing .239/.304/.406, the veteran middle infielder is on pace for his worst season as a pro, at the age of 36.

Despite his age and fallen off numbers, the Sox are likely hoping that the thrill of a pennant race and potential title run will rejuvenate the former All-Star.

In return for Kinsler and cash considerations, the Red Sox sent two minor league pitchers, Ty Buttrey and Williams Jerez, to the Angels.