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Boston Red Sox trade 2013 hero Shane Victorino to Los Angeles Angels
BOSTON -- The Red Sox made their first trading season transaction, dealing outfielder Shane Victorino and cash considerations to the Los Angeles Angels for infielder Josh Rutledge.
The Red Sox will pay $3.8 million of the $4.9 million remaining on Victorino's contract, according to a major league source.
Victorino was in Boston's starting lineup and took batting practice before Monday's game before being informed of the trade. His departure led to the return of Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo from Triple-A Pawtucket.
Victorino played a vital role for the Red Sox in their title drive in 2013, when his 6.1 WAR was second on the team to Dustin Pedroia's 6.3. But leg, back and thumb injuries have limited him to 63 games since the club won the World Series, and he underwent season-ending back surgery last season.
Red Sox GM Ben Cherington, in a conference call, said the deal came together over the weekend.
"We talked to Shane during batting practice when it became official,'' he said. "It was tough for everyone. [Red Sox manager] John [Farrell] and I were in there with Shane. He's meant a lot -- stating the obvious -- he's meant a lot to the team and obviously was a part of a very special year in 2013 and part of a lot of great moments that October.
"He's always throughout his career played with incredible passion and is a passionate person. He cares a lot, so it was a difficult position. On the one hand I think he was happy to have an opportunity to get on a contender and have a chance to play meaningful games down the stretch.
"On the other hand we know this was an important part of his career for him, being in Boston, so we expressed to him how grateful we were for everything he's done, wished him the best, and he probably he leaves a mark on the Red Sox and a lot of people that are still in that clubhouse."
Victorino, who went on the disabled list May 24 with what was called a left calf strain, came off the DL on July 3 and in 13 games (10 starts) batted .231 (9-for-39). When the Red Sox were in Anaheim right after the All-Star break, Victorino played in both ends of a day-night doubleheader, which might have helped persuade the Angels that he was healthy.
In 2013, Victorino hit 15 home runs, stole 21 bases in 24 attempts, posted an .801 OPS and won a Gold Glove in right field. He drove in 12 runs in the postseason, one fewer than David Ortiz's team-leading 13, and hit a grand slam in the clinching game of the American League Championship Series and a three-run double in the clinching game of the World Series.
Rutledge, 26, was with the Angels' Triple-A team in Salt Lake. He originally was drafted by the Colorado Rockies.
Cherington said Rutledge, who was in Triple-A for the Angels, will join the big-league club here upon his arrival. Pedroia just returned to the disabled list with a strained right hamstring and Brock Holt, who hurt his left knee when he stumbled coming around the first-base bag, was kept out of Monday's game.
"He's an offensive infielder with some defensive versatility around the infield," Cherington said of Rutledge. "We'll get a look at him and in all likelihood he will join the big league team when he gets here.
"He can play second, short and third. With Pedroia out a little bit, there should be some playing time in the infield with us, and we'll get to know him better."
The Red Sox will pay $3.8 million of the $4.9 million remaining on Victorino's contract, according to a major league source.
Victorino was in Boston's starting lineup and took batting practice before Monday's game before being informed of the trade. His departure led to the return of Cuban outfielder Rusney Castillo from Triple-A Pawtucket.
Victorino played a vital role for the Red Sox in their title drive in 2013, when his 6.1 WAR was second on the team to Dustin Pedroia's 6.3. But leg, back and thumb injuries have limited him to 63 games since the club won the World Series, and he underwent season-ending back surgery last season.
Red Sox GM Ben Cherington, in a conference call, said the deal came together over the weekend.
"We talked to Shane during batting practice when it became official,'' he said. "It was tough for everyone. [Red Sox manager] John [Farrell] and I were in there with Shane. He's meant a lot -- stating the obvious -- he's meant a lot to the team and obviously was a part of a very special year in 2013 and part of a lot of great moments that October.
"He's always throughout his career played with incredible passion and is a passionate person. He cares a lot, so it was a difficult position. On the one hand I think he was happy to have an opportunity to get on a contender and have a chance to play meaningful games down the stretch.
"On the other hand we know this was an important part of his career for him, being in Boston, so we expressed to him how grateful we were for everything he's done, wished him the best, and he probably he leaves a mark on the Red Sox and a lot of people that are still in that clubhouse."
Victorino, who went on the disabled list May 24 with what was called a left calf strain, came off the DL on July 3 and in 13 games (10 starts) batted .231 (9-for-39). When the Red Sox were in Anaheim right after the All-Star break, Victorino played in both ends of a day-night doubleheader, which might have helped persuade the Angels that he was healthy.
In 2013, Victorino hit 15 home runs, stole 21 bases in 24 attempts, posted an .801 OPS and won a Gold Glove in right field. He drove in 12 runs in the postseason, one fewer than David Ortiz's team-leading 13, and hit a grand slam in the clinching game of the American League Championship Series and a three-run double in the clinching game of the World Series.
Rutledge, 26, was with the Angels' Triple-A team in Salt Lake. He originally was drafted by the Colorado Rockies.
Cherington said Rutledge, who was in Triple-A for the Angels, will join the big-league club here upon his arrival. Pedroia just returned to the disabled list with a strained right hamstring and Brock Holt, who hurt his left knee when he stumbled coming around the first-base bag, was kept out of Monday's game.
"He's an offensive infielder with some defensive versatility around the infield," Cherington said of Rutledge. "We'll get a look at him and in all likelihood he will join the big league team when he gets here.
"He can play second, short and third. With Pedroia out a little bit, there should be some playing time in the infield with us, and we'll get to know him better."