The Boston Red Sox have traded minor league pitcher Jalen Beeks to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for right-handed starter Nathan Eovaldi.Eovaldi was originally set to pitch for the Rays against the New York Yankees but was withdrawn from the lineup just before the game.
Expressing his thoughts before leaving Tropicana Field, Eovaldi stated, “I had a feeling a trade might happen, given my situation this year. I didn’t know which team it would be, though.”
Eovaldi could become a free agent after this season. The trade was announced shortly after the New York Yankees acquired Zach Britton from the Baltimore Orioles.
Returning to play this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2016, Eovaldi posted a 3-4 record with a 4.26 ERA in 10 starts. He began the 2018 season on the disabled list following elbow surgery in spring training.Having previously played for the Yankees in 2015-2016, Eovaldi is familiar with the intense Boston-New York rivalry, where he recorded a 23-11 record and a 4.45 ERA in 51 games.
Regarding the rivalry, Eovaldi shared, “The games are always intense. The fans make it an exciting series with high tension.”
Eovaldi’s fastball has averaged 96.9 mph this season, and he has recorded more home runs than walks, with 53 strikeouts in over 57 innings pitched. On the other hand, 25-year-old Beeks made his first two major league appearances this season, allowing nine runs on 11 hits for a 12.79 ERA.
