Red Sox complete Quinn Priester trade by acquiring minor league righty from Brewers
The Red Sox added some minor league pitching depth Monday, completing a trade with the Brewers from last month.
Boston acquired right-hander John Holobetz from Milwaukee to complete the April 7 swap that sent righty Quinn Priester to the Brewers. Boston acquired outfielder Yophery Rodriguez, a competitive balance draft pick (33rd overall in this year’s draft) and a player to be named later or cash for Priester. Holobetz is that player.
Holobetz, a Pennsylvania native, was Milwaukee’s fifth-round pick (156th overall) out of Old Dominion University last season. He signed for a $322,500 bonus, which was below slot. Holobetz didn’t make his professional debut until this year with Single-A Carolina. The righty has posted a 3.00 ERA (8 ER/34 IP) with 31 strikeouts and five walks while holding opponents to a .180 batting average (16-for-89). He was primarily a reliever in college at Radford, then ODU.
BOSTON — The Red Sox are tied with the Phillies for the major league lead in blown saves (8).
But it’s not a closer/ninth inning issue. Aroldis Chapman is a perfect 4-for-4 in save opportunities.
Garrett Whitlock gave up a game-tying two-run single in the seventh inning for a blown save, then Justin Slaten took the loss when he allowed two runs in the eighth Sunday. The Red Sox lost 5-4 to the Twins here at Fenway Park.
Whitlock has blown saves in back-to-back outings. He has two overall. Slaten, Greg Weissert and Zack Kelly (now at Triple-A Worcester) each have one. Justin Wilson has three blown saves.
“Tough week for the bullpen,” manager Alex Cora said. “But they’ve got good stuff. They’re good pitchers. ”We just have to make adjustments.”
