The Red Sox have made their first acquisition since the beginning of the regular season, claiming infielder Luis Jimenez off waivers from the Brewers.
The 27-year old Jimenez broke camp with a major league team for the first time this season, serving off Milwaukee’s bench for the first month of the season. Jimenez is considered an excellent defender and has logged innings at third and second base this season. However, he hasn’t done much with the bat in his brief major league career, going just 1-15 with a walk and 6 strikeouts this season and sporting a career .218/.255/.269 slash line in parts of three seasons with the Angels and Brewers.
More from Red Sox News
- Why Red Sox fans should be rooting for Carlos Correa’s Mets deal to go through
- Red Sox exec claims Mookie Betts loss changed management style, but actions say otherwise
- How realistic are the Boston Red Sox/Chris Sale trade rumors?
- Giants’ desperation post-Carlos Correa debacle highlights Red Sox’ lack of urgency
- Dave Dombrowski reunites with former Red Sox ace on Phillies
But though he has been an all-defense player in the major leagues, Jimenez does bear an impressive offensive pedigree in the minor leagues. He has hit .299/.335/.509 during his minor league career and slashed .286/.321/.505 in Triple-A Salt Lake last season (though the Pacific Coast League is admittedly extremely hitter-friendly).
Claiming Jimenez is a curious move for the Red Sox, who have considerable minor league depth in the infield. At third base, Jimenez is blocked by Pablo Sandoval and Brock Holt in the major leagues and potentially is behind prospect Garin Cecchini on the depth chart. Meanwhile, he is blocked at second base by Dustin Pedroia and perhaps Jemile Weeks in Pawtucket.
The Red Sox, who have no need for an infielder on the 25-man roster, will likely option Jimenez to Triple-A Pawtucket. They have cleared a space on the 40-man roster by moving Ryan Hanigan, who has undergone surgery on his fractured knuckle, to the 60-day disabled list.
Jimenez has the potential to contribute as a utility infielder but with Holt already in the fold, the Red Sox likely won’t have a need for him barring injuries. Still, depth never hurts and the Red Sox collect a potentially high-upside depth piece in Jimenez. It’s likely not a move that will make or break Boston’s season, but he could develop into a useful player.