Boston Red Sox acquire infielder Aaron Hill

The Boston Red Sox have acquired veteran infielder Aaron Hill from the Milwaukee Brewers.

There are a few holes left to fill on this Boston Red Sox roster as we approach the trade deadline, but Dave Dombrowski can cross one need off his list.

The Red Sox announced that they have acquired infielder Aaron Hill from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for right-handed pitcher Aaron Wilkerson and infielder Wendell Rijo. Boston is also reportedly receiving cash considerations in the deal to help pay for the remaining salary on Hill’s $12 million contract for this season.

Outfielder Ryan LaMarre has been designated for assignment to clear a spot on the roster.

Hill was hitting a modest .283/.359/.421 for the Brewers this season. Boston had been seeking an upgrade to their bench and Hill provides them with a right-handed bat that can handle multiple infield positions. He also brings some pop, having swatted 8 home runs this season. His career-high 36 home runs that he hit in 2009 are far in the rear view mirror, but he smashed 26 homers as recently as 2012.

For what it’s worth, Hill also has a career .839 OPS hitting at Fenway Park, so we know he’ll enjoy his new home.

Injuries have derailed the 34-year old’s career in recent seasons, but Hill has been healthy enough to take the field in 78 of his team’s 84 games this season.

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Hill has played mostly third base this season, which could make him an ideal platoon partner for Travis Shaw, who has been dismal against lefties this season (.211/.240/.380). Hill has been a bit better against right-handed pitching this season, but is still far better against lefties than Shaw. For his career, Hill is a .267 hitter with a .762 OPS against lefties.

Shaw left Wednesday night’s game after fouling a ball off his left food. X-Rays came back negative and he’s considered day-to-day, but Hill could fill in at third if The Mayor were forced to miss time with the injury.

Red Sox fans were probably hoping to hear that the team had traded for Rich Hill to solidify their rotation, but Aaron Hill is a solid pickup that helps improve a weak bench.

Next: Dombrowski tossing a shutout

Besides, if the Red Sox were willing to give up Wilkerson, a potential back of the rotation option some thought would join the revolving door at the No. 5 spot, perhaps it’s because another move is in the works. Either the front office didn’t see Wilkerson as a viable option and sold high or he was expendable because the Red Sox are looking to bring in a more reliable option.

In which case, perhaps the big trade we’re hoping will come is on the horizon.