The Boston Red Sox made a waiver-trade for veteran right-handed hitting, speedy Oakland Athletics’ outfielder, Rajai Davis.
The Boston Red Sox sent the Oakland Athletics minor league outfielder Rafael Rincones to acquire Rajai Davis. In order to make room for Davis on the 40-man roster, outfielder Steve Selsky was designated for assignment.
Davis, 36-years old, previously played under Dave Dombrowski’s management while both were in the Detroit Tigers organization from 2014 to 2015. This year, Davis has batted .233/.294/.353 through 100 games and 300 at-bats. He also has five home runs, 17 doubles, two triples, 18 RBIs, and 26 steals on the season.
Welcome to #RedSoxNation, @rajai11davis!
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While his numbers this year haven’t been very impressive, Davis offers an element of speed that not many available players have. Last year, he led the league with 43 stolen bases and has the ability to play all three outfield positions. With Jackie Bradley Jr. going on the 10-day disabled list earlier today due to a sprained left thumb, the Red Sox thought it would be best to add some depth for insurance as they continue their push for the postseason.
When Bradley Jr. gets healthy, Davis still offers that speed element off of the bench as well as veteran leadership for the clubhouse. Davis is in his 12th season and has been a member of some very good teams including the 2016 Cleveland Indians team that lost the World Series in dramatic fashion, going to extra innings in Game 7. Davis was the one who hit a 2-run home run off of Aroldis Chapman in the 8th inning of Game 7 to tie it.
Next: Bradley Jr. Goes on 10-day DL
Davis is a career .264/.313/.384 hitter that brings a strong stolen base ability as well as experience and leadership to a young Red Sox outfield. While Bradley Jr. is out, Davis will likely get the bulk of his at-bats but will help improve the bench and depth going forward. Look for Davis’s speed to be heavily used as a weapon and maybe a change of scenery and culture can change his production levels.