Red Sox trade righty Nefi Ogando to Phillies for infielder John McDonald and cash

The Red Sox announced that they have acquired infielder John McDonald from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for Salem relief pitcher Nefi Ogando on Saturday night. The Red Sox also received cash considerations in the deal.

Trading for McDonald on Saturday allows the Sox to potentially include him on their postseason roster. The club will announce a move to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for McDonald later this evening.

The 38-year-old McDonald is known as an outstanding defensive infielder, and will provide backup at shortstop, second base, and third base. He has played with the Indians, Tigers, Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, Phillies, and Pirates over the course of his 15-year major league career. 

McDonald is a Connecticut native who played for Providence College and makes his offseason home in Scituate, Mass. The Red Sox will be his fourth team this season, as he has hit a combined .098/.179/.164 for Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia in 45 games, plus .265/.324/.294 in another 10 games in Triple-A Indianapolis.

Ogando, a right-hander, was signed by the Red Sox in June 2010 and had worked his way up to Salem this season, his first being used in a true bullpen role. He has a live arm and has a fastball that sits in the mid-90s, reaching 97. His best breaking pitch is an 86-87 mph slider with hard break. However, control has always been an issue for Ogando, who walked 27 batters in 55 innings this season while striking out 44.

Update, 10:00 AM: To make room for McDonald on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox transferred Alex Wilson to the 60-day DL. The move presented the easiest option for the club, as Wilson can be eligible for activation as soon as Saturday, August 7.

Photo credit: John McDonald and Jarrod Saltalamacchia by Kelly O'Connor.

Chris Hatfield is the Executive Editor of SoxProspects.com. Follow him on Twitter @SPChrisHatfield.

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