July 27, 2014 at 10:52 AM
Red Sox acquire two pitching prospects in Peavy trade
The Boston Red Sox traded veteran right-hander Jake Peavy to the San Francisco Giants on Saturday in exchange for two pitching prospects, 25-year-old right-handed reliever Heath Hembree and 22-year-old left-handed starter Edwin Escobar. Both players were optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.
Hembree was originally drafted by the Giants in the fifth round of the 2010 draft out of the College of Charleston. He made his major league debut last season as a September call-up, and in 7 2/3 innings over nine appearances, he gave up four hits with 12 strikeouts. Heading into the 2014 season, Hembree was ranked as the Giants's sixth-best prospect by MLB.com. This season, Hembree has 18 saves with 46 strikeouts and a 3.89 ERA over 39 1/3 innings.
Edwin Escobar started the 2014 season ranked as the Giants's tenth-best prospect by MLB.com. Originally signed in 2008 out of Venezuela by the Rangers, he was acquired by the Giants in 2010. Escobar has had some troubles on the mound this year in the Pacific Coast League with Fresno, posting a 5.11 ERA in 20 appearances while giving up 11 home runs. In 2013, Escobar was 8-8 in 26 appearances and averaged 10.2 strikeouts and 2.1 walks per nine innings. In 2012, Escobar went 7-8 in 22 appearances and averaged 8.4 strike outs and 2.2 walks per nine innings.
Photo Credit: Heath Hembree and Edwin Escobar from milb.com