June 3, 2015 at 6:50 PM
Red Sox trade Gunkel to Baltimore for De Aza
The Red Sox officially announced that the team has acquired outfielder Alejandro De Aza and cash from the Baltimore Orioles for RHP Joe Gunkel. (pictured, right) To make room for De Aza on the 40-man roster, the team moved RHP Brandon Workman to the 60-day disabled list.
De Aza, 31, was designated for assignment by the Orioles last week. The left-handed hitting outfielder is a veteran of eight major league seasons, spending time with the Marlins, White Sox and Orioles. His best season came in 2013 as a member of the White Sox, where he hit .264/.323/.405 with 17 home runs and 62 RBI in 153 games. De Aza will serve as outfield depth for Boston in the absence of both Daniel Nava and Shane Victorino.
Gunkel, 23, was selected by the Red Sox in the 18th round of the 2013 draft. The right-hander was recently promoted to Double-A Portland after spending the majority of his season with High-A Salem. In 12 games (five starts), Gunkel has compiled a 3-2 record with a 2.90 ERA, striking out 44 in 40 1/3 innings pitched. The right-hander profiles as a reliever, despite spending portions of his minor league career as a starter. In five season in the Red Sox system, Gunkel compiled a 3.05 ERA in 54 games (20 starts), collecting nine saves.
Photo Credit: Joe Gunkel by Kelly O'Connor