AL West Club Reportedly Takes Chance On Ex-Red Sox Pitcher After Impressive Start To Season

Oakland acquired a former member of the Red Sox on Sunday

One former member of the Boston Red Sox is looking for a new opportunity to make his way to the big leagues. 

Former Red Sox relief pitcher Yacksel Rios reportedly was traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Oakland Athletics on Sunday afternoon in exchange for cash considerations, according to The Athletic's David O'Brien. 

"(Braves) traded reliever Yacksel Rios to Oakland for cash," O'Brien said. "He had a 1.46 ERA and seven saves in 21 appearances at Triple-A Gwinnett this season, last pitched in majors in 2021 with Boston and Seattle."

Rios began his professional career in the Philadelphia Phillies organization after being drafted in the 12th round of the 2011 MLB June Amateur Draft. The 29-year-old made his big league debut with Philadelphia in 2017 and spent parts of three seasons with the club before landing with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2019. Rios joined the Tampa Bay Rays as a free agent ahead of the 2021 campaign but was traded to the Seattle Mariners before the season kicked off. 

The 29-year-old was dealt again later on in the 2021 season to the Red Sox. Rios appeared in 20 games for Boston in 2021 and compiled a 3-0 record and 3.70 ERA. The righty allowed 10 earned runs across 24 1/3 innings pitched. Rios didn't remain with Boston for long and was designated for assignment by the club. 

Rios hasn't made a big league appearance since leaving the Red Sox but likely will join the Athletics shortly. The relief pitcher had a clause in his contract with Atlanta that stated if he wasn't called up to the big league roster, he would be traded to a team that would. Rios impressed with the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers compiling a 2.49 ERA across 22 appearances. 

Hopefully, he can carry his momentum from the Triple-A level to the big leagues and impress with Oakland shortly. 

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