Dbacks Trade Starts Bullpen Makeover

Arizona Sports News online

Courtesy Diamondbacks Media Relations:

The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired RHP Brad Boxberger (@Brad_Boxberger) from the Tampa Bay Rays for RHP Curtis Taylor.

 Boxberger, 29, was a 2015 American League All-Star, leading the league and ranking fourth in the Majors with 41 saves that season, trailing only Mark Melancon (51), Trevor Rosenthal (48) and Jeurys Familia (43).

Boxberger ranks among AL relievers since 2014 in strikeouts per 9.0 IP (10th, 11.91) and strikeouts (T-11th, 240), including setting Rays reliever records in 2014 with 104 strikeouts and 14.47 strikeouts per 9.0 IP. Additionally, his 42.11 strikeout pct. that season (104-of-247) was the highest rate in AL history by a right-handed reliever at the time, surpassed by Dellin Betances in 2016 (42.14). Since 2013, he has limited left-handed hitters to a .188 average (68-for-362), the ninth-lowest mark among Major League pitchers.

 The 6-2, 205-pounder has been limited to 57 games and 53.2 innings over the last 2 seasons, including 30 appearances in 2017 due to a right flexor strain, going 4-4 with a 3.38 ERA (11 ER in 29.1 IP), 40 strikeouts, 11 walks and a .215 opponents average