What happened: The Boston Red Sox acquired infielder Curtis Mead from the Washington Nationals for left-hander Connelly Early. The clubs finalized the one-for-one deal Saturday night.
Why it matters: Boston converts rotation depth into a right-handed bat after scoring the eighth-fewest runs per game. Washington, two games out of a wild-card spot, adds a starter under team control through 2031.
By the numbers: Mead is batting .254/.352/.500 with 17 homers and 48 RBI in 87 games. Early is 7-5 with a 3.44 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 91.2 innings across 17 starts; he has been on the injured list since July 1 with left elbow inflammation.
What to watch: Mead is expected to join Boston during its four-game series in West Sacramento. Early is scheduled for a rehab start Aug. 3.