The Boston Red Sox have addressed their struggling bullpen by acquiring right-handed reliever Lucas Sims from the Cincinnati Reds prior to the trade deadline. In exchange for Sims, the Red Sox sent minor-league right-hander Ovis Portes to the Reds. Sims, 30, joins the Red Sox as the longest-tenured Reds player on the roster, boasting 40 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings of work this season. However, his 20 walks have at times limited his effectiveness on the mound. Sims is set to become a free agent at the end of the current season.

Portes, a promising 19-year-old prospect, had been pitching for Low-A Salem and previously in the Florida Complex League before the trade. Known for his impressive 2.12 ERA across 11 games, including five starts, Portes recorded 41 strikeouts in 34 innings. He was ranked as the No. 29 prospect in the Red Sox organization by Baseball America.

The Red Sox have been in need of bullpen reinforcement with key right-handed pitchers Justin Slaten and Chris Martin on the injured list. Martin is slated to start a bullpen session soon, while Slaten's return is further delayed. In recent games following the All-Star break, the Red Sox have struggled to close out leads, surrendering eight games late in the seventh inning or beyond out of their last ten games, resulting in a 3-7 record.

The trade market for relief pitchers has been active, with notable deals like the San Diego Padres sending prospects to Tampa Bay for reliever Jason Adam and the Philadelphia Phillies parting ways with top pitching prospects to acquire Carlos Estévez from the Arizona Diamondbacks. By acquiring Sims, the Red Sox aim to strengthen their bullpen without compromising their farm system. The team now faces the question of whether Sims will prove sufficient to solidify their relief corps for the remainder of the season.