The Boston Red Sox acquired San Francisco Giants infielder Eduardo Nunez on Tuesday for two minor league pitchers Gregory Santos and Shaun Anderson.
The trade was finalized during the Giant’s 11-3 victory on Tuesday night over the Pittsburgh Pirates and announced following the game.
Nunez said it was exciting to be going to Boston as he will be playing for a team that is fighting for a playoff spot.
The infielder, who earlier had been hit by a pitch, appeared on television shaking the hands of his Giants’ teammates inside the clubhouse.
This season, Nunez, who is 30, batted .308 in the 76 games he played with the Giants.
Boston manager John Farrell said that Nunez was a proven player, right-handed bat, hits for high average, and can play a number of positions.
Nunez has 31 RBIs this season and led the Giants in stolen bases with 17 despite a hamstring injury slowing him down during July.
His now former manager with the Giants Bruce Bochy said that Nunez was very talented and a number of clubs wanted him. Bochy added that he can run, is a solid hitter, and can play any position.
Bochy also said he would miss Nunez but is happy for the players since he will have the opportunity this season to help a team get to the postseason.
Nunez indicated he did not rule out a possibility of re-signing during the offseason with the Giants, as he will be an unrestricted free agent. However, for now he said his intentions were to help Boston keep their American League East lead.
Team officials with Boston said Nunez would not be reporting to the team until Friday.
General Manager of the Red Sox Dave Dombrowski called Nunez versatile and gives the team another player that will add offense to the lineup.
The trade could mean the Giants will recall former third baseman Pablo Sandoval from their minor league team, though Bochy said that was not likely to take place.
The former World Series MVP in 2012 with San Francisco, Sandoval signed a minor league deal with the Giants last weekend following his release by the Red Sox.
