GIANTS WIN A CLOSE GAME
SAN FRANCISCO — Infielder Eduardo Nunez was traded from the San Francisco Giants to the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night for minor league righthanders Shaun Anderson and Gregory Santos.
The deal was finalized during San Francisco’s 11-3 win over Pittsburgh and announced after the game.
“It’s exciting,” Nunez said while standing outside of manager Bruce Bochy’s office. “You’re going to go (play) for a championship. That’s why we’re here. That’s the focus right now.”
Nunez started at third base, hit a tworun double and scored twice before he was removed for a pinch hitter in the fifth inning. The infielder, who was hit by a pitch on the left elbow earlier in the game, was shown on television shaking hands with teammates in the Giants’ clubhouse.
The 30-year-old hit .308 in 76 games with San Francisco this season and has reached base safely in 40 of his last 42 games.
“A right-handed bat, a proven guy, hitting for a high average, he can play multiple positions,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said from Seattle, where Boston lost 6-5 in 13 innings. “We’ll work him in.”
Nunez drove in 31 runs and had a team-high 17 stolen bases despite being slowed by a hamstring injury this month.
“He’s very talented and that’s why a lot of clubs wanted him,” Bochy said. “He can run, he’s a good hitter, he can play anywhere. I’m going to miss him because this guy was exciting. He’s got a chance to get to the postseason so I’m happy for him. He’ll help that ballclub.”
Nunez did not rule out the possibility of re-signing with San Francisco in the offseason when he’s scheduled to become a free agent. For now, Nunez said he’s intent on helping the Red Sox maintain their lead in the AL East.