SIMS SENT TO THE RED SOX
The Boston Red Sox acquired pitcher Lucas Sims from the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Ovis Portes.
What does it give the Boston Red Sox
Boston is in desperate need of bullpen help. Sims should slide right into a setup role for the Red Sox, bridging the gap to Kenley Jansen. He has a 3.57 ERA and 40 Ks in 35.1 innings this season. His addition is a nice under-the-radar pickup that should benefit the bullpen greatly.
What does it give the Cincinnati Reds
The Reds chose to move Sims from their strong bullpen. In return, they get a young right-handed pitcher in Portes. He has attributes that teams look for in a young pitcher: he is tall with good stuff, including a fastball that can touch 99 mph. It is unclear if he will develop into a starter or reliever.
Fantasy impact
Barring more bullpen additions, it looks like Sims will be in a setup role, along with Chris Martin when he gets healthy. This could increase Sims' hold opportunities–which would increase his fantasy value. One word of caution: moving to the AL East can be a tough adjustment for pitchers. As for Portes, he is too early in his career to be on a fantasy radar.
