Embree traded to Red Sox

BOSTON, June 23 (UPI) -- The Boston Red Sox obtained lefthanded specialist Alan Embree Sunday as the centerpiece of a four-player trade with the San Diego Padres.

Locked in a tight battle with the New York Yankees for first place in the American League East, the Red Sox also got righthander Andy Shibilo while sending minor league righthanders Brad Baker and Dan Giese to San Diego.

Embree is 3-4 with two saves and a 0.94 ERA in 36 relief appearances. He has been particularly effective against lefthanded batters, who are hitting just .203 against him.