BOSTON, July 31 (UPI) -- The Boston Red Sox traded for closer Eric Gagne, sending pitcher Kason Gabbard and two minor leaguers to the Texas Rangers in exchange for the relief ace.
Gagne, who waived a no-trade clause in his contract to join the Red Sox, has seen limited action this season because of injuries. Despite twice being put on the disabled list this season, Gagne is 2-0 with 16 saves and has a 2.16 earned run average in 34 games.
Gagne saved 152 games from 2002 to 2004 while with Los Angeles, including a Dodgers' record 55 in 2003. He won the National League Cy Young Award in 2004.
However, back and elbow injuries limited his appearances to 16 games total in 2005 and 2006. Over the course of his nine-year career, Gagne has a 27-21 record with a 3.20 ERA and 177 saves.
Gabbard, a left-hander, was 4-0 in seven starts and had a 3.73 ERA for Boston this season. Also headed to Texas with Gabbard are outfielders David Murphy and Engel Beltre.
