BOSTON, MA—The Boston Red Sox today acquired right-handed pitcher Jorge Alcala from the Minnesota Twins, in exchange for minor league infielder/outfielder Andy Lugo. To make room on the 40-man roster, Boston designated right-handed pitcher Brian Van Belle for assignment.
Alcala, 29, has pitched in 22 games for the Twins this season, recording an 8.88 ERA (24 ER/24.1 IP) with 28 strikeouts. The right-hander allowed nine runs (eight earned) in 2.0 innings over his last two outings, but posted a 3.86 ERA (7 ER/16.1 IP) with a .220 opponent batting average and 21 strikeouts in his previous 12 games from April 19-June 3. Signed as an international free agent by the Houston Astros in December 2014, the Dominican Republic native owns a 4.32 ERA (90 ER/187.2 IP) with 193 strikeouts in 166 career Major League games, all with Minnesota (2019-25).
Lugo, 21, has played in 44 games this season for High-A Greenville, batting .265 (40-for-151) with 11 doubles, one triple, four home runs, and 20 RBI. The right-handed batter has made 21 starts at first base, 16 at third base, four in left field, and three as the designated hitter. Signed by Boston as an international free agent in July 2021, the Dominican Republic native has hit .279 (209-for-748) with 52 doubles, four triples, and nine home runs in 208 career minor league games.
Van Belle, 28, was selected to the active Major League roster on June 9 and has not appeared in a game for Boston. The right-hander has pitched in 12 games (eight starts) for Worcester this season, going 5-1 while recording a 2.29 ERA (13 ER/51.0 IP), a 1.06 WHIP, and 41 strikeouts. Signed by the Red Sox as a non-drafted free agent in June 2020, the Florida native has gone 37-19 with a 4.41 ERA (246 ER/502.1 IP) in 115 career minor league games (84 starts), all with the Red Sox organization (2021-25).