While both teams are in the market for a new closer, the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly been checking in on a reliever that won’t be expected to finish out games. Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports reports that the Red Sox and Rays have touched base with on free agent reliever Luis Ayala.
Ayala spent the 2011 season with the New York Yankees. After receiving an invite to the club’s spring training, Ayala won a spot in New York’s pen.
Ayala went on to become another small, low-risk investment that worked out for the Yankees. The right-hander provided New York with 56 solid innings over his 52 appearances with four holds. During that time, Ayala maintained an ERA of 2.09. While his peripherals weren’t as dominating, it was still a productive season for the 33-year-old, something he hadn’t had in several years.
2011 marked the first time Ayala made more than 50 major league appearances since 2008 and the first time he maintained a season ERA south of 5.50 since 2007. Ayala was out of the majors all together in 2010, instead splitting time between the minor league systems of the Diamondbacks, Dodgers and Rockies.
After his more impressive showing last season, Ayala figures to fetch a guaranteed deal this winter.
For more on the Red Sox and Rays, be sure to check out BoSox Injection and Rays Colored Glasses.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.