Alex Cora Shares Where Lucas Sims Fits In Red Sox Bullpen

BOSTON — The Red Sox took care of a need and acquired reliever Lucas Sims from the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday before the MLB trade deadline.

The right-hander put together a solid season in the National League Central with a 3.57 ERA in 43 appearances for the Reds. He struck out over a batter per inning and should immediately make an impact upon arrival to a Red Sox bullpen dealing with regression and multiple injuries to high-leverage arms.

“Good slider, good cutter,” Cora told reporters at Fenway Park. “We need arms. We’ve been talking about this for a while. I think we got a good one. We’ll get him here as soon as possible. He’ll be part of this.”

While the Red Sox wait for Chris Martin and Justin Slaten to return, Sims jumps into a group of relievers that will continue to impact late-game outcomes for the Red Sox in the middle of a playoff push.

“Where we’re at right now obviously with injuries; we’ve got (Josh Winckowski), Zack (Kelly), obviously Kenley (Jansen), he’ll be a part of the mix,” Cora said.

The Red Sox will also have another arm available as Cora shared right-hander Yohan Ramirez should be active Tuesday after Boston claimed him Sunday. Cora remained adamant as well that three-time All-Star Liam Hendriks will pitch in 2024. He would be another significant addition if he can perform close to his previous potential before surgery late last season.