Twins Were Busy Before Monday’s Deadline

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Twins have acquired starting pitcher Hector Santiago a minor leaguer from the Los Angeles Angels for right-handers Ricky Nolasco and Alex Meyer and cash.

The deal was done Monday before the non-waiver deadline. Santiago, an All-Star last season, is 10-4 with a 4.25 ERA in 22 starts while making $5 million this year and eligible for free agency after the 2017 season. The Angels also sent Double-A reliever Alan Busenitz to the Twins.

The 33-year-old Nolasco went 15-22 with a 5.44 ERA for the Twins since signing before the 2014 season a $49 million, four-year contract. Meyer was acquired prior to the 2013 season from Washington for center fielder Denard Span.

Earlier in the day, the Twins traded left-handed reliever Fernando Abad to Boston for minor league pitcher Pat Light.

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Boston Red Sox have acquired left-handed reliever Fernando Abad from the Minnesota Twins for minor league pitcher Pat Light.

The deal was the first announced Monday in the majors before the non-waiver trade deadline, giving the Red Sox another veteran for the bullpen in their pursuit of Baltimore and Toronto in the AL East.

Abad has a 2.65 ERA in 39 appearances for the Twins. He is making $1.25 million this year and will be eligible for free agency after the 2017 season.

The 30-year-old Abad has held opponents to a .220 batting average this year. He came up with Houston and also has pitched for Washington and Oakland.

The right-handed Light has a 2.32 ERA in 31 innings for Triple-A Pawtucket. He made his big league debut April 26 and appeared in two games for Boston.