Red Sox acquire OF Kotsay from Braves

Aug 27, 2008 - 8:28 PM BRONX, New York (Ticker) -- The Boston Red Sox added depth to their outfield Wednesday, acquiring veteran outfielder Mark Kotsay from the Atlanta Braves.

Kotsay was batting .289 this season with six homers and 37 RBI in 81 games for the Braves. The 32-year-old has not committed an error in 80 games in center field.

The move came one day after the Red Sox placed outfielder J.D. Drew on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain.

"He's going to help us," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "He's willing to come here and help us try and win, and do whatever we ask him to do, which is great."

Kotsay is expected to join the Red Sox in New York as the team continues its three-game series with the New York Yankees.

Boston (76-55) currently has a 2 1/2-game lead over the Minnesota Twins (74-58) for the American League's wild card spot. Boston also trails the Tampa Bay Rays (79-51) by 3 1/2 games in the AL East.

In exchange for Kotsay, the Braves received 20-year-old outfielder Luis Sumoza, who was hitting .301 with 11 home runs for Class A Lowell.