The Minnesota Twins have traded pitcher Jorge Alcalá to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for utility player Andy Lugo. This move follows Alcalá's disappointing season, where he allowed 24 earned runs over 24.1 innings, marking one of his least effective performances since joining the Twins. Alcalá, known for his fastball, struggled with giving up home runs and walks, leading to this roster decision aimed at accommodating newly acquired lefty Joey Wentz.

In return, the Twins receive Andy Lugo, a promising 21-year-old utility player from the Red Sox's minor leagues, who holds a batting average of .265 at Class A Greenville. Lugo has showcased versatility in the field, playing multiple positions including first base and outfield, adding depth to the Twins' roster as they seek to improve their performance.

Bailey Ober continues to demonstrate solid performance on the mound, maintaining a 2.85 earned-run average since a tough start to the season. However, he admits to feeling off mechanically, stemming from issues that began in spring training. Currently, he is focused on refining his throwing mechanics to restore his velocity, which has dipped from 91.7 mph to 90.4 mph.

The Minnesota Twins are optimistic following their acquisition of lefty reliever Joey Wentz from the Pittsburgh Pirates. With Wentz expected to bolster the bullpen, the team has placed Pablo López on the 60-day injured list due to a shoulder strain, sidelining him for several weeks.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have bolstered their bullpen by signing left-handed relief pitcher Caleb Ferguson to a one-year contract, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Noah Hiles. Ferguson, set to turn 29 in July, is entering his sixth MLB season, this time with the Pirates after stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros.

Drafted by the Dodgers in 2014, Ferguson made waves during the 2020 season with a stellar 2.89 ERA and 27 strikeouts over 21 appearances, contributing to the Dodgers' World Series championship. However, an elbow injury led to Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2021 season.

Upon returning, Ferguson enjoyed a career-best season with a 1.82 ERA. Following a trade from the Dodgers to the Yankees and subsequently to the Astros, he posted a 3.86 ERA for Houston while also participating briefly in postseason play during the American League Wild Card Series.

Ferguson's addition is a significant upgrade for a Pirates bullpen that struggled against left-handed hitters last season, finishing with the highest walk rate and worst batting average against them in the National League. Known for his versatility, Ferguson brings a four-pitch repertoire, and he joins Joey Wentz as the second left-handed reliever in Pittsburgh's bullpen.