The Red Sox made the first of their four trades ahead of the Aug. 31 deadline with the Phillies.

Boston sent relievers Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree to Philadelphia for starters Nick Pivetta and Connor Seabold. The exchange of four right-handed pitchers gave the Phillies two options for their dreadful bullpen and the Red Sox two future pieces to consider for their thin rotation.

"Obviously I’m still pulling for them as people, but playing against them is a [...]

The Red Sox made the first of their four trades ahead of the Aug. 31 deadline with the Phillies.

Boston sent relievers Brandon Workman and Heath Hembree to Philadelphia for starters Nick Pivetta and Connor Seabold. The exchange of four right-handed pitchers gave the Phillies two options for their dreadful bullpen and the Red Sox two future pieces to consider for their thin rotation.

"Obviously I’m still pulling for them as people, but playing against them is a little bit different," said Michael Chavis, who started the first game of Tuesday’s doubleheader with Philadelphia in left field. "They’re great dudes. I learned a lot from them."

Workman was immediately installed as his new club’s closer. He was 1-1 with five saves through his first nine appearances. Workman walked six and struck out 10 in 9 1/3 innings.

Hembree doesn’t figure to lock up a high-leverage role based on his early performances. He’s allowed five earned runs in five innings, making six appearances. Hembree walked three, struck out six and allowed seven hits.

bkoch@providencejournal.com

(401) 277-7054

On Twitter: @BillKoch25