BoSox acquire Melancon from Astros

The Red Sox, reinforcing their bullpen, acquired right-hander Mark Melancon from the Astros on Wednesday in exchange for infielder Jed Lowrie and right-hander Kyle Wieland, according to a major-league source. The addition of Melancon likely will be only one of multiple additions the Red Sox make to their bullpen. The team is talking to the Athletics about a trade for closer Andrew Bailey, and still could pursue free-agent closer Ryan Madson. The Sox lost free-agent closer Jonathan Papelbon to the Phillies earlier this offseason, and are planning to move right-hander Daniel Bard from the bullpen to the rotation. The trade of Lowrie leaves Marco Scutaro and Jose Iglesias as the Red Sox's alternatives at shortstop. Melancon, 26, went 20-for-25 in save opportunities with a 2.78 ERA last season. He began his career with the Yankees. The Astros plan to use Weiland as a starter and likely will make Lowrie their starting shortstop.