The Boston Red Sox have reportedly acquired closer Mark Melancon from the Houston Astros for shortstop Jed Lowrie and right-hander Kyle Weiland.Melancon was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dismal Astros season. The 26-year-old converted 20 of 25 save opportunities while posting a 2.78 ERA and 66 strikeouts over 74 1/3 innings.Melancon had only appeared in 35 major-league games prior to his breakout 2011 campaign.Lowrie, 27, hit .252 with six homers and 36 RBIs in 308 at-bats with the Red Sox last season.Weiland, 25, went 0-3 with a 7.66 ERA in 24 2/3 innings with Boston.
Original Story:
