After shoring up their bullpen on Sunday, the Rockies beefed up their outfield shortly before Monday’s trade deadline.
The Rockies announced that they have acquired veteran outfielder Kevin Pillar from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for a player to be named later and 2019–20 international slot money.
Pillar, an eight-year veteran, is known as a center fielder but he’s played primarily right field for the Red Sox this season while Jackie Bradley Jr. roamed center for Boston. Pillar, 31, has shown good range in the outfield and is capable of making tough catches, something that could serve him well in Coors Field’s spacious outfield.
On Sunday, the Rockies traded for right-handed reliever Mychal Givens in exchange for prospects. Givens figures to be a late-inning set-up man.
The Rockies’ offense is in a need of a spark and Pillar might provide it. All-star David Dahl began the season as the everyday center fielder but he’s slumped badly and is currently on the injured list with side and back issues.
Rockies star third baseman Nolan Arenado gave a thumbs up to both of the Rockies’ moves.
“I played with Givens on Team USA in the (World Baseball Classic) in 2017,” Arenado said. “I really like him. Good dude. And he’s a good pitcher.
“I’ve always liked Pillar. He plays hard and plays a good center field.”
Pillar is having a relatively strong season in Boston, with a .274/.325/.470 slash line. The right-handed batter has hit four home runs with 13 RBIs in 30 games. Pillar has experience in the National League West and at Coors Field. He hit .264 with 21 home runs and 87 RBIs in 156 games for the Giants last season.
In 12 games (10 starts) at Coors Field, Pillar has hit .326 (15-for-46) with one home run, two doubles and seven RBIs.
The Rockies entered Monday night’s game against San Diego with a 17–17 record, which, at least for now, has them in playoff position in 2020’s expanded postseason field.
This story will be updated