BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox have signed former Oakland
outfielder Bobby Kielty to a minor league contract, giving them a
potential backup for their playoff run.
Kielty, 31, was assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket and is expected
to report Wednesday.
A switch-hitter, Kielty had just seven hits in 35 at-bats for
the Athletics before he was released on July 31. He spent a month
on the disabled list due to a strained left calf.
Kielty has hit .255 with 52 homers and 244 RBIs in 579 career
games with Minnesota, Toronto and Oakland.
The Red Sox have been looking for an extra outfielder because
Wily Mo Pena is hitting .218 with five homers in 147 at-bats this
season. Attempts to acquire Jermaine Dye from the Chicago White Sox
at the trading deadline were not successful.