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Red Sox Acquire RHP Anthony Varvaro From Braves

BOSTON (CBS) -- In hopes of improving their bullpen for the 2015 season, the Boston Red Sox acquired right-hander Anthony Varvaro from the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old Varvaro went 3-3 with a 2.63 ERA in 61 relief appearances for the Braves last season, walking just 13 batters over 54.2 innings of work. He struck out a career-high 50 batters, holding opponents to a .228 (46-for-202) average in 2014. Of those 46 hits surrendered, only 16 went for extra bases.

A veteran of five MLB seasons, Varvaro is one of only 18 major league relievers with at least 50 innings pitched and an ERA of 2.85 or better in each of the last two seasons.

Varvaro was originally drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 12th round of the 2005 draft, but underwent Tommy John surgery that June. After spending one season in Seattle, he was claimed off waivers by the Braves in 2011.

In his five-year career, Varvaro is 7-8 with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.245 WHIP.

In return, the Red Sox are sending minor league right-handed pitcher Aaron Kurcz (13-11 with 16 saves, 2.81 ERA in 121 minor league games in the Boston organization) and cash considerations to the Braves.

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