Zack Short is set to join his third team in under two weeks, as the Boston Red Sox have traded the 28-year-old infielder to the Atlanta Braves. This move comes just eight days after the Red Sox originally acquired Short from the New York Mets on May 1, also in exchange for cash considerations.
Short’s stint with Boston was brief, appearing in only two games – a May 2 loss to the San Francisco Giants and a May 5 win over the Minnesota Twins – where he struggled at the plate, going 0 for 7 with four strikeouts. The Red Sox designated him for assignment on Wednesday, coinciding with infielder Romy Gonzalez’s return from the injured list.
As a career .169 hitter, Short was not expected to have a significant impact in Boston. However, his quick departure reflects the organization’s swift decisions under new chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, who has shown a willingness to make changes when players are not meeting expectations.
For example, following Triston Casas’ rib injury, Bobby Dalbec was given the chance to start at first base but struggled, leading to his demotion to the minors and the acquisition of veteran first basemen Garrett Cooper and Dominic Smith.
Short’s move to the Braves comes after they swept the Red Sox in a two-game series in Atlanta, adding to the intrigue surrounding this swift and surprising transaction.
