Cincinnati Reds acquire pitcher Brian Van Belle from Boston Red Sox

The Cincinnati Reds have acquired right-handed pitcher Brian Van Belle from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for cash considerations. Van Belle, 28, has yet to make his MLB debut but has shown strong performance in Triple-A Worcester this season, posting a 2.29 ERA with a 5-1 record and 41 strikeouts in 51 innings. The Reds assigned him to their Triple-A Louisville roster, with the possibility of a call-up soon, especially given the team's current pitching injuries. The Red Sox designated Van Belle for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot after acquiring pitcher Jorge Alcala, despite Van Belle's solid minor league track record. Van Belle began his professional career as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and has spent his entire career with the Red Sox organization before the trade. This move highlights the Reds' effort to add pitching depth and the Red Sox's ongoing roster adjustments ahead of the July trade deadline.