Nationals acquire OF Pena from Red Sox

BOSTON The Boston Red Sox have traded outfielder Wily Mo Pena and cash to the Washington Nationals for a player to be named.

Pena was a backup for the AL East-leading Red Sox, batting .218 with five home runs and 17 RBIs in 73 games.

For Boston, the deal clears a roster spot for pitcher Clay Buchholz. The Red Sox purchased his contract from Triple-A Pawtucket. The righty made his major league debut in the opener of today’s day-night doubleheader against the Los Angeles Angels.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)