D-Backs agree to add slugger Josh Bell, Red Sox, Yankees bolster bullpen ahead of trade deadline

PHOENIX — The Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to the signing of slugger Josh Bell, while the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees were among the teams receiving help in the bullpen as playoff contenders stock up on reinforcements ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.

Bell, 31, is hitting .239 with 14 homers this season for the Marlins, and Miami will get cash in return, according to a person familiar with the deal, which has not yet been announced.

The D-backs needed a power hitter after starting first baseman Christian Walker left Monday’s game against the Nationals with a strained left oblique muscle. It’s unclear whether he will go on the injured list.

The Red Sox acquired right-hander Lucas Sims from the Reds, while the Yankees acquired right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. from the Cubs.

The 30-year-old Sims has a 3.57 ERA with 40 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings in 43 appearances. He has made 210 appearances for the Reds with a 3.94 ERA since 2018. The Reds received 19-year-old prospect, right-handed pitcher Ovis Portes.

Leiter, 33, has a 4.21 ERA in 39 appearances this season. The Cubs received minor leaguers Ben Cowles and Jack Neely.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired left-hander Josh Walker from the New York Mets in exchange for minor league left-hander Nicolas Carreno. Walker has played 24 games for the Mets over the past two seasons.

Several big names, including Toronto slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and White Sox left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet, remained on the market as the 6 p.m. EDT deadline approached.

Tuesday’s action followed a busy Monday.

Some of the biggest changes: The Cardinals acquired right-handed pitcher Erick Fedde in a three-team deal that sent Michael Kopech and Tommy Edman to the Dodgers, the Brewers added starter Frankie Montas, the Astros landed left-handed pitcher Yusei Kukuchi for a hefty price and the Braves reunited with slugger Jorge Soler, the 2021 World Series MVP.

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