Red Sox acquire Uwasawa from Rays for cash

The Boston Red Sox acquired right-hander Naoyuki Uwasawa from the Tampa Bay Rays for cash considerations, the clubs announced Wednesday.

Uwasawa joined the Rays on a minor-league deal and triggered the assignment clause in his contract when he was informed he wouldn't make the Opening Day roster, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.

The 30-year-old struggled in spring training, registering a 13.03 ERA with eight walks across 9 2/3 innings.

Uwasawa spent nine seasons with the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan, posting a 3.19 ERA and 7.3 K/9 over 173 appearances.