With just over four hours left before the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline (6 p.m. ET), the Red Sox bolstered their bullpen in a trade with the Reds.

Boston will receive right-hander Lucas Sims, and send minor-league righty Ovis Portes to Cincinnati.

In 110 appearances since the start of 2023, Sims, 30, owns a 3.27 ERA and has held opposing batters to a .190 average. This season he’s in the the 95th MLB percentile in average exit velocity, and 74th percentile or better in K%, Chase %, Hard-Hit %, and expected batting average (xBA).

The 6’2″ righty brings a varied pitch mix to the table but primarily relies on a sweeper (47.% this year) – a pitch he added in 2022 – and four-seamer (36.5%). He throws the occasional cutter (7.7%) and curveball (6.1%), but has phased out the sinker, changeup, and slider he used early in his career.

Portes was ranked Boston’s No. 29 prospect by SoxProspects.com and was recently promoted from Florida Complex League (rookie ball) to Single-A Salem.

Sims will be a free agent following this season, but in the meantime, will provide a much-needed boost to the Boston bullpen. In the absence of Chris Martin and Justin Slaten (both 15-day injured list), the Red Sox blew seven leads in the seventh inning or later over their first eight games of the second half.

To make room for him on the 40-man roster, the Red Sox designated left-hander Brandon Walter for assignment.