Lightning Acquire Bill Campbell
Team gets 2018 saves leader for outfielder Jensen
LOS ANGELES (May 13, 2019) -- A two-headed monster in the bullpen is better than one. At least that's how the division leading Lightning are approaching things.
Despite
Mark Melancon (5-0, 6 SV, 1.08 ERA) getting off to a terrific start, the Lightning have acquired closer
Bill Campbell, who led the Eastern League in 2018 with 30 saves.
While the deal left many around baseball scratching their heads, it wasn't so much the acquisition of Campbell as the fact that they only had to give up
Jackie Jensen in order to get him.
Jensen hit .300 in a reserve role for Los Angeles in 2018, but was batting .163 in 49 at bats this season. Campbell, however, was bothered in Boston that after his 2018 campaign he was relegated to setting up rookie
Rafael Betancourt (3-2, 8 SV, 3.63 ERA) this season.
Campbell is 1-2 with a 2.70 ERA. As for Melancon, he wouldn't say much on the matter.
"My job is to pitch when told," he said. "Whatever makes our team better is fine with me."
As for Jensen, a scout said he's been victimized by lack of playing time and the deal isn't as lopsided as it seems.
"He's got ability. If he gets at bats in Boston, I suspect he'll do well," he said. "He's got some pop, can run a bit, takes walks. He could be great get for a Boston club seeking some offense."