BALTIMORE -- The A's parted with Rajai Davis on Wednesday, sending the veteran outfielder to Boston in exchange for Minor League outfielder Rafael Rincones.
Davis, who last year hit a memorable, game-tying home run for the Indians in Game 7 of the World Series, enters another pennant race with the Red Sox, who have a comfortable first-place lead in the American League East. He also heads to a place not far from his home in Connecticut.
The deal came down just hours after the Red Sox placed center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. on the disabled list with a sprained left thumb.
"I'm extremely excited," said Davis, who was told about the trade in the middle of Oakland's 12-inning, 8-7 loss in Baltimore on Wednesday. "The atmosphere is just totally different in the playoffs. I think once you get a taste of that, you want a little bit more. I'm just thankful for this opportunity to come my way."
Davis entered the season as Oakland's everyday center fielder, only to see playing time decrease amid an influx of young players. He was hitting .233 with five home runs and 18 RBIs and 26 stolen bases in 100 games for the A's, all the while embracing a mentorship role with his contagious smile intact.
"I've heard about his impact on clubhouses and what a great teammate he is, but he exceeded all that," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "He had to deal with some tough circumstances with us, not playing every day after starting to play every day, was very supportive of the younger players knowing the direction we were going. A bit of a mentor to all of these guys. A very impactful personality for us. We wish him the best. We hope he has a long run."
The 36-year-old was enjoying his second tour with the A's, who re-signed him to a one-year, $6 million deal this offseason. He was batting .303 (23-for-76) with 11 stolen bases in 30 games since the All-Star break.
"It was a great time here," Davis said. "I learned so much from our coaches here. Our hitting coaches have worked extremely hard with me to get in good positions to hit, and I'm extremely grateful for what we accomplished over these last couple of months especially. I had a slow start, but over the last couple of months I've felt really good, and I just appreciate the patience they've had with me."
Rincones was batting .259 with a home run and 19 RBIs in 57 games for Boston's Dominican Summer League affiliate. The 18-year-old made his professional debut last year with the same club, hitting .275 with a home run, 20 RBIs and a .400 on-base percentage in 40 games.