General manager Theo Epstein acquired switch-hitting outfielder Jose Cruz Jr. in a trade for the Diamondbacks. The Sox sent two Minor Leaguers -- infielder Kenny Perez and right-hander Kyle Bono -- to Arizona.

With right fielder Trot Nixon out for the foreseeable future with a strained oblique muscle, Cruz will give manager Terry Francona another bat to work with in the outfield.

Cruz, a Gold Glove winner with the Giants in 2003, has topped 20 homers in four of the last five seasons. However, he was having a rough 2004, hitting .213 with nine doubles, 12 homers and 28 RBIs for the Diamondbacks.

Once seen as a potential superstar, Cruz hasn't been able to reach those expectations. But he's had a decent career, hitting .248 with 208 doubles, 30 triples, 187 homers and 563 RBIs, splitting time between the Mariners (1997), Blue Jays (1997-2002), Giants (2003), Devil Rays (2004) and Diamondbacks (2005).

Perez was Boston's sixth-round draft pick in 2000 and split this season between Double-A Portland and Triple-A Pawtucket. Bono was pitching for Class A Wilmington in his second professional season.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.