Red Sox, Nationals get deadline stretch run started by swapping Early and Mead

The Boston Red Sox acquired infielder Curtis Mead from the Washington Nationals in exchange for left-hander Connelly Early. Both teams are competing for a wild card in their respective leagues as the trade deadline approaches. Mead, who was designated for assignment by the Chicago White Sox, provides Boston with a right-handed bat amid injuries to Trevor Story and Roman Anthony, while Washington aims to strengthen its pitching.