BOSTON (AP) – Utility infielder Lou Merloni returned to the Boston Red Sox on Thursday in a trade that sent minor league pitcher Rene Miniel to the San Diego Padres.

Merloni, who moved back and forth between Boston and Triple-A Pawtucket the last five seasons, had been claimed on waivers by the Padres on March 25.

Merloni goes from a team with the NL’s worst record to a club entering a key three-game series Friday night with the New York Yankees.

“I’m excited about it. With San Diego, we were close to losing 100 games,” Merloni said.

With the Padres, he hit .272 with 41 hits in 151 at-bats, one homer and 17 RBIs. In his career with Boston, he hit .271.

Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein wanted to get Merloni before midnight Sunday, the deadline for players to be eligible for the playoffs.

“He does fill a void on this team,” Epstein said., “We wanted to add some depth to our infield and Lou can play all over. He can give Billy Mueller a rest at third. … He’s a perfect fit.”

Epstein said utility infielder Damian Jackson won’t be affected by the trade and indicated the Red Sox would remove a pitcher from the active roster to make room.

Miniel, a 24-year-old right-hander, split time between Class A Sarasota and Double-A Portland this season. He went 3-4 with a 3.34 ERA in 19 games for Sarasota. At Portland, he went 0-1 with a 2.45 ERA in 15 relief appearances.