On July 22, 2009, the Red Sox acquired first baseman Adam LaRoche from the Pittsburgh Pirates for a couple of low-level prospects, shortstop Argenis Diaz and pitcher Hunter Strickland. The LaRoche deal gave the Sox a lefthanded bat to spell two infield positions. That same day, the Sox sent Julio Lugo packing to St. Louis, getting Chris Duncan from the Cardinals (he was optioned to Pawtucket.)