The Boston Red Sox traded outfielder Coco Crisp to the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday for righthanded reliever Ramon Ramirez.

Acquired from Cleveland midway through the 2006 season, Crisp is best known for his defence.

In 2007, he set a franchise mark for most consecutive errorless chances by an outfielder with 429.

CLEVELAND, Ohio, July 24, 2007 (AFP) - Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester, diagnosed with cancer last August, struck out six batters in six innings Monday for the triumph in a 6-2 Major League Baseball victory over Cleveland.

In his return to the major leagues after nearly a year of treatment and recovery, 23-year-old lefthander Lester surrendered two runs on five hits but retired six and walked three on 96 pitches, 65 of them strikes.