The Red Sox have acquired reliever Mark Melancon from the Astros in exchange for infielder Jed Lowrie and right-hander Kyle Weiland. Melancon, 26, took the reins as Houston's closer in May and recorded 20 saves in 25 chances. He was 8-4 on the season with a 2.78 ERA and 66 strikeouts in 74 2/3 innings. He made only $421,000 this year and likely won't be eligible for salary arbitration until after the 2013 season. "We like his stuff, toughness and experience in the ninth inning," Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington said. "His command and cutter both improved as the year went on."