Sox Bolster Bullpen With Acquisition of Thornton

The Red Sox made a move today to shore up their bullpen by acquiring 36-year old Chicago White Sox lefty Matt Thorton in exchange for Minor League outfielder Brandon Jacobs. The Red Sox will also receive $750,000 from the White Sox to cover a portion of his remaining salary.

Jun 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Matt Thornton (37) delivers a pitch during the seventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at US Cellular Field. Cleveland won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

From www.rotoworld.com: “Thornton is regarded as one of the top left-handed relievers in the game and makes for a solid addition to Boston’s bullpen. In 28 innings this season, he has posted a 3.86 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 21/10 K/BB. He’ll serve in a setup role in front of closer Koji Uehara.”

Thornton broke in with Seattle in 2004 and after two-year stint has spent the last seven seasons with the White Sox. Thornton has a career ERA of 3.53. Boston will look to him as a lefty replacement of Andrew Miller, who went down with a foot injury last weekend. Miller was moved the the 60 day DL (left foot sprain) to make room for Thornton, a 2010 American League All-Star, on the 40-man roster.

In 2013 Thornton is 0-3 with a 3.86 ERA in 40 appearances with Chicago. The 10-year veteran has recorded 18 holds this season, which is tied for fourth-most among all AL relievers.