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Red Sox acquire left-hander Matt Thornton from Chicago White Sox

BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox today acquired left-hander Matt Thornton and cash considerations from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for minor league outfielder Brandon Jacobs.

To make room for Thornton on the 40-man roster, left-hander Andrew Miller (left foot sprain) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Executive Vice President/General Manager Ben Cherington made the announcement.

A 2010 American League All-Star, Thornton, 36, has gone 0-3 with a 3.86 ERA (12 ER/28.0IP) in 40 appearances for the White Sox this season. He has recorded 18 holds this year, which are tied for fourth most among all AL relievers. Thornton, a 10-year major league veteran, is the White Sox all-time leader in relief appearances (512), and holds (164), and ranks second in strikeouts (486).

Since 2008, he leads all major league left-handed relievers in strikeouts (382). Since the start of the 2006 season, he leads all AL relievers in games (512), innings pitched (463.1), and is second in strikeouts (486).

Originally a first-round selection of the Seattle Mariners in the 1998 June Draft, Thornton has pitched for the Mariners (2004-05) and White Sox (2006-13). Over his big league career, he has gone 32-41 with 23 saves, a 3.53 ERA (217 ER/553.0 IP), and 573 strikeouts in 586 games (one start). His 441 career scoreless appearances are the most among major league left-handers since the start of 2004. He has pitched 3.1 scoreless innings over three career postseason appearances, all with the White Sox in 2008.

Jacobs, 23, was a 10th-round selection by Boston in the 2009 June Draft. He began the season at High-A Salem and was promoted to Double-A Portland in late June. Between both clubs, he has combined to hit .246 (73-for-297) with 24 doubles, one triple, 11 home runs, 44 RBI, 33 walks and 90 strikeouts in 83 games. For his professional career, he has appeared in 384 games, and has hit .265 (380-for-1436) with 106 doubles, six triples, 47 home runs, 216 RBI, and 138 walks. Prior to being drafted by the Red Sox in 2009, he had committed to Auburn University as a football recruit at the running back position.