Sox acquire Cornely from Braves for cash

BOSTON -- The Red Sox acquired right-hander John Cornely from the Braves in exchange for cash considerations, the club announced on Wednesday afternoon. Cornely was subsequently optioned Triple-A Pawtucket, where he will continue to pitch out of the bullpen as a reliever.

The move gives Boston 38 players on its 40-man roster, including 13 relief pitchers. The 26-year-old Cornely throws a slider as well as a fastball that typically sits in the low 90-mph range.

"We had a chance to add depth," Red Sox manager John Farrell said. "We like the fastball ability. It might not be in pure velocity, but there's some swing and miss over the course of his career. Those guys always jump out to us."

Cornely made his Major League debut for Atlanta on April 29, in which he allowed four runs on three hits and one walk in one inning. He posted a 4.42 ERA with Triple-A Gwinnett this year, notching 24 strikeouts in 18 1/3 innings, after pitching to a 2.49 ERA for Double-A Mississippi last season.