Red Sox add left-hander Matt Thornton to active Major League roster

BOSTON, MA - The Boston Red Sox today added left-hander Matt Thornton to the active major league roster. To make room for him on the 25-man roster, right-hander Steven Wright was optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket, and to make room for him on the 40-man roster, left-hander Andrew Miller (left foot sprain) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list yesterday.

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

Thornton, 36, was acquired by the Red Sox along with cash considerations from the Chicago White Sox yesterday in exchange for minor league outfielder Brandon Jacobs. In 40 appearances for Chicago this year, he went 0-3 with a 3.86 ERA (12 ER/28.0 IP), 10 walks, and 21 strikeouts. Entering play today, he ranked tied for fourth among all American League relievers in holds with 18. Thornton, who will be available for tonight's game in Oakland, will wear No. 38.

Wright, 28, earned the win - the first of his major league career - in Thursday's 10-inning win over the Mariners at Safeco Field with 5.2 scoreless innings of relief. In his two appearances for Boston in 2013, he is 1-0 with a 4.82 ERA (5 ER/9.1 IP), six walks, and seven strikeouts. He will rejoin Pawtucket where he was 4-5 with a 3.81 ERA (38 ER/89.2 IP), 49 walks, and 70 strikeouts in 16 starts. At the time of his promotion to the majors this past Wednesday, he had thrown 17.2 consecutive scoreless innings over his previous three outings.