ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that the Red Sox are open to possible trade-market upgrades in their bullpen. We now have one specific reliever linked to Boston.
White Sox setup man Matt Thornton is on the Red Sox’ list of possible bullpen targets, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. The Braves reportedly inquired about Thornton as well, but Atlanta’s interest is believed to be “limited.”
Thornton owns a 3.04 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 26 2/3 innings over 38 appearances out of the Chicago bullpen this season. The 36-year-old left-hander was an All-Star in 2010, when he went 5-4 with a 2.67 ERA in 61 appearances.
Thornton owns a 3.49 ERA over 10 major league seasons, and while the veteran southpaw has been particularly tough on lefties throughout his career, he has enjoyed success against right-handed hitters as well.
The Red Sox could certainly use help in the bullpen, and Thornton could be a good fit, especially with left-hander Andrew Miller heading to the 15-day disabled list Sunday.
[tweet https://twitter.com/Ken_Rosenthal/status/353938258213863425 align=’center’]
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Photo via Wikipedia/Matt Thornton
