Red Sox acquire John Cornely from Braves

The Red Sox have acquired right-handed reliever John Cornely from the Braves in exchange for cash considerations, according to a team announcement. Cornely, who was recently designated for assignment by Atlanta, will be optioned to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Cornely, 26, made his major-league debut in late April, surrendering four earned runs on three hits before being sent back down to Triple-A Gwinnett. He posted a 4.42 ERA in 18.1 innings in the minors this season, following a solid 2014 season in which he was 7-3 with a 2.49 ERA in 68.2 innings out of the bullpen for Double-A Mississippi.

Cornely will provide bullpen depth at Triple-A for a Red Sox team that has lost Anthony Varvaro (claimed by Cubs) and Edward Mujica (traded to Athletics) in recent weeks and has had to rely on young arms Matt Barnes and Tommy Layne in their major-league bullpen. The team had a 40-man roster spot open as a result of outrighting Allen Craig to Triple-A, and filled it by adding some relief depth at a low cost.