Red Sox Acquire Joe La Sorsa From Pirates

In need of some bullpen help, the Boston Red Sox have acquired left-hander Joe La Sorsa from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to a report Thursday by Ari Alexander of WHDH-TV in Boston. According to another report, the Red Sox only had to send cash to the Pirates.

La Sorsa had an upward mobility clause in his contract that he exercised, which prompted the move by the Pirates. Pittsburgh is also in need of some bullpen help, which adds another interesting aspect to this transaction.

The Red Sox will have to make a move before Friday's series opener against the New York Yankees to get La Sorsa on the 26-man and 40-man rosters.

The 28-year-old La Sorsa had a 3.46 ERA at Triple-A for the Pirates. In 26 innings covering 20 appearances, he allowed six walks and 22 strikeouts with a .237 opponent batting average. He also pitched for Italy in the World Baseball Classic.

It is the second move involving the bullpen Thursday after promoting Tommy Kahnle from Triple-A in a similar situation.