I have no idea what Thornburg has left, but Dombrowski did sign him after the season to avoid arbitration.
The Sox probably start the season with 7 relievers. But the only guarantees right now seem to be Barnes, Brasier, Hembree, Workman and Johnson. Thornburg should grab one of the last two spots, but that’s not guaranteed. The other options on the 40-man include Poyner, Brewer, Lakins, and the distant possibility of Hernandez. Some of the NRI players are certainly trying to impress.
At his relatively low salary, I think Thornburg does get a shot. DD has shown he has no problem releasing players making much more...