Padres get another reliever

The Padres on Sunday traded for Boston Red Sox reliever Bryan Corey. They will send cash or a player to be named to the Red Sox.

Left-hander Joe Thatcher was optioned to Triple-A Portland to clear the roster spot.

Corey, a 34-year-old right-hander, will join Cla Meredith and Wil Ledezma as the primary options in the sixth and seven innings, Padres manager Bud Black said.

Black praised Corey's ability to throw strikes and his aggressive pitching style. A fastball-change-up type, Corey is working to improve his slider.

Corey appeared in seven games during two stints with the Red Sox this year and posted a 10.50 ERA. He has 52 Big League appearances and a 4.40 career ERA.

Twenty percent of the Padres active roster -- Corey, outfielder Jody Gerut, pitcher Shawn Estes, catcher Luke Carlin and pitcher Sean Henn -- was not on the roster a week ago.

Black also explained the reason catcher Josh Bard was absent from the lineup for a second straight day. Bard recently took an injection in the right wrist that bothered him last season and required surgery.

Black, however, said the recent procedure was one doctors said would be an expected follow-up to the surgery. "It's no big deal," Black said.

The manager said Bard was available for duty, if needed Sunday.

FJ