Red Sox acquire lefty Fernando Abad in trade with Twins

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Boston Red Sox have acquired left-handed reliever Fernando Abad from the Minnesota Twins for minor league pitcher Pat Light.

The deal was the first announced Monday in the majors before the non-waiver trade deadline, giving the Red Sox another veteran for the bullpen in their pursuit of Baltimore and Toronto in the AL East.

Abad has a 2.65 ERA in 39 appearances for the Twins. He is making $1.25 million this year and will be eligible for free agency after the 2017 season.

The 30-year-old Abad has held opponents to a .220 batting average this year. He came up with Houston and also has pitched for Washington and Oakland.

The right-handed Light has a 2.32 ERA in 31 innings for Triple-A Pawtucket. He made his big league debut April 26 and appeared in two games for Boston.