The Boston Red Sox acquired first baseman / outfielder Steve Pearce from the Toronto Blue Jays, the team announced Thursday .

In return, the Blue Jays will be getting minor-league infielder Santiago Espinal, more than ever-popular cash considerations.

Pearce will provide some right-handed thump (he's hitting .306 against left-handed pitchers this season) to the Red Sox lineup or off the bench in a platoon situation with incumbent first baseman Mitch Morelan d.

Pearce is joining his team during a 12-year major-league career. Once Pearce makes his Red Sox debut, he will be playing for every team in the East AL.

The 23-year-old Espinal was playing for the Red Sox's High-A Affiliate in Salem, hitting .314 this season. [19659016] Major League Baseball 's non – waiver trade deadline is July 31, so it' s going to be the first of many times the Red Sox attempt to wrestle the division title away from rival New York Yankees.

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Follow Jim Reineking on Twitter @jimreineking .

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