The Red Sox activated left-handed pitcher Matt Thornton from the 15-day disabled list for Sunday night's game against the Dodgers, optioning right-handed reliever Brayan Villarreal to open a roster spot.
Thornton, acquired by the Red Sox from the White Sox on July 12, has been on the disabled list since Aug. 7 with a right oblique strain.
Villarreal made only one appearance for the Red Sox after being recalled on Monday, walking the only batter he faced, Marco Scutaro, to force in the winning run of a 3-2 loss to the Giants.
