Scott Linebrink traded to Braves

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CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox weren't done changing the face of their roster, acquiring minor league reliever Kyle Cofield on Friday from the Atlanta Braves.

The White Sox sent Scott Linebrink to the Braves in the deal as well as $1.5 million in cash to offset the $5.5 million the veteran right-hander is set to make in 2011. The White Sox's savings of $4 million essentially covers what A.J. Pierzynski will make in 2011 after the catcher was re-signed late Thursday.

Cofield, 23, was an eighth-round pick of the Braves in 2005, who has pitched at the Double-A level the past two seasons. He was ranked by Baseball America as the Braves' 24th best prospect heading into the 2010 season.

Cofield made 10 starts last season, but was shifted to the bullpen at the end of the year. He posted a 1-3 record with a 4.39 ERA at Mississippi of the Southern League.

Reports on Cofield note an impressive curve and the recent addition of a changeup, but has struggled with command. He has 342 strikeouts in six minor league seasons, but also 263 walks. While posting a 3.90 ERA in 2009, he had more walks (89) than strikeouts (87).

Linebrink never met expectations after signing a four-year, $19 million deal with the White Sox before the 2008 season. In three seasons with the White Sox he posted a 4.29 ERA in 159 2/3 innings.

The move comes a day after the White Sox non-tendered closer Bobby Jenks, signed Adam Dunn and re-signed catcher Pierzynski. The Dunn deal was made official Friday.

Doug Padilla covers the White Sox for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN 1000. ESPNChicago.com baseball reporter Bruce Levine contributed to this report.

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Doug Padilla

Chicago White Sox beat reporter

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Doug joined ESPN Chicago in July 2010 and covers the Chicago White Sox for ESPNChicago.com and ESPN Radio 1000.