Mets' Zach Thornton: Impresses in seven-inning start
Rotowire
Thornton struck out five and allowed two hits and two walks over seven scoreless innings in a no-decision during Sunday's 3-2 extra-inning loss to the Red Sox.
The Mets called Thornton up from Triple-A Syracuse to step in as their fifth starter, after the team had previously opted for a bullpen day when the fifth spot in the rotation last came up Tuesday. In what was just his third big-league start, Thornton delivered an eye-opening performance, needing just 82 pitches to record his 21 outs while limiting the damage to just two free passes and a pair of base hits. After Thornton's excellent outing, interim manager Andy Green told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com that the rookie will retain a spot in the big-league rotation to open the second half. The Mets have already locked in Christian Scott, Sean Manaea, Nolan McLean and Freddy Peralta as their starters for the first four games out of the All-Star break, so Thornton will presumably make his next start July 21 in Milwaukee.
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Mets' Zach Thornton: Set to join rotation Sunday
Rotowire
Thornton is expected to be called up from Triple-A Syracuse to pitch in Sunday's game against the Red Sox, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.
Thornton will likely start or serve as a bulk reliever in Sunday's first-half finale, but the Mets haven't revealed their plans for the 24-year-old just yet. The southpaw has previously made two starts in the majors this season, giving up five earned runs while striking out 10 batters and walking three across 10.1 innings. Although he hasn't yet been able to claim a regular spot in the New York rotation, that could change within the next couple of weeks, depending on what moves the Mets make ahead of the trade deadline.
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Mets' Zach Thornton: Back in minors
Rotowire
The Mets optioned Thornton to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday.
Thornton gave up just one run over six innings during his start against the Phillies on Friday, but it wasn't enough to buy him another turn through the rotation despite the fact that the Mets have only one more scheduled off day before the All-Star break and still need a fifth starter. He'll instead head back to Triple-A to make room for the return of Christian Scott (hip) from the injured list. Now with a 4.35 ERA and 1.16 WHIP through 10.1 innings across his first two MLB starts, Thornton figures to be called upon again later in the year.
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Mets' Zach Thornton: Summoned ahead of Friday's outing
Rotowire
The Mets recalled Thornton from Triple-A Syracuse on Friday.
Thornton is slated to either start or pitch in bulk relief Friday against the Phillies. The left-hander made a spot start in May in his major-league debut, permitting four runs on four hits and two walks in 4.1 innings in a loss to the Nationals. The southpaw holds a 4.25 ERA and 56:23 K:BB over 55 innings this season between Double-A Birmingham and Syracuse. Thornton could get an opportunity to make multiple starts for the Mets if he pitches well.
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Mets' Zach Thornton: Getting call to pitch Friday
Rotowire
The Mets will recall Thornton from Triple-A Syracuse to pitch Friday against the Phillies, Will Sammon of The Athletic reports.
It's unclear whether he'll be in store for a traditional start or a bulk-relief outing, but Thornton has a chance to remain in the Mets rotation for a while following the trade of David Peterson and demotion of Kodai Senga to the bullpen. Thornton struggled in a spot start in his major-league debut last month, allowing four runs on four hits and two walks in 4.1 innings in a loss to the Nationals. The lefty holds a 4.25 ERA and 56:23 K:BB over 55 innings this season between Double-A Birmingham and Syracuse.
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Mets' Zach Thornton: Ambushed in big-league debut
Rotowire
Thornton (0-1) took the loss Wednesday against Washington, allowing four runs on four hits and two walks in 4.1 innings. He struck out three.
Making his first career major-league start, Thornton struggled across the board Wednesday. The Nationals ambushed the southpaw for three runs in the first inning, but Thornton was at least able to settle down a bit afterward and hold Washington to one run across his next 3.1 frames. He's next tentatively set to take the ball against the Reds for the next turn through the rotation, but it remains to be seen if the Mets will call up Jonah Tong to fill that slot.
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Mets' Zach Thornton: Called up ahead of MLB debut
Rotowire
The Mets selected Thornton's contract from Triple-A Syracuse ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday in Washington.
New York optioned reliever Daniel Duarte to the minors to clear room on the active roster for Thornton, who will be making his MLB debut Wednesday. The 24-year-old lefty will get a look in the New York rotation after he compiled a 3.55 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 33:10 K:BB over 33 innings across six starts between Syracuse and Double-A Binghamton. Though Kodai Senga (spine) seems to be trending toward a return from the injured list in the next couple weeks, the back end of the rotation has been a trouble spot for the Mets all season. With that in mind, Thornton could end up sticking around in a starting role on a more permanent basis if he's able to find success in his initial opportunities with the big club.
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Mets' Zach Thornton: Starting Wednesday
Rotowire
Thornton will start Wednesday's game against the Nationals, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.
Thornton's start Wednesday will mark his MLB debut, and the Mets have officially decided not to use the 24-year-old southpaw behind an opener. He'll be filling the opening left in New York's rotation by Clay Holmes (leg) and should receive several opportunities to make an impression with the big club before Kodai Senga (back) returns from the IL in a few weeks.
