Thornton was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse on Saturday.
Thornton made a surprise big-league debut with a spot start Wednesday in Washington, and he dealt with some growing pains, giving up four earned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out three in 4.1 innings. Thornton, a 6-foot-3 lefty, sits 91-92 mph with his two fastballs and threw his 86-mph cutter 50 percent of the time Wednesday. He earned the spot start by logging a 3.16 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 40:12 K:BB in 37 innings across seven starts split between Double-A and Triple-A.
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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.
