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: Impresses in return
Rotowire
Thornton did not factor into the decision in Friday's 2-1 loss to the Phillies, allowing one run on five hits and one walk with seven strikeouts over six innings.
Making just his second career major-league start, Thornton allowed a run in the first inning before settling in with five scoreless frames. He threw an impressive 54 of 78 pitches for strikes with 13 whiffs while logging his first career quality start. The rookie southpaw likely earned himself another turn in the Mets' rotation, which would line him up for a road matchup against Atlanta next weekend.
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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.
