Trent

Thornton

Thornton was brought on to guard a four-run lead with the bases loaded in the final frame after Andrés Muñoz issued a pair of walks and also hit a batter to open the ninth inning. It technically qualified as a save situation since the tying run was in the on-deck circle. He got Richie Palacios to ground into a fielder’s choice before coaxing a game-ending double play from ensuing batter Amed Rosario to put out the fire and preserve the win.

The 30-year-old pitched in 31 1/3 innings split between the Blue Jays and Mariners in 2023, registering a 2.01 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 26/6 K/BB ratio. He was equally effective with both teams and should remain a key part of Seattle’s bullpen in 2024.

The Mariners will roll with a bullpen game instead, with Trent Thornton taking the ball to open the contest followed by Luke Weaver in a bulk relief role, in an effort to limit Woo’s workload down the home stretch. The 23-year-old rookie right-hander has thrown 114 innings this season between the majors and minors, which is roughly twice as many as last year. The positive news is that he’s healthy and is tentatively scheduled to take the ball on Tuesday against the Angels.

Thornton was acquired last week from the Blue Jays in a small trade and will join Seattle’s bullpen ahead of Tuesday’s game against the Red Sox.

The deal is now official. Thornton heads to Triple-A Tacoma as extra bullpen depth for Seattle after being designated for assignment last week by Toronto. The 29-year-old righty has made just four relief appearances this season in the majors, but has made 35 appearances (10 starts) in the big leagues dating back to 2019. He’s a solid low-risk depth addition for Seattle.

Thornton was designated for assignment last week. The 28-year-old McCoy will simply be veteran infield depth for the Blue Jays.

The move clears a spot for the newly-acquired Genésis Cabrera on the 40-man roster. Thornton, 29, has pitched well in his limited time in the majors this season and could draw some interest on the waiver wire.

Thornton has pitched well this season in the majors, allowing just one run on seven hits with five strikeouts and only one walk over 5 1/3 innings (four appearances). He should be back in a couple weeks, if not sooner.

Thornton will be available out of Toronto’s bullpen for Monday’s series opener against the Marlins. The 29-year-old righty has yet to make an appearance this season in the majors.

Thornton made 32 relief appearances last year for the Blue Jays and will head back to Triple-A Buffalo as extra relief depth.