Thornton was named by manager Matt Williams as a candidate to see save chances with Rafael Soriano removed from the closer role, Dan Kolko of MASNsports.com reports. Since joining the Nationals, Thornton has tossed 9.1 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts against one walk. For the season, he's held opposing lefties to a .243/.288/.257 batting line, so he could see save chances depending on the matchups, but right-handers Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen seem more likely to receive opportunities in place of Soriano.