Thornton (0-1) took the loss against the Diamondbacks on Sunday, allowing an earned run on a hit and a walk over one inning.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton was entrusted with preserving a 2-2 tie when he entered in the eighth inning, but he set himself up for some trouble by issuing a leadoff walk to Kevin Newman and subsequently surrendered a double to Ketel Marte that plated him with the go-ahead run. The Mariners would prove unable to overcome the one-run deficit, saddling Thornton with the loss. The stumble snapped what had been a near month-long stretch of impressive pitching for Thornton, who hadn't allowed a run in 10 consecutive appearances and had lowered his ERA from 13.50 to 0.84 in the process.

Thornton has pitched 4.2 innings across five Cactus League appearances, allowing four runs (two earned) on three hits and four walks while recording two strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander's numbers are a bit deceiving, as all of his trouble has come in just two of those outings. Thornton has otherwise posted a trio of one-inning scoreless appearances after impressing last season following his arrival in a trade with the Blue Jays. The 30-year-old has 36 career starts at the big-league level, and Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports that manager Scott Servais plans to deploy Thornton in a multi-inning role out of the bullpen when necessary.

Thornton signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with the Mariners on Thursday to avoid arbitration, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton proved to be a valuable addition to Seattle's bullpen after he was traded from Toronto in July. He logged a 2.08 ERA and 1.08 WHIP through 26 innings with the Mariners and figures to be used often in high-leverage situations in 2024.

Thornton (0-2) took the extra-innings loss against the Angels on Monday, allowing three unearned runs on two hits over one-third of an inning. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton entered in the 11th inning hoping to preserve a 5-5 tie and got matters off on the right foot with a strikeout of Logan O'Hoppe before allowing consecutive singles, the latter plating automatic runner Kyren Paris. That led to Thornton's exit, but he was subsequently charged with two more unearned runs that were helped along by fielding errors. Thornton has now allowed at least one unearned run in three straight appearances following a stretch of eight straight scoreless outings, yet he still carries a stellar 1.85 ERA across 24.1 innings over 20 appearances between the Blue Jays and Mariners this season.

Thornton will serve as the Mariners' opening pitcher Saturday against the Rays, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Like many relievers, Thornton broke into the big leagues as a starter, but he's pitched exclusively in relief for the past three seasons, with his three "starts" in 2021 were similar opener appearances. Thornton has thrown two innings in each of his last two appearances, but he's unlikely to throw much more than that Saturday before turning the game over to Luke Weaver, who is expected to work in bulk relief.

Thornton (0-1) took the extra-inning loss against the Orioles on Sunday, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits over one inning. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton's outing was actually better than his final line would indicate, as his one major mistake was a four-seam fastball that Cedric Mullins deposited in the right-field bleachers with Gunnar Henderson aboard for what would prove to be the game-winning homer. Thornton owned a solid 2.53 ERA and 9.3 K/9 across 10.2 innings between his time with the Blue Jays and Mariners coming into Sunday, so he's largely been a trustworthy bullpen option. It's worth noting his appearance in such a high-leverage spot was atypical and the byproduct of Justin Topa, Matt Brash and Andres Munoz all having already worked an inning apiece earlier in the game.

The Mariners recalled Thornton from Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday

EDGE Analysis

Thornton was acquired by the Mariners from Toronto on Wednesday and will now make his way to the big-league club after throwing one scoreless inning in Tacoma. Thornton has allowed one run over 5.1 frames in the majors this season and figures to serve in middle relief while in Seattle.

The Mariners acquired Thornton from the Blue Jays on Wednesday in exchange for Mason McCoy, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton had been designated for assignment last week and now lands in another organization. The right-hander has posted a 4.77 ERA over 108 appearances -- 35 starts -- at the major-league level covering parts of five seasons. Thornton has pitched almost exclusively as a reliever since 2021.

Thornton was designated for assignment Friday, Arden Zwelling of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for the newly-acquired Genesis Cabrera. Thornton has pitched well during his brief time in the majors this season but has spent the bulk of the year at Triple-A Buffalo, where he's posted a 4.18 ERA in 22 relief appearances.

The Blue Jays optioned Thornton to Triple-A Buffalo on Saturday, Keegan Matheson of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Thornton has thrown 5.1 major-league innings this season, and he surrendered his first earned run of the year Friday against Boston. He'll now head back to Triple-A, where he holds a 3.04 ERA and 1.51 WHIP through 23.2 frames. Thomas Hatch will come up from Buffalo to replace Thornton, though Thornton could return to Toronto if he keeps performing well in the minors.