Nats get lefty Thornton from Yankees (updated with Williams quotes)
By Byron Kerr
The Nationals had searched for a left-handed reliever prior to the deadline, but could not nail down a deal. Many teams wanted too much in exchange.
So, President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo went the revocable waiver route and acquired left-hander Matt Thornton from the Yankees, according to Jon Heyman of CBSsports.com.
Thornton has been impressive this season, with an 0-3 record and a 2.55 ERA in 46 games over 24 2/3 innings. He is a formidable specimen, towering on the mound at 6-foot-6 and 235 lbs., as he throws to the plate. He has not allowed an earned run in eight straight appearances dating back to July 10. He has 1.76 ERA versus left-handed hitters and 3.86 ERA against righties.
The 37-year-old Thornton has pitched in the majors since 2004 mostly with the Chicago White Sox, but also had stops in Seattle, Boston and the Yankees. The report stated the Nationals would be responsible for Thornton's $3.5 million contract next season.
For the waiver claim, the report said it is unknown what the Nationals had to give up to get Thornton or what roster move the Nationals will make to place him on the 25-man roster. Left-hander Jerry Blevins is 2-3 with a 5.09 ERA in 48 appearances this season for the Nationals, while lefty Ross Detwiler is 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA in 32 appearances.
Update: According to the Nationals PR department, Thornton has indeed been acquired from the Yankees.
To make room for Thornton on the 40-man roster, Taylor Jordan has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
Thornton is not yet in D.C., so the Nats will not need to make room for him on the 25-man roster just yet.
Update II: Manager Matt Williams said the newly acquired left-hander Thornton is en route from New York City and he doesn't know if he will arrive prior to game time.
But Williams is excited about adding Thornton because of the experience he brings to the club. He expects Thornton to be more than just a left-handed specialist.
"He's also got a bunch of holds in his career which means he's pitching an inning late in games," Williams said. "He's got playoff experience. He's having one of his best years. His splits are good, lefty, righty. Fastball velocity is really good. He's been there and done that. He's pitched in the playoffs. He has that type of experience under his belt. He adds veteran leadership and veteran presence to the bullpen."
Williams is not afraid to put him in against lefties and right-handed batters.
"He can do both roles. He's faced righties as well. He's done that a little bit this year," Williams said. "His times facing right-handers this year are down from normal, but his splits are good. He's throwing it really well."
Williams admitted after the Orioles loss that one reason he batted Tanner Roark late was that the bullpen was taxed. Having Thornton on the roster alleviates some of that problem.
"I think the biggest pressing issue with that is lack of days off," Williams said. "We were scheduled for one yesterday and it didn't happen. Games dictate how you pitch guys and what you do certainly in the back of your bullpen.
"But the lack of days off will push that even further. So does he help in that regard, yeah. His inning count is down as compared to his appearances, so he is fresh. So it will do nothing but help."
But Williams also said that he doesn't envision going with eight arms in the bullpen either.
"I don't think there is a need to go with an extra guy in the bullpen," Williams said. "I don't think there is a need for that right now.
"As an example tonight, we certainly have (Ross Detwiler) and (Blake) Treinen's back available. As far as a long guy goes we are fine. The back end is rested and ready."
Williams mentioned Jerry Blevins and how he has pitched better recently. So one option is to send Treinen back to the minors when the Nats can activate Thornton.
"I don't think it will change," Williams said. "Jerry's last two times out have been really good. Strikes to both corners, getting outs. Curveball's really good. It gives us another option, certainly."
Williams also said they talked about a lot of left-handed pitchers prior to the deadline. They also talked about a lot of position players. But he said Thornton wasn't a particular focus before July 31. But the Nats do like what he brings to the table.
The bottom line for Williams is adding Thornton brings another strong arm with veteran savvy to the bullpen that will benefit the team for the rest of the season.
"He's just got experience. He's been there," Williams said. "He's done it. He's had times he's come in late in games in pennant stretches. He's been there. It's just helps for us to have that experience down there and he's having a great year. It's a great move by Mike (Rizzo) to claim him and get him. He will be a welcome addition."
Thornton has been impressive this season, with an 0-3 record and a 2.55 ERA in 46 games over 24 2/3 innings. He is a formidable specimen, towering on the mound at 6-foot-6 and 235 lbs., as he throws to the plate. He has not allowed an earned run in eight straight appearances dating back to July 10. He has 1.76 ERA versus left-handed hitters and 3.86 ERA against righties.
The 37-year-old Thornton has pitched in the majors since 2004 mostly with the Chicago White Sox, but also had stops in Seattle, Boston and the Yankees. The report stated the Nationals would be responsible for Thornton's $3.5 million contract next season.
For the waiver claim, the report said it is unknown what the Nationals had to give up to get Thornton or what roster move the Nationals will make to place him on the 25-man roster. Left-hander Jerry Blevins is 2-3 with a 5.09 ERA in 48 appearances this season for the Nationals, while lefty Ross Detwiler is 1-2 with a 3.60 ERA in 32 appearances.
Update: According to the Nationals PR department, Thornton has indeed been acquired from the Yankees.
To make room for Thornton on the 40-man roster, Taylor Jordan has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list.
Thornton is not yet in D.C., so the Nats will not need to make room for him on the 25-man roster just yet.
Update II: Manager Matt Williams said the newly acquired left-hander Thornton is en route from New York City and he doesn't know if he will arrive prior to game time.
But Williams is excited about adding Thornton because of the experience he brings to the club. He expects Thornton to be more than just a left-handed specialist.
"He's also got a bunch of holds in his career which means he's pitching an inning late in games," Williams said. "He's got playoff experience. He's having one of his best years. His splits are good, lefty, righty. Fastball velocity is really good. He's been there and done that. He's pitched in the playoffs. He has that type of experience under his belt. He adds veteran leadership and veteran presence to the bullpen."
Williams is not afraid to put him in against lefties and right-handed batters.
"He can do both roles. He's faced righties as well. He's done that a little bit this year," Williams said. "His times facing right-handers this year are down from normal, but his splits are good. He's throwing it really well."
Williams admitted after the Orioles loss that one reason he batted Tanner Roark late was that the bullpen was taxed. Having Thornton on the roster alleviates some of that problem.
"I think the biggest pressing issue with that is lack of days off," Williams said. "We were scheduled for one yesterday and it didn't happen. Games dictate how you pitch guys and what you do certainly in the back of your bullpen.
"But the lack of days off will push that even further. So does he help in that regard, yeah. His inning count is down as compared to his appearances, so he is fresh. So it will do nothing but help."
But Williams also said that he doesn't envision going with eight arms in the bullpen either.
"I don't think there is a need to go with an extra guy in the bullpen," Williams said. "I don't think there is a need for that right now.
"As an example tonight, we certainly have (Ross Detwiler) and (Blake) Treinen's back available. As far as a long guy goes we are fine. The back end is rested and ready."
Williams mentioned Jerry Blevins and how he has pitched better recently. So one option is to send Treinen back to the minors when the Nats can activate Thornton.
"I don't think it will change," Williams said. "Jerry's last two times out have been really good. Strikes to both corners, getting outs. Curveball's really good. It gives us another option, certainly."
Williams also said they talked about a lot of left-handed pitchers prior to the deadline. They also talked about a lot of position players. But he said Thornton wasn't a particular focus before July 31. But the Nats do like what he brings to the table.
The bottom line for Williams is adding Thornton brings another strong arm with veteran savvy to the bullpen that will benefit the team for the rest of the season.
"He's just got experience. He's been there," Williams said. "He's done it. He's had times he's come in late in games in pennant stretches. He's been there. It's just helps for us to have that experience down there and he's having a great year. It's a great move by Mike (Rizzo) to claim him and get him. He will be a welcome addition."
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