Mets Take a Chance on Minor League Pitcher Following Injury

WASHINGTON — With Clay Holmes out, the Mets are looking to the minors for a promising pitcher to fill the gap.

Zach Thornton, a 24-year-old lefty, is set to make his major league debut, either as a starter or a bulk reliever on Wednesday. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that Thornton will join the roster.

This season, Thornton has appeared in seven games within the minors, boasting a 3.16 ERA. His last outing was impressive; he threw six scoreless innings at Triple-A Syracuse just last Friday.

Meanwhile, Holmes suffered a fractured right fibula from a line drive during the Subway Series that night, which will keep him out for the rest of the season. Holmes had started nine games this year and led the Mets’ rotation with a 2.39 ERA.

In considering potential replacements for Holmes, the Mets looked at various candidates, including Jack Wenninger, Jonah Tong, and long relievers like Tobias Myers and Sean Manaea, among others.

Regarding Thornton, Mendoza said, “He earned this opportunity with his performance, especially at the Triple-A level. We value his strike-throwing ability and how he matches up as a lefty against this lineup.” They had several names on the list, but Thornton was the chosen one.

However, Mendoza noted that there’s no certainty that Thornton will remain with the team for long, as the bullpen’s needs could lead to further roster changes after Wednesday’s game.

This year, Thornton was drafted in the fifth round and had shown promise with two strong starts during spring training, so he’s expected to be added to the 40-man roster. Organizational staff have praised his bold approach when facing batters.

A Mets evaluator commented, “He doesn’t focus on whether he gets a strikeout or gives up a double or home run. His resiliency is what sets him apart. I think fans in New York will really connect with that kind of personality. He just goes after it, and it’s impressive.”

Thornton possesses a fastball that hovers in the low 90s and mixes it with a cutter, slider, changeup, sweeper, curveball, and two-seamer. He’s considered to have the most well-rounded pitch selection in the Mets’ farm system.

“He came in with a solid performance during spring training, and that’s what we’re looking for from our player development: players who attack the strike zone. He’s ready to seize this opportunity,” Mendoza said.

Tong, on the other hand, has also made nine starts for Syracuse but has struggled with a 5.68 ERA, though his 55 strikeouts in 38 innings show some potential. He pitched for the Mets last season, starting five games and finishing with a 7.71 ERA.

Wenninger has started eight games with a remarkable 1.51 ERA, but he’s issued 22 walks over 35 innings, which raises some eyebrows. Myers has filled various roles for the Mets this season, but inserting him into the rotation may compromise the bullpen. He has been both a starter and a long reliever.

Manaea has faced difficulties as a long reliever, and after allowing two earned runs in four innings against the Yankees, he now holds a 6.26 ERA.