Toronto Blue Jays 2019 season preview: Starting rotation boasts strong talent
By Austin Owens
Trent Thornton
Now, to the freshest face in the Jays’ rotation.
Thornton will fill in for the injured Ryan Borucki for at least one start. Manager Charlie Montoyo said that it could be the first two games of the campaign, though.
The right-hander was acquired from the Houston Astros in exchange for infielder Aledmys Diaz in November.
In 2018, the 25-year-old put up decent numbers in Triple-A Fresno, going 9-8 while posting a 4.42 WHIP and 1.19 WHIP in 124 1/3 innings.
"Thornton has a funky delivery but it gives him deception and doesn’t prevent him from filling the strike zone. With solid stuff and strike-throwing ability, he has the ingredients to become at least a No. 4 starter. But he often gets hit harder than he should, so his long-term role may be as a multi-inning reliever. – MLB Pipeline"
Thornton went 0-1 with a 4.80 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP in seven spring appearances. Unfortunately for him, his plunking of Philadelphia Phillies superstar Bryce Harper was what made the most headlines.
There might be some interest from the Jays to put Thornton in the bullpen when Borucki comes back. But he’s looked good as a starter and should be awarded the opportunity to get reps in Triple-A Buffalo if there are no rotation spots available.