Jump to content

Matt Thornton (baseball): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m →2013: Cleanup and typo fixing, typo(s) fixed: From 2008–13 → From 2008 to 2013
 
(12 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|American baseball pitcher}}
{{short description|American baseball pitcher (born 1976)}}
{{About|the baseball player|other uses|Matt Thornton (disambiguation){{!}}Matthew Thornton (disambiguation)}}
{{About|the baseball player|other uses|Matt Thornton (disambiguation){{!}}Matthew Thornton (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2014}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
{{Infobox baseball biography
| name = Matt Thornton
| name = Matt Thornton
Line 9: Line 9:
| position = [[Pitcher]]
| position = [[Pitcher]]
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|9|15}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|9|15}}
| birth_place = [[Three Rivers, Michigan]]
| birth_place = [[Three Rivers, Michigan]], U.S.
| bats = Left
| bats = Left
| throws = Left
| throws = Left
Line 37: Line 37:
* [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2010]])
* [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2010]])
}}
}}
'''Matthew J. Thornton''' (born September 15, 1976), is an American former [[professional baseball]] [[pitcher]]. Born in [[Three Rivers, Michigan]] he grew up and attended high school in [[Centreville, Michigan|Centreville]].<ref>[http://michiganhistory.leadr.msu.edu/centrevilles-superstars/ centrevilles-superstars] Retrieved 2017-05-22.</ref> He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[Seattle Mariners]], [[Chicago White Sox]], [[Boston Red Sox]], [[New York Yankees]], [[Washington Nationals]], and [[San Diego Padres]]. Thornton is the all-time [[American League]] leader in [[Hold (baseball)|holds]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Sortable Player Stats|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable.jsp?c_id=mlb#elem=%5Bobject+Object%5D&tab_level=child&click_text=Sortable+Player+pitching&sectionType=sp&statType=pitching&page=1&ts=1457102394028&split=&season=2013&game_type='R'&playerType=ALL&timeframe=&season_type=ALL&sortColumn=hld&sortOrder='desc'&extended=1&league_code='AL'|publisher=MLB.com|access-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref>
'''Matthew J. Thornton''' (born September 15, 1976), is an American former [[professional baseball]] [[pitcher]]. Born in [[Three Rivers, Michigan]] he grew up and attended high school in [[Centreville, Michigan|Centreville]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Centreville's Superstars |url=http://michiganhistory.leadr.msu.edu/centrevilles-superstars/ |access-date=May 22, 2017 |language=en-US}}</ref> He played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[Seattle Mariners]], [[Chicago White Sox]], [[Boston Red Sox]], [[New York Yankees]], [[Washington Nationals]], and [[San Diego Padres]]. Thornton is second all-time in [[American League]] history in [[Hold (baseball)|holds]] (182).<ref>{{cite web |title=Sortable Player Stats |url=https://www.mlb.com/stats/pitching/american-league/holds/all-time-totals?expanded=true |access-date=March 4, 2016 |work=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref>


==College and minor league baseball==
==College and minor league baseball==
In the [[1995 Major League Baseball draft|1995 MLB draft]], Thornton was drafted by the [[Detroit Tigers]] in the 27th round but chose not sign with them. Thornton played college baseball for [[Grand Valley State University]] and was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the first round as the 22nd overall pick in [[1998 Major League Baseball draft|1998 MLB draft]].
In the [[1995 Major League Baseball draft|1995 MLB draft]], Thornton was drafted by the [[Detroit Tigers]] in the 27th round (742nd overall) but chose not to sign with them.<ref>{{Cite web |title=27th Round of the 1995 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?year_ID=1995&draft_round=27&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> Thornton played college baseball for [[Grand Valley State University]] and was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the first round (22nd overall) of the [[1998 Major League Baseball draft|1998 MLB draft]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1st Round of the 1998 MLB June Amateur Draft |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/?year_ID=1998&draft_round=1&draft_type=junreg&query_type=year_round |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref>


Thornton played briefly (only pitched 1 inning) with the Single A [[Everett AquaSox]] in the [[Northwest League]]. In {{Baseball year|1999}} and {{Baseball year|2000}}, Thornton was a starting pitcher with the [[Wisconsin Timber Rattlers]] in the [[Midwest League]] and showed improvement with his ball control and accuracy, striking out nearly 1 batter an inning. {{Baseball year|2001}} was probably Thornton's breakout year. Thornton started for [[San Bernardino Stampede]] in the [[California League]] (high-A ball) and had a 14–7 record, along with a stellar 2.52 [[Earned run average|ERA]] and 192 [[strikeout]]s in only 157 [[innings pitched]].
Thornton made his professional debut with the Single-A [[Everett AquaSox]] in the [[Northwest League]], recording a 27.00 ERA in two games.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Matt Thornton Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=thornt001mat |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref> In {{Baseball year|1999}} and {{Baseball year|2000}}, Thornton was a starting pitcher with the Single-A [[Wisconsin Timber Rattlers]] in the [[Midwest League]], and showed improvement with his ball control and accuracy, striking out nearly one batter per inning. In {{Baseball year|2001}}, Thornton had a breakout year for the Single-A [[San Bernardino Stampede]] in the [[California League]], where he posted a 14–7 record in 27 starts, along with a stellar 2.52 [[Earned run average|ERA]] and 192 [[strikeout]]s in only 157 [[innings pitched]].<ref name=":0" />


Thornton was then promoted to AA baseball and played with the [[San Antonio Missions]] of the [[Texas League]] in {{Baseball year|2002}}. Thornton, still a starting pitcher, pitched well with a 3.63 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched. In {{Baseball year|2003}}, Thornton was briefly sent back down to high-A ball with the [[Inland Empire 66ers]] of the [[California League]], but was quickly promoted back up AA ball with the [[San Antonio Missions]] again. He started only 4 games, but posted an incredible 0.36 ERA, with a 3–1 record, gave up only 8 hits in 25.1 innings of work and struck out 18 batters. His performance got him promoted that same year to AAA ball with the [[Tacoma Rainiers]] in the [[Pacific Coast League]]. Thornton had a shaky start to his career in Triple-A ball, starting 2 games and posting an 0–2 record and an 8.00 ERA.
Thornton was then promoted to AA baseball and played with the [[San Antonio Missions]] of the [[Texas League]] in {{Baseball year|2002}}. Thornton, still a starting pitcher, pitched well, making 12 starts and going 1–5 with a 3.63 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched.<ref name=":0" /> In {{Baseball year|2003}}, Thornton was briefly sent back down to High-A ball with the [[Inland Empire 66ers]] of the [[California League]], but was quickly promoted back up AA ball with the [[San Antonio Missions]] again. He started only four games, but posted an incredible 0.36 ERA, with a 3–1 record, gave up only eight hits in 25.1 innings of work and struck out 18 batters.<ref name=":0" /> His performance got him promoted that same year to AAA ball with the [[Tacoma Rainiers]] in the [[Pacific Coast League]]. Thornton had a shaky start to his career in Triple-A ball, starting two games and posting an 0–2 record and an 8.00 ERA.<ref name=":0" />


Thornton stayed with the Tacoma Rainiers in {{Baseball year|2004}} and posted a 7–5 record, along with a 5.20 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 83 innings pitched.
Thornton stayed with the Tacoma Rainiers in {{Baseball year|2004}} and posted a 7–5 record in 16 games (15 starts), along with a 5.20 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 83 innings pitched.<ref name=":0" />


==Major Leagues==
==Major Leagues==
Line 53: Line 53:


====2004====
====2004====
Thornton made his MLB debut on June 27, {{Baseball year|2004}}, with the Mariners in a game against the [[San Diego Padres]], pitching brilliantly over 4 innings, only allowing 3 hits and striking out one batter. Throughout the season, the Mariners used Thornton for mostly middle reliever duty, except for one game when Thornton started and pitched 8 innings, allowing 4 runs on 8 hits and walking and striking out 7 batters. Thornton finished the 2004 season with a 1–2 record and 4.13 ERA, striking out 30 batters in 32.2 innings of work.
Thornton made his MLB debut on June 27, {{Baseball year|2004}}, with the Mariners in a game against the [[San Diego Padres]], pitching brilliantly over four innings, only allowing three hits and striking out one batter.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Street |first=Jim |date=June 27, 2004 |title=Thornton shines in loss to Padres |url=http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/sea/news/sea_gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20040627&content_id=782145&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041019184815/http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/sea/news/sea_gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20040627&content_id=782145&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp |archive-date=October 19, 2004 |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=[[Seattle Mariners]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Throughout the season, the Mariners used Thornton for mostly middle reliever duty, except for one game on July 10, when he started on against the [[Chicago White Sox]]. He pitched five innings, allowing four runs on three hits and walking seven batters in a loss.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Greenberg |first=Jon |date=July 10, 2004 |title=Walks bite Thornton, Mariners |url=http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/sea/news/sea_gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20040710&content_id=795086&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040927110207/http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/sea/news/sea_gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20040710&content_id=795086&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp |archive-date=September 27, 2004 |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=[[Seattle Mariners]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> Thornton finished the 2004 season with a 1–2 record and 4.13 ERA in 19 games (one start), striking out 30 batters in 32.2 innings of work.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Matt Thornton Stats |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/t/thornma01.shtml |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=[[Baseball-Reference.com]] |language=en}}</ref>


====2005====
====2005====
In 2005, Thornton served his reliever duties, pitching in 55 games with 57 innings pitched and posting a 5.21 ERA and striking out 57.
In 2005, Thornton served his reliever duties, pitching in 55 games and going 0–4 with a 5.21 ERA. He struck out 57 batters in 57 innings pitched.<ref name=":1" />


===Chicago White Sox===
===Chicago White Sox===

====2006====
====2006====
On March 21, {{Baseball year|2006}}, Thornton was traded from the [[Seattle Mariners]] to the [[Chicago White Sox]] in exchange for outfielder [[Joe Borchard]]. Under the tutelage of pitching coach [[Don Cooper]], Thornton emerged as a dominant bullpen force. In the 2006 season, Thornton appeared in 63 games going 5–3 with a 3.33 ERA and 2 saves.
On March 20, {{Baseball year|2006}}, Thornton was traded from the [[Seattle Mariners]] to the [[Chicago White Sox]] in exchange for outfielder [[Joe Borchard]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 20, 2006 |title=White Sox deal Borchard for Mariners lefty Thornton |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=2376881 |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=[[ESPN]] |publisher=[[Associated Press]] |language=en}}</ref> Under the tutelage of pitching coach [[Don Cooper]], Thornton emerged as a dominant bullpen force. In the 2006 season, Thornton appeared in 63 games, going 5–3 with two saves and a 3.33 ERA.<ref name=":1" />


====2007====
====2007====
Thornton's 2007 season was a little busier before as he made 68 relief appearance with a 4–4 record and a 4.79 ERA and 2 saves.
Thornton's 2007 season was a little busier, as he made 68 relief appearances with a 4–4 record, two saves and a 4.79 ERA.<ref name=":1" />


====2008====
====2008====
Thornton made 74 appearances out of the bullpen in 2008 going 5–3 with a 2.67 ERA and 1 save.
Thornton made 74 appearances out of the bullpen in 2008, going 5–3 with one save and a 2.67 ERA.<ref name=":1" />


====2009====
====2009====
Thornton made 70 appearances in 2009 going 6–3 with a 2.74 ERA and 4 saves.
Thornton made 70 appearances in 2009, going 6–3 with four saves and a 2.74 ERA.<ref name=":1" />


====2010====
====2010====
Thornton was selected by the coaches' vote to the American League All-Star team in [[2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2010]], the first All-Star selection of his career. In 2010, he made 61 appearances going 5–4 with a 2.67 ERA and 8 saves.
Thornton was selected by the coaches' vote to the American League All-Star team in [[2010 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2010]], the first All-Star selection of his career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=DeCamp |first=Scott |date=July 11, 2010 |title=A rising star: Centreville's Matt Thornton takes his position among Major League Baseball's elite |url=https://www.mlive.com/sports/kalamazoo/2010/07/a_rising_star_centrevilles_mat.html |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=[[Booth Newspapers|Michigan Live]] |language=en}}</ref> In 2010, he made 61 appearances, going 5–4 with eight saves and a 2.67 ERA.<ref name=":1" />


====2011====
====2011====
Appearing in 62 games in 2011, Thornton went 2–5 with a 3.32 ERA and 3 saves.
Appearing in 62 games in 2011, Thornton went 2–5 with three saves and a 3.32 ERA.<ref name=":1" />


====2012====
====2012====
2012 was somewhat unlucky for Thornton as his loss column led all relievers in baseball. He went 4–10 with a 3.46 ERA and 3 saves.
2012 was somewhat unlucky for Thornton, as his loss column led all relievers in baseball. He went 4–10 with three saves and a 3.46 ERA in 74 relief appearances.<ref name=":1" />


====2013====
====2013====
Thornton made 40 appearances for the White Sox to start the 2013 season by going 0–3 and a 3.86 ERA.
Thornton made 40 appearances for the White Sox to start the 2013 season, going 0–3 and a 3.86 ERA.<ref name=":1" />


In 327 relief appearances with the White Sox spanning 299 innings, Thornton compiled with a 3.18 ERA, including a 2.55 mark in 2010. As of September 12 he led all eligible American League relievers with 12.3 [[Strikeouts per 9 innings pitched|strikeouts per nine innings]].
In 512 career relief appearances with the White Sox spanning 463.1 innings, Thornton compiled a 3.28 ERA.<ref name=":1" /> As of September 12, he led all eligible American League relievers with 12.3 [[Strikeouts per 9 innings pitched|strikeouts per nine innings]].


From 2008 to 2013, Thornton pitched in more games than any other left-handed reliever.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bradford|first1=Rob|title=Craig Breslow Not Optimistic About Option Being Picked Up|url=http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2014/10/23/craig-breslow-not-optimistic-about-option-being-picked-up/|website=Full Count Red Sox Blog|publisher=WEEI.com|access-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030213321/http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2014/10/23/craig-breslow-not-optimistic-about-option-being-picked-up/|archive-date=October 30, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> He also holds the record for most holds with a single team, with 164 for the White Sox.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=0&season=2013&month=0&season1=1871&ind=0&team=0,to&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=11,d|title=Major League Leaderboard|publisher=fangraphs.com|access-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref>
From 2008 to 2013, Thornton pitched in more games than any other left-handed reliever.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bradford |first1=Rob |date=October 23, 2014 |title=Craig Breslow Not Optimistic About Option Being Picked Up |url=http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2014/10/23/craig-breslow-not-optimistic-about-option-being-picked-up/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030213321/http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2014/10/23/craig-breslow-not-optimistic-about-option-being-picked-up/ |archive-date=October 30, 2014 |access-date=March 4, 2016 |website=Full Count Red Sox Blog |publisher=[[WEEI-FM]]}}</ref> He also holds the record for most holds with a single team, with 164 for the White Sox.<ref>{{cite web |title=Major League Leaderboard |url=http://www.fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=all&stats=pit&lg=all&qual=y&type=0&season=2013&month=0&season1=1871&ind=0&team=0,to&rost=0&age=0&filter=&players=0&sort=11,d |access-date=March 4, 2016 |website=[[FanGraphs]]}}</ref>


[[File:Matt Thornton on July 28, 2013.jpg|260px|thumb|left|upright|Thornton pitching for the [[2013 Boston Red Sox season|Boston Red Sox in 2013]]]]
[[File:Matt Thornton on July 28, 2013.jpg|260px|thumb|left|upright|Thornton pitching for the [[2013 Boston Red Sox season|Boston Red Sox in 2013]]]]


===Boston Red Sox===
===Boston Red Sox===
On July 12, 2013, Thornton was traded to the [[Boston Red Sox]] for minor league outfielder [[Brandon Jacobs (baseball)|Brandon Jacobs]]. The Red Sox also received cash considerations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130712&content_id=53582352&vkey=pr_cws&c_id=cws |title=White Sox acquire outfielder Brandon Jacobs from Boston in exchange for pitcher Matt Thornton and cash considerations &#124; whitesox.com: News |publisher=Chicago.whitesox.mlb.com |date=December 7, 2013 |access-date=January 11, 2014}}</ref> For the rest of the 2013 season with the Red Sox, Thornton's playing time was limited due to an oblique strain but made 20 appearances out of the bullpen going 0–1 with a 3.52 ERA. Overall in 2013, combined with both teams, Thornton made 60 total relief appearances going 0–4 and a 3.74 ERA. The Red Sox finished 97–65, making it to the postseason and eventually winning the World Series over the [[St. Louis Cardinals]]. Thornton, although he did not make any postseason appearances, still received his first career championship ring.
On July 12, 2013, Thornton was traded to the [[Boston Red Sox]] for minor league outfielder [[Brandon Jacobs (baseball)|Brandon Jacobs]]. The Red Sox also received cash considerations.<ref>{{cite web |date=July 12, 2013 |title=White Sox acquire outfielder Brandon Jacobs from Boston in exchange for pitcher Matt Thornton and cash considerations |url=http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130712&content_id=53582352&vkey=pr_cws&c_id=cws |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212144747/http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130712&content_id=53582352&vkey=pr_cws&c_id=cws |archive-date=December 12, 2013 |access-date=January 11, 2014 |website=[[Chicago White Sox]] |publisher=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> For the rest of the 2013 season with the Red Sox, Thornton's playing time was limited due to an oblique strain, but he made 20 appearances out of the bullpen, going 0–1 with a 3.52 ERA.<ref name=":1" /> Overall in 2013, combined with both teams, Thornton made 60 total relief appearances going 0–4 and a 3.74 ERA.<ref name=":1" /> The Red Sox finished 97–65, making it to the postseason and eventually winning the World Series over the [[St. Louis Cardinals]]. Thornton, although he did not make any postseason appearances, still received his first career championship ring. He became a free agent following the season.


===New York Yankees===
===New York Yankees===
[[File:Matt Thornton on August 5, 2015.jpg|150px|thumb|upright|Thornton during his tenure with the [[2015 Washington Nationals season|Washington Nationals in 2015]]]]
[[File:Matt Thornton on August 5, 2015.jpg|150px|thumb|upright|Thornton during his tenure with the [[2015 Washington Nationals season|Washington Nationals in 2015]]]]
On January 10, 2014, Thornton signed a two-year contract with the [[New York Yankees]] worth $7 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/18/sports/baseball/yankees-add-brian-roberts-and-matt-thornton.html?hpw&rref=sports&_r=0|title=Seeking Infield and Bullpen Help, The Yankees Turn to Two Veterans|first=Tyler|last=Kepner|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=December 17, 2013|access-date=December 17, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2014/01/mlb_hot_stove_yankees_sign_matt_thornton_finally.html |title=MLB hot stove: Yankees sign Matt Thornton — finally |publisher=NJ.com |access-date=January 11, 2014}}</ref> In 46 games for the Yankees, Thornton pitched to a 2.55 ERA. He was put on waivers late in the season in what [[General manager (baseball)|General Manager]] [[Brian Cashman]] said was a move for "roster flexibility".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Prunty|first1=Brandon|title=Yankees reliever Matt Thornton's waiver claim all about roster, financial flexibility|url=http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2014/08/yankees_reliever_matt_thorntons_waiver_claim_all_about_roster_financial_flexibility.html|access-date=March 4, 2016|work=The Star-Ledger|date=August 5, 2014}}</ref>
On January 10, 2014, Thornton signed a two-year contract with the [[New York Yankees]] worth $7 million.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/18/sports/baseball/yankees-add-brian-roberts-and-matt-thornton.html?hpw&rref=sports&_r=0|title=Seeking Infield and Bullpen Help, The Yankees Turn to Two Veterans|first=Tyler|last=Kepner|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=December 17, 2013|access-date=December 17, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kuty |first=Brendan |date=January 10, 2014 |title=MLB hot stove: Yankees sign Matt Thornton — finally |url=http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2014/01/mlb_hot_stove_yankees_sign_matt_thornton_finally.html |access-date=January 11, 2014 |website=[[NJ.com]]}}</ref> In 46 games for the Yankees, Thornton was 0–3 with a 2.55 ERA.<ref name=":1" /> He was put on waivers late in the season in what [[General manager (baseball)|General Manager]] [[Brian Cashman]] said was a move for "roster flexibility".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Prunty |first1=Brandon |date=August 5, 2014 |title=Yankees reliever Matt Thornton's waiver claim all about roster, financial flexibility |work=[[The Star-Ledger]] |url=http://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2014/08/yankees_reliever_matt_thorntons_waiver_claim_all_about_roster_financial_flexibility.html |access-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref>


In 2014, Thornton reached second on the all-time list for [[Hold (baseball)|holds]] in Major League Baseball, trailing only [[Arthur Rhodes]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Crasnick|first1=Jerry|title=Paying an arm and a leg for relief|url=http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/12038434/white-sox-astros-yankees-add-high-priced-bullpen-pieces|publisher=ESPN.com|access-date=March 4, 2016|date=December 17, 2014}}</ref>
In 2014, Thornton reached second on the all-time list for [[Hold (baseball)|holds]] in Major League Baseball, trailing only [[Arthur Rhodes]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Crasnick |first1=Jerry |date=December 16, 2014 |title=Paying an arm and a leg for relief |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/12038434/white-sox-astros-yankees-add-high-priced-bullpen-pieces |access-date=March 4, 2016 |work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>


=== Washington Nationals ===
=== Washington Nationals ===
Thornton was claimed by the [[Washington Nationals]] after being waived by the Yankees in August, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24649183/nats-acquire-lefty-matt-thornton-after-waiver-claim-from-yankees|title=Nationals acquire Thornton |publisher=Jon Heyman |access-date=August 5, 2014}}</ref> He pitched in 18 games for Washington down the stretch and 3 games in the [[2014 National League Division Series]] against the [[San Francisco Giants]]. Thornton made 60 appearances for Washington in [[2015 Washington Nationals season|2015]], compiling a 2.18 ERA with 23 strike-outs in 41{{fraction|1|3}} innings. Since 2005, Thornton had recorded the most innings of any left-handed reliever.<ref name="Thornton Padres" />
On August 5, 2014, Thornton was claimed off waivers by the [[Washington Nationals]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Heyman |first=Jon |date=August 5, 2014 |title=Nationals acquire Thornton |url=http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24649183/nats-acquire-lefty-matt-thornton-after-waiver-claim-from-yankees |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140806112130/http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24649183/nats-acquire-lefty-matt-thornton-after-waiver-claim-from-yankees |archive-date=August 6, 2014 |access-date=August 5, 2014 |website=[[CBS Sports]]}}</ref> He pitched in 18 games for Washington down the stretch, going 1–0 and posting a perfect 0.00 ERA.<ref name=":1" /> Thornton appeared in three games in the [[2014 National League Division Series]] against the [[San Francisco Giants]], going 0–1 with a 3.86 ERA.<ref name=":1" /> Thornton made 60 appearances for Washington in [[2015 Washington Nationals season|2015]], compiling a 2–1 record and a 2.18 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 41{{fraction|1|3}} innings.<ref name=":1" /> Since 2005, Thornton had recorded the most innings of any left-handed reliever.<ref name="Thornton Padres" /> He became a free agent following the 2015 season.


=== San Diego Padres ===
=== San Diego Padres ===
[[File:Matt Thornton on June 22, 2016.jpg|upright|thumb|200px|Thornton with the San Diego Padres in 2016.]]
[[File:Matt Thornton on June 22, 2016.jpg|upright|thumb|200px|Thornton with the San Diego Padres in 2016.]]


In 2016, Thornton signed a minor league deal with the [[2016 San Diego Padres season|San Diego Padres]] with an invitation to Spring training.<ref name="Thornton Padres">{{cite news|last1=Lin|first1=Dennis|title=Padres sign lefties Thornton, Friedrich|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/mar/03/padres-sign-matt-thornton-minor-league-deal/|access-date=March 4, 2016|work=The San Diego Union-Tribune|date=March 3, 2016}}</ref>
On March 3, 2016, Thornton signed a minor league deal with the [[2016 San Diego Padres season|San Diego Padres]] with an invitation to Spring training.<ref name="Thornton Padres">{{cite news |last1=Lin |first1=Dennis |date=March 3, 2016 |title=Padres sign lefties Thornton, Friedrich |work=[[The San Diego Union-Tribune]] |url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2016/mar/03/padres-sign-matt-thornton-minor-league-deal/ |access-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref> He had his contract selected to the major league roster on April 3. He was designated for assignment on August 6, 2016.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilmoth |first=Charlie |date=August 6, 2016 |title=Padres Designate Matt Thornton For Assignment |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/08/padres-designate-matt-thornton-for-assignment.html |access-date=August 9, 2022 |website=MLB Trade Rumors |language=en-US}}</ref> He cleared waivers and was released on August 11.


===Retirement===
===Retirement===
On November 8, 2016, Thornton announced his retirement from professional baseball.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/11/matt-thornton-to-retire.html|title=Matt Thornton To Retire|last=Adams|first=Steve|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=November 8, 2016|access-date=November 8, 2016}}</ref>
On November 8, 2016, Thornton announced his retirement from professional baseball.<ref>{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Steve |date=November 7, 2016 |title=Matt Thornton To Retire |url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/11/matt-thornton-to-retire.html |access-date=November 8, 2016 |work=MLB Trade Rumors}}</ref>


==Pitching style==
==Pitching style==
Since transitioning to the bullpen with the White Sox, Thornton has scrapped his secondary pitches and now relies heavily on a mid- to upper-90s four-seam [[fastball]]. In 2010,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=1918&position=P#pitchtype |title=Matt Thornton » Statistics » Pitching &#124; FanGraphs Baseball |publisher=Fangraphs.com |access-date=January 11, 2014}}</ref> Thornton has thrown the fastball over 90% of the time. He also occasionally throws a slider, which he uses most effectively against right-handed batters. His fastball command is considered excellent.
Since transitioning to the bullpen with the White Sox, Thornton has scrapped his secondary pitches and now relies heavily on a mid- to upper-90s four-seam [[fastball]]. In 2010, Thornton has thrown the fastball over 90% of the time.<ref>{{cite web |title=Matt Thornton » Statistics » Pitching &#124; FanGraphs Baseball |url=http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=1918&position=P#pitchtype |access-date=January 11, 2014 |website=[[FanGraphs]]}}</ref> He also occasionally throws a slider, which he uses most effectively against right-handed batters. His fastball command is considered excellent.


==References==
==References==
Line 135: Line 134:
[[Category:Everett AquaSox players]]
[[Category:Everett AquaSox players]]
[[Category:Grand Valley State Lakers baseball players]]
[[Category:Grand Valley State Lakers baseball players]]
[[Category:Inland Empire 66ers of San Bernardino players]]
[[Category:Inland Empire 66ers players]]
[[Category:Lake Elsinore Storm players]]
[[Category:Lake Elsinore Storm players]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
[[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]]
Line 147: Line 146:
[[Category:Tacoma Rainiers players]]
[[Category:Tacoma Rainiers players]]
[[Category:Washington Nationals players]]
[[Category:Washington Nationals players]]
[[Category:21st-century American sportsmen]]
[[Category:Wisconsin Timber Rattlers players]]
[[Category:Wisconsin Timber Rattlers players]]
[[Category:World Baseball Classic players of the United States]]
[[Category:World Baseball Classic players of the United States]]

Latest revision as of 11:35, 1 January 2025

This article is about the baseball player. For other uses, see Matthew Thornton (disambiguation).

Matt Thornton
Thornton with the Chicago White Sox in 2008
Pitcher
Born: (1976-09-15) September 15, 1976 (age 48)
Three Rivers, Michigan, U.S.
Batted: Left
Threw: Left
MLB debut
June 27, 2004, for the Seattle Mariners
Last MLB appearance
August 2, 2016, for the San Diego Padres
MLB statistics
Win–loss record36–46
Earned run average3.41
Strikeouts642
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams
Career highlights and awards

Matthew J. Thornton (born September 15, 1976), is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Born in Three Rivers, Michigan he grew up and attended high school in Centreville.[1] He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Seattle Mariners, Chicago White Sox, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals, and San Diego Padres. Thornton is second all-time in American League history in holds (182).[2]

College and minor league baseball

[edit]

In the 1995 MLB draft, Thornton was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 27th round (742nd overall) but chose not to sign with them.[3] Thornton played college baseball for Grand Valley State University and was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the first round (22nd overall) of the 1998 MLB draft.[4]

Thornton made his professional debut with the Single-A Everett AquaSox in the Northwest League, recording a 27.00 ERA in two games.[5] In 1999 and 2000, Thornton was a starting pitcher with the Single-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in the Midwest League, and showed improvement with his ball control and accuracy, striking out nearly one batter per inning. In 2001, Thornton had a breakout year for the Single-A San Bernardino Stampede in the California League, where he posted a 14–7 record in 27 starts, along with a stellar 2.52 ERA and 192 strikeouts in only 157 innings pitched.[5]

Thornton was then promoted to AA baseball and played with the San Antonio Missions of the Texas League in 2002. Thornton, still a starting pitcher, pitched well, making 12 starts and going 1–5 with a 3.63 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched.[5] In 2003, Thornton was briefly sent back down to High-A ball with the Inland Empire 66ers of the California League, but was quickly promoted back up AA ball with the San Antonio Missions again. He started only four games, but posted an incredible 0.36 ERA, with a 3–1 record, gave up only eight hits in 25.1 innings of work and struck out 18 batters.[5] His performance got him promoted that same year to AAA ball with the Tacoma Rainiers in the Pacific Coast League. Thornton had a shaky start to his career in Triple-A ball, starting two games and posting an 0–2 record and an 8.00 ERA.[5]

Thornton stayed with the Tacoma Rainiers in 2004 and posted a 7–5 record in 16 games (15 starts), along with a 5.20 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 83 innings pitched.[5]

Major Leagues

[edit]

Seattle Mariners

[edit]

2004

[edit]

Thornton made his MLB debut on June 27, 2004, with the Mariners in a game against the San Diego Padres, pitching brilliantly over four innings, only allowing three hits and striking out one batter.[6] Throughout the season, the Mariners used Thornton for mostly middle reliever duty, except for one game on July 10, when he started on against the Chicago White Sox. He pitched five innings, allowing four runs on three hits and walking seven batters in a loss.[7] Thornton finished the 2004 season with a 1–2 record and 4.13 ERA in 19 games (one start), striking out 30 batters in 32.2 innings of work.[8]

2005

[edit]

In 2005, Thornton served his reliever duties, pitching in 55 games and going 0–4 with a 5.21 ERA. He struck out 57 batters in 57 innings pitched.[8]

Chicago White Sox

[edit]

2006

[edit]

On March 20, 2006, Thornton was traded from the Seattle Mariners to the Chicago White Sox in exchange for outfielder Joe Borchard.[9] Under the tutelage of pitching coach Don Cooper, Thornton emerged as a dominant bullpen force. In the 2006 season, Thornton appeared in 63 games, going 5–3 with two saves and a 3.33 ERA.[8]

2007

[edit]

Thornton's 2007 season was a little busier, as he made 68 relief appearances with a 4–4 record, two saves and a 4.79 ERA.[8]

2008

[edit]

Thornton made 74 appearances out of the bullpen in 2008, going 5–3 with one save and a 2.67 ERA.[8]

2009

[edit]

Thornton made 70 appearances in 2009, going 6–3 with four saves and a 2.74 ERA.[8]

2010

[edit]

Thornton was selected by the coaches' vote to the American League All-Star team in 2010, the first All-Star selection of his career.[10] In 2010, he made 61 appearances, going 5–4 with eight saves and a 2.67 ERA.[8]

2011

[edit]

Appearing in 62 games in 2011, Thornton went 2–5 with three saves and a 3.32 ERA.[8]

2012

[edit]

2012 was somewhat unlucky for Thornton, as his loss column led all relievers in baseball. He went 4–10 with three saves and a 3.46 ERA in 74 relief appearances.[8]

2013

[edit]

Thornton made 40 appearances for the White Sox to start the 2013 season, going 0–3 and a 3.86 ERA.[8]

In 512 career relief appearances with the White Sox spanning 463.1 innings, Thornton compiled a 3.28 ERA.[8] As of September 12, he led all eligible American League relievers with 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings.

From 2008 to 2013, Thornton pitched in more games than any other left-handed reliever.[11] He also holds the record for most holds with a single team, with 164 for the White Sox.[12]

Thornton pitching for the Boston Red Sox in 2013

Boston Red Sox

[edit]

On July 12, 2013, Thornton was traded to the Boston Red Sox for minor league outfielder Brandon Jacobs. The Red Sox also received cash considerations.[13] For the rest of the 2013 season with the Red Sox, Thornton's playing time was limited due to an oblique strain, but he made 20 appearances out of the bullpen, going 0–1 with a 3.52 ERA.[8] Overall in 2013, combined with both teams, Thornton made 60 total relief appearances going 0–4 and a 3.74 ERA.[8] The Red Sox finished 97–65, making it to the postseason and eventually winning the World Series over the St. Louis Cardinals. Thornton, although he did not make any postseason appearances, still received his first career championship ring. He became a free agent following the season.

New York Yankees

[edit]
Thornton during his tenure with the Washington Nationals in 2015

On January 10, 2014, Thornton signed a two-year contract with the New York Yankees worth $7 million.[14][15] In 46 games for the Yankees, Thornton was 0–3 with a 2.55 ERA.[8] He was put on waivers late in the season in what General Manager Brian Cashman said was a move for "roster flexibility".[16]

In 2014, Thornton reached second on the all-time list for holds in Major League Baseball, trailing only Arthur Rhodes.[17]

Washington Nationals

[edit]

On August 5, 2014, Thornton was claimed off waivers by the Washington Nationals.[18] He pitched in 18 games for Washington down the stretch, going 1–0 and posting a perfect 0.00 ERA.[8] Thornton appeared in three games in the 2014 National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants, going 0–1 with a 3.86 ERA.[8] Thornton made 60 appearances for Washington in 2015, compiling a 2–1 record and a 2.18 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 411⁄3 innings.[8] Since 2005, Thornton had recorded the most innings of any left-handed reliever.[19] He became a free agent following the 2015 season.

San Diego Padres

[edit]
Thornton with the San Diego Padres in 2016.

On March 3, 2016, Thornton signed a minor league deal with the San Diego Padres with an invitation to Spring training.[19] He had his contract selected to the major league roster on April 3. He was designated for assignment on August 6, 2016.[20] He cleared waivers and was released on August 11.

Retirement

[edit]

On November 8, 2016, Thornton announced his retirement from professional baseball.[21]

Pitching style

[edit]

Since transitioning to the bullpen with the White Sox, Thornton has scrapped his secondary pitches and now relies heavily on a mid- to upper-90s four-seam fastball. In 2010, Thornton has thrown the fastball over 90% of the time.[22] He also occasionally throws a slider, which he uses most effectively against right-handed batters. His fastball command is considered excellent.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Centreville's Superstars". Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  2. ^ "Sortable Player Stats". MLB.com. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
  3. ^ "27th Round of the 1995 MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  4. ^ "1st Round of the 1998 MLB June Amateur Draft". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Matt Thornton Minor & Fall Leagues Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  6. ^ Street, Jim (June 27, 2004). "Thornton shines in loss to Padres". Seattle Mariners. MLB.com. Archived from the original on October 19, 2004. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  7. ^ Greenberg, Jon (July 10, 2004). "Walks bite Thornton, Mariners". Seattle Mariners. MLB.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2004. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Matt Thornton Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  9. ^ "White Sox deal Borchard for Mariners lefty Thornton". ESPN. Associated Press. March 20, 2006. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  10. ^ DeCamp, Scott (July 11, 2010). "A rising star: Centreville's Matt Thornton takes his position among Major League Baseball's elite". Michigan Live. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  11. ^ Bradford, Rob (October 23, 2014). "Craig Breslow Not Optimistic About Option Being Picked Up". Full Count Red Sox Blog. WEEI-FM. Archived from the original on October 30, 2014. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
  12. ^ "Major League Leaderboard". FanGraphs. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
  13. ^ "White Sox acquire outfielder Brandon Jacobs from Boston in exchange for pitcher Matt Thornton and cash considerations". Chicago White Sox. MLB.com. July 12, 2013. Archived from the original on December 12, 2013. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
  14. ^ Kepner, Tyler (December 17, 2013). "Seeking Infield and Bullpen Help, The Yankees Turn to Two Veterans". The New York Times. Retrieved December 17, 2013.
  15. ^ Kuty, Brendan (January 10, 2014). "MLB hot stove: Yankees sign Matt Thornton — finally". NJ.com. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
  16. ^ Prunty, Brandon (August 5, 2014). "Yankees reliever Matt Thornton's waiver claim all about roster, financial flexibility". The Star-Ledger. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
  17. ^ Crasnick, Jerry (December 16, 2014). "Paying an arm and a leg for relief". ESPN. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
  18. ^ Heyman, Jon (August 5, 2014). "Nationals acquire Thornton". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on August 6, 2014. Retrieved August 5, 2014.
  19. ^ a b Lin, Dennis (March 3, 2016). "Padres sign lefties Thornton, Friedrich". The San Diego Union-Tribune. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
  20. ^ Wilmoth, Charlie (August 6, 2016). "Padres Designate Matt Thornton For Assignment". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  21. ^ Adams, Steve (November 7, 2016). "Matt Thornton To Retire". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved November 8, 2016.
  22. ^ "Matt Thornton » Statistics » Pitching | FanGraphs Baseball". FanGraphs. Retrieved January 11, 2014.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Matt Thornton (baseball).
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Matt_Thornton_(baseball)&oldid=1266608299"