Mets acquire RHP Zack Thornton from the Pirates
FLUSHING, N.Y. -- The New York Mets today announced the club has acquired righthanded relief pitcher Zack Thornton and a player to be named later from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for infielder Ike Davis. Thornton will report to Las Vegas (AAA) of the International League and the Mets will activate outfielder Chris Young from the 15-Day Disabled List.
Thornton, 25, is 2-0 with a 1.23 ERA (one earned run/7.1 innings) in four games with Indianapolis (AAA) of the International League this season. The 6-3, 220-pounder has issued one walk and struck out eight.
The Los Angeles, CA native went 7-3 with five saves, a 2.63 ERA (22 earned runs/75.1 innings) with 90 strikeouts in 42 games at three different levels in the Pirates organization in 2013. He posted a 3.07 ERA (five earned runs/14.2 innings) and one save in 11 appearances in the Arizona Fall League.
Thornton was 4-0 with a career-high 16 saves in 48 contests with Stockton (A) of the California League in 2012 and was named to the Midwest League mid-season All-Star team in 2011 with Burlington recording 82 strikeouts in 83.0 innings.
Thornton was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 23rd round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft from the University of Oregon. He was traded to the Pirates in exchange for righthanded pitcher Chris Resop on November 30, 2012.
Davis, 27, hit .208 (5-24) with one home run and five RBI in 12 games for the Mets this year.