Pirates acquire RHP Zach Thornton from Oakland in exchange for RHP Chris Resop

The Pittsburgh Pirates today acquired minor league right-handed pitcher Zach Thornton from
the Oakland Athletics organization in exchange for right-handed pitcher Chris Resop. The announcement
was made by Pirates Senior Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington.

The 24-year-old Thornton went 4-0 with 16 saves, a 4.53 ERA (53.2ip/27er) and 70 strikeouts
in 48 relief appearances in 2012 with Single-A Stockton of the California League. The 16 saves
were tied for fourth among California League pitchers and ranked first among Oakland farmhands.

Thornton was originally selected by Oakland in the 23rd round of the 2010 First-Year Player
Draft out of the University of Oregon. In 2011, he was named to the Midwest League mid-season
All-Star team after posting a 5-4 record, 2.39 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 40 relief appearances
for the Burlington Bees.

Since making his professional debut in 2010, Thornton has gone 11-6 with 21 saves, a 3.29 ERA
(169.2ip/62er) and 187 strikeouts in 107 career minor league relief appearances.