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PORT ST. LUCIE, FL - MARCH 09: Zach Thornton (21) of the New York Mets delivers a pitch during a spring training game against the Miami Marlins on March 09, 2026 at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Mets have officially called up Zach Thornton, who will make his major league debut tonight for the Mets against the Nationals. The left-hander will wear number 49, most recently worn by Chris Devenski but most notably worn by another left-hander, Jonathon Niese. In a corresponding move, the team has optioned Daniel Duarte to Triple-A.
It was revealed last week that Thornton would get the call in place of the injured Clay Holmes, who is expected to miss significant time while he recovers from a fractured fibula. Thornton entered the year as the No. 14 ranked prospect in the Mets’ farm system by Amazin’ Avenue and becomes the fourth member of the team’s 2023 draft class to make his way to the majors for the club this year. Thornton posted a 3.60 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 24 innings for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies this year before his promotion to Triple-A. In Syracuse, he made just two starts and posted a 2.25 ERA, with 13 strikeouts in 12 innings.
Duarte pitched in last night’s 9-6 loss to the Nationals but served an important role for the Mets, eating up 2 1/3 innings to save the rest of the bullpen, which will presumably be needed tonight with Thornton making his debut, as well as tomorrow with a yet-to-be-announced starter taking the mound. The right-hander allowed just one hit, struck out one, and did not walk a batter, while throwing 21 of his 28 pitches for strikes. It was his first major league appearance since 2024 as a member of the Twins.
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