Thornton was just terrific in 2025 — before an oblique injury ended his season in June. Had all the peripherals you want to see — high strikeout rate, low walk rate, near non-existent homerun rate.
Has been used almost exclusively as a starter in his pro and college careers, and it looks like he may be getting the first shot to fill Clay Holmes' slot in the rotation.
Also, he comes from Arizona, where there are a lot of clay homes.