Matt Thornton's journey in Major League Baseball began when he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the first round of the 1998 MLB Draft. A left-handed pitcher, Thornton's early career was marked by his powerful fastball, which consistently reached the upper 90s. After several years in the minors, he made his MLB debut with the Mariners in 2004. His time with Seattle, however, was a period of adjustment as he worked to refine his control and command on the mound.
In 2006, Thornton's career took a new direction when he was traded to the Chicago White Sox. This move proved to be a turning point, as he found a stable role in the White Sox bullpen. Thornton quickly became a reliable option for the team, often called upon in high-leverage situations. His tenure with the White Sox was marked by consistent performances, and he became known for his ability to strike out batters, thanks to his fastball and slider combination.
Thornton's skills were recognized in 2010 when he was selected for the American League All-Star team. This accolade highlighted his status as one of the more dependable relief pitchers in the league during that period. Throughout his time with the White Sox, Thornton was a fixture in their bullpen, contributing to the team's efforts in various seasons.
In 2013, Thornton was traded to the Boston Red Sox, where he continued to serve as a bullpen asset. Although his stint with Boston was brief, he was part of the team during their World Series-winning season, adding a championship to his career achievements. Following his time with the Red Sox, Thornton signed with the New York Yankees in 2014. His role with the Yankees was similar to his previous teams, providing veteran experience and depth to their bullpen.
Thornton's career continued with the Washington Nationals, where he played from 2014 to 2015. With the Nationals, he maintained his role as a left-handed specialist, often facing tough left-handed hitters in crucial game situations. His experience and poise on the mound were valuable assets to the Nationals' bullpen strategy.
In 2016, Thornton signed with the San Diego Padres, marking the final chapter of his MLB career. Although his time with the Padres was short, he continued to demonstrate the skills that had defined his career. After the 2016 season, Thornton retired from professional baseball, concluding a career that spanned over a decade in the major leagues.
Throughout his career, Matt Thornton was known for his fastball velocity and his ability to handle pressure situations.
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