The Seattle Mariners confirmed unfortunate news regarding veteran reliever Trent Thornton on Friday, as he has been diagnosed with a torn left Achilles tendon, concluding his season. The announcement came after the team’s 6-0 win over the Texas Rangers on Thursday night, where Thornton had contributed 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.
In the incident leading to his injury, Thornton was covering first base when he stumbled and fell while attempting to field a grounder hit by Rangers outfielder Adolis García. After being unable to put weight on his left leg, medical personnel attended to him, and he was later transported off the field. The Mariners quickly announced the roster change, placing Thornton on the 15-day injured list and bringing in right-handed reliever Jackson Kowar to fill the vacant spot.
Throughout the season, Thornton had maintained a solid performance, pitching to a 3.68 ERA and striking out 32 batters over 42 1/2 innings in 33 appearances. His past season for the Mariners showcased even stronger numbers, reflecting his vital role in the bullpen. This marks Thornton’s second trip to the injured list this year, having previously missed time due to appendicitis.
Kowar, 28, rejoins the Mariners from Triple-A Tacoma after recovering from Tommy John surgery. He has made nine appearances this season for Seattle, showcasing impressive statistics with a 1.54 ERA and a solid outing against the Athletics earlier this week. Kowar was originally a first-round draft pick in 2018 by the Kansas City Royals and was acquired by the Mariners as part of a trade that sent notable players Jarred Kelenic and Marco Gonzales to the Atlanta Braves.
As the Mariners gear up for Game 2 of their four-game series against the Rangers at T-Mobile Park, they will look to build on their recent success despite Thornton’s setback.
The Mariners continue to focus on strengthening their roster; as highlighted in recent discussions, they believe the trades made during the deadline have significantly improved their chance for a playoff run.
These developments around Thornton and Kowar reflect the resilience and depth of the Mariners’ bullpen as they navigate the challenges of the season.