Trent Thornton DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Seattle Mariners have placed right-handed pitcher Trent Thornton (illness) on the 15-day injured list with appendicitis. In a corresponding move, the Mariners promoted right-handed pitcher Troy Taylor from Triple-A Tacoma. Through his first 15 1/3 innings of work this season, Thornton has held a 5.87 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP. Across this stint, Thornton has struck out 11 batters and served up four walks. He has allowed five long balls. Under the hood, Thornton generated a 6.71 xERA and a .313 xBA, which are both in the fifth percentile among qualified pitchers. Fantasy managers should expect Taylor to have a role as a low-leverage option in the bullpen. Through the opening month of the season, Taylor has tossed three innings of work in the majors but has allowed four runs.

Seattle Mariners reliever Trent Thornton recorded his first save of the season (and of his career) in Wednesday's 5-2 victory over the Rays. He wasn't the first choice in the ninth, but Andres Munoz walked the first two batters he faced and then hit a batter, prompting a pitching change. It is a situation to monitor, as Munoz has also been used in the eighth inning if the situation calls for it, allowing others to record saves, namely Ryne Stanek. Thornton doesn't figure to get many more opportunities, but should the opportunity arise, the 30-year-old has been solid this season, posting a 3.22 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, and 20.3% K-BB%.