Green backs Thornton’s unconventional approach as Mets secure victory over Braves
Zac Thornton’s 6.1-inning performance against Atlanta defies modern velocity trends, earning praise from Andy Green for composure and effectiveness.
New York Mets interim manager Andy Green has publicly endorsed pitcher Zac Thornton’s distinct pitching methodology following the team’s 14-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Monday night. Thornton, a 24-year-old left-hander, delivered a resilient performance by allowing three earned runs over 6.1 innings, improving his season record to 2-1 with a 2.43 earned run average across five starts.
The victory underscores a departure from contemporary Major League Baseball norms, which typically prioritise starting pitchers with high-velocity offerings exceeding 95 mph. Thornton’s repertoire lacks such speed, relying instead on a cutter averaging 87 mph and a two-seam fastball sitting between 89-92 mph, with no pitch consistently surpassing 94 mph. Green acknowledged that this method is not the traditional path for front-line starters in an era defined by high spin rates and velocity, yet he affirmed that the results remain effective.
Green emphasised that Thornton’s cutter presents significant challenges for right-handed batters, who struggle to see and react to the pitch. By forcing hitters to process the ball’s trajectory, Thornton induces weak contact and ground balls, compensating for his lack of strikeout velocity. Green noted that while the industry often dismisses pitches below 95 mph as insufficient, Thornton’s approach generates tangible outs through contact management and zone efficiency.
Thornton’s composure was tested in the fourth inning when he surrendered a two-run home run to Ozzie Albies, tying the game after the Mets had previously taken the lead. Rather than allowing the momentum to shift, Thornton induced weak contact and secured a double play to end the threat. He did not allow another run for the remainder of the game, enabling New York to retake the lead in the sixth inning and secure the win.
The interim manager’s confidence in Thornton is informed by his previous role as senior vice president of player development, where he oversaw the pitcher’s progression through the minor leagues. Green highlighted Thornton’s ability to maintain his competitive mindset regardless of the situation, noting that the pitcher treats major league starts with the same intensity as his time at Triple-A and Double-A. This consistency, combined with his willingness to pitch to contact, has allowed Thornton to navigate high-pressure situations effectively.
