Depending on who you ask, Thornton may have been tipping pitches, making life a little too easy for an already-formidable lineup. The Blue Jays reviewed video after Thornton’s July 2 start against Boston, believing that he was unintentionally tipping his hand, particularly when coming set from the stretch.
A mid-game adjustment occurred that day, with Thornton lowering his hands in an apparent effort to conceal the tell. On Monday, the Red Sox hitters chased him from the game even earlier. It’s certainly imaginable that they still have something on Thornton. On the other hand, this is major-league baseball. Players are constantly watching one another for tells. It’s the responsibility of Thornton and the Blue Jays to be sure they aren’t giving anything away. Lately, that hasn’t been happening.
Short-term, it’s frustrating for a team that has lacked stability in its rotation all season long. Bigger-picture, this is part of the learning process for a rookie pitcher with a chance to contribute to the next contending Blue Jays team.went about as well as the Blue Jays could have hoped, providing a bright spot even as the Blue Jays fell to 35-60.
bnicholsonsmith Majors, minors, it doesn't matter. You will not be successful if you cannot throw strikes when you need to. Right now he is learning how to lose.