When the Mets finally unloaded Ike Davis, they sent him to the Pittsburgh Pirates and in return they received relief pitcher Zack Thornton and a player to be named later.

Thornton, was signed by the Oakland A’s in the 2010 Amateur draft, and after just two seasons, he was traded to the Pirates in November 2012 for Chris Resop.

Thornton moved through the Pirates system in 2013, eventually ending up in Triple A Indianapolis. On April 18, the Mets and Pirates executed their trade and Thornton was assigned to Triple A Las Vegas.

In his minor league career, prior to joining the 51s, the right handed reliever was 20-9, 2.92 ERA, with 285 strikeouts in 252 innings, two of which were starts.

He joined a very potent 51s lineup that is sure to compete for a Pacific League Title.  In 12 appearances so far in Vegas, he is currently 1-1, with a 2.30 ERA, and 13 strike outs in 15.2 innings of relief.

Wally Backman recently spoke with Toby Hyde of Mets Minors Blog and talked about Thornton’s impressive pitches, “He looks to be able to throw his slider anytime in the count when he needs to – to throw it for strikes,” the manager said.

“He’s not a power-armed guy, but he’s got pretty good sink on his fastball. Throws 90 miles an hour, with good sink and hitters don’t get a real good look at him. He gets a lot of guys out front and off balance because he’s got some deception.”

The skipper reveals the reason for such deception, “He steps toward the third-base side and slings it across,” Backman said. “Hides the ball pretty well.”

Thornton comes from an organization ripe with talent and joins the Mets rich in pitching and if he continues to shut down the opposition, the Mets may be able to find some use for him on the big club.

(Photo Courtesy of Las Vegas 51s)