Toronto Blue Jays: Trent Thornton done for the season

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trent Thornton is done for the remainder of the season and the prognosis does not seem promising.

The Blue Jays placed Trent Thornton on the 45-day injured reserve to clear a roster spot for Taijuan Walker. Thornton was experiencing elbow inflammation, however, that has since been diagnosed as loose bodies in his elbow.

According to Shi Davidi of Sportsnet, the hurler will see specialist Dr. James Andrews this coming Monday. Regardless of the prognosis, it appears Thornton will be shelved for an extended period of time.

Thornton exited his third and final start of the season early after experiencing elbow discomfort. In 5.2 innings this season, the 26-year old allowed 15 hits and seven runs while fanning six.

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Thornton led all Blue Jays pitchers last season with 29 starts and 154.1 innings pitched in his rookie campaign. It was anticipated that the high leg-kicking righty would build on his respectable 4.84 earned run average from 2019.

The team has not only lost Thornton but also Matt Shoemaker and Nate Pearson in recent weeks to injuries. The recent outbreak contributed to the Blue Jays facilitating the trade with the Mariners for Taijuan Walker earlier today.

Pearson is sidelined with a forearm flexor strain and will more than likely be a non-factor the rest of the way while Shoemaker is dealing with right shoulder inflammation following an impressive start on August 21st versus the division-leading Tampa Bay Rays.

Manager Charlie Montoyo relied on five relievers last night to secure the win versus the Boston Red Sox. Julian Merryweather started the contest before turning the ball over to Shun Yamaguchi who carried the load for four innings.

Currently, the starting rotation only consists of Hyun Jin Ryu, Tanner Roark, and Chase Anderson due to the recent rash of injuries. Walker will join the starting rotation fold once he successfully completes the necessary COVID screening requirements.

Hopefully, Thronton will only miss the remainder of this season and will be all systems go by spring training.