Trending Now - Mets Promote Zach Thornton for MLB Debut Amid Injury Changes

WHO:

MLB.com - Zach Thornton, a 24-year-old left-handed pitcher, is the Mets' 13th-ranked prospect.

MLB.com - Clay Holmes is an injured starter for the Mets.

MLB.com - Manager Carlos Mendoza is involved in the decision-making process for the Mets.

MLB.com - Jorge Polanco is a player for the Mets who has been on the injured list.

WHAT:

MLB.com - The Mets plan to call up Zach Thornton to pitch against the Nationals.

MLB.com - Thornton has a record of 1-3 with a 3.16 ERA over seven starts in the Minor Leagues.

MLB.com - Polanco has appeared in just 14 games for the Mets and is currently on the injured list due to left Achilles bursitis.

MLB.com - Polanco may begin a Minor League rehab assignment in about a week.

WHERE:

MLB.com - The game against the Nationals will take place at Nationals Park.

MLB.com - Thornton's recent starts were split between Syracuse and Double-A Binghamton.

WHEN:

MLB.com - Thornton is scheduled to pitch on Wednesday.

MLB.com - Polanco is expected to start a Minor League rehab assignment in about a week.

WHY:

MLB.com - The Mets are calling up Thornton due to Holmes' injury, which will keep him out for multiple months.

MLB.com - Polanco's injury situation is uncertain, and he may need surgery if he cannot play through discomfort.

HOW:

MLB.com - Thornton was chosen over more experienced candidates due to his performance and left-handedness, which could neutralize some of the Nationals' top hitters.

MLB.com - Polanco is undergoing a strengthening program and has received a platelet-rich plasma injection to aid in recovery.

(UPDATED May 19, 2026 04:19 UTC)

The Mets are set to call up 24-year-old left-handed pitcher Zach Thornton to face the Nationals at Nationals Park on Wednesday, as they deal with the injury of starter Clay Holmes, who will be sidelined for several months. Thornton, who has a record of one win and three losses with a 3.16 ERA over seven starts in the Minor Leagues, was selected for this opportunity due to his performance and ability to neutralize some of the Nationals' top hitters. Meanwhile, Jorge Polanco, currently on the injured list with left Achilles bursitis, may begin a Minor League rehab assignment in about a week as he undergoes a strengthening program and has received a platelet-rich plasma injection to aid in his recovery.