Thornton got the final two outs of the seventh inning on Saturday to pick up his first hold of the season. Nationals' manager Matt Williams seem intent on giving younger arms Blake Treinen and Aaron Barrett a long look in the eighth inning to start the season, but Treinen blew the lead on Saturday and if the kids continue to struggle, Thornton will likely move up a spot or two in the bullpen pecking order.

Thornton has had a quiet spring, posting a 2.45 ERA and 2:0 K:BB ratio in just 3.2 innings. There's been nothing wrong with Thornton, but the veteran lefty is simply saving his bullets for when the games start to count, He should be Drew Storen's primary left-handed setup man this season, and after racking up six holds in just 18 games for the Nats last season, he could be a sneaky source of value in that category in 2015.

Thornton was named by manager Matt Williams as a candidate to see save chances with Rafael Soriano removed from the closer role, Dan Kolko of MASNsports.com reports. Since joining the Nationals, Thornton has tossed 9.1 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts against one walk. For the season, he's held opposing lefties to a .243/.288/.257 batting line, so he could see save chances depending on the matchups, but right-handers Tyler Clippard and Drew Storen seem more likely to receive opportunities in place of Soriano.

Thornton, Drew Storen and Tyler Clippard were all mentioned by Nationals manager Matt Williams as possible ninth-inning replacements for a struggling Rafael Soriano after Friday's game, the Washington Post reports. Williams hasn't officially taken Soriano out of the closer role just yet, but indications are strong that the veteran reliever will get at least a temporary break from high-leverage use. If Williams makes the switch on Saturday though look for Storen, who only faced one batter on Friday, to get the nod.

Thornton, who was claimed off waivers Tuesday, has been activated, the Washington Post reports. Thornton, whom the Nats claimed from the Yankees, will add a third lefty to the bullpen. He brings a 2.55 ERA and has not allowed a home run in his last 40.0 innings. In a corresponding move, Washington optioned Blake Treinen to Triple-A Syracuse.

Thornton has been claimed off waivers by the Nationals, ESPN New York reports. Thornton, who was placed on waivers by the Yankees, is under contract for $3.5 million next season. He'll provide immediate help in the bullpen after posting a healthy 2.55 ERA in 24.2 innings for the Yankees. Over the past two seasons (40.0 cumulative innings), Thornton has racked up 29 strikeouts without allowing a home run.

The Yankees have agreed to a 2-year, $7 million deal with free agent lefty reliever Matt Thornton. Thorton, 37, is coming off a 3.74 ERA and 30/15 K/BB ratio over 47 1/3 innings this past season between the White Sox and Red Sox. He's a cost-effective replacement for Boone Logan, who suckered the Rockies into paying him $16.5 million over three years. Thornton, at this point in his career, is a decent middle-inning relief option.

Chris Cotillo of MLB Daily Dish reports that six to seven teams are interested in free agent reliever Matt Thornton. Cotillo hears that the Nationals are one of them. Thorton, 37, is coming off a 3.74 ERA and 30/15 K/BB ratio over 47 1/3 innings this past season between the White Sox and Red Sox. He's not the dominant reliever he once was, but should still be useful in 2014.

Red Sox declined LHP Matt Thornton's $6 million option for 2014. The 36-year-old southpaw will receive a $1 million buy-out and become a free agent. Even after a disappointing season where he registered a 3.74 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 30/15 K/BB ratio over 47 1/3 innings he should be highly sought after this Winter.

Matt Thornton will not be on the World Series roster for the Red Sox. The Red Sox had Thornton throw a simulated game Tuesday at Fenway Park, which led to some speculation that he could be added to the roster for the Fall Classic. However, the Red Sox have decided against making any changes from the ALDS/ALCS.