Ryan Borucki activated, Thornton heads to IL

The start of what should be a busy week for the Toronto Blue Jays, sees one of last year’s young breakout players returning and making his season debut, while another starter heads to the Injured List.

One starter in, one starter out.

Borucki injured his elbow during spring training and has had his season debut delayed ever since. What was initially thought as just a small setback — reported to just miss one start in April — he has been slowly approaching his comeback.

Making his way through the minors during his rehab, Borucki had stints from rookie ball all the way up to 11 innings with the Triple-A Bisons. He didn’t have the best outing in Buffalo, posting a 4.91 ERA while striking-out nine and walking three, but he will clearly be a welcome addition to the Jays’ rotation.

Countering the move, Trent Thornton will be heading to the 10-day IL for some inflammation in his right elbow. Acquired from the Houston Astros for Aledmys Diaz this past winter, Thornton surprised early with his spin rate and ability to provide some solid innings.

The 25-year-old righty has pitched a total of 99 innings this season, with an impressive 9.09 K/9 but also an uncomfortable 4.09 BB/9. His 4.70 FIP is certainly good enough to be considered at the top end of Toronto’s rotation this season, but his recent performances haven’t given a ton of hope for prolonged success for this team.

In the month of July, Thornton had pitched only 13 innings and sports a 11.08 ERA and allowed an atrocious 4.16 wOBA. His early season success evens out his year, but this stint on the Injured List might do him some good, taking a break.

As reported by Shi Davidi, Charlie Montoyo laid out no possible return date for Thornton. We have already seen how disastrous elbow injuries can be to a starter like Borucki, so don’t assume that Thornton will be back anytime soon.

Ryan Borucki will be making his season debut tonight against Cleveland, the first in a three-game series at home.