Thornton not helping chances: White Sox relief pitcher Matt Thornton (1-3) suffered his third loss in four outings during Chicago's 9-1 defeat to Kansas City on Sunday. Thornton replaced starter Philip Humber in the seventh inning and permitted a run and a hit while also walking one batter. He faced three batters before recording the third out of the inning. It was the fourth time in five outings this month he has yielded a run as his ERA has swelled to 4.61. (Updated 05/14/2012)
Injury Report
No information available at this time (Updated 5/25/12).
Fantasy Analysis
Thornton's habit for bad outings lately is not improving his chances to see time in the ninth inning. With the White Sox returning to a closer-by-committee approach after Chris Sale was moved back to the rotation, the left-hander was expected to receive save opportunities along with Addison Reed and Hector Santiago. But Thornton's effectiveness has waned since he posted a 0.82 ERA with 17 strikeouts and no walks over 11 innings during the first month of the season. Fantasy owners should consider Reed and Santiago better candidates for saves over Thornton. (Updated 05/14/2012).
05/18/2012 17:26 Beckham's HR the difference for Sox
Gordon Beckham hit a tie-breaking homer in the eighth inning Friday and the Chicago White Sox overcame the loss of star Paul Konerko to beat the Chicago Cubs 3-2 in what was likely Kerry Wood's final major league game.
05/11/2012 23:04 Dunn homers again in White Sox's win
Adam Dunn hit his 11th homer to match his total from last season, leading Gavin Floyd and the Chicago White Sox to a 5-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.
05/07/2012 23:51 Indians achieve twinbill sweep of ChiSox
Shelley Duncan's RBI double in the eighth inning gave the Cleveland Indians a soggy 3-2 victory against the Chicago White Sox on Monday night and a sweep of their day-night doubleheader.
05/04/2012 22:12 Tigers' Peralta wins it with two-run HR
Jhonny Peralta's two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning gave the Detroit Tigers a 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.
With Ozzie Guillen managing down in Miami, reliever Matt Thornton will seemingly get another crack at the closer job this season for the White Sox. New skipper Robin Ventura came out and labeled Thornton his closer in January, though the 35-year-old lefty will still have to pitch well in the role. Thornton saved three games last year in 62 appearances as he pitched to a 2-5 record with a 3.32 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. Thornton has finished with more strikeouts than innings pitched in four consecutive seasons and should continue that trend as Chicago closer in 2012. Unfortunately, the White Sox aren't projected to be very good this season and save opportunities might be tough to come by. Plus, Addison Reed is waiting in the wings to take over the closer's gig should Thornton falter. All those things considered makes Thornton one of the shakiest Fantasy closers in the majors entering the season. He's worth at best a late-round draft pick in mixed formats. (Updated 2/8/12)
Actual 
AccuScore Projections) Note: Points are rounded down.
= probable start