 Thornton started for San Bernardino Stampede in the California League (high-A ball) and had a 14–7 record, along with a stellar 2.52 ERA and 192 strikeouts in only 157 innings pitched.Thornton was then promoted to AA baseball and played with the San Antonio Missions of the Texas League in .Thornton, still a starting pitcher, pitched well with a 3.63 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 62 innings pitched.