Joe Thatcher
RP,SG - - RET
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Eligibility
Joe Thatcher has signed a minor league deal with the Indians which includes a Spring Training invitation.
Fantasy Impact
The Indians needed additional left-handed relief pitching. If he makes the team, Joe Thatcher has the opportunity to be useful in deep leagues which value middle relievers. The 34-year-old tossed 22 2/3 innings in 2015 for the Astros with a 3.18 ERA (3.00 FIP) and 1.54 WHIP. The left-hander has always maintained a high strikeout level, with 9.30 SO/9 over his 9 year Major League career.
Joe Thatcher has been DFA'd by the Astros as they have called up Vince Velasquez to take his place on the 40-man roster.
Fantasy Impact
Thatcher filled a nice hole in the Astros bullpen as a lefty specialist owning a 3.79 ERA in 19 innings, but those numbers were not good enough to warrant a roster spot any longer. Thatcher should latch on with a team down the stretch who needs a consistent veteran presence out of the bullpen.
Joe Thatcher recorded the final out in the sixth inning and the first out in the seventh, striking out one batter for the Astros.
Fantasy Impact
Thatcher relieved starter Roberto Hernandez who allowed six runs against the Blue Jays. The left-handed specialist did his job out of the bullpen for the Astros recording both batters he faced. Thatcher does not offer much fantasy value, and should be left alone in all formats.
Joe Thatcher pitched 1.1 scoreless innings against the Rangers allowing one hit and striking out one batter.
Fantasy Impact
Thatcher has performed well for the Astros as a situational reliever, not allowing a run in six-straight appearances. His role in the Houston bullpen does not offer a lot of fantasy value, so he should remain on the waiver wire in most formats.
Joe Thatcher received the call to pitch the ninth inning with the Astros trailing 7-1, and proceeded to retire three straight batters with two strikeouts.
Fantasy Impact
The perfect inning lowered Thatcher's ERA to 2.84 in ten appearances on the year. The veteran relief pitcher is used in situational spots throughout the later innings for the Astros and has performed very well in that role. He does not possess any value in fantasy baseball currently.
