The Braves' search for left-handed relief help has led them to San Diego, as FOX Sports' Jon Morosi reports (via Twitter) that Atlanta is interested in Padres southpaw Joe Thatcher.
Thatcher, 31, has one remaining year of arbitration eligibility and is a free agent following the 2014 season. The left-hander has a 2.25 ERA and 28 strikeouts (against just four walks) over 28 innings for the Padres this season. Thatcher has held left-handed hitters to only a .456 OPS this season and for his career, Thatcher has held lefty batters to a .581 OPS.
Mike Gonzalez, James Russell and Wesley Wright have been the lefty relievers rumored to be atop the Braves' wish list, and the club has also been linked to Phil Coke and Brian Duensing. MLBTR's Steve Adams recently outlined some of the left-handed bullpen names who could fit as trade candidates.
