The Indians have agreed to a minor league deal with lefty Joe Thatcher, according to SB Nation’s Chris Cotillo (via Twitter). He had been released by the Dodgers after opting out of his deal with the team.
Thatcher, 34, has seen action in each of the last nine major league seasons, but has yet to receive a big league opportunity thus far in 2016. He was working at the Triple-A level for the Dodgers, posting a 3.60 ERA in 15 frames but also running up an impressive 21:5 K/BB ratio.
Cleveland will presumably consider Thatcher as a LOOGY option down the stretch. He was useful in such a role last year for the Astros, who asked Thatcher for just 22 2/3 innings in 43 appearances but received 3.18 ERA ball from him in that limited capacity.
You could have also mentioned that Joe Thatcher was with the Indians in spring training this year and didn’t make the team so he was in the minors with the Dodgers.
I was thinking the same thing. The Tribe just released him 3 months ago.
Bullpen problems solved!
That moves the needle
Well maybe the Indians hope is Crockett finds his 2014 magic & Thatcher to be the left on left (LOOGY) guy.
Boone Logan Please! That shouldn’t break the prospect bank, but would be a really nice upgrade.
Agree 100%, I’d like to see them swing that deal.