News
Thatcher finds success in setup role
After struggling early, reliever has been dominant since July 1
By Adam Rosenberg / MLB.com
08/26/09 6:59 PM ET
ATLANTA -- On Tuesday night, the Braves mounted an unlikely comeback against Padres closer Heath Bell in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game. In the 10th, Atlanta was on the verge of stealing a win.However, that's when Padres reliever Joe Thatcher came in and continued to do what he's been doing since the beginning of July as he struck out Garret Anderson to end the threat. He pitched another perfect inning to silence the Braves while the Padres scored a run in the 12th to reclaim the victory they almost let slip away.
After a disappointing 2008 and beginning of 2009, Thatcher is quietly putting together an outstanding season out of the Padres' bullpen. Since July 1, performances like Tuesday's have become the norm.
"Joe did a nice job [Tuesday]," said Padres manager Bud Black. "He's come in under the radar a little bit. Last year and the early part of this year was a little bit of rough sledding for Joe. He's persevered."
In 2008, Thatcher struggled his way to an 8.42 ERA, allowing 13 walks in 25 2/3 innings. Left-handed hitters were batting an astounding .414 against him and as a result, he spent a large part of the season at Triple-A Portland.
The struggles continued early this season as Thatcher posted a 6.97 ERA in June. Since then, however, he has been lights-out.
Since July 1, Thatcher has a 1.29 ERA and opponents are hitting just .141 against him. He has allowed just three runs in 21 innings over that span.
"When we sent him down to the Minors, it was under the instruction that he needed to be the one who was pitching well when we needed to make a move," Black said. "Joe responded. If you look at his Minor League numbers, he has always been good. His big league performance has been a little spotty, but not recently."
Black said that Thatcher's resurgence has placed him in the mix of potential candidates to pitch the eighth inning in front of Bell. Other options include Luke Gregerson and Greg Burke.
Adam Rosenberg is an associate reporter for MLB.com This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
