Astros designate Joe Thatcher for assignment; recall Vincent Velasquez

The Astros announced they have designated left-handed pitcher Joe Thatcher for assignment, ahead of  Vince Velasquez's start on Tuesday.

#Astros recall RHP Vince Velasquez from AA Corpus Christi to make tonight's start. #Astros designate LHP Joe Thatcher for assignment.

— Houston Astros (@astros) July 21, 2015

The move was coming after manager A.J. Hinch announced Velasquez would rejoining the Astros rotation following the All-Star break. Thatcher was a non-roster invitee to the Spring Training this season after spending 2014 with the Angels.

Thatcher was one of two left-handed pitchers to make the Astros Opening Day roster -- alongside Tony Sipp.

Thatcher appeared in 36 games for the Astros with a 3.79 ERA in 19 innings pitched. He started strong but has stubbled lately as pointed out by AstrosCounty:

Thatcher, April-June: 71 batters faced, 52 outs, 14H/4ER, .230/.300/.262 July: 16 batters faced, 5 outs, 7H/4ER, .636/.733/1.091

— Thickie Don (@AstrosCounty) July 21, 2015