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The Astros have resigned left-handed reliever Joe Thatcher to a minor league contract.
#Astros have re-signed LHP Joe Thatcher to a minor league contract today. He will report to Triple A Fresno this weekend.
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 6, 2015
Thatcher was designated for assignment in late July, as move to bring up Vincent Velasquez after activating Scott Feldman from the disabled list. Following the ten day wait period, Thatcher elected free agency.
Thatcher returns after posting a 3.79 ERA in 36 games with the Astros this season. The wheels came off for Thatcher in July as he allowed four earned runs and four walks in seven appearances. In 2015, left-handed batter hit .267 against Thatcher.
At the moment, the Astros still have Tony Sipp as their lefty in the bullpen. Thatcher would have to be added back to the 40-man roster in order to used by the Astros once again.