(Jason Miller / Getty Images)
ARLINGTON — Lefthanded reliever Joe Thatcher, who tested the free-agent market after rejecting an assignment to Class AAA Fresno, re-signed with the Astros on a minor-league contract Wednesday.
The Astros designated Thatcher for assignment on July 21. He opted for free agency and initially refused an assignment to Fresno, but he has returned to the organization.
He was 1-3 with a 3.79 ERA over 19 innings in 36 relief appearances.
Thatcher, 33, and Tony Sipp had been the Astros’ primary lefthanded relievers most of the year.
jesus.