Interesting piece of news today - to rejoin the Astros, Vince Velasquez needed a roster spot. The victim?? LOOGY Joe Thatcher. Interesting!
First, lefty relief has not been strong for the Astros this year. While wins and losses are no way to measure pitching effectiveness, Thatcher and Sipp have combined to lose 7 games. Thatcher has struck out a few (10.4 K/9) but has struggled with the walk (5.2 BB/9). His ERA of 3.79 looks unsightly compared to his FIP (3.17). His WHIP perhaps tells the best story - 1.684. For a guy who is there to pound lefties.