HOUSTON -- Home in Kokomo, Ind., after he was designated for assignment on July 21, Joe Thatcher fielded calls from a few Major League teams who wanted the ninth-year southpaw's services in their bullpen.
Using the unplanned summer at home to unwind and regroup, Thatcher instead accepted his assignment to the Astros' Triple-A club in Fresno, Calif.
"I feel comfortable here," Thatcher said. "We've got a good group of guys here, and I felt this is where I needed to be and where I wanted to be."
Thatcher was one of three September callups to join the Astros prior to Tuesday's game against the Mariners, joining utility man Jonathan Villar and reliever Josh Fields.