Thatcher's addition to 'pen key with Sipp ailing

Thatcher whiffs Flores 0:21 3/23/15: Joe Thatcher strikes out Jesus Flores to record the second out of the 8th inning 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…