Dale

Thayer

As in his previous two outings, it wasn’t the smoothest of rides. Jimmy Rollins led off with a single and was sacrificed to second. He eventually stole third but was stranded there as Thayer fanned Hunter Pence to end the game. Though many believe that Andrew Cashner is more talented and better-suited for the ninth-inning role, Thayer seems to have the job locked up. That is, until Huston Street returns from the disabled list.

A recent hiccup against the Marlins seems to have cost him a shot at save opportunities in Huston Street’s (lat) absence. Dale Thayer has been getting those chances and is worth grabbing in all fantasy leagues.

Andrew Cashner probably cost himself this opportunity with his poor showing Sunday. The 31-year-old Thayer certainly has tons of closing experience, what with his 173 minor league saves, but he’s had trouble getting looks in the majors. It’d be a nice story if he could rack up a few saves for San Diego, and since Cashner might not be ready, fantasy leaguers should consider giving him a look.

Marco Scutaro was hit by the ball that would have been a game-tying single. It still went as a hit for Jordan Pacheco, but Scutaro was out on the play, and Thayer was able to bounce back from there and strike out Carlos Gonzalez to end the game. Tonight’s save was more luck than anything else, but Thayer might keep getting chances for the Padres until he blows one.

He’ll replace the injured Micah Owings (forearm) in the Padres’ bullpen. Thayer, 31, had a 5/2 K/BB ratio over 8 1/3 scoreless innings at the Triple-A level and will pitch in middle relief.

“There’s no specific timetable,” Street said. “It’s not a long timetable. I’ve done this enough to take it day-by-day. You know you’re gone 15 days and will re-evaluate it in 15 days. I wish it could be quicker.” Padres manager Bud Black mentioned Andrew Cashner, Luke Gregerson and even Dale Thayer as options to close while Street is out. We fully expect Cashner to be the guy.

He gets an invite to spring training. Thayer was outrighted off the Mets’ 40-man roster earlier this offseason, but refused a minor league assignment. The 30-year-old right-hander posted a 3.48 ERA in 11 games with the Mets this season and a 2.66 ERA over 71 innings at the Triple-A level. He has a shot to crack San Diego’s bullpen.

Thayer entered Saturday’s action with a perfect 10/0 K/BB ratio over 10 scoreless innings this season, but he may have been a little amped up against his former team. The 31-year-old right-hander gave up four hits and a walk, the big blow of which was a grand slam by Mike Nickeas. We still think Thayer will handle save chances with Huston Street (lat) sidelined.

The Padres backed off after Street felt some discomfort in his calf while running on Thursday. He was originally expected to return Sunday, but that obviously won’t happen now. Luke Gregerson has seemingly jumped Dale Thayer as the preferred fill-in at closer, so he should be owned in most fantasy leagues right now.

One wonders if rust has something to do with Thayer’s last two appearances; he was pitching on five days’ rest when he gave up five runs on Saturday and three days’ rest in giving up two runs today. The Padres haven’t been generating save chances, so they haven’t been finding work for him. He still figures to get the next save chance they do create.