At age 31 career minor leaguer Dale Thayer has done an excellent job as the Padres’ fill-in closer, saving five games with a 0.00 ERA and 10/0 K/BB ratio in 10 innings stepping into the ninth-inning role for Huston Street.
However, before going on the disabled list with a shoulder injury Street was also pitching very well with a 0.93 ERA and 13/2 K/BB ratio in 10 innings and he’s showing signs of returning to the closer role soon.
Steve Overbey of MLB.com reports that Street threw yesterday for the fifth straight day and is on track for a bullpen session early next week, at which point the Padres could schedule a brief minor-league rehab assignment.
Barring a setback returning by the end of next week might even possible and every indication is that Street will resume closing, pushing Thayer back into a setup role alongside Andrew Cashner and Luke Gregerson in what could be one of the league’s best bullpens.
