Called upon to protect a 5-3 ninth-inning lead, Dale Thayer blew his third save Tuesday against the Padres.

Tonight's outing isn't Thayer's fault; if Bud Black's desire is to continue to play with fire, he's going to get scorched. Rotoworld wouldn't dare stretch that clich‚ to include general manager Josh Byrnes, who would probably prefer, at this point, that his skipper juggles flames with late leads. After all, the Padres, 16 games below .500 entering the day, stand to acquire no worse than the third pick in next year's draft. Conspiracy theories aren't our thing. Pointing out that a 31-year-old journeyman reliever with a 4.43 career ERA shouldn't be protecting leads is. Regardless, until Huston Street returns, Thayer is roughly the 32nd-most valuable reliever in fantasy baseball.

Dale Thayer is expected to serve as the Padres' interim closer.

With Huston Street (calf) likely headed to the disabled list, Thayer and Luke Gregerson are being considered for save chances. We'd expect Thayer to assume the role he held when Street was out in earlier this season, but Gregerson could be an option if he struggles.

Dale Thayer took a loss after giving up a homer in a tie game against the Cubs on Wednesday.

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.

Dale Thayer was rocked for five runs in one inning Saturday in a non-save situation against the Mets.

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.

Dale Thayer converted his fourth save in as many chances in Wednesday's win over the Dodgers.

He allowed a one-out single to Bobby Abreu but then got a flyout and foulout to end it. Thayer has now thrown eight scoreless innings this season had has yet to walk a batter. He certainly doesn't "wow" you with his stuff, but it's looking like he'll keep the closer gig until Huston Street returns.

Dale Thayer earned his third save in as many chances on Saturday after slamming the door on the Phillies.

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.

Despite giving up three hits, Dale Thayer pitched a scoreless ninth against the Rockies on Tuesday for his second save in as many nights.

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.

Making his fifth appearance since being called up by the Padres, Dale Thayer recorded a save with a perfect ninth inning Monday against the Rockies.

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.

Padres purchased the contract of RHP Dale Thayer from Triple-A Tucson.

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.

Padres signed RHP Dale Thayer to a minor league contract.

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.

Dale Thayer has elected free agency.

Thayer was recently outrighted off the 40-man roster, 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'll likely get a spring training invite somewhere.

Mets sent RHP Dale Thayer outright to Triple-A Buffalo.

Thayer held a 3.48 ERA in 11 games for the Mets this season and boasted a 2.66 ERA and 8.4 K/9 rate over 71 Triple-A innings this season. The 30-year-old may elect free agency if he so chooses.

Mets recalled RHP Dale Thayer from Triple-A Buffalo.

The Mets will be without Jason Isringhausen (back) for a while, so they'll calling up another right-handed bullpen arm. Thayer allowed two runs on five hits in four innings earlier this season for the Mets and held a 2.66 ERA with 21 saves in his time for Buffalo.

The Mets are expected to promote Dale Thayer Friday.

Thayer allowed two runs on five hits in four innings earlier this season for the Mets and held a 2.66 ERA with 21 saves in his time for Triple-A Buffalo. He'll give the team another right-handed arm with Jason Isringhausen (back) unavailable.

Mets purchased the contract of RHP Dale Thayer from Triple-A Buffalo.

Thayer posted a 7.47 ERA in 12 appearances the last two seasons with the Rays, but the 30-year-old boasts a 2.05 ERA while striking out nearly a batter per inning this season at Triple-A. He'll help out in the middle innings.

Mets signed RHP Dale Thayer to a minor league contract.

The contract does not include an invite to spring training. Thayer, 30, made one appearance with the Rays last August, but spent the majority of the season with Triple-A Durham, posting a 3.45 ERA and 55/25 K/BB ratio over 60 innings. He has a 7.47 ERA over 12 major league appearances, all of them with the Rays.

Rays optioned RHP Dale Thayer to Triple-A Durham.

Thayer was called up just one day ago, but will head back to the minors in order to clear roster space for Sunday's fill-in starter Andy Sonnanstine. Thayer allowed six earned runs in two innings for the Rays.

Rays recalled RHP Dale Thayer from Triple-A Durham.

Thayer will be making his first appearance in the majors this season. The veteran Triple-A reliever had a 3.35 ERA with Durham.