Padres manager Bud Black said Friday that Joe Thatcher (shoulder) will be used in lower leverage situations in order to "get his feel back on the ground." Thatcher, who underwent shoulder surgery in May, was activated from the disabled list Thursday. The veteran left-hander hasn't pitched in the majors this season, but has a 2.14 ERA and 100 strikeouts over 80 innings since the start of 2009.