Braves pitcher Lucas Harrell is getting another shot in the major leagues. On Friday, he was named the Saturday starter for the Braves against the Miami Marlins.
Harrell has some experience pitching as a starter, most recently with the Houston Astros in 2014. That year, he posted a 0-3 record with a 9.49 ERA in over 12 1/3 innings.
The 31-year-old righty had his best year with the Astros in 2012, when he posted an 11-11 record with a 3.76 ERA. However, he has also had some rough moments.
In 2013, he led the American league in losses (17) and walks (88). For his career, he has started 62 big league games across five seasons with the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros.
His overall numbers are 18-33 with a 4.84 ERA and 268 career strikeouts. He also has 200 career walks to his name.
Regardless of his stats, the Braves feel that he can be a serviceable pitcher that can eat up innings in a spot start. The starting rotation has been decimated with injuries and the Braves need a fresh arm.
“I really don’t know a lot about him as I just kind of looked up his numbers,” Braves interim manager Brian Snitker said. “Bo (Porter) had him in Houston and I think he is a ground ball and sinker guy. He has been through the war and that is good. He has been pitching okay down there and hopefully he can extend the game for us.”
Harrell began the year in Triple A. He bounced around a couple of organizations before signing with the Braves on May 21. He posted a 2.81 ERA and has only given up 10 earned runs at Gwinnett in nine appearances.
In his last start, he went six innings, allowing no runs and had five strikeouts.
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