Lucas Harrell

Lucas Harrell
Houston Astros – No. 64
Starting pitcher
Born: (1985-06-03) June 3, 1985 Springfield, Missouri
Bats: Switch	Throws: Right
MLB debut
July 30, 2010 for the Chicago White Sox
Career statistics (through 2013 season)
Win–loss record	18–30
Earned run average	4.69
Strikeouts	259
WHIP	1.56
Teams
Chicago White Sox (2010–2011) Houston Astros (2011–present)

Lucas Harrell

Medal record
Men’s baseball
Competitor for  United States
Baseball World Cup
Gold	2009 Nettuno	National team

Lucas William Bradley Harrell (born June 3, 1985) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Houston Astros of Major League Baseball. Harrell stands 6'2" and weighs 210 pounds.

High school

As a shortstop/pitcher, Harrell led Ozark High School to its first state championship in 2004 over Mary Institute and the Saint Louis Country Day School. That same year Harrell went 10–1 with a 1.09 ERA. Harrell mowed down MICDS's power-packed lineup despite an excellent showing of fan support for the Ladue, Missouri school. In the semi-final game at the state championship, Harrell was 2–3 with a double and home run along with pitching Ozark to a 2–1 victory over nationally ranked Sikeston, Missouri. Harrell also played on the Ozark state championship basketball team in 2003.

Professional career

Chicago White Sox

Harrell was drafted out of high school by the Chicago White Sox in the 4th round (119th overall) of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft. Harrell began his professional career for the Rookie League Bristol White Sox in 2004. Making 9 starts in 13 appearances, he had a 3–5 record with a 5.59 ERA.

In 2005, Harrell advanced to the Single-A Kannapolis Intimidators. He went 7–11 with a 3.65 ERA. His 26 starts and 11 losses led the Intimidators, was tied for 3rd on the team in wins, and was third on the team in strikeouts (85). In 2006, Harrell split the season between the Single-A Winston-Salem Warthogs and the Double-A Birmingham Barons. Making a combined 20 starts, he went 7–4 with a 3.18 ERA. Harrell was also a Carolina League midseason All-Star.

In 2007, Harrell missed the entire season following right shoulder surgery. On November 20, 2007, the White Sox purchased Harrell's contract, protecting him from the Rule 5 Draft.

Harrell made his MLB debut on July 30, 2010, pitching six innings and allowing only one run in a 6–1 win over the Oakland Athletics and immediately returned to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights. On May 29, 2011, Harrell was recalled to take the spot of Tony Peña, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list.^[1]

Houston Astros

Harrell was claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros on July 8, 2011.^[2] His first start with the Astros was on September 2 against the Brewers. He finished the 2011 season with a 4.50 ERA, 15 strikeouts, a 0–2 record, and a 1.72 WHIP.

On April 2, 2012 Harrell was declared a starting pitcher in the Astro's Opening Day rotation. In his first start of the season, he was very sharp, as he threw seven scoreless innings and allowed just three hits while striking out four against the Colorado Rockies. Harrell also got his first major league hit, a bunt that hugged the third-base line and stayed fair.^[3]

On June 27, 2012 he recorded his first shutout and complete game in a 1–0 win over the San Diego Padres. Not since Taylor Buchholz in 2006 had an Astros rookie pitcher recorded a shutout.^[4]

Baseball World Cup

In 2009, Harrell was called up to play in the Baseball World Cup with Team USA. Harrell and the USA Baseball team won the World Cup and the Gold Medals.

Scouting report

Harrell is an extreme ground ball pitcher, relying on a 91 MPH two-seam fastball. In 2012, he averaged 57% ground ball outs, ranking in the top 5 in the major leagues. He also throws an upper 80's slider, a curveball and a changeup.^[5]

References

External links

• Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs, or The Baseball Cube, or Baseball-Reference (Minors)
• Lucas Harrell on Twitter