Astros pick up left handed Lumsden
By john • Nov 24th, 2008 • Category: houston astros, minor leagues, top story, tyler lumsden
Tyler Lumsden has been picked up by the Houston Astros for a player to be named or cash. The left hander formerly of the Royals was designated for assignment earlier this week following a tough year in Triple-A.
Lumsden, who was once a member of the Chicago White Sox farm system, arrived in Kansas City as the return for Mike MacDougal. After going 3-13 with a 7.21 ERA for Triple-A Omaha the Royals elected to designate the 25 year old for assignment.
A couple of years ago Lumsden would have been a tough pitcher to get a hold of, this winter things are different.
While Lumsden has yet to prove himself at the Triple-A level he had success in the lower levels of the minors as well as during his time in college with Clemson.
His success with Clemson prompted the White Sox to draft him as the 34th overall pick of the 2004 draft. Elbow surgery forced him to miss 2005 but after a strong start with the Birmingham Barons of the Southern League was traded to Kansas City. After initial success in the Texas League he strugged in 2007 and 2008 with the move to Triple-A going 12-19 with a 6.51 ERA over 33 games.
Lumsden, who stands 6-foot-4, features a fastball that tops out at 94 mph, an average curve ball and change up, and a developing cutter. The Astros believe that he hasn’t flamed out yet, especially since tall throwers and lefties sometimes take a little longer to pan out.
The Astros figure to give Lumsden a long look this spring. If the club is unable to resign Randy Wolf they may opt to view Lumsden as a fifth starter.
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