The Astros acquired left-handed pitcher Tyler Lumsden from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations, the club announced today.
Lumsden, 25, went 3-13 with a 7.21 ERA in 28 games, including 18 starts, for Triple A Omaha in 2008. He is currently playing in the Puerto Rican Winter League for the Gigantes de Carolina and is 0-1 with a 9.64 ERA (10ER/9.1IP) in four games (three starts).
“Tyler’s numbers weren’t good this year, but our guys like his arm,” Astros general manager Ed Wade said. “He’s a big, strong lefty, and he’s only 25 years old. He has remaining options, so we’ll get him into Kissimmee, evaluate him and give him a chance to compete. At the very least, Tyler provides us with some more young depth.”
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So who is this Tyler Lumsden?
71 starts in the minors. 424.2 innings. In two seasons at Triple-A Lumsden, in 216.2 innings has given up 179 hits, 164 earned runs, 26 HR, 121 walks and 118 strikeouts, 7 hit batsmen and 8 wild pitches.
So that doesn't look great. But he was a 5th-round draft pick from 2001 by the Marlins - but went on to be a three-year starter at Clemson instead, and was the 34th overall pick in the 2004 draft. He was the 5th ranked Royals prospect in 2007, according to Baseball America. He was claimed off waivers by the Astros - so taking a chance on a 25-year old left-handed pitcher, who just happens to be 6'4? I'm in. Oh, and he's ambidextrous.
And keep in mind, it's not like the Omaha Royals were very good last year - finishing 63-81. The much-maligned Player to be Named Later will be sent to the Royals.
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Kansas City Royals Assistant GM J.J. Picollo said, "He's got good stuff: an above-average fastball, a good curveball and a changeup, It’s just a matter of him putting it all together."
Funny, I didn't think that the Royals were out of that player-development phase of rebuilding.
