Astros right-hander Lucas Harrell received an opportunity to audition with the big league club as a September call-up last season after being claimed off waivers by Houston nearly two months earlier.
Harrell, 26, earned his chance down the stretch by posting a combined 12-5 record with a 2.63 ERA over 22 games (21 starts) at the Triple-A level for the Chicago White Sox and Astros.
He went 5-2 with a 1.72 ERA over 52 1/3 innings in nine starts for Triple-A Oklahoma City after joining the Astros organization.
Although Harrell spent some time at the big league level with Chicago, he welcomed a fresh start with Houston, especially since the Astros have elected to rebuild around young arms and position players.
"This is one of the best opportunities for me, personally, and for my career," Harrell said. "The Astros are looking to build a team around younger guys. The White Sox want the veteran guys with experience. That's the type of ballclub they have right now.
"Houston is the right place for me."
Harrell turned heads during his Astros' debut on Sept. 2 by allowing just three hits with two walks and four strikeouts over 5 1/3 scoreless innings against the Brewers at Minute Maid Park.
"That game meant a lot," Harrell said. "I wanted to come over here to Houston and make a good impression. I want to help the team win. Our team is really looking to build for next year and beyond."
Harrell went 0-2 with a 3.46 ERA over 13 innings in six games (two starts) for the Astros during his stint as a September call-up.
He'll enter Spring Training in the mix for a rotation spot next season.
"Lucas really battled well for us," Astros manager Brad Mills said. "He is a guy who can pitch in the rotation and out of the bullpen. The stuff that he showed proves he can throw short, middle or long. It's a good situation. We like what he brings to the table.
"He's a guy who can contribute."
Harrell is 1-2 with a 4.71 ERA over 42 innings in 17 career games (five starts) at the big league level for the White Sox and Astros.
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