Lucas Harrell
Harrell with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017
Pitcher
Born: (1985-06-03) June 3, 1985
Springfield, Missouri, U.S.
Batted: Switch
Threw: Right
Professional debut
MLB: July 30, 2010, for the Chicago White Sox
KBO: March 31, 2015, for the LG Twins
Last appearance
MLB: July 16, 2017, for the Toronto Blue Jays
KBO: October 2, 2015, for the LG Twins
MLB statistics
Win–loss record21–35
Earned run average4.81
Strikeouts310
KBO statistics
Win–loss record10–11
Earned run average4.93
Strikeouts151
Teams
Medals
Men's baseball
Representing  United States
Baseball World Cup
Gold medal – first place 2009 Nettuno Team

Lucas William Bradley Harrell (born June 3, 1985) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox, Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, Texas Rangers, and Toronto Blue Jays. Harrell has also played for the LG Twins of the KBO League.

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 had three hits in the State Championship game against MICDS. In the semi-final game at the state championship, Harrell was 2–3 with a double and go-ahead home run to lead off the 6th inning. He also threw a complete game as Ozark scored 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.[1] On May 29, 2011, Harrell was recalled to take the spot of Tony Peña, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list.[2][3]

Houston Astros

Harrell pitching for the Houston Astros in 2013

Harrell was claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros on July 8, 2011.[4] 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.

Harrell pitching for the Houston Astros in 2013

On April 2, 2012 Harrell was declared a starting pitcher in the team's Opening Day rotation. In his first start of the season, he threw seven scoreless innings and allowed 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.[5]

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.[6] Harrell finished with team bests in wins (11), innings pitched (193.2), ERA (3.76) and in WHIP (1.35).

Harrell pitching for the Houston Astros in 2013

In 2013, Harrell pitched poorly throughout the season. At one point he was demoted to the bullpen but was placed back in the rotation by the end of the season. Harrell finished with a league high 17 losses accompanied by a 5.86 ERA in 36 games (22 starts). He also finished with a league high 88 walks.

On April 16, 2014, the Astros designated Harrell for assignment.[7] He was outrighted to the minor leagues on April 22.[8][9]

Arizona Diamondbacks

On April 28, 2014 the Astros traded Harrell to the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.[10] The Diamondbacks released Harrell on August 24, 2014.[11] His stats were poor, after starting out well in his first few starts in Reno, Harrell declined gradually over the course of the next few months. In over 100 innings pitched, Harrell had 77 walks against 67 strikeouts and registered a WHIP of 1.80 in 22 games for the Aces.

LG Twins

On November 25 2014, Harrell signed with the LG Twins.[12]

Detroit Tigers

On March 7, 2016, Harrell signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers.[13] Harrell appeared in six games between the AAA and AA minor league Detroit Tigers system.

Atlanta Braves

Harrell was acquired by the Braves on May 21, 2016.[14] On July 2, the Braves called him up to make a spot start.[15] Harrell pitched six innings, yielding one run on five hits in his first major league start since April 15, 2014, and earned his first win since August 14, 2013.[16][17]

Texas Rangers

On July 27, 2016, the Braves traded Harrell and Darío Álvarez to the Texas Rangers for Travis Demeritte.[18] Harrell made his Rangers debut on July 31, 2016, and earned a win.[19] On October 28, Harrell rejected an outright assignment to the minor leagues and became a free agent.[20]

Toronto Blue Jays

Harrell pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2017 Spring Training

On January 30, 2017, Harrell signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays that included an invitation to spring training.[21] On July 1, Harrell was called up by the Blue Jays.[22] He was designated for assignment on July 17.[23] On October 6, Harrell elected free agency.[24]

International career

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.[25]

References

  1. ↑ Horvath, Louie (July 30, 2010). "Harrell debuts in White Sox win". MLB.com. Archived from the original on August 14, 2016. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  2. ↑ Padilla, Doug (May 29, 2011). "White Sox put Tony Pena on DL". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  3. ↑ "Harrell replaces injured Pena in bullpen". MLB.com. May 29, 2011. Archived from the original on August 14, 2016. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  4. ↑ Nicholson-Smith, Ben (8 July 2011). "Astros Claim Lucas Harrell". MLBTradeRumors.com. Retrieved 8 July 2011.
  5. ↑ McTaggart, Brian (April 7, 2012). "Stellar Harrell outpitches veteran Moyer in win". MLB.com.
  6. ↑ McTaggart, Brian (June 27, 2012). "Harrell blanks Padres for first career shutout". MLB.com. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  7. ↑ "CBS News - Breaking news, 24/7 live streaming news & top stories".
  8. ↑ Todd, Jeff (April 22, 2014). "Astros Outright Lucas Harrell". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved April 23, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Lucas Harrell clears waivers, heads to OKC". 22 April 2014.
  10. ↑ "Astros trade RHP Harrell to Arizona". ESPN.com. Associated Press. April 29, 2014. Retrieved April 29, 2014.
  11. ↑ Gleeman, Aaron (August 25, 2014). "Diamondbacks release Lucas Harrell". NBC Sports. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  12. ↑ Silva, Drew (November 25, 2014). "Lucas Harrell, Jim Adduci both sign contracts in Korea". NBC Sports. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  13. ↑ "Tigers Sign RHP Lucas Harrell To Minor League Deal". CBS. March 7, 2016. Retrieved March 7, 2016.
  14. ↑ Thompson, Jaylon (July 2, 2016). "Braves to call up Lucas Harrell for a spot start on Saturday". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  15. ↑ Bowman, Mark (July 2, 2016). "Braves shuffle around depleted rotation". MLB.com. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  16. ↑ Frisaro, Joe; James, Pat (July 2, 2016). "Peterson, Freeman back Harrell in MLB return". MLB.com. Retrieved July 2, 2016.
  17. ↑ James, Pat (July 2, 2016). "Welcome return to Majors for Harrell". MLB.com. Retrieved July 3, 2016.
  18. ↑ Bowman, Mark (July 28, 2016). "Braves thrilled to reel in power prospect". Archived from the original on July 29, 2016. Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  19. ↑ MLB BOX SCORE - KANSAS CITY VS. TEXAS. CBS Sports, 31 Jul 2016. Retrieved 2016-07-31.
  20. ↑ Adams, Steve (October 28, 2016). "Lucas Harrell, Shawn Tolleson Elect Free Agency". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
  21. ↑ Adams, Steve (January 30, 2017). "Blue Jays Sign Lucas Harrell To Minor League Deal". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved January 30, 2017.
  22. ↑ "Blue Jays recall Lucas Harrell, designate Ian Parmley for assignment". Sportsnet. July 1, 2017. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  23. ↑ "Blue Jays recall Dominic Leone, designate Lucas Harrell for assignment". Sportsnet. July 17, 2017. Retrieved July 17, 2017.
  24. ↑ "Lucas Harrell Stats, Highlights, Bio". MiLB.com. Retrieved October 12, 2017.
  25. ↑ Exploring the Arsenal – Lucas Harrell. Retrieved September 29, 2013.
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