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Astros sign Tony Sipp
The Astros appear to be making the most of their off day. Dennis Lin of the San Diego Union Tribune reports via Twitter that the Astros are signing LHP Tony Sipp. Could this mean the Raul Valdes experience is over?
Tony Sipp (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Astros left-handers have failed to provide any relief this season and Sipp is a
somewhat desperate
attempt to improve upon that particular shortcoming. I’m not going to bore you with any stats (or bother to look them up) let’s just say they’ve been bad …really bad. We all know it. What I can tell you is: the Astros overall bullpen ERA of 5.86 is the highest in the league.
Sipp, who was pitching for the Padres AAA El Paso Chihuahuas, (love that name) is a veteran of five big league campaigns. He spent 2009 through 2012 with the Indians before being traded to Arizona prior to last season. Sipp appeared in 56 games for the D-Backs, posting an ERA+ of only 80 and a robust 5.3 BB/9 IP. Arizona did not renew his contract and Sipp signed with the Padres in February.
In 14 & 2/3 AAA innings this season with El Paso, Sipp has allowed 14 hits and issued only two walks. The Padres are granting him his release to allow the Astros to sign the 30-year old lefty. A corresponding move will need to be made to make room for Tony on the active roster as well as the 40-man roster. Any guesses who that might be?