Lucas Harrell is Still in the Astros Organization

Lucas Harrell (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

Let’s get something out of the way, I don’t mean to scare anyone here. Having you spit up your most recently eaten meal or break into a cold sweat, is not the objective.

Yes, Lucas Harrell is still a member of the Astros’ organization. But now, it does not mean that he has returned to Houston. All it means is that along with the Astros, none of the other 29 major league teams wanted to claim the right-hander off waivers. With the current state of pitching in the major leagues, that has to say something.

So now that the 10 days are up and Harrell has cleared waivers, he will now report to Oklahoma City and join their pitching staff.

After a 2012 that saw Harrell go 11-11 with a 3.76 ERA, the right-hander had his share of struggles last season going 6-17 with a 5.86 ERA. Harrell’s fortunes did not improve in his three starts this season as he was 0-3 with a 9.49 ERA before being jettisoned off the roster to make room for Scott Feldman‘s return from the bereavement list.

Harrell had this to say to Evan Drellich after his last start with the Astros:

"“No matter what happens you got to make pitches,” Harrell said following his April 15 start. “Sometimes bad luck is really not bad luck. It’s making bad pitches.”"

It is possible that Harrell will find his way back to Houston at some point this season, but I think, and would hope, that it is only if there is a need and his performance dictates it and there truly are no other options.