The Texas Rangers have bolstered their bullpen by securing the services of right-handed reliever Austin Pruitt on a minor-league contract. The 34-year-old, previously with the Oakland A’s for the last two seasons, has inked a deal that includes a non-roster invitee status.
Pruitt, known for his consistent command, posted a combined 3.65 ERA over 103 2/3 innings in the past two seasons, notably achieving a 2.98 ERA in 2023 with a 1.159 WHIP. With a commendable track record spanning six years and stints with the Tampa Bay Rays, Houston Astros, and Miami Marlins, Pruitt maintains a low walk rate of 2.3 per nine innings.
Having signed a minor league contract with the A’s last off-season, Pruitt spent most of the year contributing to the big-league bullpen, showcasing his versatility in various roles. Notably, in 2022, he delivered an impressive spot start against the formidable Chicago White Sox, throwing five perfect innings with two strikeouts on short notice.
Although Pruitt fell short of the innings required to be classified as a qualified pitcher last season, his Baseball Savant page displayed positive metrics, including low BB%, Barrel%, and Hard Hit%. A Texas native, born in Plano, Pruitt began his professional journey after being selected by the Rays in 2013 following his tenure at the University of Houston.
While Pruitt faces some uncertainty in securing a spot in the Rangers’ bullpen, his wealth of experience and potential make him a valuable addition. Despite lacking overpowering pitches, Pruitt excels in limiting hard contact and inducing swings from batters. The signing represents a prudent move by the Texas Rangers, providing depth and versatility without significant financial risk.
Leave a Reply