Astros Sign Second Round Pick RHP Thomas Eshelman

July 1, 2015

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros announced today the signing of right-handed pitcher Thomas Eshelman, who was selected in the second round of the 2015 MLB First Year Player Draft. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The official announcement was made by Astros Director of Amateur Scouting Mike Elias.

Eshelman, 21, went 8-5 with a save and a 1.58 ERA (24ER/137IP) in 19 games (18 starts) for Cal State Fullerton this season, leading the Titans to the College World Series. Eshelman ranked fourth in the nation in strikeouts (139) and walked just four batters all year, giving him the nation's best strikeout to walk ratio (19.86) for the third consecutive season. The 2015 Big West Conference Pitcher of the Year was a 2015 Golden Spikes Award semifinalist, and pitched for Team U.S.A. in 2014. During his three-year career at Fullerton, Eshelman went 28-11 with 321 strikeouts and 18 walks in 52 games (50 starts) while posting the lowest ERA in school history at 1.65 (69ER/376.1IP).

"Thomas has been one of the most successful and durable starters in the country over the last three years," said Elias. "He has a good pitcher's frame, a sound delivery and three Major League quality pitches. His control has been impeccable during his college career and he really knows how to pitch with his fastball. These accomplishments and abilities point to a starting pitcher who should be able to advance steadily in our program, and we are delighted to have signed him today."

The Astros have now signed 33 of their 42 selections from the 2015 MLB Draft, and all of their selections made within the top 10 rounds.

-ASTROS-