Astros to select contract of LHP Kevin Chapman Friday
LHP Travis Blackley will be designated for assignment Friday to make roster space
HOUSTON, TX — Effective Friday (tomorrow), the Astros will select the contract of left-handed pitcher Kevin Chapman from Triple A Oklahoma City, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced today.
Also effective on Friday, the Astros will designate left-handed pitcher Travis Blackley for assignment to make room on the roster. In 42 appearances, Blackley was 1-1 with a 4.89 ERA.
This will be the first Major League stint for the 25-year-old Chapman, who was 1-2 with a 3.20 ERA in 45 appearances for the RedHawks with two saves and 61 strikeouts in 50.2 innings of work. In his last 10 games, he has posted a 1.42 ERA (2ER/12.2IP) with 20 strikeouts in just 12.2 innings pitched. He earned a save in his last appearance on August 6, hurling a scoreless inning vs. Colorado Springs. For the season, left-handed hitters are hitting .193 vs. him.
In 148 career minor league appearances, Chapman has tallied 230 strikeouts in 188.2 innings pitched. He was acquired by the Astros from Kansas City on March 20, 2012, along with outfielder D’Andre Toney in exchange for outfielder Jason Bourgeois and catcher Humberto Quintero. He was originally selected by KC in the fourth round of the 2010 June Draft.