Astros claim Darin Downs from Detroit
Left-handed reliever added to 40-man roster
HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have claimed left-handed pitcher Darin Downs off of waivers from Detroit. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow.
Downs, 28, posted a 4.84 ERA (19ER/35.1IP) in 29 games across two stints in the Tigers bullpen this season. He struck out 37 hitters in his 35.1 innings pitched, while limiting left-handed hitters to a .219 (14x64) average. Downs also made 13 minor league appearances in 2013 and posted a 2.16 ERA (4ER/16.2IP) combined between Triple A Toledo (12g) and Class A West Michigan (1g). Downs has pitched in parts of the last two seasons with the Tigers and owns a career 2-3 record and a 4.34 ERA (27ER/56IP) in 47 games. He’s collected 57 strikeouts in his 56.0 Major League innings pitched.
With the addition of Downs and the removal of left-handed pitcher Erik Bedard, who filed for free agency yesterday, the Astros 40-man roster remains at 36 players.