Astros sign fourth round pick RHP Daniel Mengden

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros announced today the signing of right-handed pitcher Daniel Mengden, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2014 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.

Mengden, Elias and Astros south Texas area scout Noel Gonzales-Luna will be made available to the media in the press conference room at Minute Maid Park at 3:15 p.m.

A Houston native, Mengden (6-1, 210) compiled a 15-17 record with a 3.20 ERA (93ER/261.1IP) and 230 strikeouts during his three seasons at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX. Mengden shared the SEC lead in starts this season (16) as the Aggies Friday night starter, and finished fifth in the conference in both strikeouts (95) and innings pitched (103.2). The 21-year-old pitched for Team USA last summer, going 1-0 with a 1.35 ERA in six games. Mengden was an AFLAC All-American and a three-time District 20-5A MVP while at Westside High School in Houston, TX.

"Daniel is a bulldog starter who can mix four pitches for strikes, including a plus fastball," said Elias. "He's been a stalwart in three seasons for the Aggies and in a terrific summer for Team USA. He's a great athlete, as his history as a two-way player demonstrates, and is as fierce a competitor as you will find. He joins a talented stable of power arms in our organization and fits exactly what we look for in a starting pitching prospect."

The Astros have now signed 35 of their 41 selections from the 2014 MLB Draft.