Astros claim RHP Will Harris from Arizona
Perez selected to 40-man roster; Zeid activated from 60-day DL; Cisnero outrighted
HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have claimed right-handed pitcher Will Harris off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks, General Manager Jeff Luhnow announced today. Additionally, the Astros selected catcher Carlos Perez to the 40-man roster, activated right-handed pitcher Josh Zeid from the 60-day DL and outrighted right-handed pitcher Jose Cisnero off the 40-man roster.
Harris, 30, has pitched in parts of the last three seasons with the D-backs (2013-14) and Rockies (2012), posting a 5-5 record with a 4.26 ERA (47ER/99.1IP) and 107 strikeouts in 110 Major League appearances over that span. In 29 relief outings with Arizona in 2014, Harris posted a 4.34 ERA (14ER/29IP) with 35 strikeouts and nine walks, setting a franchise record by ending the season with 16 consecutive scoreless appearances (15.2IP). Originally drafted by the Rockies in the ninth round of the 2006 draft out of Louisiana State University, Harris was born in Houston and is currently a resident of Baton Rouge, La.
Perez, 24, spent the 2014 season at Triple A Oklahoma City where he hit .259 (78x301) with 16 doubles, six homers and 34 RBI in 88 games with the RedHawks. The Venezuelan native finished fifth among all Pacific Coast League catchers in caught stealing percentage (32.4%, 22CS/68ATT) last season, and in 2013 led the league in most runners caught stealing (35) despite spending the first month of the season at Double A. Perez was acquired by the Astros as part of the 10-player trade with Toronto on July 20, 2012.
Zeid, 27, pitched in 23 games with the Astros in 2014 before being placed on the Disabled List with bilateral sesamoiditis on July 25. The right-handed pitcher has made 48 total appearances out of the Astros bullpen over the past two seasons.
Cisnero, 25, started the 2014 season at Triple A Oklahoma City before making five relief appearances for Houston. He was placed on the Disabled List with right elbow discomfort on May 7 and eventually underwent successful Tommy John surgery on May 28.
With today's roster moves, the Astros 40-man roster sits at 39.