Astros sign third round pick RHP Riley Ferrell

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros announced today the signing of right-handed pitcher Riley Ferrell, who was selected in the third 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.

A native of College Station, Texas, Ferrell saved 14 games with a 2.56 ERA (9ER/31.2IP) and 53 strikeouts as a junior at TCU this season, helping to lead the Horned Frogs to the semifinals of the College World Series. Ferrell was a semifinalist for the 2015 Dick Howser Trophy, an award that is given annually to the top player in collegiate baseball. In three seasons at TCU, Ferrell set a school record with 32 saves, while posting a 1.72 ERA (21ER/109.2IP) and 162 strikeouts in 86 total appearances.

"Riley has been one of the NCAA's most dominant relief pitchers in his three years at Texas Christian," said Elias. "He has a fastball that can reach the upper 90's, a plus slider and a solid changeup as his third pitch. Most of all, we like the poise under pressure he has shown while closing out big games all throughout his career. He's a terrific power arm to add to our system."

The Astros have now signed 30 of their 42 selections from the 2015 MLB Draft.