Rays Trade Houston Local Product Austin Pruitt to Astros
Austin Pruitt spent three major league seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, making 10 starts and 67 total appearances. His 4.87 ERA was nothing special and was why he shuffled between the majors and Triple-A throughout his tenure.
The right-hander is now getting a fresh start as he has reportedly been traded to the Houston Astros.
Astros have acquired RHP Austin Pruitt from Rays in exchange for Minor League RHP pitcher Peyton Battenfield and Minor League outfielder Cal Stevenson. To make room for Pruitt on the 40-man roster, the Astros designated right-handed pitcher Dean Deetz for assig
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) January 10, 2020
This should be a dream come true for Pruitt as he is a Houston area native who grew up and attended college in the region. Being traded is never easy, but this is a rare occasion in which the move actually brings excitement to the player on the move.
Austin Pruitt said Rays VP of baseball operations James Click texted him earlier today asking if he had a minute to talk. He figured then he was being traded.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) January 10, 2020
When Click told him it was to Houston, Pruitt said his family "went absolutely through the roof."
In exchange for Pruitt the Rays get two prospects in Peyton Battenfield and Cal Stevenson. Both players spent 2019 at the Single-A level.
The Rays restock the farm system with two prospects and the Astros get a hometown pitcher. This appears to be a great move for all involved.