Welcome to Austin!
The Tampa Bay Rays are finalizing their 25-man roster. On Thursday morning, the team announced that RHP Austin Pruitt would be joining the club on opening day.
Through four seasons of minor-league ball Pruitt posted 27 wins, 28 losses, and a 3.33 ERA. He spent his first full season as a relief pitcher between Class-A Bowling Green and Low-A Hudson Valley. He transitioned into a starter the following season.
The 27-year-old native of The Woodlands, TX pitched alongside current Rays pitcher Blake Snell in 2015. During his 49 scoreless-innings streak Snell made 12 starts for Double-A Montgomery. The two will now renew acquaintances on a grander scale.
The Rays had an extra bullpen spot to fill. Going back to that role does not bother Pruitt and he is excited to be given the opportunity…
Austin Pruitt on making #Rays opening day roster: pic.twitter.com/4k5y3hozHk
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 30, 2017
At 5-10 160-lb touching 90 mph, Pruitt went un-drafted out of high school. Not only that, he did not receive any Division 1 college offers. He enrolled at Navarro Junior College in Corsicana, TX. Former Rangers and current Orioles slugger Chris Davis also attended Navarro Junior College. From there Pruitt went on to attend the University of Houston.
During his senior season at Houston, Pruitt led the Cougars pitching staff in wins, ERA, starts, innings-pitched, and strikeouts. He also led Conference-USA with five complete games. This was enough for the Rays to select him in the ninth round of the 2013 MLB Draft.
