Philip Humber can make it to Houston Astros’ opening rotation in 2013 - MLB News
Philip Humber is the latest name to be associated with the Houston Astros as a potential part of their starting rotation for the 2013 season. The right-handed pitcher was claimed off waivers from the Boston Red Sox and has been furnished with a one year
deal with a club option in 2014.
Jeff Luhnow, the general manager for the Houston ball club was pleased with the development. Jeff believed that Humber is a good quality pitcher and was on the Astros’ list as soon as he became available. It also was not bad for him that he is a local boy.
"I think he's a good Major League starting pitcher, and that's what we were looking for when he came available," he said. "We believe in him. It's great he's a local kid and can come home and pitch in front of his friends and family."
The Nacogdoches, Texas native has a salary of $800,000 in 2013 with a $3 million for 2014, if the Astros go for their option. He is quite excited by the idea of playing in Houston and expects to give a great performance for the club.
"The places I've played before, they haven't been able to see me but a little bit, but I'll be right up the road now in Houston. So we're excited about it. My wife and I have a little baby and it will make it easier on them as far as traveling and everything,"
Philip said.
The 29-year-old has been playing in the Majors for seven seasons. During that period, he has represented four different ball clubs with the Chicago White Sox being the last one. His numbers in 2012 were not that good. He posted a 6.44 ERA with a 5-5 win-loss
record in the 26 games that he pitched in. He was a starting pitcher in 16 games.
His career numbers are certainly better. In the 80 games that he has played, 44 were as a starting pitcher. He has a 16-15 winning record and has a 4.87 ERA. The 2011 season was probably his best year when he posted a 3.75 ERA and has a 9-9 win-loss record.
Philip believes that he can bounce back from the performance in 2012 and can do better in the coming season. "There were obviously some extreme highs and getting hurt and not pitching the way I was capable of," Humber said.
Being a local of the area, Philip Humber will certainly feel more at home playing for the Astros. He will also garner a lot of local support which is always good for a pitcher. One can certainly hope that he can perform to the best of his abilities, both
for the sake of himself and the team.
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