Astros sign former Red Sox left-hander to minor league deal
The Astros signed left-hander Brandon Walter to a minor league deal, according to the MLB.com transactions page. Walter was released by the Red Sox earlier this month after spending the entire season on the MiLB injured list.
The 27-year-old is a former 26th-round selection of the Red Sox in the 2019 MLB draft. After a decent spring performance, Walter yielded just one run with a 4:1 K:BB over 4 2/3 frames. Walter landed on the 7-day injured list with a strained left shoulder toward the end of camp in Florida.
Entering the spring, Walter was a candidate for a spot in the Red Sox bullpen due to his occupying a spot on the 40-man roster.
The Delaware native made his MLB debut last year, pitching in nine games for the Red Sox. He posted a 6.26 ERA with one save, 16 strikeouts, and seven walks while owning a 1.70 WHIP.
Walter struggled out of the gate, falling behind in counts and not working deep into his starts. As the warm weather began to break, he started to pitch better while with the WooSox. All told, he went 3-5 with a 4.60 ERA in 21 games (18 starts) with one hold, 88 strikeouts to 35 walks, and a 4.33 FIP.
Boston designated Walter for assignment after acquiring righty reliever Lucas Sims at the trade deadline. Injured players are not allowed to be placed on outright waivers, resulting in the Red Sox having to release the southpaw.
