Adrian

Houser

Houser struggled to miss bats and put hitters away here. That pushed up his pitch count and forced him from this game before he could qualify for the win. He only threw 36% of his pitches in the zone and the Nationals hitters were ready to take many of them. He’s scheduled to face the Mariners at home next time out.

Houser gave up six hits, walked two and struck out two. The 32-year-old right-hander has allowed at least four runs in three of his last four starts. Houser has just 62 strikeouts in 90 2/3 innings this year. While he has been a more than solid starter with a 2.88 ERA this year, his 4.36 xFIP indicates his production isn’t backed up by strong skills. Houser is lined up to face the Guardians on the road next week.

Houser threw just 69 pitches, but the Rays decided against letting him face the Giants lineup for a third time in a scoreless game. The no-decision leaves him 0-2 with a 5.17 ERA in three starts since joining the team. He’s 6-4 with a 2.67 ERA overall, and he rates as a solid play next week in a home start against the Cardinals.

Houser also issued three walks on the day while punching out four opposing hitters. All of the scoring against him came in the opening inning on a two-run blast by Cal Raleigh and a two-run single by Eugenio Suarez. He settled in nicely afterwards and blanked the M’s over his final four frames, but the damage had already been done. Houser got 12 swings and misses on 94 pitches on the day, posting a CSW of 27 percent. He’ll bring a 2.84 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and a 54/26 K/BB ratio (79 1/3 innings) into Saturday’s showdown against the Giants in San Francisco.

Houser never allowed more than three earned runs while amassing a 2.10 ERA in 11 starts for the White Sox, but he was knocked around pretty good with his velocity down some tonight. He threw just four four-seam fastballs, which were an average of 2.3 mph lower than his season average of 95.1 mph. His sinker average 93.0 mph, compared to a season mark of 94.2 mph. It seems like a bad sign, but it’s probably a good idea to wait and see how he fared Sunday against the Mariners before dropping him.

When the trade deadline started, it seemed like the Rays were going to be sellers, but they pivoted to buying in the final hours and landed Houser, among others. The 32-year-old has been tremendous for the White Sox this season, posting a 2.10 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 47/22 K/BB ratio in 68 2/3 innings. Of course, the strikeout rate leaves a lot to be desired, but Houser is inducing a bunch of groundballs and weak contact. He figures to slot in as the Rays’ fifth starter in the spot vacated by Zack Littell, who the team traded last night.

The New York Post’s Joel Sherman adds that the White Sox are getting former top prospect Curtis Mead back in the deal. Houser is an interesting gamble for Tampa Bay given their track record with these types of reclamation projects. The well-traveled 32-year-old righty doesn’t offer much in the strikeout department, but he’s had a strong rebound campaign this season in Chicago with a sparkling 2.10 ERA across 68 2/3 innings (11 starts). His arrival likely means that Taj Bradley and Forrest Whitley are going to stay in the minors. Mead is a fascinating pickup for the White Sox given his prospect pedigree. He should get a chance to play everyday in Chicago after being blocked with the Rays.

Houser has not been traded as of now, but he seems destined to be dealt either today or tomorrow, so the White Sox don’t want to risk him getting hurt before that happens. Tyler Alexander will replace him for what will likely be a bullpen game.

Houser gave up five hits, walked three and struck out three. The 32-year-old right-hander was staked to a 5-0 lead after two innings and took the mound in the sixth inning with an 11-0 lead. Houser continues to run a low ERA despite much higher ERA estimators. His 2.10 ERA is a full two runs below his 4.10 xFIP. With a 47/22 K/BB ratio in 68 2/3 innings, Houser isn’t a recommended fantasy option outside of AL-Only leagues. He’s lined up to face the Phillies at home next week.

Houser worked around four hits through three scoreless innings before the Pirates got to him in the fourth. Ke’Bryan Hayes drove in two runs with a double. A walk and a base hit made it three runs before Houser could get out of the inning. He recorded just one out in the fifth, giving up a run on a base hit and a double before his day was done. Houser struck out five. The 32-year-old right-hander will take a 1.89 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and a 44/19 K/BB ratio over 62 innings into a home start against the Cubs on Friday.