Rhett Bollinger of MLB.com passes along word that the Astros have claimed right-hander Samuel Deduno off waivers from the Twins. He was plucked off outright waivers, not revocable waivers as we often see during the month of August, so no trade was required.
After playing a significant role for the Dominican Republic in last year’s World Baseball Classic, Deduno posted a 3.83 ERA over 18 starts with the Twins last season, though his secondary numbers weren’t all that impressive. The 31-year-old has split this season between the starting rotation and the bullpen, putting up a 4.60 ERA and 74/41 K/BB ratio in 92 innings over eight starts and 22 relief appearances.
Interestingly, Deduno has a solid 3.21 ERA with 51 strikeouts and 22 walks over 53 1/3 innings in a relief role this season. Meanwhile, he owns a 56 percent ground ball rate for his career. The Twins thought he was expendable, but it’s easy to see why the rebuilding Astros are intrigued.
