Former Seattle Mariners' Key Reliever Lands with Division Rival
Penn Murfee, who helped the Seattle Mariners get to the playoffs in 2022, has landed with the Houston Astros ahead of Opening Day. It's been a tumultuous offseason for Murfee, who won't be able to pitch for the first few months because of an injury.
Former Seattle Mariners' reliever Penn Murfee has landed with the division-rival Houston Astros.
The Astros made the roster announcement on social media:
We have claimed RHP Penn Murfee off waivers from the Atlanta Braves. To make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Kendall Graveman has been placed on the 60-day IL.
It's been a tumultuous offseason for Murfee, who was let go by Seattle, then picked up and let by the New York Mets, and then picked up and let go by the Braves. Murfee is recovering from an elbow injury which has led to his inability to stay on a 40-man roster. He is expected to be out for multiple months after undergoing elbow surgery last summer.
When healthy, Murfee has been highly effective. He finished with a 1.29 ERA last season, albeit in just 16 appearances. He was 4-0 in 2022 with a 2.99 ERA in 64 games. He helped the Mariners end their lengthy playoff drought and advance to the postseason for the first time since 2001.
He was an integral part of the group that upset the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League wild card round. He features a nice two-seam fastball and slider combination and can be a tough matchup for right-handed hitters.
Mariners fans are certainly not happy to see him land with the Astros, because when healthy, he could be someone who gives Mariners' hitters fits down the stretch.
The Astros won the American League West last season and advanced to the ALCS before losing to the Texas Rangers.
They open with the New York Yankees on Thursday.
Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media
Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.
