by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (6/15/2013) Astros starter Lucas Harrell won his fifth game Saturday night against the White Sox.
Harrell (5-7) allowed a run-scoring single to Paul Konerko in the first inning and a home run to Adam Dunn in the seventh. The right-hander was charged with three runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out seven in seven innings of a 4-3 win.
Harrell has allowed four runs over his last three starts (20 2/3 innings). He is scheduled to make his next start Thursday at home against Milwaukee. He is 0-1 with a 4.35 ERA in his last two career starts against the Brewers.
Lucas Harrell comes up empty again
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (6/9/2013) Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell threw seven scoreless innings, but he couldn't lock down a win Sunday as Royals pitcher Luis Mendoza also went seven scoreless in what turned out to be an unexpected pitcher's duel. Harrell allowed two Salvador Perez singles, walking three and striking out one.
Harrell has allowed two runs (one earned) through two June starts (14 innings), but he's 0-1 in that span.
Harrell is expected to start Saturday against his former team -- the White Sox. Harrell beat Chicago last season, despite allowing five runs on six hits in 7 1/3 innings.
Lucas Harrell sharp in loss
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (6/4/2013) Astros starter Lucas Harrell allowed one earned run on five hits and no walks over seven innings while striking out six, but it wasn't enough in a 4-1 loss to the visiting Orioles Tuesday.
Harrell (4-7) allowed a solo homer to Danny Valencia in the third inning, and the Orioles got an unearned run on an error by first baseman Chris Carter. He threw threw 108 pitches.
Harrell, who has a 4.97 ERA, is 1-5 in his last seven starts. His next scheduled start is Sunday at Kansas City.
Lucas Harrell earns fourth win
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (5/31/2013) Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell earned his fourth win Thursday by holding the Rockies to four runs (three earned) on eight hits and four walks in 5 2/3 innings while striking out two. Harrell also drew two walks at the plate but did not score any runs in the game.
Harrell threw 119 pitches but couldn't make it out of the sixth inning in this start. He brings a 5.37 ERA into Tuesday's start in Houston against the Orioles. He's 2-4 with a 7.15 ERA in seven home starts this season.
A's rough up Lucas Harrell
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/25/2013) Astros starter Lucas Harrell, who took the loss in his previous start May 19 -- despite allowing one run in seven innings -- endured his shortest outing of the season to drop his third-consecutive decision Saturday against the Athletics.
Harrell (3-6) allowed six runs in the second and was pulled after walking Josh Donaldson to load the bases for the second time in the inning. He was charged with six runs on six hits and three walks while striking out one over 1 2/3 innings in an 11-5 defeat.
Harrell is scheduled to start Thursday at Colorado.
Sinker is key to Lucas Harrell's success
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/20/2013) Although he ended up as the tough-luck loser Sunday against the Pirates, Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell -- who allowed a run in seven innings -- was happy with his performance.
"(Sunday) was the first game this year where I really dominated both sides of the plate with my sinker," Harrell said to the Houston Chronicle. "(Carlos) Corporan and I had a great game plan. He did his homework, and I just followed along with his plan. I didn’t shake off much and just kind of rolled with it. The defense played great behind me."
Harrell, who has allowed an earned run in six starts, didn't allow a hit until Pedro Alvarez's solo home run in the fifth inning. Corporan said the key was making sure Harrell relied on his sinker.
"Down, in and away. Basically that’s it. I think he could’ve pitched (Monday) if he wanted," said Corporan, who only called a few curveballs.
Lucas Harrell takes tough-luck loss
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/19/2013) Astros starter Lucas Harrell allowed four hits and a walk over seven innings but it wasn't enough in a 1-0 loss to Jeff Locke and the Pirates.
Pittsburgh combined for a three-hitter to leave Harrell (3-5) with the loss, his third straight since winning three in a row. He struck out three and his only mistake was a solo homer to Pedro Alvarez in the fifth inning.
Harrell has allowed one earned run in six of his 10 starts this season and two or fewer runs in seven of his 10 outings. But he's also allowed five or more runs in each of his other three starts.
Harrell makes his next scheduled start Saturday against Oakland.
Lucas Harrell's next start moved up to Sunday
by Jack Moore | CBSSports.com (5/17/2013) The Astros have moved starting pitcher Lucas Harrell's next start to Sunday against Pittsburgh, MLB.com reports.
Harell last started on Tuesday, so he'll be on regular rest. He has a brutal 5.11 ERA and even 1.0 K/BB in nine starts.
Lucas Harrell lets one get away
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/14/2013) Astros starter Lucas Harrell had a 2-0 lead on Tuesday night in Detroit heading into the bottom of the fifth inning. Before finishing five frames, his lead was gone.
Harrell allowed three runs in the fifth and two more without recording an out in the sixth and took the loss to fall to 3-4 with a 5.11 ERA. Harrell allowed five runs on seven hits and three walks over five innings with only one strikeout.
Harrell, who threw 98 pitches, had given up just one run over five frames his last time out against the Angels, but took a no-decision. He's 0-2 in his last three outings since winning three straight from April 19-29.
The Houston starter is scheduled to make his next appearance Monday against Kansas City.
Lucas Harrell walks six in no-decision
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (5/9/2013) Astros starter Lucas Harrell worked in and out of trouble Thursday night against the Angels, walking six batters and allowing four hits in five innings but surrendering just two runs (one earned) in a no-decision. He struck out just one and allowed a solo home run in the game.
Harrell is 3-3 with a 4.76 ERA, 1.76 WHIP and 28 walks in 44 1/3 innings this season.
Lucas Harrell shelled by Tigers
by Adam Moore | CBSSports.com (5/4/2013) Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell was knocked around early and often Saturday night against the Tigers. Harrell, who had won his previous three starts, allowed eight runs on a season-high 10 hits over 4 1/3 innings in the 17-2 loss.
Most of the damage came in the first inning as Detroit scored four runs, with two coming on a two-run double by Victor Martinez. He also surrendered two runs in the second and was finally pulled after giving up an RBI double to Alex Avila in the fifth.
Harrell (3-3) finished with four walks and three strikeouts and saw his ERA balloon from 3.60 to 5.03.
The right-hander will face the Rangers for the second time this year Friday. Harrell allowed a run over six innings when he faced Texas on April 2.
Lucas Harrell cruises against Yankees
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/29/2013) Astros starter Lucas Harrell pitched well on Monday night in New York, but he didn't really have to with the Yankees' Andy Pettitte giving up seven runs.
Harrell held a 9-1 lead when he left the game after allowing just the one earned run on eight hits and a walk over 6 1/3. He struck out four and threw 105 pitches to improve to 3-2.
Harrell has won three consecutive starts for Houston and has given up just four earned runs over that span of 19 innings. Harrell has only allowed five earned over his last 24 2/3 frames with 18 Ks over that stretch.
Harrell will make his next scheduled start Saturday against Detroit.
Lucas Harrell not looking like a strong option
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell has allowed more than two runs just once in his five starts so far, but our Al Melchior is not sold on his breakout. In his Week 5 (April 29-May 5) pitching planner, Melchoir calls Harrell just an AL-only Fantasy option, and it is hard to argue with that conclusion.
Harrell had a solid first full season in 2012, posting a 3.76 ERA, but he decidedly was not useful in most Fantasy formats, thanks to a low strikeout rate and few wins on a bad team. This season, Harrell's strikeout rate is a mediocre 6.3 per nine innings, and he has just five more strikeouts (20) than walks (15).
Harrell might be able to sustain a decent ERA like last season, but that will be just about the only place you get a boost from him. With how many decent pitchers there are right now, Harrell ranks just 69th in the majors in ERA at 4.08. Without a higher strikeout rate or more wins, it is hard to recommend Harrell to the majority of Fantasy formats.
Lucas Harrell notches win in blowout
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/24/2013) Astros starter Lucas Harrell held the Mariners to one earned run on six hits and two walks in seven innings Wednesday afternoon, striking out five batters and earning his second win of the season in his team's 10-3 victory.
Harrell has a 4.08 ERA this season but has allowed two or fewer earned runs in four of his five starts. He'll face the Yankees on the road in his next start Monday.
Lucas Harrell picks up first win
by Adam Moore | CBSSports.com (4/20/2013) Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell earned his first win of the season Friday against the Indians. Harrell allowed two runs on five hits over 5 2/3 innings.
The runs came on a two-run homer by Lonnie Chisenhall in the fourth inning. Harrell (1-2) was pulled after throwing 98 pitches and finished with five walks and four strikeouts.
"I was struggling to throw strikes again, it's just kind of been a trend right now," Harrell said. "It's something I need to work on between starts and definitely focus on that. If the defense wouldn't have played so well, and if we wouldn't have scored some runs early, it could have been a rough night."
Harrell is scheduled to start Wednesday against the Mariners.
Lucas Harrell bounces back vs. Angels
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/14/2013) After being tagged for eight runs his last time out, Astros starter Lucas Harrell bounced back with a solid performance but settled for a no-decision Saturday night on the road against the Angels.
Harrell, who made his third start of the season, surrendered a solo home run to Josh Hamilton in the sixth for his only mistake of the night. The right-hander was charged with one run on six hits in 5 2/3 innings of work. He also struck out five and walked one in 96 pitches, 61 strikes.
Harrel has a 5.63 ERA and a 1.69 WHIP through his first three starts. He is scheduled to face the Indians at home Friday night. Harrel allowed one run and two hits over seven innings of work in his previous meeting against the Indians in 2012.
Lucas Harrell blasted by Athletics
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/7/2013) Astros starter Lucas Harrell struggled at home against Oakland Sunday and is 0-2 to start the season.
Harrell allowed two runs in the second and third, one in the fourth and three in the fifth before being lifted. He gave up eight runs on seven hits and five walks over 4 1/3 innings. He struck out two but gave up three home runs.
Harrell's ERA is 7.84 as he's allowed nine runs over 10 1/3 innings with seven walks and six strike outs. His next scheduled start is Saturday in Los Angeles against the Angels.
Lucas Harrell earns two-start week
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/5/2013) After making his season debut Tuesday, Astros pitcher Lucas Harrell has become a two-start option for Fantasy Week 1. The Houston Chronicle reports Friday that Harrell, who was originally scheduled to start Monday, will take the mound Sunday to wrap up a three-game home set against the A's.
The right-hander, who allowed just one run over six innings in his debut, went 6-3 with a 2.34 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP in 13 starts at home last season.
Avoid Lucas Harrell in mixed leagues
by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (4/3/2013) On the basis of a strong season debut for the Astros, Lucas Harrell is garnering some interest on waivers, but owners shouldn't put too much stock in this one start. Yes, it's true that Harrell finished strong last season, putting up a 2.87 ERA and 7.4 K/9 rate in the second half, but the signs are that those numbers were an illusion.
Harrell actually threw far fewer strikes after the All-Star break, and all season long, he registered low swinging strike rates, which have been the norm throughout his career. He did get more than his share of looking strikes, but not to an extreme degree like Vance Worley does. Harrell's partial-year fling as a strikeout pitcher looks like a fluke, and especially with suspect command, he shouldn't be trusted outside of AL-only leagues.
So far, so good for Lucas Harrell
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/3/2013) According to the thresholds I set prior to his season debut Tuesday against the Rangers, Lucas Harrell's six strong innings for the Astros were enough to keep him on my radar, but not to send me rushing the waiver wire. For the most part, that's true.
I did go ahead and put in a claim for him in a league where I'm short on pitching, though, passing on Brandon McCarthy and Dillon Gee, among others.
I don't know that Harrell is better than those two, but coming off that start, he's the one getting the attention right now, which means he's the one I'm more likely to lose to someone else.
Depending on how those two debut, I wouldn't hesitate to switch him out, but clearly, I have some level of confidence in him.
Lucas Harrell outdueled in quality start
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/2/2013) Astros pitcher Lucas Harrell had a strong showing in his first start of the season Tuesday against the Rangers but it was not enough to overcome his counterpart -- Yu Darvish. Harrell allowed one run on six hits over six innings of work in a 7-0 loss.
Darvish took a perfect game into the ninth inning but had it broken up by a two-out single by Marwin Gonzalez.
Harrell gave up his lone damage in the third and threw 54 of his 97 pitches for strikes. The right-hander also struck out four and walked two while taking his first loss of the season.
Keep an eye on Lucas Harrell
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/2/2013) I knew Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell was too low-end to draft in standard mixed leagues heading into 2013. But at the same time, I was intrigued by his final 18 starts last season, when he posted a 2.81 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 8.0 strikeout per nine innings.
His WHIP during that stretch leads me to believe the ERA was too good to be true, but the stikeout rate leads me to believe he didn't just get lucky, either.
So even though I didn't draft Harrell, I'm interested in seeing how he begins this season. If he picks up where he left off last year, I might be willing to make room for him on my roster.
His first start is Tuesday night against the Rangers -- a tough test, to say the least. A strong six innings would keep him on my radar. A dominant seven innings might send me rushing for the waiver wire.
Lucas Harrell readies for first start
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/28/2013) Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell took the hill for the last time this spring Thursday against the Braves. The right-hander, who will open the year as the Astros' No. 2 starter, allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and a walk in six innings. He allowed a solo home run to Andrelton Simmons in the third inning and struck out five.
Harrell finishes the spring with a 2.25 ERA in six spring starts. He struck out 15 and walked eight in 24 innings. Harrell will make his first start of the regular season Tuesday against Texas.
Astros rounding out rotation
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/23/2013) The Houston Astros rotation will begin with Bud Norris, Lucas Harrell and Philip Humber, CBS Sports Senior Baseball Writer Danny Knobler reports. Knobler believes Erik Bedard will follow and either Alex White or Brad Peacock will round out the starters.
The loser of the No. 5 starter battle will likely end up in the bullpen as a long reliever.
Lucas Harrell allows two runs in five innings
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/21/2013) Astros pitcher Lucas Harrell allowed two earned runs on three hits and three walks against the Tigers Thursday, striking out two batters. It was a solid effort for the Astros' No. 2 starter, who now has a 2.50 ERA and 13 strikeouts through 18 spring innings.
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/16/2013) Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell threw four no-hit innings in his Saturday start against the Nationals, striking out three, walking two and allowed no runs. He threw just 47 pitches in the efficient start.
"I definitely felt like I could have gone two or three more [innings]," Harrell told MLB.com. "I definitely feel like my arm is where it needs to be and my legs are good now, so I’m ready to get back out there now on a consistent basis."
The outing drops Harrell's spring ERA to 2.08 in 13 innings.
Lucas Harrell to return Saturday
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (3/14/2013) The Astros announced Thursday starting pitcher Lucas Harrell, who was scratched from his last spring start due to discomfort in his right groin, will start Saturday against the Nationals. Harrell has posted a 3.00 ERA and 1.33 WHIP through three spring starts (nine innings). He also has five strikeouts and two walks.
Harrell nearing return to mound
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/12/2013) Houston starter Lucas Harrell, who had been pushed back some due to a strained right groin, should get back to throwing shortly and could pitch in a game by the end of the week, reports MLB.com. Harrell, Houston's pitcher of the year in 2012, has been playing catch off flat ground of late. The 27-year-old remains a candidate to pitch on opening day for manager Bo Porter.
Cautious Harrell pushed back
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (3/8/2013) Houston starting pitcher Lucas Harrell was scratched from his scheduled outing Sunday because of a minor right groin strain, MLB.com reports. Harrell apparently suffered the injury while covering first base during Tuesday's game against Washington and said he does not expect the setback to be a lingering issue. "I tweaked it a little bit," Harrell said Friday. "We're just being cautious. I don't think it's anything serious. Over the last couple of days, it's already gotten better. In four or five days, I'll be able to make a start."
Harrell looking solid
by Chris Towers | CBSSports.com (3/5/2013) Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell did a fine job in his second start of the spring Tuesday against the Nationals. He tossed four shutout innings in the game, striking out four batters and walking just one. He allowed one run on three hits, all of which went for singles. Harrell lowered his spring ERA to 3.00, despite a .303 batting averaging against. Harrell told MLB.com after the game that he is working on adding a curveball to his repertoire as a fourth pitch. "I felt like it was pretty good early, and we threw it a few times to lefties, a few times to righties," Harrell said. "It was my first time throwing it in a game. I really worked on it the last couple of days, really worked on it a lot this offseason trying to get it better."
Harrell dominates weak lineup
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/28/2013) Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell breezed through a punchless Yankees lineup Thursday during his second spring outing. Harrell tossed three scoreless innings against a New York lineup that had just one starter -- catcher Francisco Cervelli. Harrell allowed three hits and no walks, while striking out one. He threw 22 of 32 pitches for strikes and lowered his spring ERA from 9.00 to 3.60. “I was hoping I could go another inning,” Harrell said, per MLB.com. “I was hoping to get up to 50 pitches. I told [pitching coach Doug Brocail] before the game my goal is to try to throw around 50 pitches. You try to be efficient but sometimes at spring training it works the other way. You want to go ahead and throw the 50 pitches, but you also want to get those pitches in against live batters.”
Harrell aims to carry momentum
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (2/23/2013) Astros starting pitcher Lucas Harrell gave up two runs and four hits over two innings of work during his Grapefruit League debut in Houston's 8-3 win over Philadelphia on Saturday. Harrell, considered a possible option for the team's opening day assignment, registered one walk and no strikeouts. He allowed a run in each of the two innings he pitched as the Phillies tagged him for four singles during his performance.
