The Astros have purchased right-hander Felipe Paulino’s contract from the Sugar Land Skeeters of the independent Atlantic League, per Mark Berman of Fox 26. Paulino will report to Triple-A Round Rock.
Now 35 years old, Paulino began his professional career with the Astros, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2001. He eventually worked his way to Houston, where he made 47 appearances (31 starts) from 2007-10.
Paulino’s also a former Royal, Rockie and White Sox, though he hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2014. He owns a 5.48 ERA/4.84 FIP with 8.32 K/9, 3.83 BB/9 and a 43.8 percent groundball rate in 403 2/3 MLB innings.
Paulino has recorded somewhat similar numbers in Triple-A, having posted a 5.26 ERA with 7.4 K/9 and 5.1 BB/9 across 191 2/3 frames. But he hasn’t taken the mound at that level with a major league organization since a 13-inning run with the Indians’ top affiliate in 2016. Along with his time in the Atlantic League, Paulino has pitched in Japan, Mexico and Venezuela over the past few years. He racked up 63 saves as Sugar Land’s closer from 2017-19.
Hey this guy was really good with the Skeeters. which is pretty much AA+ in terms of competition.
Why? A 5.22 career ERA. Terrible
depth, depth, depth
crap, crap, crap
Unexpected for sure, but at this point I pretty much give the Astros the benefit of the doubt on any move.
Same.
Stuff was there, he had a stretch of really good starts in 2011 for the Royals, then hit the wall his last few weeks and turns out had a torn UCL. Had no idea he was still in the game.
This guy used to have electric stuff! I’m curious to see how he looks now.
When I watched him pitch with the Astros in the late 2000’s, I always thought he would make an excellent reliever buy they stuck with him as a starter. He had filthy stuff but would always get in trouble by the 4th or 5th inning. After dominating as the Skeeters closer, I’m rooting for him to make it back to the big leagues with the Astros.
I remember he had some kind of tick with his eyes, which I always found disconcerting since he threw 98 mph.
Great signing!
Further proof that even World Series contenders dumpster dive. Stop chastising teams for signing depth players to minors deals