Austin Pruitt

{{Infobox baseball biography

| name = Austin Pruitt

| image = Austin Pruitt (42047426122) (cropped).jpg

| image_size = 275

| caption = Pruitt with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018

| team = Free agent

| number =

| position = Pitcher

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|8|31}}

| birth_place = Plano, Texas, U.S.

| bats = Right

| throws = Right

| debutleague = MLB

| debutdate = April 2

| debutyear = 2017

| debutteam = Tampa Bay Rays

| statyear = 2024 season

| statleague = MLB

| stat1label = Win–loss record

| stat1value = 14–16

| stat2label = Earned run average

| stat2value = 4.54

| stat3label = Strikeouts

| stat3value = 221

| teams =

Tampa Bay Rays ({{mlby|2017}}–{{mlby|2019}})
Houston Astros ({{mlby|2021}})
Miami Marlins ({{mlby|2021}})
Oakland Athletics ({{mlby|2022}}–{{mlby|2023}})
Texas Rangers ({{mlby|2024}})

}}

Austin Daniel Pruitt (born August 31, 1989) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays, Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, and Texas Rangers.

Career

=Amateur career=

Pruitt attended The Woodlands College Park High School in The Woodlands, Texas, where he was a four-year baseball letterer and two-year football letterer, starting at defensive back on the football team. He played college baseball at Navarro College and was a key player as the team won the NJCAA title.{{cite web | url=https://www.yourconroenews.com/neighborhood/moco/sports/article/College-Park-grad-Pruitt-helps-Navarro-College-to-9260454.php | title=College Park grad Pruitt helps Navarro College to NJCAA title | date=June 8, 2011 }} He transferred to the University of Houston to continue his college baseball career with the Houston Cougars.{{cite web | url=https://thedailycougar.com/2021/07/26/returning-home-austin-pruitt-journey-astros/ | title=Returning home: Austin Pruitt's road back to Houston - Sports % | date=July 26, 2021 }}

=Tampa Bay Rays=

The Tampa Bay Rays selected Pruitt in the ninth round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft.http://www.heraldsun.com/sports/pruitt-enjoying-all-star-limelight/article_cc7a706c-48f6-11e6-b7f0-2b196451cbe0.html{{Dead link|date=October 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} After signing, he made his professional debut with the Hudson Valley Renegades and was promoted to the Bowling Green Hot Rods in July. In 14 games (seven starts), he was 0–3 with a 1.44 ERA. In 2014, he pitched for the Charlotte Stone Crabs where he pitched to a 9–7 record with a 3.73 ERA in 26 games (25 starts), and in 2015, he played with the Montgomery Biscuits where he was 10–7 with a 3.09 ERA in 26 starts. He spent 2016 with the Durham Bulls where he compiled an 8–11 record with a 3.76 ERA in 28 starts.{{cite news |url=http://www.milb.com/player/index.jsp?player_id=643493#/career/R/pitching/2018/ALL |title=Austin Pruitt Stats, Highlights, Bio – MiLB.com Stats – The Official Site of Minor League Baseball |publisher=MiLB.com |access-date=June 11, 2018}} The Rays added Pruitt to their 40-man roster after the 2016 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/rays-trade-motter-and-shaffer-to-mariners-for-3-minor-leaguers/2303413|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161119181910/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/rays-trade-motter-and-shaffer-to-mariners-for-3-minor-leaguers/2303413|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 19, 2016|title=Rays trade Motter and Shaffer to Mariners, add 8 prospects to roster|access-date=November 19, 2016}}

File:Austin Pruitt (34117770282) (Cropped).jpg in 2017]]

On March 30, 2017, the Tampa Bay Rays announced that Pruitt had made the 2017 Opening Day roster as a reliever.{{Cite news|url=https://www.draysbay.com/2017/3/30/15121714/spring-training-2017-austin-pruitt-bullpen-tampa-bay-rays-opening-day-roster|title=Rays prospect Austin Pruitt makes Opening Day roster|work=DRaysBay|access-date=August 3, 2017}}{{cite web |title= Rays rookie Austin Pruitt makes opening day roster |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/rays-rookie-austin-pruitt-makes-opening-day-roster/2318636/ |publisher= Tampa Bay Times |access-date= June 22, 2019}} He made his major league debut on April 2, 2017. He loaded the bases and was charged with an unearned run without recording an out. Pruitt allowed ten earned runs in his first six innings of big league work. On 9 May, Pruitt was optioned to Durham after surrendering three runs the previous night. He was recalled on 31 May to replace Chih-Wei Hu. On July 28, Pruitt entered the Rays' rotation following an injury to starter Jake Odorizzi. In just his third career start, Pruitt hurled {{frac|6|1|3}} scoreless innings against his hometown team — the Houston Astros.{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2017/08/02/pruitt-3-relievers-lead-rays-over-keuchel-astros-3-0/104246932/|title=Rookie Austin Pruitt delivers win to Rays in hometown Houston|work=USA TODAY|access-date=August 14, 2017|language=en}} Pruitt ended the season with Tampa Bay with an ERA of 5.31 in {{frac|83|1|3}} innings pitched, including eight starts.{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pruitau01.shtml|title=Austin Pruitt Stats {{!}} Baseball-Reference.com|website=Baseball-Reference.com|language=en|access-date=April 27, 2018}} In 2018, Pruitt spent the majority of the season as the Rays' long reliever, logging {{frac|69|2|3}} innings in 23 games. Pruitt appeared in 14 games for the Rays in 2019, recording a 4.40 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 47 innings.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/pruitau01.shtml|title=Austin Pruitt Stats}}

=Houston Astros=

On January 9, 2020, the Rays traded Pruitt to the Houston Astros in exchange for Cal Stevenson and Peyton Battenfield.{{cite web|last=Rome |first=Chandler |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/Rays-trade-Austin-Pruitt-hometown-Astros-14964084.php |title=Rays trade Austin Pruitt to his hometown Astros for 2 minor leaguers – Houston Chronicle |publisher=Chron.com |date=January 9, 2020 |access-date=February 9, 2020}} Pruitt did not appear in a game for the Astros in 2020 after suffering a hairline fracture in his right elbow. On April 10, 2021, Pruitt was placed on the 60-day injured list as he recovered from right elbow surgery.{{cite web|author=Mark Polishuk |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/04/covid-notes-41021.html |title=COVID Notes: 4/10/21 |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=2021-04-10 |accessdate=2021-08-06}} On July 16, Pruitt was activated off of the injured list.{{cite web|author=Anthony Franco |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/07/astros-activate-carlos-correa-austin-pruitt.html |title=Astros Activate Carlos Correa, Austin Pruitt |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=2021-07-16 |accessdate=2021-08-06}} On July 28, Pruitt was designated for assignment by the Astros.{{cite web|author=Steve Adams |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/07/astros-designate-austin-pruitt-for-assignment.html |title=Astros Designate Austin Pruitt For Assignment |publisher=MLB Trade Rumors |date=2021-07-28 |accessdate=2021-08-06}}

===Miami Marlins===

On July 28, 2021, the Astros traded Pruitt along with minor league outfielder Bryan De La Cruz for relief pitcher Yimi García.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/yimi-garcia-trade|title=Astros trade for MIA reliever Yimi García|date=July 28, 2021|accessdate=July 28, 2021}}

On August 5, the Marlins designated Pruitt for assignment.{{cite web|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/transactions/?tcid=mm_mlb_players#month=8&year=2021 |title=Major League Baseball Transactions | MLB.com |publisher=Mlb.mlb.com |date= |accessdate=2021-08-06}} On August 7, Pruitt cleared waivers and was assigned outright to the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/player/austin-pruitt-643493|title = Austin Pruitt Stats, Fantasy & News| website=MLB.com }} On August 20, Pruitt's contract was selected by the Marlins.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/08/marlins-select-austin-pruitt.html|title=Marlins Select Austin Pruitt|date=August 20, 2021 }} In 4 appearances for the Marlins, Pruitt posted a 1.93 ERA with 4 strikeouts. On September 2, Pruitt was designated for assignment by the Marlins,{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/09/marlins-designate-austin-pruitt-for-assignment.html|title=Marlins Designate Austin Pruitt for Assignment|date=September 2, 2021 }} and was again outrighted to Jacksonville on September 5. On October 5, Pruitt elected free agency.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/10/players-recently-electing-free-agency.html|title=Players Recently Electing Free Agency|website=MLB Trade Rumors|author=Anthony Franco|date=October 7, 2021|access-date=October 8, 2021}}

=Oakland Athletics=

On March 13, 2022, Pruitt signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics organization.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2022/03/athletics-sign-austin-pruitt-to-minors-deal.html|title=Athletics Sign Austin Pruitt To Minors Deal|first=Mark |last=Polishuk |website=MLBTradeRumors.com |date=March 13, 2022 |access-date=March 14, 2022}} He had his contract selected to the major league roster on May 28. He was designated for assignment on August 22, and was sent outright to the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators. On August 27, Pruitt was selected back to the active roster following an injury to Dany Jiménez.{{Cite web|title=Athletics' Austin Pruitt: Back in big leagues|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-austin-pruitt-back-in-big-leagues/|access-date=June 14, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=August 27, 2022 |language=en}} In 39 appearances for Oakland, he registered a 4.23 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 55.1 innings of work. In 12 games with Las Vegas, he had a 3.27 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 22.0 innings pitched. On November 3, Pruitt was removed from the 40-man roster and sent outright to Triple–A.{{Cite web|title=Athletics' Austin Pruitt: Loses spot on 40-man roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-austin-pruitt-loses-spot-on-40-man-roster/amp/|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=cbssports.com|language=en}} He elected free agency three days later.{{Cite web|title=Austin Pruitt has elected free agency|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/austin-pruitt/48538/news|access-date=June 29, 2023|website=nbcsports.com|language=en}}

On January 15, 2023, Pruitt re-signed with the Athletics on a minor league contract. He began the year with Triple-A Las Vegas, making 10 appearances and logging a 2.30 ERA with 16 strikeouts in 15.2 innings of work. On May 4, he had his contract selected to the active roster.{{Cite web|title=Athletics' Austin Pruitt: Added to roster|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-austin-pruitt-added-to-roster/|access-date=2023-05-04|website=cbssports.com|date=May 4, 2023 |language=en}} In 38 games for Oakland, Pruitt registered a 2–6 record and 2.98 ERA with 30 strikeouts in {{fraction|48|1|3}} innings pitched. On October 4, Pruitt was removed from the 40–man roster and sent outright to Triple–A.{{Cite web|title=Athletics' Austin Pruitt: Outrighted to Triple-A|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/athletics-austin-pruitt-outrighted-to-triple-a/|access-date=October 4, 2023|website=cbssports.com|date=October 4, 2023 |language=en}} On October 9, Pruitt elected free agency.

=Texas Rangers=

On January 10, 2024, Pruitt signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.{{cite news |title=Rangers sign ex-All-Star Shane Greene, others to minor deals |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/39283342/rangers-sign-ex-all-star-shane-greene-others-minor-deals |access-date=January 11, 2024 |work=ESPN.com |date=January 10, 2024}} He began the year with the Triple–A Round Rock Express. On April 13, the Rangers selected Pruitt to the major league roster.{{Cite web|title=Rangers Place Brock Burke On 15-Day Injured List|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/04/rangers-place-brock-burke-on-15-day-injured-list.html|access-date=April 13, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=April 13, 2024 |language=en}} Pruitt was placed on the injured list with a right meniscus injury on April 24,{{Cite web|title=Rangers' Austin Pruitt: Lands on IL|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-austin-pruitt-lands-on-il/|access-date=May 23, 2024|website=cbssports.com|date=April 24, 2024 |language=en}} and was later transferred to the 60–day injured list on May 21.{{Cite web|title=Rangers' Austin Pruitt: Shifted to 60-day IL|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/rangers-austin-pruitt-shifted-to-60-day-il/|access-date=May 23, 2024|website=cbssports.com|date=May 21, 2024 |language=en}} After struggling during his rehab assignments, Pruitt was released on July 28.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-29 |title=Austin Pruitt: Cut loose by Texas |url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/austin-pruitt-cut-loose-by-texas/ |access-date=2024-07-29 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}

=Oakland Athletics (second sint)=

On August 20, 2024, Pruitt signed a minor league contract with the Oakland Athletics.{{cite web | url=https://www.milb.com/transactions/2024-08-20/p-2 | title=Transactions }} He elected free agency on November 6.{{cite web | url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2024/ | title=Minor League Free Agents 2024 | date=November 6, 2024 }}