Astros Select Two Pitchers in Minor League Phase of Rule 5 Draft

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros made two selections in the minor league phase of today’s Rule 5 draft, selecting right-handed pitcher Joe Record in the first round and right-handed pitcher Seth Martinez in the second round. The Astros did not make a selection in the Major League phase.

Record, 25, was selected from the Minnesota Twins organization, where he last pitched in 2019, appearing in a total of 35 games between two Class A affiliates. He combined for a 4-4 record and a 5.07 ERA (31ER/55IP) with eight saves and 68 strikeouts in his 55.0 innings pitched. Originally a 28th round pick by the Twins in the June 2017 draft out of UC Santa Barbara, Record did not pitch in the 2017 and 2018 seasons after undergoing Tommy John surgery in August of 2017.

Martinez, 26, was selected from the Oakland A’s organization. He last pitched in 2019, splitting his season between the Class A and Double A levels, combining for a 7-4 record and a 2.51 ERA (20ER/71.2IP) in 42 relief appearances. He accumulated 74 strikeouts in his 71.2 innings pitched, while allowing a .198 opponent batting average and posting a 0.95 WHIP. Since being selected by the A’s in the 17th round of the June 2016 draft out of Arizona State, Martinez has pitched in four professional seasons (2016-19), combing to post a 3.11 ERA (285ER/245.2IP) in 108 appearances.

The Astros lost one player in the Major League Rule 5 Draft, as Los Angeles (AL) selected right-handed pitcher Jose Alberto Rivera. In the minor league phase, the Astros had two players selected, as outfielder Drew Ferguson went to New York (NL) and catcher Chuckie Robinson went to Cincinnati.