Harrell outrighted to Triple-A after clearing waivers

SEATTLE -- Right-hander Lucas Harrell, who began the year in the Astros' rotation, cleared waivers on Tuesday and was outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City, but it's not known whether he will actually report to the RedHawks.

Because he has no prior outrights and has less than three years of Major League service time, Harrell can't elect free agency. He has 72 hours to report to Oklahoma City.

Harrell went 0-3 with a 9.49 ERA in three starts with the Astros before being designated for assignment last week.

Harrell hasn't been able to duplicate his 2012 breakout campaign in which he was 11-11 with a 3.76 ERA in 32 starts. He struggled to find consistency last year and wound up leading the American League in walks and losses while teetering between the rotation and bullpen.

Harrell told MLB.com last week it's probably time to move on.

"They've got their plans and I understand that," he said. "I think it's best for both parties to kind of go their separate ways."

Harrell's spot in the rotation was taken by Brad Peacock, who allowed five hits and two runs in a loss at Oakland on Sunday.