Former Milwaukee Brewers Starting Pitcher Signs Minor League Deal with Houston Astros.The Milwaukee Brewers are 27-19 and in first place in the National League Central Division. Despite losing two out of three games to the Houston Astros, they still hold a two game lead over the Craig Counsell-led Chicago Cubs. The Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds are six, seven, and eight-and-a-half games behind the Brewers, respectively.
It is truly amazing that the Brewers have been able to capture and hold onto first place in the division given how many injuries they have suffered to their starting rotation. Of course, ace Corbin Burnes was traded before the spring training and Brandon Woodruff was ruled out for the 2024 season with a shoulder injury.
Since then, starting pitchers Wade Miley, Jakob Junis, and DL Hall have all missed time with injuries of their own. Miley’s most recent elbow ailment required Tommy John surgery, ending his season as well.
With so many injuries to their starting rotation, many fans wondered if the team might try to re-sign left-handed starter Eric Lauer, who recently opted out of his contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, that is no longer possible.
Former Milwaukee Brewers Pitcher Eric Lauer Signs with the Houston Astros
According to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors, the Astros and Lauer have agreed to a minor league contract for the remainder of the season. If Lauer gets called up to the Major Leagues, he will be paid a prorated $1.5 million salary.
Adams notes that Lauer has opt outs for July 1 and August 1 if he is not on the Big League club by those dates.
One interesting connection between Lauer and the Astros prior to their signing, as reported by Adams, is that Houston’s general manager, Dana Brown, worked for the Toronto Blue Jay’s scouting department in 2013. That was the year the Jays drafted Lauer out of high school.
Lauer, of course, opted to go to college instead and was drafted by the San Diego Padres three years later.
Prior to being granted his release from Pittsburgh, Lauer was 2-2 in eight games (six starts) with a 5.52 ERA for their Triple-A affiliate.
