During today's MLB Rule 5 draft, Tampa Bay Rays right-handed pitcher Aneury Rodriguez was selected by the Houston Astros. As a result of his selection, the Astros must now keep him on their major league roster for the entire season or offer him back at half-price of the original $50,000 for selection.
↵Rodriguez was originally a Colorado Rockies prospect, pitching in the minor league system from 2005-2008. He climbed the minor league ladder one level at a time, reaching High-A Modesto in 2008, where he averaged 8.0 K/9. Then shortly before the 2009 season began, the Rockies traded Rodriguez to the Tampa Bay Rays for Jason Hammel.
↵Hammel has been a key contributor for the Rockies over the last two seasons and will be counted on strongly for the upcoming season. As for Rodriguez, he reached Triple-A Durham in 2010, but the Rays decided not to add him to their 40-man roster this offseason. However, Baseball America says he has three average pitches, including a 94-mph fastball.
↵Best of luck to Aneury Rodriguez sticking the entire season in the majors with the Astros.
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