Arauz named Appalachian League Pitcher of the Week

GREENEVILLE, TN - Greeneville Astros right-handed pitcher Harold Arauz has been named the Appalachian League Pitcher of the Week by MiLB.com for the week of August 18-24. In his first two appearances since being assigned to Greeneville from the Gulf Coast League, the 19-year-old Panamanian has picked up 11 strikeouts to just one walk over 9.2 scoreless innings while allowing just four hits.   

This marks the seventh time in club history the Greeneville Astros have earned pitcher of the week honors, and it is the first time since left-hander Sergio Severino picked up the award in August, 2006. 

Arauz was assigned to Greeneville on August 17, and made his first appearance on the road against the Kingsport Mets as a reliever the very next day. Over 3.2 innings of work, Arauz allowed two hits and one walk while fanning six to pick up the win.

On August 24, Arauz got his first start with his new club as the Astros hosted the Bluefield Blue Jays. Over six innings, Arauz struck out five and allowed just two hits but took a no decision.

Arauz was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Houston Astros on July 12, 2011. He pitched for the Astros in the Dominican Summer League from 2012-13 before beginning the 2014 season with the Gulf Coast League Astros. 

Prior to arriving in Greeneville, Arauz had posted a 4-2 record with two saves over 11 appearances and six starts in the GCL. During that time, he posted a 3.76 ERA and had 53 strikeouts against 17 walks over 40.2 innings. 

The Greeneville Astros are the Appalachian League affiliate of the Houston Astros. For more information on the Greeneville Astros, visit www.greenevilleastros.com.