Harris showing his worth
SEATTLE — A middle reliever’s performance will go mostly unnoticed when his team is struggling, but Astros righthander Will Harris has been on a roll to start the season.
Harris, 31, has reeled off a string of nine consecutive scoreless outings spanning 92 innings. He has not allowed a run since yielding one to the Yankees on April 7 in his first appearance of the season.
Harris recorded four outs in the Astros’ 7-4 win against the Mariners on Wednesday night at Safeco Field, their first win in four games.
“He’s our unsung hero all the time in the ‘pen,” Astros manager A.J. Hinch said. “I put him in every situation available, whether it’s mid-game, late-game. He usually is the guy that goes out and gets four outs for you. He’s been exceptional since he’s been an Astro. The value of having him down there to troubleshoot and get out of as many messes as he does is pretty remarkable.”
Harris’ 0.82 ERA came into Thursday’s games tied for fifth-best among American League relievers who have already logged at least 10 innings. He is inducing groundballs at an 80 percent rate, the best among AL relievers.
“I feel pretty good,” Harris said. “Just kind of same old, same old. I prepare every day the same. Just try and fill up the strike zone, try and pitch off my fastball and work in a few breaking balls to keep hitters off balanced, move the ball around. It’s just kind of the same formula that I’ve always tried to do.”