Astros sign third round pick Riley Ferrell

The Astros and Director of Amateur Scouting Mike Elias announced Friday that they have signed right-handed pitcher Riley Ferrell, Houston's third round selection in  the 2015 MLB First Year Player Draft.

Former TCU closer Riley Ferrell, #Astros 3rd round selection, officially introduced today. pic.twitter.com/qGdmlJGOO1

— #VoteAltuve (@astros) June 26, 2015

Ferrell posted a 2.56 (9ER/31 2/3 innings), 53 strikeouts, and saved 14 games as a junior at TCU -- the Horned Frogs reached the semifinals of the College World Series this season. During his career at TCU, Ferrell collected a school record 32 saves, while posting a 1.72 ERA (21ER/109.2IP) and 162 strikeouts in 86 total appearances.

Ferrell was a semifinalist for the 2015 Dick Howser Trophy, an award that is given annually to the top player in collegiate baseball.

Elias said of the TCU reliever, "Riley has been one of the NCAA’s most dominant relief pitchers in his three years at Texas Christian."

"He has a fastball that can reach the upper 90’s, a plus slider and a solid changeup as his third pitch," added Elias.

"Most of all, we like the poise under pressure he has shown while closing out big games all throughout his career. He’s a terrific power arm to add to our system."

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MLB.com is reporting Ferrell signed for $1,000,000 -- $234,400.00 thousand over slot. The moment with the current know slot money totals, Houston as saved $ 2,354,900 -- leaving only Daz Cameron and Thomas Eshelman unsigned. Houston has $1,668,600.00 of slot money allocated for Cameron's pick and $1,325,700.00 for Eshelman.