2016 MLB Draft: Houston Astros Select Oklahoma State RHP Tyler Buffett

With their seventh round pick (217 overall), the Houston Astros took Tyler Buffett out of Oklahoma State University. He's a junior pitcher who has primarily pitched out of the bullpen for the Pokes. This the second year in a raw that the Astros have drafted from the school with Michael Freeman coming out in the 2015 draft.

7 (217): @astros select Oklahoma St U RHP Tyler Buffett. https://t.co/bBVpLHvT09 #MLBDraft

— MLB Draft Tracker (@MLBDraftTracker) June 10, 2016

Buffett served as the teams closer this season and picked up nine saves for them. He did start three games including one in the Regional Tournament against Clemson. He has started sixteen games over his three years in Stillwater, OK.

His stats are interesting this season. He allowed a lot few hits this season but his walk-rate more than doubled. So, his WHIP really was similar with it being just eleven points lower. He did however improve his strikeout rate by more than two per inning (8.82 SO/9).

He's known as a bit of a bulldog on the mound that likes to compete. He has a four pitch mix and will challenge hitters with all of his stuff. The slider is his best pitch.

The Astros will likely use him in their tandem rotations early on to see if there's a chance he can start. If he can continue his new affinity for avoiding hits while returning to his lower walk rate, there's a chance he could end up a solid back of the rotation type.