TCU Pitcher Brian Howard Drafted by Oakland A’s

Brian Howard has been picked up in the 8th round by the Oakland A’s, becoming the third TCU ballplayer to be drafted today. This isn’t the first time Howard has been drafted. He was taken in the 17th round in last year’s MLB Draft by the Houston Astros, but opted to come back to school for his senior season.

Coming back worked for Howard, as he has gone 11-3 to this point in the season with a 3.95 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 82.1 innings pitched. It’s Howard’s second consecutive 10-win season for TCU, and it helped him move up nine rounds in the draft.

Throughout his career, Howard has displayed a knack for showing up in big moments. In his last seven playoff starts (Big 12 Tournament, NCAA Regional, Super Regional, College World Series), Howard is 7-0 with a 1.27 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP through 49.2 innings pitched. He’s struck out 55 hitters over that span, while allowing just 27 hits and seven total runs.

Howard’s decision to come back to school definitely worked out for him. Now, let’s hope he can improve on those already phenomenal postseason numbers with a few solid performances in the College World Series.