He's among 13 draftees and undrafted free agents signed to the Astros as of June 23.
"It's surreal and it's definitely an experience to know you're going to live your childhood dream of playing professional baseball," said Gruller, adding he received the news while eating breakfast. "The scout called me from the Astros and basically said he was going to offer me. I said 'Let's do it.' I've been a fan and it's the hometown team."
A 6-foot-3, right-handed pitcher, Gruller recently completed his collegiate career at Houston Baptist University. He posted a 2.40 ERA in two seasons and earned All-Southland Conference third team honors in 2019. Gruller played his first two seasons at Wharton County Junior College.
At Cypress Ridge, Gruller earned All-District 17-6A second team honors as a junior in 2015 and honorable mention in 2016.
"Our district has a ton of talent so I really tried to work hard and be the best," Gruller said. "I wasn't the biggest guy but I worked hard."
Read More...
Read Less
