Zech Lemond

A Houston product, Lemond was an unsigned 50th-round pick of the Pirates in 2011 before staying in town to attend Rice. He struggled with command in a limited role as a freshman but burst into prominence as a sophomore, helping the Owls reach the super-regional round while breaking the school saves record set by David Aardsma and Tony Cingrani. Rice extended Lemond late last season, allowing him to toss 6 2/3 innings during the Conference USA tournament and in a start on three-days' rest against Oregon in the regional final. Lemond opened this year as a reliever and impressed scouts at the Astros College Classic in March, sitting 94-96 mph with a plus curveball in a three-inning stint against Texas Christian. He moved into the rotation the next week to start conference play after staff ace Jordan Stephens had Tommy John surgery, but he left a start April 4 with a sore arm. Lemond pitched in the low-to-mid 90s even as a starter, holding his velocity for five-to-six innings. Lemond's arm action is long, but the 6-foot-4, 200-pounder previously showed the athleticism to repeat his delivery. His injury and arm action likely profiles him as a reliever, and he has the two plus pitches to make an impact out of the bullpen.