Former Tusculum College pitcher Tio McLean has signed a free agent contract to play professionally, but he won't have far to go.

McLean, who starred on the Pioneer diamond the last three seasons, has signed with the Houston Astros and has been assigned with the organization's Rookie League affiliate in Greeneville.

The 6-3, 190-pound right-hander from Laurel Hill, N.C., was in uniform for Greeneville's home-opener Friday night at Pioneer Park against the Danville Braves.

He made 51 appearances (5th in school history) during his career at Tusculum, mostly out of the bull pen, where he posted a 3.04 earned run average with eight saves (6th in school history) and 80 career strikeouts.

In his final collegiate campaign, McLean posted an impressive 1.76 ERA to go along with a 3-1 record in 2009. He made 21 relief appearances where he recorded four saves with 29 strikeouts against only seven walks.

"Tio has worked very hard the past couple of years and I know he is looking forward to starting his professional career," said Doug Jones, Tusculum head coach. "This is also a exciting time for Tusculum College and our community. We have had several players sign to play professional baseball, but this is the first with the Astros' organization. I am very appreciative to the Astros for giving Tio this opportunity."

McLean has been most impressive at Pioneer Park during his collegiate career. In his 23 outings on the Tusculum hill, he posted a 1.93 ERA with a 3-1 record and three saves. He limited the opposition to hit only .223 against him, while averaging 10.61 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.