WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former Dayton Flyer Mike Haushchild was selected by the Texas Rangers with the 16th pick of Major League Baseball's Rule 5 Draft on Thursday at Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings, held this year in Washington D.C.

Hauschild, who spent the first five seasons of his career in the Houston Astros' organization after being drafted by the Astros in the 33rd round, was selected by the state of Texas' other team, the Rangers, after going unprotected by Houston.

The Rule 5 draft takes place every year at the Winter Meetings, and is Major League Baseball's attempt at giving eligible players a better shot at making a major league roster. Hauschild, who was left off Houston's 40-man roster and therefore eligible for the Rule 5 draft, will now compete for the fifth spot in the Rangers' starting rotation and bullpen.

Hauschild was a Triple-A All-Star for the Fresno Grizzlies in the 2016 season, putting together a 9-10 win-loss record, a 3.22 earned run average,  He is 26 years old. 

The Beavercreek, Ohio native played for the Flyers from 2009 to 2012.  He was the Friday starter on UD's 2012 Atlantic 10 Championship team.

The 6-foot 3-inch right-hander has a career record of 36-32 and a 3.50 ERA. Hauschild has struck out 480 hitters while walking only 148, holds a career 7.6 strikeouts-per-nine innings mark, and has only allowed 31 home runs in his five seasons of professional ball.