In 1968, Austin had a 1–8 win-loss record and a 2.73 earned run average (ERA), and in 1969 he split the season between Waterbury, the Indians' rookie team, and the Portland Beavers.

[3] Austin started the 1970 season with the Wichita Aeros, and pitched in six games before being promoted to the major leagues.

Partway through the 1973 season, the Indians released him, and he was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers, finishing the year with the Evansville Triplets.

[2][4] In 1974, Austin moved to Japan and played for the Hankyu Braves of Nippon Professional Baseball.

After the season, the Braves noted that they had "purchased two mistakes" by signing him and Gene Ammann due to Austin's control problems.