In the hopes of bolstering their playoff chances and taking over the N.L. Central, Tom Singer of MLB.com reports that the Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired left-handed pitcher, Wandy Rodriguez from the Houston Astros.
Pittsburgh will be shipping left-handed hurlers Rudy Owens and Colton Cain and outfielder Robbie Grossman to Houston, while Houston will be absorbing $12-$13 Million of the $30 Million owed to Rodriguez throughout the remainder of his current contract.
Rodriguez, who has had a stellar career in Houston, has gone 7-9 with a 3.79 ERA for the Astros this season. The Astros are 34-63 this year and have struggled mightily in the last year before switching over to the American League.
Wandy Rodriguez will join a Pittsburgh pitching staff that has helped lead their team to a 54-41 record while maintaining a 3.46 team ERA, sixth best in all of baseball.
The Pirates maintained a similar record last season at the trade deadline, before falling fast after they made major trades that they hoped would push them over the hump.
They hope to avoid repeating history this season. The team has been playing excellent ball lately, and Rodriguez is sure to only add to that stellar play.
It was the offense that was holding the team back last season. The offense looks to be finding it’s way and finding it’s groove with MVP candidate Andrew McCutchen at the helm.
Look for Pittsburgh to continue giving Cincinnati a challenge in the coming months.
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