Inside the Astros

Houston Astros Complete Trade for Starter With Orioles Ahead of Dodgers Matchup

The Houston Astros have completed a trade with the Baltimore Orioles on Friday afternoon.
Kade Kistner|
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

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The Houston Astros completed a trade with the Baltimore Orioles on Friday afternoon ahead of their matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers according to the team.

The Astros added right-handed pitcher Spenser Watkins from the Orioles in exchange for cash considerations. 

Watkins has thrown 160 innings during his two-year Major League career, his most recent stint in the Majors was during the 2022 MLB season in which he threw 105 innings.

The right-hander holds a career 5.85 ERA and has made 30 MLB starts. 

Upon acquisition by the Astros, Watkins was immediately optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land. 

In Triple-A this season, Watkins holds a 7.27 ERA through 26 innings, not his best performance. But he does provide some extra upper-level minor league depth for Houston. 

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Astros transferred Michael Brantley and Jose Urquidy to the 60-day injured list. 

With the extra spot on the roster, Houston then selected the contract of outfielder Bligh Madris to the Major League roster. 

Watkins is a wild card for the Astros, but perhaps a change in organizations, especially one with the reputation for developing pitchers, will be what he needs to help turn his season and career around. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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