RADIO
The Houston Astros acquired Scott Kazmir from the Oakland A's for two minor leagues in the first big move during the MLB trade deadline.
The Astros are only two games out of first place in the AL West and currently own the first Wild Card spot. It's been a drastic turnaround from last season when Houston finished in last place with one of the worst records in MLB. Houston is going for it by acquiring one of the better American League pitchers in 2015.
Kazmir, 31, is 5-5 with a 2.38 ERA, which is fifth in the AL. He's coming off a near complete game against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday by allowing one run in 8 1/3 innings pitched. The left-hander was scheduled to start Thursday but his start will be pushed back because of the trade.
"Scott Kazmir is one of the best pitchers in the American League and strengthens our rotation," Astros GM Jeff Luhnow said in a release obtained by ESPN.com. "His addition gives the Astros a better chance of reaching and succeeding in the postseason. It has been awhile since the Astros have been relevant late in the summer, and winning now is a priority."
The Oakland A's are 44-52 and appear to be giving up on the season after being buyers during last season's trade deadline. The A's are 11 games out of first and seven out of the second Wild Card spot. Other vets in Oakland on short term deals could be available as the July 31 trade deadline nears.
The A's received catcher Jacob Nottingham and pitcher Daniel Mengden. Nottingham, 20, is the bigger prospect of the two players. He hit .280 with an .816 OPS. In the minors this season.
