HOUSTON — On Monday night, the Astros made a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays to bolster their pitching rotation, the team confirmed on Monday.
Starting pitching seemed to be the main priority of the team as the trade deadline approached and Houston sent three young players to Toronto for Yusei Kikuchi, a 33-year-old who's on an expiring contract.
Kikuchi is in his sixth season in the majors. He spent three seasons with the Seattle Mariners and nearly three seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays. He has a career ERA of 4.72 in 144 starts. His career record is 36-46.
In return, the Astros sent Joey Loperfido, Jake Bloss and Will Wagner to the Blue Jays, according to reports. Bloss was supposed to start Monday night's game against Pittsburgh but was scratched before first pitch.
So far this season, Loperfido was hitting .236 with two home runs and 16 RBI. Bloss was 0-1 with a 6.94 ERA. Wagner was hitting .307 with five home runs for the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.
ESPN's Jeff Passan was first to report the news, followed by MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.
The Astros confirmed the deal Monday night.
