Houston Astros Reunite With Former Reliever Ahead of Trade Deadline

The Houston Astros have acquired Kendall Graveman from the Chicago White Sox ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline.

Brad Wakai | Jul 28, 2023

Houston Astros Reunite With Former Reliever Ahead of Trade Deadline /

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The Houston Astros' front office was continually telling everyone who would listen that their goal was to acquire pitching before the trade deadline. Getting starting pitching and adding more bullpen arms were the top priority ahead of August 1st.

One of those things was accomplished on Friday.

The Astros are reuniting with their former reliever Kendall Graveman, acquiring him in a trade with the Chicago White Sox according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Houston sends back their Triple-A catcher Korey Lee in return. He has appeared in zero major league games this season after playing in 12 games, including the World Series last year.

Graveman was a member of the Astros in 2021 after they traded for him at the deadline of that season. In 23 games with Houston, he had a 3.13 ERA with 27 strike outs across his 23 innings.

After the World Series, the reliever signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the White Sox.

In his 45 games this season, the right hander has a 3.48 ERA with 42 strikeouts across 44 innings pitched. He's holding opposing batters to a .208 batting average and has above-average pitches according to Fangraphs' Stuff+.

Getting a relief pitcher like Graveman who is familiar with the organization is a good first step before the deadline. Fans of Houston are hoping this deal is the first of many.

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Published Jul 28, 2023

BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently covers the Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros for Sports Illustrated/FanNation. He is also the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai