The Houston Astros have traded closer Jose Veras to the Detroit Tigers for top outfield prospect Danry Vasquez.
Vasquez was rated the No. 4 prospect for the Tigers and will head to Class A Quad Cities for the Astros, who are looking to build for the future.
"We've done a good job scouting him," Astros general anger Jeff Lunhow said. He's an athletic outfielder with a chance to have some power down the road."
Vasquez, just 19-years-old, had a .281 average with 16 doubles, five triples five homeruns and 39 RBIs in 96 games at Class A Michigan.
Veras has 19 saves this season while blowing three.
"Obviously taking our best reliever out of the bullpen right now gives us a short-term issue," Lunhow said. "But it gives us an opportunity for someone else to step up."
Veras has a 2.93 earned run average this season and has 43 innings pitched in 42 appearances.
Veras is 19-21 lifetime with a 3.88 ERA in 369 career games and has 24-career saves.
Houston is looking to build towards the future as it currently sits with 35-69 record, good enough for last place in the American League west division. Houston is 26.5 games back from the first place Oakland Athletics, and its .337 winning percentage is worst in the majors.
The Tigers, on the other hand, have a three-game lead over the Cleveland Indians for the AL Central division race and hope that the addition of Veras will help them make it deep into the post-season.
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