The ever-evolving Houston Astros roster saw another change on Thursday when it was announced they acquired utility infielder Tyler Greene from St. Louis for a player to be named later or cash considerations.
A first round pick of the Cardinals out of Georgia Tech in 2005, when first-year Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow was a player development executive with St. Louis, the 29-year-old Greene hit .218 with four home runs, 19 RBI and a .629 OPS in 179 at-bats for the Redbirds this year.
Over parts of four Major League seasons, Greene is a career .218 hitter, and he plays second base, shortstop and third base. To make room for Greene, journeyman utility player Brian Bixler was designated for assignment.
In July, Luhnow dealt pitchers Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers and J.A. Happ; first baseman Carlos Lee and third baseman Chris Johnson for a haul of promising prospects that includes but it not limited to third baseman Matt Dominguez; outfielders Robbie Grossman, Marc Krauss and Bobby Borchering; and pitchers Asher Wojchiechowski, Joseph Musgrove, Rob Rasmussen, Matt Heidenreich and Rudy Owens.
Of the players Luhnow acquired in the other trades this month, Dominguez, Musgrove and Wojciechowski were first round draft picks; and Rasmussen was a second rounder.
In the Happ trade, Houston also brought in veteran closer Francisco Cordero and Major League outfielder Ben Francisco.
