Astros acquire Guzman from San Diego
Houston receives right-handed hitting outfielder/first baseman in exchange for Jackson
The Houston Astros have acquired first baseman/outfielder Jesus Guzman from the San Diego Padres in exchange for infielder Ryan Jackson. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow.
Guzman, 29, played in 126 games for the Padres last season, collecting 17 doubles, nine home runs and 35 RBI. He started at four different positions in 2013, including 33 games at first base, 25 in left field, three in right field and two at third base. He was especially effective as a pinch-hitter, hitting three home runs and leading the Majors with 14 RBI in that role. The right-handed hitting Guzman has appeared in 334 career Major League games with San Francisco (2009) and San Diego (2011-13) and owns a career .259 (218x842) batting average with 23 home runs and 127 RBI. Against left-handed pitchers in his career, Guzman has posted a .286 (105x367) batting average with a .358 on-base percentage.
Jackson, 25, was claimed off waivers by Houston from St. Louis on Nov. 20, 2013. He played in seven Major League games across two stints with the Cardinals last season, but spent most of the 2013 season with Triple A Memphis, where he hit .278 (123x442) with 19 doubles and 34 RBI.
Following today's roster moves, the Astros 40-man roster is full at 40 players.