Astros acquire catching prospect from Miami
Houston receives Jobduan Morales in exchange for Ruggiano
The Houston Astros have acquired minor league catcher Jobduan Morales from the Miami Marlins in exchange for Triple A outfielder Justin Ruggiano. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow.
Morales, 20, played the majority of his 2011 season with Rookie Level Jamestown in the New York-Penn League, hitting .272 (49x180) with 10 doubles, four home runs, 23 RBI and a .385 on-base percentage in 52 games. He also played in three games for Class A Greensboro (3x9, 2RBI). The switch-hitting catcher, who has not played in 2012, owns a career .272 (113x415) average and a .371 on-base percentage in 127 games spread across three seasons (2009-11) in the Marlins' system. He was originally a ninth-round selection by Miami in the June 2009 draft.
Ruggiano, 30, has played his entire season with Triple A Oklahoma City, where he's hit .325 (38x117) with five home runs and 29 RBI in 39 games. He spent all of this year's Spring Training with the Astros Major League club, after signing as a minor league free agent on Feb. 6, 2012.
Morales will report to the Astros extended Spring Training complex in Kissimmee, FL, prior to his club assignment.