Astros acquire young southpaw Geith to complete trade with Rays

HOUSTON, TX - The Astros have acquired left-handed pitcher Theron Geith from Tampa Bay as the player to be named later in the August 31 trade involving veteran outfielder Ben Francisco. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow.

Geith (6-4, 170 lbs) posted a 2.98 ERA in 31 relief appearances for the Class A Advanced Charlotte Stone Crabs in 2012 with two saves. In 54.1 innings of work, he allowed 48 hits with 11 walks and 49 strikeouts. In two professional seasons, the 23-year-old southpaw has a 2.66 ERA in 49 relief appearances with six saves while tallying 83 strikeouts in 84.2 innings, compared to just 18 walks.

Geith was selected by the Rays in the 2011 MLB First Year Player Draft out of the University of Louisiana-Lafayette.