Astros acquire Conger from Angels

Switch-hitting catcher acquired from Los Angeles in exchange for Perez, Tropeano

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have acquired catcher Hank Conger from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for catcher Carlos Perez and right-handed pitcher Nick Tropeano. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow.

"Conger is a solid Major League catcher and gives us added depth at a scarce position," said Luhnow. "We scouted him extensively this year as a divisional opponent and feel he brings a unique skill set to our organization."

Conger, 26, played in 80 games for the Angels this season, starting 70 games behind the plate for the American League West Division Champions. The switch-hitting catcher posted a career-high 25 RBI this season, while collecting 12 doubles and four home runs. The Angels went 42-28 in his 70 starts, while Conger compiled a 3.35 catcher's ERA this season. Conger has played in parts of the last five seasons (2010-14) with the Angels, appearing in 251 career Major League games. He was originally a first-round pick (25th overall) by Los Angeles out of Huntington Beach High School in California.

Perez, 24, spent the 2014 season at Triple A Oklahoma City where he hit .259 (78x301) with 16 doubles, six homers and 34 RBI in 88 games with the RedHawks. The Venezuelan native was added to the Astros 40-man roster on Monday. He was originally acquired by Houston as part of the 10-player trade with Toronto on July 20, 2012.

Tropeano, 24, made his Major League debut with Houston this season, starting four games for the Astros in September. Originally a fifth-round pick in the June 2011 draft, Tropeano went 9-5 with a 3.03 ERA in 23 games (20 starts) at Triple A in 2014.

Following today's trade, the Astros 40-man roster now stands at 38 players.