Astros send veteran reliever Wright to Rays
Lefty was team's longest-tenured player; Humber recalled to take spot
HOUSTON -- The Astros continued their roster overhaul, trading veteran lefty Wesley Wright to Tampa Bay for cash considerations, the team announced on Monday.
Wright was called into manager Bo Porter's office by pitching coach Doug Brocail just prior to Monday's game, where general manager Jeff Luhnow delivered the news.
"I'm excited," Wright told MLB.com. "It's an opportunity to go pitch for a contending team and something I've always wanted to do, and to get this opportunity now is kind of shocking, but I'm also excited about it."
Taking Wright's roster spot is right-hander Philip Humber, who was called up from Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Wright was one of the lone veterans remaining in the youngest Major League clubhouse. The southpaw was the team's longest-tenured member, appearing in 71 games for the Astros in 2008 after they plucked him away from the Dodgers in the Rule 5 Draft. He was also the team's second-highest paid player, meaning left-hander Erik Bedard is the only remaining player making more than $1 million ($1.15 million).
Over five years and 286 appearances, Wright compiled a 4.44 ERA with a 10-15 record and two saves. This season, Wright was, at the very least, a stable component of a shaky Houston bullpen, going 0-4 with a respectable 3.92 ERA in 41 1/3 innings.
"The organization has been great to me and my family throughout the past six seasons," Wright said. "They gave me an opportunity to see what I can do at the big league level. I'm really grateful for the organization and the fans and the city. They were really supportive to me and my teammates. Even in the down years, they supported me and all I can say is thanks to the city of Houston and the fans."
Humber will meet the Astros in Oakland for Tuesday night's series opener vs. the A's. The righty already spent the first month and a half of the season with the Astros, going 0-8 in seven starts (nine games) with a 9.59 ERA to earn a lengthy Minor League stint.
He seemed to straighten his game out with the Redhawks, posting a 2.38 ERA with two walks and 14 strikeouts over his last seven relief appearances.