HOUSTON -- The Astros bolstered their bullpen late Sunday by trading for White Sox right-hander Tyler Clippard in exchange for a player to be named or cash.
Even before the deal was announced, the bio section on Clippard's Twitter account had been updated to read, "Play baseball for the Houston Astros for my profession."
The moves comes two weeks after the non-waiver Trade Deadline, which saw the Astros land Blue Jays lefty Francisco Liriano but not complete deals for Zach Britton of the Orioles and Justin Wilson, who was traded from the Tigers to the Cubs.
The Astros, who snapped a five-game losing streak Sunday by beating the Rangers, 2-1, have been trying to beef up a bullpen that's been hampered by injuries, both to the relief corps and the starting rotation. Houston ranks 14th in the AL in bullpen ERA (4.73) since July 1 (it ranks first in the AL in August).
Clippard, 32, started the season with the Yankees before being traded to Chicago as part of the prospect-centered deal that sent Todd Frazier, Player Page for David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle to New York. He has posted a 4.27 ERA with three saves in 51 appearances this season, including a 1.50 ERA in 13 appearances since the All-Star break.
A veteran of 11 Major League seasons, Clippard owns a 48-41 lifetime record with a 3.04 ERA, while posting 59 saves in 609 Major League appearances. He's made 14 postseason appearances, including three appearances for the Mets in the 2015 World Series.
The Astros will make a corresponding move to the active roster Monday. With the addition of Clippard, the 40-man roster is full.