Minor Leaguer Chambers traded to Blue Jays

HOUSTON -- With prospect Preston Tucker on his way to Triple-A Oklahoma City after being promoted from Double-A Corpus Christi on Thursday, the Astros opened a spot on the RedHawks' roster by trading outfielder Adron Chambers to the Blue Jays for left-handed pitcher Alejandro Solarte and infielder Will Dupont.

"We felt we'd give Chambers a chance to get with the big league club somewhere else," general manager Jeff Luhnow said.

The Astros signed Chambers as a left-handed bat who could play all three positions in a reserve role, but Alex Presley has filled that role in Houston. Chambers, 27, was hitting .281 with two homers and 15 RBIs in 25 games for the RedHawks.

Solarte and Dupont are both 19 and will report to Kissimmee, Fla.

"They're guys we like," Luhnow said. "We're trying to fill out our short-season rosters, and we figured if we could find some guys that were already playing that we liked a little bit, that would a good way to get some value back. Our outfield picture [at Oklahoma City] is getting pretty crowded."

Tucker, who was named to the Texas League All-Star squad, currently leads the league in homers (17) and RBIs (43) while hitting .276 in his 65 games, with 17 doubles and a .536 slugging percentage. He will start in the outfield at Oklahoma City, along with Domingo Santana and Austin Wates, and Marc Krauss is splitting time between the outfield, designated hitter and first base.

"We have four guys that can play out there," Luhnow said. "I think Tucker, Santana and Wates need to get regular time, and Krauss needs to work in and get some time first and DH and outfield so he can be that versatile guy for us. It's a pretty good mix there."

When asked about any upcoming promotions in the Minor Leagues, Luhnow said nothing is on the front burner. Several Astros Minor League players have earned All-Star selections in their respective leagues, and Luhnow wants them to enjoy that experience.