The Houston Astros' front office was continually telling everyone who would listen that their goal was to acquire pitching before the trade deadline. Getting starting pitching and adding more bullpen arms were the top priority ahead of August 1st.
One of those things was accomplished on Friday.
The Astros are reuniting with their former reliever Kendall Graveman, acquiring him in a trade with the Chicago White Sox according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
Houston sends back their Triple-A catcher Korey Lee in return. He has appeared in zero major league games this season after playing in 12 games, including the World Series last year.
Graveman was a member of the Astros in 2021 after they traded for him at the deadline of that season. In 23 games with Houston, he had a 3.13 ERA with 27 strike outs across his 23 innings.
After the World Series, the reliever signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the White Sox.
In his 45 games this season, the right hander has a 3.48 ERA with 42 strikeouts across 44 innings pitched. He's holding opposing batters to a .208 batting average and has above-average pitches according to Fangraphs' Stuff+.
Getting a relief pitcher like Graveman who is familiar with the organization is a good first step before the deadline. Fans of Houston are hoping this deal is the first of many.
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