Travis Blackley was a key part late in the season for the Oakland A’s helping the team win the AL West. His reward was failing to make the squad out of spring training.
On Thursday the A’s traded the 30-year-old Australian born pitcher to the Houston Astros for light hitting outfielder Jake Goebbert. Brian McTaggart of MLB.com says Blackley is expected to join the active roster tomorrow.
Blackley was once a top prospect in the Mariners organization before suffering arm trouble. He has a 5.37 ERA in the majors but last season provided a spark to the A’s after being claimed off waivers from San Francisco.
With Oakland Blackley pitched 102 2/3 innings over 15 starts and nine relief appearances.
The Astros will likely start Blackley in the bullpen but with the current roster in Houston there is a great chance that he could find himself in the starting rotation quickly.
Goebbert, a 25-year-old corner outfielder, owns a .285/.363/.431 batting line over four seasons in the minors.
stros acquired LHP Travis Blackley from the Athletics in exchanged for OF Jake Goebbert.
