Rangers acquire Ivan Rodriguez

The Astros have traded All-Star catcher Ivan Rodriguez to the Rangers for pitcher Matt Nevarez and infielder Jose Vallejo. Rodriguez will serve as a back up to Taylor Teagarden, but should expect to see a good amount of playing time for the Wild Card leading Rangers. 

Nevarez has pitched exceptionally well for High-A, posting a 2.83 ERA with 50 strike outs and a 1.06 WHIP in 35 innings this season. Vallejo, on the other hand, has struggled mightily since joining Triple-A, hitting .233 with a .307 slugging percentage. Yet, the 22-year old hit .289 in 20 games at Double-A with 7 SB and 13 runs scored. If he can be more consistent at the plate, he has the chance to be a legitimate threat at the top of the Houston order.

The Rangers are responsible for a prorated part of the $1.5 million, one-year contract, which includes $1.5 million in incentives, that Rodriguez signed with the Astros in March, according to the Dallas Morning News.