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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.


G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG
2009 - Ivan Rodriguez 93 327 41 82 15 2 8 34 13 74 0 2 .251 .280 .382

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.

The move to bring in Rodriguez comes after Jarrod Saltalamacchia went down with strange arm injury, something that could force him out for the remainder of the season. Rodriguez - who spent ten years with the Rangers - brings his competitive edge and veteran-know-how to the young and relatively inexperienced Rangers.