Rays acquire Wesley Wright from Astros

The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired left-handed reliever Wesley Wright from the Houston Astros in exchange for cash considerations, according to a team announcement. The Rays claimed Wright off of revocable trade waivers recently, and Houston decided to award him to Tampa Bay in exchange for an unknown amount of money.

Wright, 28, has been with the Astros since 2008 and was the longest-tenured member of the team before being dealt. In 54 appearances this season, Wright is 0-4 with a 3.92 ERA, 3.5 BB/9, and 8.7 K/9 in 41.1 innings of work. In six major league seasons, the lefty has posted a 10-15 record and 4.44 ERA in 286 appearances, with his best season coming in 2012 (2-2, 3.27 ERA in 77 appearances).

Wright drew interest from teams like the Braves in advance of the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline, but stayed put as Astros' teammates Jose Veras, Justin Maxwell and Bud Norris were sent to contenders. He is the second bullpen piece that the Rays have acquired for the stretch run, joining All-Star right-hander Jesse Crain, who was acquired from the White Sox in July.

In Wright's place, the Astros will recall right-hander Phillip Humber, who started the season with an 0-8 record and 9.59 ERA in nine starts. He has been with Triple-A Oklahoma City since mid-May, and has posted a 4.68 ERA in 20 appearances.

Wright tweeted his thoughts on the move after the announcement:

Just wanna say thanks to the @astros for taking a chance on me 5 years ago and giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dream......

— Wesley Wright (@realweswright) August 12, 2013

the city of Houston as supported me through thick and thin and I greatly appreciate all of you, but I'm extremely excited to begin....

— Wesley Wright (@realweswright) August 12, 2013

my career as @RaysBaseball player. #STPetebound#Rays #Astros

— Wesley Wright (@realweswright) August 12, 2013