Orioles acquire minor league pitcher Richard Rodriguez (and more)

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

June 25, 2015, 2:17pm

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The Orioles made a minor league trade this afternoon, acquiring right-handed reliever Richard Rodriguez from the Astros for a player to be named later or cash.

Rodriguez, 25, was 5-0 with a 2.57 ERA in 23 appearances at Triple-A Fresno. He allowed 32 hits in 42 innings, with 10 walks (two intentional) and 36 strikeouts. Opponents batted .204 against him.

Rodriguez is 15-5 with a 3.60 ERA in six minor league seasons, with 49 walks and 204 strikeouts in 202 1/3 innings. He's made only 12 starts among his 105 games.

The Triple-A level hasn't presented much of a challenge for Rodriguez, who's 7-0 with a 2.94 ERA in 39 games.

Rodriguez gives the Orioles more bullpen depth at Norfolk and provides another option if they need to make a move on the major league roster. They rate his fastball and curveball as plus pitches.

An industry source confirmed the trade, which was first reported by the Houston Chronicle.

Meanwhile, the Orioles won today for the 15th time in their last 20 games. Closer Zach Britton has converted 17 save opportunities in a row and 21 overall.

Steve Pearce collected three hits, including two doubles. He's 11-for-35 (.314) with four doubles in 13 games this month after batting .196/.288/.314 in April and .183/.246/.400 in May.

Note: Jonathan Schoop homered tonight leading off the first inning for Double-A Bowie. He's homered in three consecutive games.

Update: Schoop came out of the game after the sixth inning. Is he headed to Baltimore? Stay tuned.

The Orioles confirmed the Rodriguez trade and said it's for cash considerations. No PTBNL.