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The Houston Astros made the first trade in the days leading up to the trade deadline when they acquired starting pitcher Scott Kazmir from the Oakland A’s for minor league pitcher Daniel Mengden and minor league catcher Jacob Nottingham.
Kazmir joins the team that he grew up watching and gives the Astros a true 1-2 punch at the front of their rotation with Dallas Keuchel. Kazmir is 5-5 with a 2.38 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 109.2 innings.
“It was [a dream], especially as a kid,” Kazmir said. “I was a huge fan of the Astros growing up, being a Texan, being from Houston, watching all those guys. It’s a dream come true to be able to play for the Astros.”
Kazmir goes from a last place team to the surprise team of the season that is in the playoff race. He fills a glaring hole for the Astros and gives them an even better shot at the making the playoffs. They are currently a game behind the Los Angeles Angels in the American League West, and they occupy the first Wild Card slot.
“We have every tool you can imagine,” Kazmir said. “We have the speed, we have the pitching, the offense is there. It’s an exciting team to watch. I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Kazmir will be a free agent at the end of the season.
All stats and quotes are courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com and MLB.com.
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