The Houston Astros have acquired starting pitcher Scott Kazmir from the Oakland Athletics, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Oakland will receive RHP Daniel Mengden, catcher Jacob Nottingham. The team also has recalled righty Arnold Leon from Triple-A Nashville.
Kazmir, 31, is having a strong season, posting an ERA of 2.38 in 109 2/3 innings. The Houston native and three-time All-Star will add to an already strong rotation for the Astros, who look to make a run at the division a year after finishing in fourth place. Houston has the ninth ranked team ERA in the league and this move should only improve an already strong rotation. The one downside to the deal is that Kazmir will become a free agent after the season.
Mengden, 22, was a fourth round pick in the 2014 draft out of Texas A&M. He has posted an ERA of 3.46 in Class-A and Class A-advanced.
Nottingham, 20, was a sixth round pick in the 2013 draft out of Redlands High School in California. He has been great this season, hitting a slash of .326/.383/.558 with 14 homers and 60 RBIs in 329 plate appearances.
Overall this move looks like a smart one for both sides.
