Major League Baseball

Astros finish Lindstrom trade to Rockies

Published Dec. 23, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

Ken Rosenthal

The Houston Astros have sent right-handed closer Matt Lindstrom to the Colorado Rockies.

Lindstrom, who turns 31 in February, led the Astros with a career-high 23 saves in 2010. In 41 appearances, the four-year veteran finished 2-5 with a 4.39 ERA in his first season in Houston after pitching for the Florida Marlins from 2007-09.

"We were very reluctant to trade Matt," Astros general manager Ed Wade said. "But with Brandon Lyon, Wilton Lopez and some of our younger arms, we think we have good coverage at the back of the bullpen."

Lindstrom is arbitration-eligible this winter and expected to land a raise in the $3 million-4 million-per-year range, up from his $1.625 million salary in 2010.

Given his experience as a closer, Lindstrom could be insurance for the Rockies in case anything happens to Huston Street, who missed the first 69 games in 2010 as he recovered from an inflamed right shoulder.

Lindstrom could also join Rafael Betancourtas a primary set-up man.

The Astros will receive left-handed pitcher Wes Musick and right-hander Jonnathan Aristil in exchange.

Musick, 23, spent the 2010 season at the Single-A level, turning in an 8-7 record with a 4.05 ERA. Aristil, 24, appeared at all three of the Rockies' minor league levels in 2010, winding up at Triple-A Colorado Springs where the right-hander threw two scoreless innings.

"We've added two young arms to our prospect depth and we think both Aristil and Musick have a chance to help us down the road," Wade said.

The Astros were shopping Lindstrom and second baseman Jeff Keppinger at the winter meetings. And, as reported previously, the Astros' recent signing of free-agent Bill Hall practically ensures Keppinger will be dealt.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

share

Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

Major League Baseball