HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros acquired right-handed reliever
Oscar Villarreal in a trade that sent outfielder Josh Anderson to
the Atlanta Braves on Friday.
The Astros also signed outfielder Yordany Ramirez, a
minor-leaguer in the San Diego Padres system, to a major-league
contract.
Villarreal, who turns 26 Thursday, went 2-2 with one save and a
4.24 ERA in 51 games for Atlanta in 2007. He has a 23-12 record in
223 career games and a 3.71 ERA in five seasons with Atlanta
(2006-07) and Arizona (2003-05).
In 2003, Villarreal pitched in 86 games, an NL rookie record,
and finished 10-7 with a 2.57 ERA.
Anderson, 25, hit .358 with three doubles and 11 RBIs in 21
games for the Astros in 2007. He was called up late in the season
after playing 132 games at Triple-A Round Rock, where he hit .273
with two home runs and 43 RBIs. He also had 40 stolen bases.
Ramirez, 23, hit .269 with four home runs and 43 RBIs for
Single-A Lake Elsinore in 2007. He also played in 30 games for
Triple-A Portland, hitting .315 with four home runs and 18 RBIs.
Ramirez is currently playing in the Dominican Winter League.