By Liz Alper
Photo: EricEnfermero on Wikipedia
March 29, 2016 (San Diego) – The Padres have acquired former Houston Astros pitcher Dan Straily in exchange for catcher Erik Kratz.
The Astros were looking for a backup catcher after losing second stringer Max Stassi to injury.
Straily, 27, did not look like he had a starting job with the Astros, but was competing for a spot in the bullpen.
After a great 2013 season with the Oakland Athletics, in which he threw 152 ⅓ innings and compiled a 3.96 ERA, Straily was handed off to the Chicago Cubs and the Astros in a few minor trades involving major names. He’s only made 18 starts since 2013, seven of them from the bullpen and his ERA has blown up to 6.42. The Padres hope to use him as bullpen insurance.