HOUSTON — Closer Ken Giles was traded from the Phillies to the Houston Astros as part of a seven-player deal that sent former No. 1 overall draft pick Mark Appel to Philadelphia.
Shortstop Jonathan Arauz also was sent to the Astros, and right-handers Vincent Velasquez, Thomas Eshelman and Harold Arauz went to the Phillies along with left-hander Brett Oberholtzer. The trade was agreed to at the winter meetings and announced Saturday.
"Our primary objective this offseason has been to add quality arms to our bullpen," Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said in a statement.
"Ken Giles is a premium pitcher who will play an important role by getting critical outs for the Astros for years to come.