Astros acquire Tyler Greene

The Astros picked up middle infielder Tyler Greene from the Cardinals today in exchange for a player to be named later. Surprise, surprise! Jeff Luhnow has obtained yet another former Cardinal. Luhnow originally drafted Greene in the first round back in 2005 and Tyler has failed to live up to the expectations of a first round pick. The Astros hope a change of scenery will do the trick.

In a related move, Brian Bixler was designated for assignment. Greene will take Bixler’s place on the 40-man roster and will join the Astros for tonight’s game against the Nationals. Someone will have to be taken off the active roster before game time to make room for Greene.

Greene has played mostly second base with the Cardinals this season but was primarily a shortstop in the minor leagues. Greene has a .218 career batting average in 556 big league plate appearances over the last four years. He is basically the same player as Brian Bixler although Greene, 28, is a year younger.

I would expect to see Greene share time with Marwin Gonzalez at SS as the open auditions for next year have seemingly begun.