Raul Valdes traded to Toronto Blue Jays

The Astros have announced via Twitter that LHP Raul Valdes has been traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.

Valdes, who was acquired off waivers from Philadelphia over the winter, never got it going in Houston. A knee injury suffered while playing winter ball could be partially to blame.

The 36-year old lefty gave up five runs in only 3 & 2/3 innings while wearing the orange and blue. Valdes was then designated for assignment and, after clearing waivers, accepted a demotion to AAA Oklahoma City. In eight appearances with the RedHawks, Valdes struck out 13 without walking a batter. Apparently, that caught the attention of the Blue Jays front office.

The Jays bullpen has been almost as bed as Houston’s this year and t looks like Valdes will get another chance to prove himself worthy of a major league roster spot. In return for the veteran reliever, the Astros get a player to be named later OR cash. Valdes was never part of the future plans in Houston and getting anything in return for him seems like an excellent deal.