Where Are They Now? Houston Astros Trades Part 2; 2012

Wandy Rodriguez (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

Wandy Rodriguez – Wandy Rodriguez won’t be remembered as a “Great” Astro, but he had an impact on the franchise in his eight seasons, going 80-84 with a 4.04 ERA. However, at the 2012 trade deadline, it was evident that the 33-year old veteran’s trade value wasn’t as high as his career numbers. The southpaw was traded to the contending Pittsburgh Pirates for three minor leaguers. Rudy Owens and Robbie Grossman have had some fingerprints on the 2014 Astros, Grossman some more on the 2013 club and Colton Cain, 23, currently resides in AA Corpus Christi.

Wandy Rodriguez was a helpful part of the Pirates makeshift rotations in the second half of 2012 as well as 2013, but a forearm injury limited him to 12 games in 2013, actually one less than his 13 appearances in 2012. He also had a pretty lousy contract and neither the Astros or Pirates were/are/is/ big spenders. The Astros covered $1.7 million of his deal in 2012 and $8.5 million in 2013.

His career continued to plunge downward as he began 2014 on the DL with knee inflammation and after a very rough start to the year, Pittsburgh swallowed the $7.5 million dollars — the price Houston would have paid had he finished the final year of his contract, instead they paid $5.5 million — and designated Wandy for assignment. His $13 million salary for 2014 was the highest on the Pirates roster.

Rodriguez will more than likely clear waivers and be available to any team for a minimum salary.