Astros Reportedly Trade for Blue Jays Pitchers Aaron Sanchez and Joe Biagini
By Michael Luciano
The Houston Astros did go out and get some pitching at the 2019 MLB trade deadline, including one Zack Greinke. However, Greinke wasn't the only addition.
The Toronto Blue Jays traded struggling starter Aaron Sanchez to the Houston Astros.
Hear Aaron Sanchez got traded to the Astros
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 31, 2019
Sanchez has struggled mightily this year, going 3-14 with an unsightly 6.07 ERA. Even with those issues, his stuff remains hard to hit, and the Astros are banking on AJ Hinch and their staff to rehabilitate him and turn him into the same players who posted a 3.00 ERA and made an All-Star appearance in 2015.
Reliever Joe Biagini was also dealt to Houston on the same day he tossed a scoreless inning against the Kansas City Royals. In 50 innings this season, Biagini has a 3.78 ERA and 4.39 FIP.
Toronto unsuccessfully tried to convert him into a starter in 2017, and he has had a much more successful 2019 season now that he's back in the bullpen full time.
Biagini and Sanchez both fit the mold of pitchers with a varied repertoire and unfulfilled potential that usually blossom once pitching coach Brent Strom and the Astros staff gets their hands on him.
#Astros acquire Joe Biagini - 29-year old RHP, exclusively a reliever this season for the Blue Jays.
— Astros Stats (@astro_numbers) July 31, 2019
3.78 ERA, 4.39 FIP in 50 innings this season.
Could be a pitcher who Houston can unlock, like Ryan Pressly the season before. pic.twitter.com/yHixDr40eP
Houston's pitching staff needed some reinforcements as the postseason draws near, and both Sanchez and Biagini are smart gambles for the Astros to take.