PITTSBURGH (AP) -
The Pittsburgh Pirates have acquired left-hander Wandy Rodriguez from the Houston Astros for three minor league players.
The Pirates also get cash in the trade that was announced Tuesday night after losing to the Chicago Cubs 5-1. Pittsburgh is sending left-handers Rudy Owen and Colton Cain and outfielder Robbie Grossman to Houston.
Hoping to make the playoffs for first time since 1992, Pirates general manger Neal Huntington improved one of the top pitching staffs in the National League with the acquisition of Rodriguez.
Rodriguez is 7-9 with a 3.79 ERA for Houston, the worst team in the major leagues.
The Pirates began the night just 1½ games behind the Cincinnati Reds in the NL Central and in the thick of the wild-card race.
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