Rockstar GM A.J. Preller is up to some last minute deals, according to Astros beat writer Evan Drellich.
Source: Dan Straily heading to Padres in a deal that involves catcher.
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) March 28, 2016
Dan Straily was drafted by the Athletics out of college in 2009 and made his debut in 2012. After a solid rookie campaign in 2013, he cratered and Houston took him on as a bounceback candidate last season. He could be an interesting reclamation project, either as a long-man in the bullpen or rotational depth for the organization.
Without any specific names attached to the catcher, you probably found your heart caught in your throat. Is Austin Hedges gone? For a struggling pitcher? Well, Dennis Lin has you covered.
Source: Padres are trading Erik Kratz to Houston for Dan Straily. @EvanDrellich first mentioned Straily in deal.
— Dennis Lin (@sdutdennislin) March 29, 2016
Erik Kratz is apparently a journeyman AAAA-type player who signed with the Padres as a free agent in November. At 36 he has a career .218/.270/.397 line, and the team isn't exactly hurting for catchers, so this is a pretty safe move for the team.