PRESS RELEASE
HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Astros have acquired right-handed pitcher Ryan Pressly from the Minnesota Twins in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jorge Alcala and outfielder Gilberto Celestino. The announcement was made by Astros President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Jeff Luhnow.
Pressly, 29, has been one of the top relief pitchers in the American League this season, posting a 1-1 record with a 3.40 ERA (18ER/47.2IP) and 69 strikeouts in 51 games out of the Twins bullpen. Among all AL relievers, he ranks tied for second in appearances, tied for third in strikeouts and seventh in strikeouts per 9.0 innings pitched ratio (13.03). Opposing hitters have whiffed on 36.6% of the swings they have taken against Pressly this season, which is the fifth-best mark in the AL behind only Edwin Díaz (40.6%), Craig Kimbrel (39.4%), Dellin Betances (37.6%) and Aroldis Chapman (37.3%).
Alcala, 23, has gone 3-7 with a 3.29 ERA (29ER/79.1IP) and 82 strikeouts in 19 games (12 starts) between Double A Corpus Christi (9g) and Class A Advanced Buies Creek (10g) this year. The Dominican native was signed by the Astros as a non-drafted free agent on Dec. 3, 2014.
Celestino, 19, has batted .299 (40×134) with eight doubles, four homers and 21 RBI in 36 total games between Double A Corpus Christi (3g) and Class A Short Season Tri-City (33g) this year. A native of the Dominican Republic, Celestino was signed by the Astros as a non-drafted free agent on July 2, 2015.
The Astros will announce a corresponding 25-man roster move prior to tomorrow night’s game.