'STROS PICK UP VET BULLPEN LEFTY PEREZ
The Houston Astros acquired pitcher Oliver Perez from the Arizona Diamondbacks for pitcher Junior Garcia.
What does it give the Houston Astros
The AL West-leading Astros need a quality late-inning lefty to spot lefty reliever Tony Sipp, and Perez can be that guy. He has electric stuff and has been around the block, so provides the veteran bullpen depth Houston is looking for. Sipp has been excellent this season, but if he gets overworked or injured, the 'Stros can hand the ball to Perez without losing much (if anything at all).
What does it give the Arizona Diamondbacks
The D-backs are on the outside fringe of the NL Wild Card race, so moving Perez's salary is an understandable maneuver. His contract expires following this season so Arizona risked getting nothing in return for him when his deal is up. Garcia has been very effective so far in the low minors, and is a young and promising lefty. That said, he's probably years away from the bigs.
Fantasy impact
This deal will have no impact for most fantasy enthusiasts, but may register a blip in deeper leagues featuring Holds. In those leagues, Sipp may see fewer Holds chances with Perez around (although Sipp has only nine Holds this season). On the Arizona side of things, Garcia needs to excel at higher levels of the minors to be considered for fantasy purposes (even in the deepest of keeper formats).
