Tigers acquire Astros closer Jose Veras
The Detroit Tigers, who have tried their share of closers this season and have settled lately on Joaquin Benoit, on Monday acquired Houston Astros closer Jose Veras.
Two days before the trading deadline, and with the likes of Joe Nathan and Jonathan Papelbon on the market, the Tigers sought to stabilize the back end of their bullpen. Veras, a 6-foot-6 right-hander, had 19 saves in 22 opportunities, along with a 2.93 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 43 innings, for the Astros in his first full season as a closer at 32 years old.
Benoit has converted all 10 of his save opportunities, seven since the end of the Jose Valverde experiment in the middle of June. Benoit likely will continue as the closer, with Veras and Drew Smyly in the set-up roles.
In return for Veras, the Astros receive Danry Vasquez, a lanky, left-handed-hitting, 19-year-old outfielder in A-ball and a player to be named later.
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