Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Mets trade for Astros’ Hidalgo

SUN WIRE REPORTS

Hoping to help their sagging offense, the New York Mets acquired right fielder Richard Hidalgo from the Houston Astros on Thursday for right-handers David Weathers and Jeremy Griffiths.

Hidalgo has put up big numbers in the past, but was in the midst of a disappointing season with the Astros. He recently lost his starting job to Jason Lane, and soon after went to general manager Gerry Hunsicker and asked to be traded.

"We're pleased to have him," Mets manager Art Howe said. "I know what he can do. He's a run-producer, an outstanding right fielder. He hasn't played on a regular basis. He'll get that opportunity here. It's a fresh start for him. I know he's a good middle-of-the-order hitter."

Weathers adds an experienced middle reliever to Houston's bullpen, which is in desperate need of help there. The Mets also get $4 million from the Astros as part of the deal to offset the difference in salaries.

Hidalgo, 28, is batting .256 with four homers and 30 RBIs, a huge drop from last year's .309 average with 28 home runs and 88 RBIs. He was voted the Astros' MVP in 2003.

Hidalgo had been in Houston's organization since he was signed out of Venezuela at age 16 in 1991.

The Marlins obtained Koch and cash from the White Sox, who had recently replaced him as the team's closer with Shingo Takatsu -- Japan's all-time saves leader.

"I was sort of expecting it a little bit, but I didn't think (Florida)," Koch said. "Through the grapevine, I hear things. I never heard the Marlins, but it'll be good. I like the heat. I like the sun."

Koch, 29, never quite fit in with the White Sox after joining them last season. He appeared in 24 games this season with eight saves in 11 opportunities and a 1-1 record -- but had a 5.40 ERA. Koch allowed 24 hits and 15 runs in 23 innings.

The Marlins activated right-hander Josh Beckett, the 2003 World Series Most Valuable Player, from the 15-day disabled list in time to start Thursday night's interleague game against the White Sox.

The injury occurred in the first inning after Mora bunted for a hit, then scurried back to first base on an attempted pickoff by left-hander Kazuhisa Ishii.

X-rays on Mora's foot revealed no broken bones.

Mora, the AL player of the month for May, is second in the league with a .354 average and has 11 home runs, 41 RBIs and 57 runs scored.

Donnelly had missed the entire season after breaking his nose in 20 places in a spring training accident. He was injured March 9 while shagging flies during batting practice, and doctors said he lost half the blood in his body.

He needed several trips to the hospital and three operations.

A 32-year-old right-hander, Donnelly spent more than 10 seasons in the minors before making his big league debut with Anaheim in 2002. He was 1-1 with a 2.17 ERA in 46 games as a key member of the team's bullpen that year in helping the Angels win the World Series.

Rhodes was ejected from Wednesday's 6-2 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals after giving up a three-run homer to Reggie Sanders in the eighth inning.

Jim Mecir, who has two saves, will likely fill in as the closer during Rhodes' absence.

The Athletics also placed outfielder Billy McMillon on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation in his lower back. The team recalled right-hander Justin Lehr from Triple-A Sacramento. Lehr, the closer at Sacramento, was 4-1 with a 1.97 ERA in 27 appearances.

"I feel great," he said after a heavy dose of hitting and throwing. "They've done a great job of trying to push me but not anything too crazy."

Matheny was injured making a throw, and testing his arm was crucial to Thursday's workout.

"I was happily surprised how well it felt," Matheny said. "If you give it a couple of weeks off, it's amazing how good it feels."

The Cardinals are not inclined to send Matheny on a rehabilitation assignment.

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