[EmpireWF]

The Houston Astros sent CF Josh Anderson to Atlanta for reliever Oscar Villarreal.

In exchange for Anderson, a 25-year-old speedster who hit .358 with three doubles and 11 runs batted in during 21 games with the Astros in 2007, the Astros acquired a veteran right-hander who can provide late-inning relief alongside Chad Qualls.

"Making this deal was contingent on us being able to sign Yordany Ramirez," Astros GM Ed Wade said. "[Ramirez] is a developing player with a lot of upside, and this was a chance to stockpile a quality outfielder to the system."

Villarreal, who turns 26 on Nov. 22, was 2-2 with one save and a 4.24 ERA in 51 games for Atlanta in 2007. He has appeared in 223 career Major League games and owns a 23-12 record with one save and a 3.71 career ERA. Villarreal was acquired by the Braves in December 2005, along with right-hander Lance Cormier, in exchange for catcher Johnny Estrada. He was originally signed by Arizona as a non-drafted free agent on Nov. 6, 1998.

During his rookie season of 2003, Villarreal pitched in a National League rookie-record 86 games and finished 10-7 with a 2.57 ERA. His 86 appearances in 2003 also set the Major League record for the most in one season by a pitcher from Mexico, eclipsing the previous mark of 84, set by Enrique Romo of Pittsburgh in 1979.

"Oscar Villarreal gives us another experienced, durable arm for the bullpen," Wade said. "He has the ability to pitch late in a game, throw multiple innings and pitch back-to-back days. We gave up a good, young prospect in Josh Anderson, but with the additions of Michael Bourn and Yordany Ramirez, along with our earlier waiver claim of Reggie Abercrombie, we had the outfield depth to make this move."

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