Pirates to acquire Astros left hander Wandy Rodriguez, aggressively pursuing Pence

As first reported by MLB.com, the Pittsburgh Pirates are nearing a deal 33 year Astros left handed Wandy Rodriguez, team sources confirmed. The deal is complete and awaiting league approval. Rodriguez is 7-9 with a 3.79 ERA in 21 starts for the Astros. Rodriguez who the Pirates had interest in last year prior to the deadline, is 7th in the National League in innings pitched with 130.

GM Neal Huntington has been active on the trade market seeking a non-rental starting pitcher, preferably a left hander and Rodriguez fits the bill as he is making $10 million this season, and is due to earn $13 million in 2013. Rodriguez has a team option in 2014 for $13 million, with a $2.5 million buyout.

Meanwhile, as talks have soured for Justin Upton, the Pirates have turned their attention to the Philadelphia Phillies and the Pirates are aggressively pursuing Hunter Pence and still monitoring Shane Victorino’s situation after the Phillies intially declined an offer early last week that would have sent Jared Hughes to Philadelphia.