Astros acquire IF Keppinger from Reds

Mar 31, 2009 - 8:42 PM HOUSTON (Ticker) -- The Houston Astros acquired utility infielder Jeff Keppinger on Tuesday from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

The 28-year-old Keppinger hit .266 with three home runs and 43 RBI in 121 games with Cincinnati last season while playing all four infield positions.

"Jeff is a solid big league player who can play all over the infield," Houston general manager Ed Wade said. "He fills a number of needs with his ability to play second, short and third and he plays the game the right way. He's a .287 lifetime hitter at the major league level and is one of those rare breed of players who puts up more walks than strikeouts each season. We think he's a perfect fit for our club."

A fourth-round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2001, Keppinger has collected 13 home runs and 92 RBI in four major league seasons with the New York Mets, Kansas City Royals and Reds.