Houston Astros trade Lance McCullers Jr., Colton Gordon to Milwaukee Brewers

MILWAUKEE: The Milwaukee Brewers strengthened their injury-hit starting rotation on Wednesday by acquiring right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. and left-hander Colton Gordon from the Houston Astros ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

In exchange, Houston received minor league outfielder and designated hitter Jadyn Fielder, the son of former Brewers star Prince Fielder and grandson of ex-MLB slugger Cecil Fielder.

Milwaukee will also assume $2.5 million of McCullers' remaining salary, while the Astros will cover the rest.

The Brewers, who lead the National League Central by five games over the Chicago Cubs, sought additional pitching depth after injuries to Brandon Woodruff and Kyle Harrison.

Woodruff remains on the 60-day injured list with a shoulder problem, while Harrison was sidelined with forearm tightness.

Astros general manager Dana Brown insisted the deal would not halt Houston's efforts to strengthen the squad.

"Make no mistakes, we are still trying to improve this team," Brown said. "We are still actively talking about acquiring a left-hand bat."

McCullers, a 2017 All-Star, waived his no-trade clause to complete the move. The 32-year-old has struggled with injuries in recent seasons and is currently on a minor league rehabilitation assignment after suffering a rotator cuff impingement.

He has posted a 2-3 record with a 6.51 ERA in 55⅓ innings this season.

Gordon, 27, provides further rotation cover and remains under team control until 2028.

The MLB trade deadline falls on August 3.