Matt

Nevarez

The 22-year-old reliever has been excellent with Single-A Hickory this season, compiling a 2.83 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 12.9 K/9 in 34 games (35 innings). There’s little doubt he has a huge arm, but the Rangers likely would have left him exposed in the upcoming Rule 5 draft, so at least they got something in return.

The 22-year-old has put up a 2.83 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 12.9 K/9 in 34 games (35 innings) with Triple-A Hickory this season. Still, hampered by injury and poor control in the past, he has progressed little since being drafted by the Rangers in 2005. He has a chance of reaching the majors as a set-up man, but is just as likely to peak in the minors. An earlier report had IF Jose Vallejo in the deal, and he could eventually be headed to Houston as one of the players to be named.

The three are protected from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. Nevarez, a 22-year-old reliever, was acquired in the Ivan Rodriguez trade in August. He posted a 2.28 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 50/15 K/BB ratio in 35 innings between Class A Hickory (Texas) and Class A Lexington (Astros) in 2009.

The two lefties can elect free agency if they wish. Byrdak posted a 3.53 ERA and 7.8 K/9 rate over the last three seasons with the Astros, so he’ll get a shot somewhere to win a bullpen spot. He’s recovering from sports hernia surgery but should be OK for spring training. Chacin posted a 4.70 ERA and 1.85 WHIP over 38 1/3 innings with Houston in his first year in the big leagues since 2007. Nevarez had an ugly 41/46 K/BB ratio at Double-A this past season.