Trade Brandon Bielak to Oakland Athletics

The Astros have traded pitcher Brandon Bielak to the Oakland A’s for cash, they announced Thursday. Bielak was designated for assignment by Houston on Saturday.

Bielak, 28, was drafted in the 11th round by the Astros in 2017 and has pitched parts of the past five seasons with the major league team. He compiled a 4.65 ERA in 70 appearances for Houston as a starter and swingman reliever.

Bielak entered this season with no minor league options. He opened the season in the Astros’ bullpen and posted a 5.71 ERA in 10 outings, six of which spanned multiple innings as he took on a heavy workload in the first month.

Houston designated Bielak for assignment as a corresponding decision when it reinstated starter Cristian Javier from the injured list. Bielak remains in the AL West and could soon see his old team again – Houston plays a three-game series against the A’s in Oakland from May 24-26.