HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros Friday acquired right-handed pitcher Danny Darwin from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for a minor-league pitcher and a player to be named later.
Darwin's acquisition gives the Astros, leaders in the National League West, a fifth starting pitcher.
Darwin, 30, was 6-8 with a 3.52 ERA this year for the Brewers, with five complete games and one shutout in 14 starting assignments. The seven-year veteran has a career record of 67-76, with 37 complete games eight shutouts and a 3.61 ERA.
'We are all pleased with the trade,' said Astros general manager Dick Wagner. 'We have sought another starter as the club goes into the final seven weeks of the Western Division race. Danny's age gives the Astros depth for the future, as well.'
Last season with the Brewers, Darwin finished sixth in the American League with 11 complete games.
The Brewers acquired right-hander Don August, 23, in the trade. August, the Astros' No. 1 pick in the 1984 June free agent draft, was 8-9 for Houston's Triple-A affiliate Tucson of the Pacific Coast League.
'We sincerely regret losing the contract of Don August and another player, but in a trade you must make a worthwhile offer,' Wagner said. 'The fact the Astros' farm system has the talent to afford trades is good.'
Replacing Darwin on the Milwaukee roster will be Mike Birkbeck, 24, a right-handed pitcher who was recalled from Triple-A Vancouver of the PCL. Birkbeck was 12-6 with a 4.76 ERA.
