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Pen is mightier Astros trade prospect for Pirates closer Williams
Updated: Tuesday July 31, 2001 5:24 PM
HOUSTON (AP) -- The Houston Astros bolstered their pitching Tuesday, acquiring reliever Mike Williams from the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitching prospect Tony McKnight. Williams is 2-4 with 22 saves and a 3.67 ERA as Pittsburgh's closer this season. But the right-hander will team with Octavio Dotel to set up for Astros closer Billy Wagner. Williams, third on Pittsburgh's career saves list with 69, is making $1.2 million this year and is eligible for free agency at the end of the season. McKnight went 9-5 with a 4.76 ERA in 18 starts at Class AAA New Orleans this season. He was the Astros first round selection in 1995 and was 1-0 in three starts for the Astros this season. McKnight was recalled from New Orleans to start the second game of a doubleheader at Pittsburgh on Saturday and allowed two runs in seven innings to get the win. This was the second deal in two days for the Pirates, tied with Cincinnati for last in the NL Central. Pittsburgh traded starter Jason Schmidt and outfielder John Vander Wal to San Francisco on Monday for outfielder Armando Rios and pitching prospect Ryan Vogelsong.
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