The first sign the Astros were on the verge of a deal to add a veteran starting pitcher came roughly an hour prior to
Monday’s 5-3 loss to the Pirates at Minute Maid Park when rookie starter Jake Bloss was scratched. When the game ended,
the Astros announced they had acquired left-hander Yusei Kikuchi, a move which came with a high price tag.
The Astros sent Bloss, their No. 9 prospect, rookie outfielder Joey
Loperfido and Minor League infielder Will Wagner, their No. 13 prospect, to the
Blue Jays in exchange for the 33-year-old Kikuchi. He is expected to travel to Houston on Tuesday and join the club
Wednesday to slot into the rotation with Framber Valdez, Hunter Brown, Ronel Blanco and Spencer Arrighetti
.Junk, 28, had gone 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA in five relief appearances for the Brewers.
He also was 3-3 with a 2.55 ERA at Triple-A Nashville in 18 appearances, including three starts.
Junk is 1-3 with a 5.18 ERA in 14 career major league games with the Los Angeles
Angels (2021-22) and Brewers (2023-24). He has made seven starts.
