Blue Jays trade Robertson to Astros

The Blue Jays had designated Robertson for assignment just prior to opening day as part of a series of moves to make room for non-roster additions Jacob Barnes, Alan Roden, and Myles Straw.

To make room for Robertson on their 40-man roster, the Astros transferred Christian Javier to the 60 Day IL.

Chandler Rome of the Athletic was the first to report the news. He also added that Robertson has been assigned to Triple-A Sugar Land.

Robertson pitched a single inning for the Blue Jays late last year after being claimed off waivers from the Angels, who had previously claimed him from the Cardinals.

Robertson appeared in two games this spring and looked sharp but was the victim of a roster crunch. Now, he's set to provide valuable depth for Houston.

In Batista, the Blue Jays are getting a versatile righty who has experience both starting and closing. He has a strikeout rate, but also needs to walk and hit rate down. At times, he has struggled with control as evidenced by his career 4.77 ERA in the minors.

Still at Just 22, Batista has room to grow and his versatility as a pitcher - he has 33 starts and five saves in 88 career minor league games - fits right in with the Blue Jays philosophy.

The Blue Jays assigned Batista to High-A Vancouver where he will likely stay for the rest of the year, although if he does well, a promotion to New Hampshire isn't out of the question.