Rockies acquire Wilton Lopez from Astros

The Colorado Rockies made a trade late Tuesday night when they dealt right handed pitchers Alex White and Alex Gillingham to the Houston Astros for right handed pitcher Wilton Lopez and either a player to be named later or cash considerations.

Lopez, 29, appeared in 64 games for the Astros during the 2012 season, posting a 6-3 record with a 2.17 ERA in 66⅓ innings. He saved 10 games. This was his third full season in the majors. He almost went to the Philadelphia Phillies in November, but concerns over the health of his elbow prompted the team to drop its pursuit of the reliever. Lopez will likely serve as a setup to closer Rafael Betancourt.

White, 24, was one of the players acquired in the Ubaldo Jimenez deal with the Cleveland Indians in 2011. White never quite lived up to the expectations placed on him and was on the verge of settling into a relief role after moving there at the end of the 2012 season. He went 2-9 with a 5.51 ERA this past season and is expected to compete for a rotation spot.

Gillingham, 23, was a 2011 draft pick by the Rockies who pitched for Low-A Asheville in 2012. He went 6-8 with a 3.66 ERA in 19 starts.