Astros add pitching prospect Linskey in trade with D-backs

The Astros on Wednesday acquired right-handed pitching prospect Matthew Linskey from the Diamondbacks in exchange for infielder Grae Kessinger.

Linskey, 22, appeared in 22 games across three levels in the Diamondbacks' Minor League system in 2024, going 1-1 with a 2.78 ERA. The 22-year-old also recorded 51 strikeouts, a .180 opponents' batting average and a 14.2 K/9 in 32 1/3 innings.

Linskey spent the majority of last season with Single-A Visalia (13 games), topping out with High-A Hillsboro (6 games). Linskey, a native of Humble, Texas, was selected out of Rice University in the 16th round of the 2023 Draft.

Kessinger, 27, was designated for assignment by the Astros on Dec. 23. He appeared in 23 games for the Astros in 2024 and has played in 49 career games, all with Houston, in the last two seasons. Kessinger was originally a second-round pick by the Astros in the 2019 Draft.