Astros acquire RHP Matthew Linskey from Diamondbacks

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have acquired minor league prospect RHP Matthew Linskey from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for IF Grae Kessinger. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Dana Brown.

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 (10ER/32.1IP). The 22-year-old also recorded 51 strikeouts, a .180 opponent batting average and a 14.2 SO/9IP in 32.1 innings pitched. He spent the majority of last season with Class A Visalia (13g), topping out with Class A Hillsboro (6g). Linskey, a native of Humble, TX, was drafted 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 (2023-24). Kessinger was originally a second-round pick by the Astros in the 2019 draft.