Former ValleyCats Traded to Phillies

The Houston Astros, fresh off a trip to the American League playoffs, are looking to add pieces for a deeper run in 2016.

They did that on Wednesday, acquiring reliever Ken Giles from the Phillies. Giles went 6-3 last year and added 15 saves. He struck out a whopping 87 in 70.0 innings.

Heading back to Philly? Some names you may know...

Derek Fisher, a former Tri-City ValleyCat, was sent to Philadelphia along with Vince Velazquez, another former 'Cat. Two other pitchers were included in the deal.

Fisher, a first-round pick of the Astros in 2014, spent the 2014 minor league season in Troy, helping the 'Cats reach the New York-Penn League finals.

The Virginia product hit .303 in 41 games in Troy. He has a good contact/speed combination. He stole 17 bases for the ValleyCats and added 31 this season across two levels.

Velazquez has already been in the major leagues for Houston. He spent the 2012 season in Troy. He went 4-1 that season. He went 1-1 this season for the Astros.