Yankees trade LHP Caleb Ferguson to Astros for prospect, bonus pool money

The Yankees have traded left-hander Caleb Ferguson to the Houston Astros for minor league right-hander Kelly Austin and international signing bonus pool money.

Ferguson was acquired in a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers this offseason in exchange for recently recalled Mets left-hander Matt Gage and minor league pitcher Christian Zazueta.

The hope was that he’d help fill the void left behind by Wandy Peralta‘s departure to the San Diego Padres, but instead he’s endured one of the toughest campaigns of his big-league career.

The southpaw has slotted into an increased role for the Bombers and he’s struggled mightily to the tune of a 5.13 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 42 appearances this season.

He has still struck out batters at an impressive clip of 25.6 percent, but his walk-rate (10.6) has increased significantly from last year, and he’s been prone to the home run ball with five allowed on the season.

Austin is a 23-year-old reliever who has pitched to 2.21 and 1.01 WHIP while striking out 46 batters across 46 appearances between Low and High-A this season.

With Ferguson now out of the mix, Tim Hill is currently the only left-hander in the Yankees’ bullpen, though they could still add one ahead of the 6 p.m. trade deadline.