Zack Greinke introduced in Houston ahead of Tuesday start
Aug 2, 2019, 9:04 PM | Updated: Aug 4, 2019, 1:16 pm
(AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Zack Greinke donned a bright orange jersey Friday to make it official.
“I’m happy to be here in Houston,” Greinke said. “They’re a pretty darn good team and maybe the best team I’ve played with. I’ve been on some good teams. There’s a good chance this is the most talented team I’ve been on. That’s not easy to do.”
Houston Astros general manager Jeff Lunhow said he hopes that Greinke’s experience will fuel the team towards its postseason aspirations this season.
“I know you’ve been in some great organizations and pitched in big games,” Lunhow told Greinke. “We hope you’re pitching in some of the biggest games of your life and our organization’s history between now and the end of the year and obviously the next two years.”
Houston acquired Greinke from the D-backs Wednesday in exchange for four top-20 ranked Astros prospects, as ranked by Baseball America.
The Astros also acquired Aaron Sanchez, Joe Biagini and Martin Maldonado at the MLB trade deadline Wednesday.
“We gave up a lot to acquire these four players, but we feel like this gives us the best chance to do what we’ve wanted to for a long time which is win multiple championships,” Lunhow said.
Watch LIVE as the #Astros introduce Greinke, Biagini, Sanchez, and Maldonado to the media. https://t.co/ZnxXQS4Dqg
— Houston Astros (@astros) August 2, 2019
Greinke said he’s familiar with the Astros from preparing for them in the past, but he’s looking forward to what he can learn with his new team.
“Anytime you’re on a new team — but especially on a team like this — there’s a lot of learning you can do,” Greinke said. “I think they’ll be a lot more fun to watch than your average team.”
The No. 21 will make his debut for the Astros Tuesday when the Colorado Rockies visit.