HOUSTON — The Houston Astros announced tonight that the club has acquired right-handed pitcher LaTroy Hawkins and cash considerations from the New York Yankees in exchange for minor league infielder Matt Cusick.  The announcement was made by General Manager Ed Wade.

Hawkins, 35, is 1-1 with a 5.71 ERA (26ER/41IP) in 33 games for the Yankees in 2008.  In 14 career Major League seasons with Minnesota (1995-2003), the Chicago Cubs (2004-05), Baltimore (2006), Colorado (2007), and the Yankees (2008), he is 57-77 with 75 saves and a 4.72 ERA (584ER/1113IP).

A corresponding move on the 25-man roster will be made once Hawkins reports.

“LaTroy gives us another experienced, quality arm for our bullpen,” said Wade.  “We tried to sign him during the off-season and lost out to the Yankees, but we are happy to have him here for the remainder of the season.  He gives Cecil Cooper one more weapon to call upon late in the game.”

Cusick, 22, has hit .285 (100x351) with nine home runs and 38 RBI in 94 games for Class A Lexington of the South Atlantic League.  Drafted in the 10^th round of the June 2007 Draft, the left-handed hitter attended the University of Southern California and hit .306 (68x222) with three home runs and 35 RBI for Short-Season A Tri-City in 2007.