Relief Pitchers Matt Lindstrom and Brandon Lyon Ink With Houston Astros

There’s more news coming out of the Astros camp at the winter meetings and the latest word surfacing has Houston garnering two new bullpen additions.

First, the Astros landed Matt Lindstrom in a trade with the Florida Marlins, sending a pair of minor league players (pitcher Robert Bono and infielder Luis Bryan) plus Jorge Jimenez (a minor league infielder picked up in Thursday’s Rule 5 Draft) in exchange for the right-handed reliever.

“I don’t even think excited is the right word to use,” Lindstrom told MLB.com’s Brian McTaggart (Houston’s beat writer). “I’m just looking forward to the opportunity to help the Houston Astros organization move forward. I followed the organization for a long time and look forward to contributing.”

In addition, word also broke late last night regarding the Astros and right-hander Brandon Lyon agreeing on a three-year deal. According to sources with MLB.com , the deal is all but complete pending a physical.

Expect that final news to be completed later this evening or by tomorrow and stay tuned to Bleacher Report for updates regarding the Astros latest signings in the winter meetings.

After appearing to lose a trio of stars yesterday, Houston is aiming to get back on track and they have already bolstered the back end of their bullpen with the two new additions of Lindstrom and Lyon.

Astros general manager Ed Wade was also still looking into the possibility of picking up reliever Rafael Soriano from the Atlanta Braves, but those hopes were dashed when Soriano was traded to Tampa Bay ealier today (pending a physical).

This latest news leaves a hole in the closer spot for Houston, although with the signing of two new relievers, that may not be a problem.

“I think that’s the coolest thing about the whole situation is just the opportunity for advancement,” Lindstrom told McTaggart. “I think I’ll get a chance to close with Houston and hopefully display my skills and go out there and help them win games. We all know that’s the most important thing. The opportunity that presents itself is unbelievable. I’m really excited to do that.”

The rest of the puzzle pieces regarding Houston’s pitching should be in place soon, but one thing is certain; regardless of the Astros recent losses, they are making up for it with relatively equal gains.

Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at [e-mail]