Tue, Mar 31, 2009 at 12:00am

KEPPINGER TO HOUSTON

The Houston Astros acquired infielder Jeff Keppinger from the Cincinnati Reds for a player to be named later.

What does it give the Houston Astros
The Astros needed more infield help after losing Aaron Boone for the season due to a heart problem. Enter Keppinger, who will likely back up all four infield positions and replace the departed Mark Loretta--who played a similar role last season.

What does it give the Cincinnati Reds
Keppinger lost his starting shortstop job in Cincinnati when Alex Gonzalez returned healthy, so the writing was on the wall. The Reds will likely keep Paul Janish as a backup infielder now that Keppinger has departed. The Reds get a prospect for the future for someone no longer in their plans.

Fantasy impact

Player focus

Cincinnati Reds

Drew Sutton IF/OF

Houston Astros

Jeff Keppinger IF