Expressing warmest regards, Jake Odorizzi says goodbye to Astros

Jake Odorizzi understands why the Astros traded him. As manager Dusty Baker said of the Braves: “They had a need, and we had a need.”

The deal that had been in the works into the late hours Monday night became official Tuesday when the Astros sent Odorizzi to Atlanta for lefthander Will Smith, a reliever with setup and closing experience.

Odorizzi had been told by general manager James Click that “stuff was out there” after Monday night’s game, but because the trade wasn’t yet a done deal, the righthander wasn’t at liberty to speak. He did that Tuesday afternoon at Minute Maid Park.

“(Being traded) is part of the game,” Odorizzi said. “I’ve done it a few times, never in-season. I have a good opportunity in Atlanta. A great team. I enjoyed my time here. Some ups and downs. Some things I would have liked to done better. You could say that whether you’ve been here a year or 10 years.”

Odorizzi (4-3, 3.75 ERA) enhanced his trade value with two particularly good July starts. On July 10, he beat the A’s with seven shutout innings. He then repeated that feat Sunday against the Mariners, allowing only two singles and two walks.

“At least my last start was a good one to remember,” he said.

Odorizzi, who signed with the Astros as a free agent in March 2021, finished 10-10 with a 4.04 ERA in 36 appearances (35 starts) in his Astros tenure. He lauded his now ex-teammates, saying he felt like he’d made lasting friendships in his short time with the franchise.

“The group of guys here is one of the most phenomenal groups I’ve been with,” Odorizzi said, “and I expect them to continue this path throughout the entire year and years to come. … It’s tough to leave that.”

There will be a reunion of sorts in Atlanta in a couple weeks. The Astros visit Truist Park for three games from Aug. 19-21. Asked if he’d look forward to a chance to take the mound against the Astros, Odorizzi said he had no idea how he’ll slot into the Braves’ plans and would worry about “getting there first. And when we get settled, we’ll figure everything out from there.”

It’s not a certainty Odorizzi will assume a starting role with the Braves, who beat the Astros in six games in last year’s World Series. Atlanta’s formidable staff already has five solid starters in Max Fried, Kyle Wright, Ian Anderson, Charlie Morton and National League Rookie of the Year candidate Spencer Strider. But with Lance McCullers Jr. expected back sometime this month, Odorizzi would have given the Astros seven capable starters.

During his tenure in Houston, Odorizzi became known for speaking his mind. Last year, he was upset at being removed from a game in what he thought was premature fashion, unable to face a lineup the third time around. But he exited Houston with praise for Baker.

 “He’s a good person, a good manager,” Odorizzi said. “I know we had some stuff play out, but we talked about it. We moved forward. This year was different.

“It’s what adults do. We might have disagreements, but we both talked about it. He’s great in my book.”

As are Astros fans. Odorizzi’s message to them?

“Just that I enjoyed my time,” he said.  “It’s a fantastic organization here. They’re very fortunate to have a team of this caliber year in and year out.

“I’m sure there’s a lot of fan bases that would kill to have a team like this year in and year out, so appreciate it while you can while it’s in front of you, because these windows are so special. And I think they do a really good job of coming out and supporting the team and enjoying it. … I appreciate their support.”

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