Pudge Gets to Keep His Giant Belt Buckle

Ivan Rodriguez is headed back to the Texas Rangers.

The All-Star catcher, who began his career with the team when he was just 19 years old, was acquired Tuesday in a trade with the Houston Astros for minor league pitcher Matt Nevarez and two players to be named later.

"It’s been a long time," he said. "I’m glad that I’m back."

Pudge, now 37, signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with Houston back in March, batting .251 with eight homers and 34 RBIs in 93 games with the club. While the Astros have fallen from the NL playoff chase, the Rangers are head-to-head with the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card rase.

Back in the day (1991-2002) Rodriguez caught 1,426 games in Texas, which is second in Rangers' history to Jim Sundberg’s 1,495. He also hit an impressive .305 with 215 longballs and 829 RBIs with the Rangers, winning 10 of his 13 Gold Gloves there.

Pudge will make his return to the Rangers lineup -- batting eighth -- in the third of their four-game set against the Minnesota Twins Wednesday night at the Metrodome. Also? Do something selfless today.

[MLB] | [Foul Territory] | [FanHouse]