Lowrie hit .244 with 16 homers for Houston in 2012. (US Presswire)

The Athletics have acquired shortstop Jed Lowrie and right-hander Fernando Rodriguez from the Astros for first baseman Chris Carter, right-hander Brad Peacock, and catcher Max Stassi.

“This trade gives us power, pitching and catching,” Astros GM Jeff Luhnow, who continues to stockpile young players, said in a statement. “Three valuable commodities that will help improve our organization.”

Lowrie, 28, hit .244/.331/.438 with 16 homers in 387 plate appearances for Houston last season while missing time with thumb and ankle sprains. He has battled numerous injuries throughout his career. The Astros acquired Lowrie from the Red Sox for Mark Melancon last offseason, and he'll earn $2.4 million in 2013 before qualifying for free agency after 2014.

The Athletics signed Japanese shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima earlier this offseason, so either he or Lowrie could slide over the second base. Former first-round pick Jemile Weeks hit .221 last year and could spend more time in Triple-A. Third base could also be an option for Lowrie, who has experience all over the infield.

Carter, 26, hit .239/.350/.514 with 16 homers in 260 plate appearances for Oakland last year. He's a right-handed hitter and could platoon with Brett Wallace and Carlos Pena at first base and DH now that the Astros are moving to the AL. Carter has been traded twice before, once for Carlos Quentin and once for Dan Haren, both back in December 2007.

The 25-year-old Peacock had been acquired from the Nationals in the Gio Gonzalez trade last winter. He went 12-9 with a 6.01 ERA in 134 2/3 Triple-A innings in 2012 and did not appear in the big leagues. Peacock made his MLB debut with Washington in 2011.

Rodriguez, 28, appeared in 71 games for the Astros last year. He went 2-10 with a 5.37 ERA in 70 1/3 relief innings, though he did strike out 78 total batters. He'll join the bullpen mix in Oakland.

Stassi, 21, was a fourth-round pick in 2009. He hit .268/.331/.468 with 15 homers in 84 games for Oakland's High Class-A affiliate in 2012.

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