Padres acquire Patrick Schuster, and other news

Former San Diego Padres relief pitcher Anthony Bass (45). Photo Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports.

The Anthony Bass trade has been finalized. Adam Berry and Jim Callis of MLB.com report the Astros selected left-handed pitcher Patrick Schuster from the Diamondbacks in the Rule 5 Draft, and as part of the Bass deal, Schuster goes to the Padres.

Rule 5 Draft's about to start. Astros have the first pick, which they'll make for the #Padres after last night's trade. @FollowThePadres
— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) December 12, 2013

#Astros take LHP Patrick Schuster from #Diamondbacks at 1-1. Believe that pick will go the #Padres as part of Bass deal.
— Jim Callis (@jimcallisMLB) December 12, 2013

Some words from our GM Josh Byrnes regarding the trade for Schuster.

#Padres GM Josh Byrnes said Schuster will compete for a job, but still hoping to add another lefty or two. "Worth a shot in the Rule 5."
— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) December 12, 2013

"I don't think we're done with our bullpen, so we'll see what we can do. … First things first, he's got to see if he can make our team."
— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) December 12, 2013

SS Jacob Lemmerman was selected by the Padres through the Rule 5 Draft. Courtesy of @MLBDraft.

With the ninth pick of the Triple-A phase, the @Padres select SS Jacob Lemmerman from the @Cardinals.
— MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) December 12, 2013

Here is a link to Draftsite.com to help you understand what the Rule 5 Draft is about. Under the heading “Rule 5 Draft,” the following quote from Draftsite.com explains why the draft exists, “A MLB player draft that occurs each year during the Winter Meetings of General Managers. The Rule 5 draft aims to prevent teams from stockpiling too many young players on their minor league affiliate teams when other teams would be willing to have them play in the majors.”