HOUSTON -- The Astros created room on their 40-man roster Saturday, trading left-handed relief pitcher Cionel Pérez to the Reds for Minor League catcher Luke Berryhill. That gives the Astros an empty roster spot while they wait to finalize a deal to bring veteran outfielder Michael Brantley back on a two-year contract.

Berryhill, 22, last appeared in game action in 2019, appearing in eight games for Rookie-level Greeneville, where he hit .240 with one homer, five RBIs and a .744 OPS. He was selected by the Reds in the 13th round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of South Carolina.

P¨¦rez, whom the Astros signed for $2 million in 2016 on the international market, had appeared in 20 games in relief for Houston over the past three seasons, posting a 5.74 ERA in 26 2/3 innings. Facing a roster crunch after signing relievers Ryne Stanek and Pedro B¨¢ez, catcher Jason Castro and agreeing to a deal with Brantley this month, P¨¦rez was expendable.

On Friday, the Astros designated pitcher Humberto Castellanos for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Castro, who signed a two-year deal to return to Houston, where he spent the first seven years of his career.