HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros filled a big need on Saturday when they traded reliever Dan Wheeler to the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for third baseman Ty Wigginton and cash considerations.

The 29-year-old Wigginton was hitting .275 with 16 home runs and 49 RBIs while playing in 98 games for the Rays. Last season he set highs for home runs (24) and RBIs (79) in his first season with Tampa Bay after signing as a free agent out of Pittsburgh.

Wheeler, in his fourth season with the Astros, had a 1-4 record and 5.07 ERA while appearing in 51 games. He had two saves in five opportunities.

"They say that all trades hurt in one way or another. And this one hurt," Astros general manager Tim Purpura said. "But it looks like it will be very positive for us. We will have control of the player for this season and two more, and he will provide power and be a run producer for us for a while."

The Astros have struggled at third base much of the season with Morgan Ensberg (52 starts), Mike Lamb (35) and Mark Loretta (17) sharing the duties.

"Ty is a very consistent performer," Purpura said. "And what puts him over the top is his desire and effort. We think this will be a long-term move to help our ballclub."

Manager Phil Garner agreed.

"As a baseball sage once said, 'If it's a good deal, it probably hurts,' " Garner said. "And this one does. I have become very comfortable with Danny and had a lot of confidence in him.

"But everything we've heard about Ty is good. He brings a lot of energy to the table. We'll see what he can do."

Wheeler, who was with the Astros in their run to the World Series in 2005, will be going home. He spent his first four seasons with Tampa Bay and has resided in the offseason in nearby Seminole, Fla. He bought a house in Tampa in the offseason.

"I live about a half an hour from their stadium," Wheeler said. "That's one thing I'm excited about. And they have [former Astros pitching coach] Jim Hickey and I'm excited about that."

But the move won't be easy for Wheeler.

"I've had some great times here, some times I'll never forget," Wheeler said. "To play in the World Series, well, it's just beyond words. It's something I'll cherish the rest of my life."

The Astros will miss the 29-year-old right-hander, who spent two years with the Mets before coming to Houston.

"I'm crushed to see him go," fellow reliever Brad Lidge said. "He's not just a teammate but a good friend, too. I've spent a lot of time talking with Dan. I hope it's a great opportunity for him."