Chicago has traded Maldonado to the Houston Astros in return for second baseman/outfielder Tony Kemp hours before the deadline, the team announced Wednesday. The Astros had recently designated Kemp for assignment.
Maldonado only appeared in four games for the Cubs, who acquired him from the Royals on July 15. They made that acquisition as starting catcher Willson Contreras landed on the injured list with a foot strain.
Maldonado was 0-of-11 in his short stint with the Cubs. Contreras' injury proved to be a minor one, as he has returned healthy. Victor Caratini continues to perform well as the Cubs' backup catcher.
Kemp, 27, was hitting .227 with seven homers, 17 RBIs and a .725 OPS in 66 games. He's a career .240 hitter with a .697 OPS.
Kemp has played 29 games at second base, 14 in left field and 11 in center field this season.