Lopez missed time in 2012 with elbow soreness. Image: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

This is the second time in the past week that the Astros have agreed to trade Lopez, but the first deal, with the Phillies, fell apart when Lopez traveled to Philadelphia to take his physical. Whatever issues were encountered there could still be in play I suppose, but assuming everything goes through the Rockies will have added one of the better late-inning relievers in the National League.

The deal, which will reportedly include a player to be named later going with Lopez and minor league right hander Alex Gillingham headed to Houston with White, makes much more sense for the Astros than it does Colorado. White, 24, spent most of the 2012 season in the Colorado rotation and though he struggled, it was his first extended major league look.

Drafted in the first round by Cleveland in 2009, White was one of two top pitching prospects, along with Drew Pomeranz, that the Indians included in their deal to acquire Ubaldo Jimenez in 2011. White made 23 appearances (20 starts) for the Rockies in 2012 and like virtually every other Rockies hurler, he was hit hard, posting an ERA of 5.51 in 98 innings of work. White did post a solid groundball rate, which seems beneficial for a pitcher in Denver, but his strikeout rate was just 6.1/9 innings.

Lopez is not overpowering but features outstanding command and has been one of the most effective relievers in the league for the past three years. He stepped into the closer’s role for Houston late last season and wound up saving 10 games.

It could be that the Rockies are building a better and deeper bullpen to offset their issues in the starting rotation, or it could be that either Lopez or Rafael Betancourt could be on the move again. the Rockies don’t figure to contend in 2012 unless they make serious strides in addressing their starting rotation. This deal does nothing to help them there.

Today, MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki is reporting that the trade is off.

A deal had been agreed upon, pending Lopez passing his physical, but it appears both teams are going their separate ways.

July 28, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Wilton Lopez (59) throws a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the ninth inning at Minute Maid Park. The Pirates defeated the Astros 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

Lopez is a first-yera arbitration-eligible player and enjoyed a very good season out of the Astros bullpen in 2012. His acquisition was to have been a boon to the Philies’ ‘pen, who have been in need of a set-up man in front of closer Jonathan Papelbon. Lopez saved 10 games for the Astros last season; taking the closer’s role when Brett Myers was traded and Francisco Cordero forgot how to get hitters out.

Zolecki’s report suggests the Phillies could have interest in free agent relievers MMike Adams and Brandon Lyon. Lopez continues to draw interest from several teams, despite this deal falling through. Lopez had spent some time on the disabled list in 2012 due to a right elbow strain. He also missed time due to right elbow soreness. That injury did not require a trip to the DL.

The Nicaraguan right hander has pitched to a 2.64 ERA while making 205 appearances over the past three seasons. He has struck out seven batters per nine innings while walking 1.4.