The Chicago Cubs continued their run of trades ahead of Wednesday's MLB trade deadline, reportedly sending catcher Martin Maldonado to the Houston Astros in exchange for utilityman Tony Kemp.

ESPN's Jeff Passan was first to report the trade Wednesday.

Maldonado, whom the Cubs acquired earlier this month in a trade with the Kansas City Royals, appeared in four games for the North Siders, going hitless in 11 at-bats and drawing a pair of walks.

Going forward, the Cubs will continue to rely on Willson Contreras extensively behind the plate, with Victor Caratini serving as his back-up.

Kemp can play several outfield postions and has spent time at second base at times this season. He has seven home runs and 17 RBIs in 163 at-bats for the Astros.

The utilityman will give manager Joe Maddon more flexibility in late game substitutions, and will likely be used primarily as a bat off the bench.