Nicknamed "Bunny", LaCoss spent four seasons with the Reds before he was claimed by the Astros on waivers in 1982. In three seasons with Houston, he posted an 18-18 record as a spot starter and long reliever. He had a 3.83 ERA and four saves while an Astro.

He was granted free agency after 1984 and spent several more seasons with the Royals and Giants before retirement. In 14 seasons, his career record was 98-102 with a 4.02 ERA and a dozen saves. He was an All-Star in 1979 with Cincinnati.