The Astros signed outfielder Travis Buck to a minor league contract Wednesday, according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America.
Buck, 27, hit .228 with two homers, 18 RBI, 11 doubles and 18 runs scored in 50 games for the Cleveland Indians last season.
The Indians designated Buck for assignment July 28 in order to clear a roster spot for newly-acquired right fielder Kosuke Fukudome.
Buck was later outrighted to Triple-A Columbus.
He was initially a highly-touted prospect after being selected 36th overall by the Oakland A's in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.
The Arizona State University product played outfield for the United States in the 2006 XM All-Star Futures Game at PNC Park.
Buck rated as Oakland's top prospect, as well as 50th overall in Major League Baseball, by Baseball America heading into 2007.
He hit .250 with 18 homers, 71 RBI and 36 doubles over four seasons (2007-10) with Oakland before being non-tendered last December.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pound outfielder signed a minor league deal with Cleveland and ultimately made the 2011 Opening Day roster.
However, Buck spent a significant portion of last season at Columbus, hitting .256 with four homers and 25 RBI over 36 games.
Buck adds depth to the Astros' outfield and could find himself in the mix to earn an Opening Day roster spot during Spring Training.
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