The Houston Astros have signed pitcher Erik Bedard to a minor-league deal that includes an invitation to spring training.
Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said that Bedard is likely to take a spot in the Astros rotation behind Bud Norris, Lucal Harrell, and Jordan Lyles.
Bedard, 33, struggled with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2012. Although he was the opening day starter, he posted a 7-14 record, 1.47 WHIP, and 5.01 earned run average in 24 starts. He was released in August.
From 2006 to 2009, he was one of the more effective left handed starting pitchers in the American League, posting a 39-23 record and 3.40 earned run average with the Baltimore Orioles.
Bedard's best season came in 2007, when he won 13 games, struck out 221 batters in 181.2 innings, and tallied a 3.16 earned run average. In fact, he led the league in both hits allowed per nine innings (7.0) and strikeouts per nine innings (10.9).
But he suffered shoulder injuries in 2010 and missed the entire season. He hasn't been the same pitcher since, as he posted a 5-9 record with a 3.62 ERA for the Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners in 2011.
At 33, Bedard likely still has a few years left, so if he can enter the season healthy, he has an opportunity to revive his major league career. Pitching for arguably the major leagues' worst team won't help him any though.
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