MLB Free Agents: Houston Astros Sign Livan Hernandez
By Editorial Staff
The Houston Astros have reached a one-year agreement with free agent starting pitcher Livan Hernandez. Houston signed Hernandez to a minor league deal that includes an invitation to Spring Training. Hernandez will compete for a spot in the Astros 2012 rotation.
Hernandez began the 2011 season as the Opening Day starter for the Washington Nationals. The 36-year-old maintained an ERA of 4.47 and 1.397 WHIP over his 29 starts and 175 1/3 innings pitched. In 2010 Hernandez posted an ERA and WHIP of 3.66 and 1.323 over his 33 starts and 211 2/3 IP.
One of the more durable starters in the league, Hernandez has made at least 29 starts since 1998. The right-hander sports a career ERA and WHIP of 4.39 and 1.439.
Bud Norris, Wandy Rodriguez, Brett Myers and J.A. Happ are figure to take up four of the five available slots in Houston’s 2012 rotation. Hernandez will find himself competing with several arms for that final spot including Jordan Lyles, Henry Sosa, Kyle Weiland, Lucas Harrell and Zach Duke.
For more on the Astros, be sure to check out Climbing Tal’s Hill.
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You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.