Astros sign free agent RHP Jose Veras
Veteran Reliever Ranks T-2nd In Majors In Appearances Over Last Two Seasons
The Houston Astros have signed free agent right-handed reliever Jose Veras to a one-year contract, General Manager Jeff Luhnow has announced.
Veras, 32, was 5-4 in 72 relief appearances for Milwaukee in 2012 with a 3.63 ERA (27ER/67IP) with 79 strikeouts and 61 hits allowed in 67.0 innings of work. His 10.61 strikeouts per 9.0 innings pitched ratio ranked 10th among right-handed NL relievers.
Veras has been one of the most dependable relievers in the Majors in recent years. His 151 combined appearances over the last two seasons rank tied for second among all hurlers in that span. Over the last three seasons (2010-12), Veras has posted a 3.73 ERA in 199 appearances with 212 strikeouts and 147 hits allowed in 186.0 innings pitched. His 10.26 strikeouts per nine innings pitched and .214 opponents average both rank seventh in the NL in that span.
Veras has a 19-17 record in 327 career Major League appearances over parts of seven seasons with the Yankees, Indians, Marlins, Pirates and Brewers. He posted a 0.00 ERA in two relief appearance for the Yankees in the 2007 American League Division Series vs. Cleveland.
A corresponding roster move to the club's 40-man roster will be announced at a later time.