Astros sign free agent RHP Jerome Williams

The Houston Astros have agreed to terms on a one-year Major League contract with free agent right-handed pitcher Jerome Williams. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. To make room for Williams on the 40-man roster, the Astros designated infielder Brett Wallace for assignment. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow.

Williams, 32, went 9-10 with a 4.57 ERA (86ER/169.1IP) in 37 games, including 25 starts, for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim last season. He began his 2013 season in the Angels bullpen, where he made his first eight appearances (2.35 ERA, 4ER/21.1IP), before starting 25 of his last 29 games from May thru the end of the season. Williams finished the season strong, posting a 4-0 record in five September starts with a 4.03 ERA (13ER/29IP). His four wins were tied for second in the Majors for the month.

Williams has pitched in parts of eight Major League seasons with San Francisco (2003-05), Chicago-NL (2005-06), Washington (2007) and Los Angeles (2011-13) and has posted a career record of 42-47 with a 4.35 ERA (375ER/776.1IP). He was originally a first-round selection by the San Francisco Giants in the June 1999 draft.

Wallace, 27, appeared in 79 games across two stints for the Astros last season, collecting 14 doubles, 13 home runs and 36 RBI. He has spent parts of each of his last four seasons (2010-13) with Houston, appearing in 311 career Major League games.