Galarraga signs Minor League deal with Astros

HOUSTON -- Armando Galarraga, the pitcher who was denied a perfect game two years ago when umpire Jim Joyce missed a call at first base that would have been the final out, has signed a Minor League contract with the Astros, general manager Jeff Luhnow said Monday.

Galarraga, 30, will help the Astros fill a rotation spot at Triple-A Oklahoma City, which has a need for a starter after Henry Sosa agreed to pitch in Korea. Galarraga has appeared in 95 career Major League games with the Rangers, Tigers and Diamondbacks, going 26-39 with a 4.69 ERA. He was released by the Orioles in April.

Luhnow said Galarraga will throw a couple of bullpen sessions in Kissimmee, Fla., before joining the RedHawks.

"We've got to watch him throw," Luhnow said. "I think [Tuesday] he's scheduled to throw for the first time, and if that goes well, he'll face some hitters and then go out and pitch."

On June 2, 2010, Galarraga pitched 8 2/3 perfect innings against the Indians and appeared to record the 27th consecutive out when Jason Donald hit a ground ball to first baseman Miguel Cabrera, who flipped the ball to Galarraga covering first. Joyce incorrectly called Donald safe, costing Galarraga a perfect game. He settled for a one-hitter.

Joyce later apologized to Galarraga for missing the call.

Galarraga went 4-9 with a 4.49 ERA in 25 games (24 starts) for the Tigers in 2010, winning only two starts following his near-perfect game. He was eventually traded to the D-backs and went 3-4 with a 5.91 ERA in eight starts.