Astros sign free agent Scott Feldman to three-year deal

HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have signed free agent right-handed pitcher Scott Feldman to a three-year contract, which runs through the 2016 season. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow.

Feldman, 30, combined to post a 12-12 record with two complete games and a 3.86 ERA (78ER/181.2IP) in 30 starts with Chicago (NL) and Baltimore last season. He allowed just a .234 opponent's batting average and 159 hits in his 181.2 innings pitched, the best hits per innings pitched ratio of his nine-year career (2005-13). Among right-handed pitchers, his .234 opponent's batting average ranked tied for 10th in the Major Leagues (min. 180IP).

"We wanted an experienced starter to anchor our pitching staff," said Luhnow. "Scott is a great fit with our club. He throws strikes and gets ground balls, and will be a great example for the rest of our young rotation."

The 6'7" Feldman spent eight of his nine seasons in the American League West while pitching for Texas (2005-2012) before signing a one-year deal with the Cubs prior to last season. He was traded to Baltimore in July of 2013 and finished his season making exactly 15 starts each for the Cubs and Orioles.

Feldman will provide a veteran presence in the Astros young rotation as he has amassed 234 career Major League appearances, including 131 starts. He owns a career 51-56 record with a 4.62 ERA (467ER/909.1IP) in regular season play. He also made nine playoff appearances for the Rangers in their 2011 trip to the World Series and posted a 1-0 record and a 3.29 ERA (5ER/13.2IP) in those games. In 2009, Feldman ranked tied for fourth in the American League in victories, posting a 17-8 record in 34 appearances for the Rangers.

With the addition of Feldman, the Astros 40-man roster is now at 37 players.