Astros pick up lefty Downs off waivers from Tigers

The Astros have claimed left-handed reliever Darin Downs off waivers from the Tigers.

The 28-year-old posted a 4.84 ERA in 29 games this year (19 earned runs in 35 1/3 innings) across two Major League stints with Detroit. He struck out 37 hitters, limiting lefties to a .219 average.

Between Triple-A Toledo and Class A West Michigan, Downs had a 2.16 ERA over 16 2/3 innings. He owns a career record of 2-3 and has struck out 57 hitters in 56 Major League innings.

With the addition of Downs to the 40-man roster and the removal of Erik Bedard, who filed for free agency on Thursday, Houston's 40-man roster remains at 36 players.