The Houston Astros have signed right-handed reliever Jose Veras to a minor league deal, the team announced. Veras will report to extended Spring Training in Kissimmee, Florida.
Veras, 34, pitched for Houston during the 2013 and 2014 seasons and this will be his third stint with the team. Veras pitched two of his best seasons with the Astros, posting a 2.99 ERA and going 4-4 during his time there. He has a dominant fastball and averages 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings. His biggest issue is his control, walking 4.7 batters per nine innings.
Veras was cut by the Braves during Spring Training, which Atlanta may be regretting right now due to their poor bullpen play.
Houston already has a solid nucleus of veterans in their bullpen with Chad Qualls, Luke Gregerson and Pat Neshek, but have still struggled at times. The Astros hope this will help boost a bullpen that currently ranks 18th in the majors with a 4.18 ERA.
