The Astros signed pitcher Erik Bedard to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training, the club announced Monday.
Bedard, 33, started 24 games for the Pirates in 2012 and had a 5.01 ERA (74 ERA+) and a 2.1 K/BB. It was Bedard's worst year in eight seasons as a starter.
Bedard made his name on a national level in 2007, when he had a 3.16 ERA and 3.9 K/BB with Baltimore over 28 starts. He struck out 221 in 182 innings and finished fifth in the AL Cy Young voting.
His career has been a disappointment since. Bedard was dealt to Seattle before the 2008 season, with the Orioles acquiring All-Star center fielder Adam Jones and starter Chris Tillman (among others) in exchange for the lefty. Although Bedard was solid when healthy in Seattle -- he had a 3.31 ERA in his three seasons -- but he didn't pitch 100 innings in any season as a Mariner.
Bedard has since bounced around, participating in two decent partial seasons in Boston and last year's debacle in Pittsburgh. In Houston, he should have an opportunity to win a rotation spot and rebuild value. He'll be competing with the likes of Philip Humber, John Ely, Dallas Keuchel and Alex White, all cast-offs from other organizations.
If all goes well, Bedard can re-enter the free-agent market next season with a chance at a major-league deal and the Astros can bring in a trade bounty (even a small one) to help with their arduous rebuild.
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