Left-hander Wandy Rodriguez, who came up with the Astros in 2005 and pitched in Houston through mid-2012, is back with his original team on a minor-league deal. Enrique Rojas of ESPN Deportes says the contract includes an invitation to spring training, where Rodriguez will try to win an Opening Day roster spot at age 37.
Rodriguez pitched decently for the Rangers last season, logging 86 innings with a 4.90 ERA and 72/36 K/BB ratio, and also spent time at Triple-A for the Royals. He posted a sub-4.00 ERA every season from 2008-2013, quietly ranking as one of the most effective left-handers in baseball, but at this point he’s strictly a depth signing.
This could be the end of the line for Rodriguez if he doesn’t make the team out of spring training, so it’s somewhat fitting that he’s back where his career started.