Josh Zeid was placed on waivers by the Astros and the Tigers have claimed the 27-year-old right-hander.
Zeid underwent season-ending foot surgery in July after giving up 18 runs in 21 innings, but in 2013 he posted a 3.90 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 28 innings for Houston.
He also has a 3.18 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 62 career innings at Triple-A, so the Tigers like his bat-missing ability as a potential middle relief option.
