HOUSTON — The Houston Astros have signed right-hander Roberto Hernandez to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training.
The Astros made the announcement Thursday.
The 34-year-old Hernandez went a combined 8-11 with a 4.10 ERA for Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Dodgers last season.
Hernandez has spent nine seasons in the majors and formerly pitched under the name of Fausto Carmona. He is 67-93 with a 4.60 ERA for Cleveland, Tampa Bay, the Phillies and the Dodgers, and was an All-Star in 2010.
Mariners: Rickie Weeks agrees to contract
SEATTLE — After making additions throughout the offseason, the Seattle Mariners had one more move before the start of spring training.
Former All-Star Rickie Weeks and the Seattle Mariners have agreed to a $2 million, one-year contract, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday on condition of anonymity because the deal is pending a physical. Weeks can earn another $2 million in performance bonuses plus additional award bonuses.
ESPN first reported the agreement.
MLB
Weeks gives the Mariners additional versatility in the infield. In 121 games last season with Milwaukee, he hit .274 with eight home runs and 29 RBIs. He became a free agent after the Brewers voided his $11.5 million salary for 2015, a right the team had because Weeks failed to have at least 1,200 plate appearances in 2013-14, including 600 or more last year.
The addition of Weeks gives Seattle another potential right-handed bat for the lineup. But where he plays in the field, and how often, will be the question. Throughout his career with Milwaukee, Weeks has only played second base in the field and been a designated hitter a handful of time.
Giants: McGehee avoids arbitration
SAN FRANCISCO — Third baseman Casey McGehee and the San Francisco Giants have agreed to a $4.8 million, one-year contract and avoided salary arbitration.
San Francisco acquired the 32-year-old from the Miami Marlins in December to replace Pablo Sandoval, who left as a free agent and signed with Boston. McGehee hit .287 with 29 doubles, four homers and 76 RBIs in his lone season with the Marlins after playing for the Rakuten Eagles of Japan's Pacific League in 2013.
McGehee made $1.5 million last year and had asked for a raise to $5.4 million when the sides exchanged proposed arbitration salaries last month. The World Series champion Giants had offered $4 million.
He was San Francisco's last player in arbitration. The agreement Thursday also includes award bonuses.