Getty Images Zach Duke, who spent last season with the Diamondbacks, has agreed to a minor-league contract with the Astros.
Duke was once considered a top prospect for the Pirates, but had a 4.54 ERA over six seasons in Pittsburgh before being traded to Arizona last offseason.
He posted a 4.93 ERA in 77 innings split between the rotation and bullpen, but missed time with a broken hand and struck out a measly 3.8 batters per nine innings. Not surprisingly the Diamondbacks declined his $5.5 million option for 2012, paying Duke a $750,000 buyout instead.
Houston can certainly use plenty of pitching depth, but barring the Astros trading a veteran starter he’ll probably be competing for a long relief gig.
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- yettyskills - Jan 27, 2012 at 2:47 PM
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How many 10th-15th round picks have I wasted on you over the years?
3 at least
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- jkaflagg - Jan 28, 2012 at 1:31 AM
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Left handed and breathing…….Always good for a minor league contract and spring training invite……
