Houston Astros agree to terms on two-year deal with pitcher Hector Rondon

Houston Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow has announced that the team has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with free agent right-handed pitcher Hector Rondon, 29, who has spent the last five seasons as a member of the Chicago Cubs bullpen. 

Rondon has posted an 18-13 record with a 3.22 ERA (106ER/296.1IP), 77 saves and 303 strikeouts in 296 appearances. Last season, Rondon struck out 69 batters in 57.1 innings pitched, going 4-1 with a 4.24 ERA (27ER/57.1IP) and a career-high 10.83 strikeouts per 9.0 innings ratio. The Venezuelan-native has consistently been one of the hardest-throwing relievers in the Majors, and last season posted an average fastball velocity of 96.8 miles per hour. Rondon has been effective against both right-handed hitters and left-handed hitters throughout his career, holding righties to a .223 (140x629) batting average and lefties to a .232 (111x478) batting average. 

The Astros also announced today that they have designated OF Preston Tucker for assignment. 

Tucker, 27, played in 146 games with the Astros from 2015-16, hitting 27 doubles and 17 home runs with 41 RBI. A seventh round pick by the Astros in the 2012 draft, Tucker spent all of last season at Triple A Fresno. 

With the addition of Rondon and the removal of Tucker, the Astros 40-man roster remains full at 40.