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Astros sign Kyle Farnsworth
First came the rumors. Now it’s official. The Astros have signed reliever Kyle Farnsworth to a major league deal and optioned Paul Clemens to AAA Oklahoma City.
Don’t be surprised if #Astros sign Farnsworth. Team with greatest need, highest bullpen ERA in majors. Expected to get major-league deal.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) May 17, 2014
http://t.co/mDPUQDOWZ3 has learned the Astros have signed veteran RHP Kyle Farnsworth and have optioned Paul Clemens to Triple-A.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) May 17, 2014
The Mets released Farnsworth earlier in the week. By doing so, New York got off the hook for $750,000.
Enter the bullpen deficient Astros. Shortly after naming Chad Qualls as their closer, Houston adds another veteran with ninth inning experience. The 38-year old right-hander notched 25 of his 57 career saves while pitching for Tampa Bay in 2011. In 19 appearances out of the Mets bullpen this season, Farnsworth posted a 3.19 ERA and a 1.412 WHIP. He converted three of four save opportunities.
Is Kyle Farnsworth the answer for the Astros beleaguered bullpen. Probably not. But, with new additions Jesse Crain and Matt Albers sidelined by injuries, adding a veteran is probably a good idea. And Farnsworth seems like a better, and more affordable choice than Heath Bell. Ken Rosenthal also reports that Farnsworth’s deal includes incentives that could earn him as much as $1.2 million.