Hot Stove Rumors: Astros interested in Chris Narveson?

Sources on Twitter have linked the Astros to Free Agent left-hander Chris Narveson.

Narveson had a couple of productive years for the Milwaukee Brewers before injuring his rotator cuff in his second outing of the 2012 season. After surgery, Narveson missed the remainder of 2012. He made a couple of relief appearances for the Brewers last April before being optioned to AAA to work as a starter. In 15 starts for Nashville, Narveson was 4-7 with a 5.14 ERA and 1 1.4 WHIP. Exciting?

Narveson could be the veteran starter the Astros have been looking for. I mean, if this guy isn’t this year’s Erik Bedard… then who is? Over 30. Left-handed. History of arm injuries. Just like our old pal Bedard, Narveson has already had Tommy John surgery.

Soon to turn 32, Narveson is entering his first year of arbitration eligibility. That should make for an attractive price tag for Jim Crane and company. What are we waiting for? Sign him up!

Narveson is currently pitching for the Tigres de Licey of the Dominican League. He has logged 27 & 1/3 innings in five starts, posting a 1.98 ERA with 27 strikeouts and only four walks.

Is Narveson the answer for the Astros? Probably not. Can he duplicate the season that Erik Bedard put together in Houston last year? Doubtful. Are the Astros ready to roll the dice on the lefty? Maybe.

Chris Narveson (Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)