"The Astros added to their stable of starting pitching candidates, signing veteran righthander Livan Hernandez on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training, general manager Jeff Luhnow said.

Hernandez, a 36-year-old native of Cuba, has pitched 16 seasons in the big leagues, the last 2½ in Washington, where he compiled a 4.41 ERA last season.

"He gives us a veteran presence and it gives us flexibility so we don't have to push some young guys into roles if they're not ready for them," Luhnow said."