Reports: Astros sign relievers Pat Neshek, Luke Gregerson
The Houston Astros have signed relievers Pat Neshek and Luke Gregerson, according to multiple reports.
Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports Neshek has agreed to a two-year, $12.5 million deal with the Astros following an All-Star season with the St. Louis Cardinals. Neshek went 7-2 with a 1.87 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 67.1 innings for the Cardinals last season. He has played eight seasons in the majors with the Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics and Cardinals.
Gregerson will sign a three-year, $18.5 contract, according to USA TODAY's Bob Nightengale. Gregerson, 30, is a six-year veteran and has had an ERA of 2.75 or lower in each of the past four seasons. In 2014, he finished 5-5 with a 2.12 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 72.1 innings for the Oakland Athletics. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the San Diego Padres.
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Gregerson is the latest departure from the Athletics this offseason. They traded third baseman Josh Donaldson to the Blue Jays last month, and pitcher Jon Lester reportedly agreed to sign with the Chicago Cubs.
In September, the Astros hired former Arizona Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch to replace Bo Porter, who was fired during the season.
The Astros finished last season 70-92 and in fourth place in the AL West. It snapped a three-year streak of losing at least 100 games and finishing last in their division.
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- Paul Palladino
