HOUSTON, TX - The Astros have signed free agent right-handed pitcher Pedro Báez to a two-year contract, Astros General Manager James Click announced today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In 2020, Báez was 0-0 with two saves and a 3.18 ERA in his 18 appearances for the Dodgers while posting a .159 opponents average (allowed 10 hits in 17.0 IP). Lefthanded hitters were just 3-for-31 (. 097) vs. him with three singles.

Since making his Major League debut in 2014, Báez has been one of most effective and durable relievers in the Major Leagues. In his seven seasons, all with the Dodgers, he is 21-15 with a 3.03 ERA in 355 appearances. Additionally, he has tallied 369 strikeouts in 356.0 career innings pitched and has posted a .206 opponents average, allowing just 270 hits in his 356.0 innings. Báez has been especially effective vs. left-handed hitters with a .181 avg. vs. them in his career. In 2019, he was 7-2 in a club-best 71 appearances, reaching career-bests for a full season in wins, opponents average (.174) and WHIP (0.95).

Since 2015, Báez ranks fifth among NL relievers in both appearances (335) and innings pitched (332.0). He also has solid postseason experience. In his 31 career playoff appearances, which rank second in the Majors since 2014, he is 1-0 with a 3.99 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 29.1 innings pitched with a .210 opponents average.

Báez originally signed with the Dodgers as a non-drafted free agent in 2007. After several seasons in the minor leagues as a third baseman, he was converted into a pitcher following the 2012 season. By 2014, he reached the Majors as a reliever.

With the addition of Báez, the Astros 40-man roster now has 40 players.