Roberto Hernandez signs minor league deal with Astros

Houston's found its swing-man, fifth-starter candidate.

Free agent pitcher Roberto Hernandez signed a minor-league deal with the Astros on Thursday, according to the team.

#Astros have signed RHP Roberto Hernandez to a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.

— Houston Astros (@astros) February 12, 2015

Hernandez, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, pitched in 164 innings last season between the Phillies and the Dodgers last season. He had an ERA of 4.10 with 105 strikeouts and 73 walks.

When he was in his second year with the Cleveland Indians, Hernandez won 19 games with an ERA of 3.06 in 215 innings. He topped 200 innings in 2010 for Cleveland, but has not had an ERA under 3.75 since 2007.

Hernandez has now played for four different organizations, joining the Tampa Bay Rays for a year before splitting last season between L.A. and Philly.

Hernandez was arrested in the Dominican Republic in 2012 for falsifying his identity. At the time, he was revealed to be three years older than he claimed when he signed with the Indians in 2000. He had previously signed a four-year deal with the Indians in 2008 for $17 million.

The Astros now have 19 non-roster invites to spring training this year. Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 20 and position players report to spring training on Feb. 24.