Astros Take Back Hernandez

By CBSNews.com staff CBSNews.com staff

January 26, 1999 / 12:57 AM EST / CBS Sportsline

The Houston Astros Monday agreed to terms on a one-year contract with righthander Xavier Hernandez, who failed a physical after being signed by the Baltimore Orioles.

Hernandez was 6-6 with a 3.57 ERA and one save in 46 games for the Texas Rangers last season and signed a two-year contract with Baltimore in the off-season. That contract was voided when he failed a physical conducted by the Orioles' medical staff.

The 6-2, 195-pound Hernandez began the 1998 season on the disabled list while recovering from surgery to repair a partially torn right rotator cuff.

The 33-year old Hernandez has spent parts of five seasons with the Astros and is beginning his third stint with the team. He has enjoyed most of his success in the National League, where he is 29-21 with a 3.68 ERA in 335 games with the Astros and Cincinnati Reds.

Overall, he is 40-35 with a 3.90 ERA in 463 appearances.