Major League Baseball

Astros agree to deal with All-Star reliever Crain

Published Dec. 31, 2013 12:00 a.m. ET

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All-Star free-agent reliever Jesse Crain has agreed to a one-year deal with the Houston Astros.

Financial terms were not released.

Crain made the All-Star team last season with a 0.74 ERA in 37 appearances for the White Sox. He had a streak of 29 straight appearances without allowing a run from April 17 to June 22. Crain was traded to Tampa Bay on July 29, but didn't appear in a game for the Rays because of a right shoulder strain.

Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow calls Crain a ''proven reliever'' who will ''help us win games in 2014.'' Houston's bullpen was one of the biggest problems last season on a team that lost a franchise-record 111 games and had the worst record in the majors.