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The Samsung Tigers of the Korean Baseball Organization have signed former Houston Astros' right-hander Aneury Rodriguez, reports MYKBO.net.
The 25-year-old Rodriguez is the third former MLB pitcher to sign with a South Korean club in the last two days. It was reported yesterday that former Blue Jays right-hander Scott Richmond and former Orioles left-hander Dana Eveland had signed contracts with the Lotte Giants and Hanwha Eagles, respectively.
Rodriguez was a bullpen arm and spot starter for the Astros the last two seasons. Drafted as an amateur free agent by the Rockies in 2005, Rodriguez was picked up by Houston in the 2010 Rule 5 Draft. The right-hander threw 85⅓ innings for the Astros the following season -- making eight starts -- and posted a 5.27 ERA and 6.8 K/9 rate overall.
The big Dominican right-hander spent all but one game in 2012 pitching for the Astros' Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City, where he put up a 6.22 ERA and 7.3 K/9 rate in 92⅔ innings. In his one big-league appearance this past season -- a start against the Marlins in May -- Rodriguez threw six innings, struck out six, and gave up two solo home runs, earning the victory for the 'Stros.
