Rangers sign Nate Robertson

Two big-league southpaws will be attempting to continue their major-league careers in Texas this season.

Erik Bedard agreed to a minor-league contract with the Houston Astros on Monday and. according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick, the Texas Rangers signed left-handed pitcher Nate Robertson to a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training.

Robertson has not appeared in the majors since 2010, when he played for the Florida Marlins and the Philadelphia Phillies. That season, the lefty threw 101⅓ innings, picking up just 5.6 strikeouts per nine innings while allowing 3.7 walks per nine innings.

Groin and elbow surgeries have disrupted Robertson's career, and he has languished in the minor leagues for the least two seasons. In 2011, Robertson posted a 7.14 ERA over 93⅓ innings at Triple-A Tacoma, and in 2012, he registered a 6.32 ERA in 37 innings, splitting time between the Independent Atlantic Association, Triple-A Iowa, and Triple-A Las Vegas.

According to Crasnick, Robertson will be given the opportunity to earn a spot in the Rangers' bullpen.