Oswalt signs with Rockies
The Colorado Rockies signed veteran right-hander Roy Oswalt to a minor-league contract Thursday.
The 35-year-old Oswalt is a three-time All-Star with a career record of 163-96 and a 3.28 ERA in 12 major league seasons with the Houston Astros, Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers.
The Rockies have long had interest in Oswalt, including last year when he signed late with the Rangers, getting a one-year, $5 million deal. He made his 2012 debut for Texas on June 22 and pitched in 17 games, including nine starts. He posted a 4-3 record with a 5.80 ERA in 59 innings.
The Rockies interest in Oswalt is as a starter.
He has been facing batters at his Mississippi home and will report to extended spring training in Scottsdale, Ariz. When the Rockies and Oswalt decide he's ready to leave there, Oswalt is likely to move up to Double-A Tulsa, taking the first big step in what the Rockies hope will be an ascent to the majors to bolster their rotation.
The Rockies starters went 12-7 with a 4.31 ERA in the club's first 28 games.
