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Rodney

Just two months away from turning 47 years old, Rodney is still hoping to return to the majors. He hasn’t stepped on a big league mound in 2019 for the Nationals, and is currently fielding offers from teams in the independent Mexican League where he’s pitched the last three seasons. It’s highly unlikely he’ll get another shot in the majors, but you never know. He’s recorded 327 career saves over a 17-year career dating back to 2002.

It’s not clear whether the decision was made by the Astros or Rodney requested the move. The 43-year-old had been at the club’s alternate site.

The deal was reported to be close earlier this week and is now official. Rodney will be assigned to the club’s alternate training site for now but figures to join the big league bullpen before long. If that happens, he will have played for his 12th different team.

Brian McTaggart of MLB.com confirms the report of the signing, which is still pending a physical. Rodney was under contract with the independent Sugar Land Skeeters. The 43-year-old posted a 4.05 ERA with 35 strikeouts over 33 1/3 innings after coming over to the Nationals last year. The Astros have been dealing with a bunch of injuries in their bullpen and could use some reinforcements.

''My guess is that he won’t be,’' manager Alan Trammell said. He still could be ready to start the season in the Detroit pen.

Rodney, making his way back from Tommy John surgery, has been limited by a sore right triceps over the last week. If he doesn’t prove to be 100 percent this spring, he might return to the minors in order to allow the Tigers to keep Franklyn German, Steve Colyer or Gary Knotts. Those three are out of options, and there’s currently expected to be room for only one or two of them.

Rodney missed last season following Tommy John surgery. The Tigers thought he’d be 100 percent this spring, but it looks like he might have some additional problems.

Rodney might miss only the first week of the season. He looked very good while pitching today, so if the Tigers can just get him pain-free, he won’t need a rehab assignment. Since Rodney is now out of the mix, Danny Patterson will close until Ugueth Urbina returns.

Rodney should pitch in a simulated game this week, then begin a rehab assignment.

Rodney could be back within a few weeks, but he shouldn’t have any value.