The Astros re-signed LHP Gustavo Chacin to a minor league deal today, according to team social media guru Alyson Footer on Twitter. Chacin was non-tendered earlier in the offseason, but the Astros apparently saw enough in him that they wanted him around in spring training.
Chacin had not pitched in the majors for two seasons, but the Astros brought him up in 2010 and watched him do pretty much exactly what he’d done in 2007: post a decently high ERA and be imminently hittable. As long as the Astros have no expectations for him to do anything but soak up innings, it’s a reasonable re-acquisition. He’s not expected to play a role in the starters chase, so look for him to be shoehorned into long relief or be a lefty specialist if he actually makes the team.
Or, perhaps the Astros should convert him to a hitter. He was 1/1 with one homer last year. Can’t argue with the results!