Astros sign Michaels

Astros sign Michaels

The Astros' pursuit for a fifth outfielder may have come to a conclusion on Monday when they signed Jason Michaels to a one-year contract worth $750,000.

"Jason fits the profile of the type of role player that we like to have," said Wade. "He's a solid player with good makeup and he brings another veteran presence to the Astros. He can play all three outfield positions, can, if needed, go out there and play on a regular basis, and can give you a professional at-bat in a tough situation."

Michaels, 32, hit .224 with eight home runs and 53 RBI in 123 games with Cleveland and Pittsburgh in 2008. In 50 pinch-hit appearances last season, Michaels hit .200 and recorded 13 RBI, ranking third in the Majors in RBI as a pinch-hitter.

A versatile defender, Michaels played all three outfield positions in 2008, including 43 games in right field, 34 games in left field and eight games in center field.

Michaels is a career .271 hitter with 45 home runs and 247 RBI. He owns a career batting average of .286 against left-handed pitching. A veteran of eight Major-League seasons, Michaels has spent time with Philadelphia (2001-05), Cleveland (2006-08) and Pittsburgh (2008).

With the addition of Michaels, the Astros 40-man roster now stands at 38 players.