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Astros sign Doug Fister

By Matt Verderame

Aug 3, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Doug Fister (33) throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 3, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Doug Fister (33) throws to the Arizona Diamondbacks during the second inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Astros signed Doug Fister to a one-year deal.

Houston is hoping to compete for a World Series title in 2016, and they have called upon a veteran right-hander to help make that happen. Houston lost veteran pitcher Scott Kazmir to the Los Angeles Dodgers in free agency this offseason, and now have replaced him to a degree with Doug Fisher, according to the Houston Chronicle.

For Fister, 31, the deal gives him a chance to stay in a starting rotation and establish himself for one more pay day. He has enjoyed ample success before, starting with the Seattle Mariners before being traded to the Detroit Tigers, where he was a key member of the 2012 World Series team. Fister was the third starter in a rotation that featured Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.

With Houston, Fister provides some nice depth behind All-Star and Cy Young winner Dallas Keuchel, and second starter Collin McHugh. The Astros have plenty of hitting to support the staff, led by Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, George Springer and Evan Gettis. Houston is the favorite to come out of the American League West, after having finished second to the Texas Rangers in 2015. Last year, the Astros fell to the Kansas City Royals in five games in the American League Division Series.

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