Ex-National Ankiel signs with Astros

Rick Ankiel and the Houston Astros have agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

The 33-year-old outfielder batted .228 with five homers and 15 RBI in 68 games with the Washington Nationals last season. A converted pitcher, he has a .244 batting average with 69 home runs and 233 RBIs in 10 major league seasons with St. Louis, Kansas City, Atlanta and Washington.

The Astros also agreed Thursday with catcher Jason Jaramillo on a minor league deal with a spring training invite.