Astros signed RHP Jose Veras to a minor league contract. Veras was released by the Cubs last week but has landed back with the club with which he had the most success. The veteran reliever put up an 8.10 ERA over just 13 1/3 innings this season for Chicago but could conceivably work his way back to being a late-inning option for the Astros. He'll report to the club's spring training complex first before eventually going to Triple-A Oklahoma City.