Valdes has agreed to a contract to play in Japan in 2015 with the Chunichi Dragons, ESPN reports. Valdes had a brief stretch last season in the Houston bullpen, but ended up in Triple-A after being traded to Toronto. At age 37, Valdes may finish his career in Japan.

Blue Jays acquired LHP Raul Valdes from the Astros for a player to be named later or cash considerations. Valdes allowed five runs on five hits and three walks over 3 2/3 innings with the Astros earlier this evening. The veteran southpaw also notched a save during his time with Houston. He'll give the Jays another option out of their bullpen.

Raul Valdes has accepted his outright assignment to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Valdes could have elected to become a free agent, but the 36-year-old left-hander has decided to remain in the Astros organization. He was designated for assignment on May 4 after allowing five runs in 3 2/3 innings.

Astros sent LHP Raul Valdes outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Valdes successfully cleared waivers after being designated for assignment over the weekend. No word yet on if he'll accept the assignment to Triple-A or opt for free agency.

Astros designated LHP Raul Valdes for assignment. Valdes recorded a save for the Astros last week but gets the boot off the roster after allowing two runs over two-thirds of an inning Saturday. He can choose to become a free agent if he clears waivers.

Raul Valdes came on to record the final out in Sunday's win over the Athletics. It wasn't a save situation, but with Collin McHugh running out of gas Valdes got the call to finish off the 5-1 win. It was a day after he recorded the save, the second of his career, in the Astros' 7-6 win. It's hard to know what it means for the Astros closer situation, but Valdes has the confidence of manager Bo Porter right now.

Raul Valdes earned his second career save Saturday in the Astros' 7-6 defeat of the visiting A's. Jerome Williams was getting lit up in the top of the ninth inning, so the Astros turned to Valdes for the final two outs and he responded by fanning both batters he faced. The 36-year-old left-hander was designated for assignment by Houston at the end of spring training (before clearing waivers) and probably won't get many more save chances going forward.

Astros purchased the contract of LHP Raul Valdes from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Valdes was designated for assignment by Houston at the end of spring training, but he cleared waivers and will now have an opportunity to lock down a big-league bullpen job. The 36-year-old had fanned six batters over 3 2/3 innings this season at the Triple-A level.

Astros sent RHP Raul Valdes outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Valdes was designated for assignment by the 'Stros at the end of spring training and passed through waivers unclaimed. The 36-year-old right-hander had a horrendous 7.46 ERA in 35 innings last season for the Phillies.

Astros designated RHP Raul Valdes for assignment. The move cleared a 40-man roster spot for new outfielder Alex Presley. Valdes, 36, posted a 7.46 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 35 innings last season for the Phillies.