Just two months away from turning 47 years old, Rodney is still hoping to return to the majors. He hasn’t stepped on a big league mound in 2019 for the Nationals, and is currently fielding offers from teams in the independent Mexican League where he’s pitched the last three seasons. It’s highly unlikely he’ll get another shot in the majors, but you never know. He’s recorded 327 career saves over a 17-year career dating back to 2002.

The deal was reported to be close earlier this week and is now official. Rodney will be assigned to the club's alternate training site for now but figures to join the big league bullpen before long. If that happens, he will have played for his 12th different team.

Brian McTaggart of MLB.com confirms the report of the signing, which is still pending a physical. Rodney was under contract with the independent Sugar Land Skeeters. The 43-year-old posted a 4.05 ERA with 35 strikeouts over 33 1/3 innings after coming over to the Nationals last year. The Astros have been dealing with a bunch of injuries in their bullpen and could use some reinforcements.

Doolittle is not expected to be sidelined for long. Manager Dave Martinez said he will play matchups in the ninth inning while he is without his closer. Rodney, Daniel Hudson and Hunter Strickland are options to close while Doolittle is out.