HOUSTON - Reliever Joe Thatcher has agreed to a minor league contract with the Houston Astros and will report to big league spring training.

The 33-year-old left-hander was 2-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 53 games for Arizona and the Los Angeles Angels, who acquired him in a trade on July 5. He walked four in 30 1-3 innings and struck out 27.

Thatcher was sidelined for six weeks in August and September because of a sprained left ankle.

Houston announced the agreement Friday.