Astros OK Hampton deal pending physical

HOUSTON, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- The Houston Astros have come to an agreement on a deal with free agent starting pitcher Mike Hampton pending a physical.

MLB.com reported Monday that Hampton, 36, will travel to Houston to be examined.

Hampton had some of the best years of his career with Houston. A 22-win season in 1999 saw him finish second to Randy Johnson in the Cy Young Award voting. After six years with Houston, Hampton joined the Mets for one season.

Hampton pitched for Colorado for two years (2001-02) and then signed with Atlanta. Hampton made 60 starts for the Braves over his first two seasons (2003-04) but has since made just 25 starts over the past four years. He missed the 2006 season after elbow surgery and had the 2007 season wiped out by a torn tendon.

In 388 career games, including 334 starts, for the Mariners, Astros, Mets, Rockies and Braves, the lefthander is 141-105 with a 4.01 earned-run average.