The Houston Astros have signed veteran right-handed reliever Craig Kimbrel to a major-league contract, ESPN reports. MLB.com adds that Kimbrel will be joining the club on Friday during their four-game road series against the Orioles .

Veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel will add a fresh arm to the Astros' ailing bullpen as they try to hold on to their lead in the AL West.

Houston agreed to a contract with right-handed reliever and nine-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel early Thursday evening, as first reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan. Kimbrel, who has pitched for eight teams across the last 16 years, will reportedly join the Astros' big league club as early as this weekend's series at the Baltimore Orioles.