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 .

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.

Craig Kimbrel could see leverage opportunities soon with the Astros, who are without Josh Hader and Bennett Sousa due to injuries.