Houston, TX (Best E Casino) - The Houston Astros took a flier on veteran southpaw Ray King Thursday, signing him to a minor-league contract.

King will report to the Triple-A Round Rock Express in time for Saturday's game versus New Orleans. Right-handed hurler Dave Borkowski will join him after he cleared waivers and agreed to the assignment.

The 34-year-old King had a 5.68 earned run average and no decisions in 12 relief appearances for the Washington Nationals this season. He was shipped to the minors on April 24 and declared for free agency on April 29. King then signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago White Sox and made four appearances for the club's Triple-A affiliate in Charlotte, posting a 3.86 earned run average before being released on May 20.

The 10-year veteran King has a career record of 20-23 with two saves and a 3.46 ERA in 593 appearances. The lefty specialist has held left-handed hitters to a .214 batting average.

The 31-year-old Borkowski was designated for assignment on May 28 after compiling an 0-2 record and a 6.86 ERA in 18 relief appearances this season.