Fernandez, 34, gets a $375,000 base salary and the chance to earn $825,000 in bonuses if he makes 30 starts.

"Sid Fernandez has been one of the best left-handed pitchers in baseball over the past decade," Astros general manager Gerry Hunsicker said. "While injuries have hampered him recently, a healthy Fernandez will give a great boost to our starting rotation."

Injuries limited Fernandez to 18 starts in 1993 and 19 each in the following two years. Fernandez was the Philadelphia Phillies' opening day starter in '96, but went just 3-6 with a 3.43 ERA in 11 games. He was on the disabled list from May 19 through June 11 last season with a sprained ligament in his left elbow.

His elbow then stiffened following a minor-league rehabilitation assignment on Aug. 21, and Fernandez had arthroscopic surgery Sept. 3.

He has a 113-96 career record. He was 16-6 in 1986, when he helped the New York Mets beat Houston in the NL playoffs and Boston in the World Series.

Fernandez can earn $100,000 each for being on the roster 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. He would get $50,000 for 10 starts, $75,000 more for 15, $50,000 each for 18 and 21 starts, $100,000 more for 24 and $50,000 each for 27 and 30.