Livan Hernandez joins Braves after Astros cut him

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) — Livan Hernandez agreed Friday to a $750,000, one-year contract with the Atlanta Braves, a short time after he was released from a minor league deal with the Houston Astros.

After being released at noon, Hernandez arrived at the Braves’ spring training complex, about 15 miles away.

Hernandez is the active leader in starts (474) and innings (3,121 2-3). He was the opening-day starter for Washington last season and went 8-13 with a 4.47 ERA in 29 starts.

Hernandez is a two-time All Star and helped Florida win the 1997 World Series. He also spent time with San Francisco, Montreal, Arizona, Minnesota, Colorado and the New York Mets before re-signing with the Expos/Nationals in 2009.

Hernandez has a career record of 174-176 with a 4.39 ERA.

He can earn an a maximum of $750,000 in performance bonuses. He would get $125,000 each for 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 and 160 innings, and $50,000 each for 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 games.