The Astros signed Maldonado to a minor-league contract Nov. 14. Maldonado holds a 7.20 ERA and 18:12 K:BB over 25 innings across parts of two big-league seasons. The 27-year-old will give the Astros some experienced bullpen depth at Triple-A Sugar Land.
Maldonado elected to become a free agent Wednesday. Maldonado cleared waivers after being removed from the Athletics' 40-man roster, but he had the right to reject an outright assignment and has done just that. The 27-year-old holds a 7.20 ERA and 18:12 K:BB over 25 innings during his time in the majors.
The Athletics optioned Maldonado to Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday. Maldonado will head back to Las Vegas without having made any appearances out of the Athletics bullpen following his promotion Thursday. The Athletics will replace him on the 26-man active roster with right-hander Jack Perkins, who was called up from Triple-A.