Brandon Bielak: Everything you need to know

The Astros signed Bielak to a minor-league contract Wednesday, Tread Athletics reports. Bielak missed most of the 2025 season following shoulder surgery, but he's healthy now and was sitting in the 90-to-93 mph range recently while pitching for Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League. Most of the 30-year-old's major-league experience has come with the Astros, though Bielak's last stint in the big leagues came in 2024 with the Athletics. He should be assigned to Triple-A Sugar Land, but it's unclear whether Houston intends to use him as a starter or reliever.

Bielak is recovered from right shoulder surgery and will participate in Tread Athletics' Pro Day in January, Ari Alexander of WHDH 7News in Boston reports. Bielak signed a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks in February, but he was released after making just two appearances at Triple-A Reno following shoulder surgery. It's not clear what the exact nature of the procedure was, but Alexander says Bielak has resumed throwing bullpen sessions. The 29-year-old holds a career 4.63 ERA over 76 appearances (21 starts) at the major-league level.

Bielak signed a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Tuesday that includes an invitation to spring training, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 Houston reports. Bielak gave up 17 earned runs over 29.2 innings between the Astros and Athletics last season. Most of his time was spent in the minors, however, where he still struggled with a 6.08 ERA and 1.60 WHIP over 66.2 frames. He'll now attempt to bounce back during spring camp with the D-backs, though his recent performance will most likely keep him in an organizational depth role.