Houston, TX (My Sportsbook) - The Houston Astros have designated for assignment pitcher Jonathan Johnson in order to clear a spot on the roster for veteran Ron Villone.

Villone's contract will be purchased from New Orleans of the Pacific Coast League in time for the lefthander to start Wednesday's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The 33-year-old joins the Astros for the second time in his career. During the 2001 season, Villone posted a record of 5-7 with a 5.56 ERA in 31 games (six starts) for the Astros.

After signing a minor league contract in May, Villone made five starts for the Zephyrs. The southpaw was 3-1 with a 1.23 ERA.

The nine-year veteran is 33-37 with a 5.04 ERA over 319 games, including 65 starts.

Villone pitched in 45 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, going 4-6 with a 5.81 ERA. He broke into the majors with Seattle in 1995 and has also had stints with San Diego, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Cincinnati.

Johnson was 0-1 with a 5.87 ERA over four games (three starts) for the Astros this season. In his last outing, he walked eight batters over three innings in a 4-3 loss to the Red Sox on Friday.