An agent for free-agent starting pitching Runelvys Hernandez said Saturday the 29-year-old righthander is close to reaching a one-year deal with the Astros. Phillip Isaac, a representative for Hernandez, said all signs point toward a deal being completed within the next couple of days, though Hernandez would like to have one last round of discussions with other teams. Texas, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati have expressed interest. Astros' General Manager Ed Wade said director of Latin American scouting Felix Francisco has been monitoring Hernandez this winter in the Dominican Republic. "We've had conversations with his agent, but we haven't gotten anything done," Wade said. "We'd still like to add some depth in the pitching staff and create more competition going into spring training." "Felix Francisco has seen Hernandez pitch a couple of times in the Dominican and has recommended we take a shot at him. That's where we stand at this point."