Right-hander Brandon Duckworth, who spent time early last season in the Houston Astros' rotation, agreed Thursday to a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Marty McLeary and Nerio Rodriguez, two other right-handers with major league experience, also agreed to minor league deals with the Pirates. Duckworth was 0-1 with an 11.20 ERA in seven games with Houston last season and is 16-21 with a 5.34 ERA in 91 career games with the Phillies and Astros. Right-handed reliever Scott Strickland, who also spent time with Houston last season, previously signed a minor league contract with Pittsburgh. McLeary pitched in three games with the San Diego Padres in 2004 before going 5-8 with a 4.75 ERA in 41 games with Class Triple-A Portland last season.