Travis Blackley has signed a one-year contract with Japan's Rakuten Golden Eagles.

Blackey posted a 4.83 ERA and 1.35 WHIP over 50 1/3 innings for the Astros and Rangers this past season. The 31-year-old is reportedly getting nearly $2 million from Rakuten, which is way more than he was going to receive from a major league club.

Travis Blackley cleared waivers and elected free agency.

The Rangers waived Blackley after the season and he went untouched on the waiver wire. The Australian left-hander didn't exactly impress this past season -- he was DFA'd by the putrid Astros in August -- but he'll be a priority minor league free agent with a new organization this winter. Blackey posted a decent 4.10 ERA over 100-plus innings in 2012 prior to regressing to a 4.83 ERA and 1.35 WHIP over 50 1/3 frames between two teams in 2013.

Travis Blackley surrendered three runs on five hits over six innings in a victory over the Mariners on Monday.

He struck out four and walked one in improving to 2-1 with a 4.80 ERA over 42 relief appearances and two starts. This marks Blackey's first quality start since his last outing of 2012, which coincidentally came against Texas (as a member of the A's). The Australian left-hander hasn't exactly impressed this season -- he was, after all, DFA'd by the Astros less than three weeks ago -- but Blackey could potentially be used as an AL-only Band-Aid next time out against the Twins.

Travis Blackley is expected to make another start on Monday in Seattle against the Mariners.

Blackley allowed two runs over four innings in a so-so spot start on Tuesday night against the Astros. He's not a recommended fantasy streamer against the M's.

Travis Blackley allowed two runs over four innings in a no-decision against the Astros on Tuesday.

Blackley was making a spot start and held his own against his former team, holding the Astros to three hits and a walk. Alexi Ogando was placed on the disabled list on Tuesday so the Rangers will need to fill his rotation spot for a few more turns, but it's hard to envision the first-place club going forward with Blackley.

Rangers purchased the contract of LHP Travis Blackley from Triple-A Round Rock.

Blackley will make a spot start for the Rangers on Tuesday against the Astros. He owns an ugly 5.28 career major-league ERA and is not a recommended fantasy streamer.

The Rangers will call up left-hander Travis Blackley to start Tuesday against the Astros.

Blackley will start in place of Alexi Ogando, who is dealing with inflammation in a nerve near his right shoulder. Acquired from the Astros just last week, the 30-year-old has a 5.28 ERA in 23 starts and 55 relief appearances in the majors. He's not a fantasy option.

Rangers acquired LHP Travis Blackley from the Astros for cash considerations; assigned him to Triple-A Round Rock.

Blackley posted a 4.85 ERA and 29/20 K/BB ratio over 35 innings with the Astros this season. He'll serve as organizational depth with Texas.

Travis Blackley cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Blackley now has three days to accept his assignment or opt to become a free agent. The southpaw had a 4.89 ERA in 35 innings with the Astros this year.

Astros designated LHP Travis Blackley for assignment.

Blackley has posted a rough 4.89 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 35 innings of relief this season. The 30-year-old left-hander probably won't draw much interest on waivers.

Travis Blackley has a contusion above his left eye.

Blackley suffered the injury Wednesday while standing in the outfield during batting practice. He probably won't be used in Wednesday's game against the Orioles.

Astros activated LHP Travis Blackley from the 15- day disabled list.

Travis Blackley (shoulder) allowed a run over two innings in a rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday.

Blackley was placed on the DL with a shoulder strain shortly after being acquired by the Astros earlier this month, but clearly the ailment wasn't a major concern. He could be ready for activation before the end of the month.

Astros acquired LHP Travis Blackley from the Athletics in exchanged for OF Jake Goebbert.

Blackley was designated for assignment last week after failing to crack the Opening Day roster, but he's now found himself back in the majors. The left-hander will likely worth out of the bullpen initially, but he could be an option for the Astros' rotation eventually. Blackley posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 20 appearances -- 15 starts -- with the A's in 2012.

Athletics designated LHP Travis Blackley for assignment.

It's a tough break for the 30-year-old left-hander who posted a 3.86 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 20 appearances (15 starts) with the A's in 2012. Unfortunately, his poor spring performance combined with their incredibly deep starting rotation, left Blackley as the odd man out. He shouldn't have a problem finding another team willing to take a chance on him, but holds little-to-no fantasy value at the moment.

Travis Blackley will be stretched out as a starting pitcher this spring.

The A's will stretch him out just in case, but Blackley is expected to function as a long reliever this season. The 30-year-old left-hander had a 3.86 ERA and 69/30 K/BB ratio over 102 2/3 innings in 15 starts and nine relief appearances last season.

Travis Blackley delivered a fantastic outing in a critical victory over the Rangers on Tuesday, surrendering just one run on three hits over his six frames.

Blackley whiffed five and walked two. The only real blemish in the outing was an RBI double from Josh Hamilton in the third inning. Blackley has done an admirable job when given an opportunity this year, posting a 5-4 record, 4.01 ERA and 71/32 K/BB ratio over 107 2/3 total innings.

Travis Blackley will start Tuesday against the Rangers.

Blackley hasn't made it through three innings in each of his last two starts, so the Athletics will hope to have a Wild Card spot already secured. "I don't know that we have any other options," manager Bob Melvin said. "He's done some good things for us. I talked to him about redirecting his thoughts and trying to not get too consumed with the last couple of games."

Travis Blackley was pulled after giving up five runs in an inning Thursday against the Rangers.

Blackley has gotten all of nine outs in his last two starts. Unfortunately, the A's are really short on rotation options right now. However, unless they've already clinched a playoff spot, it seems unlikely that they'll give Blackley another start next week.

Travis Blackley was hit hard in a no-decision against the Yankees on Saturday, surrendering four runs (two earned) on four hits over just two innings of work.

He also issued three free passes and struck out one in the abbreviated outing. It was his first start since August 29, but was necessary with the recent injury to Brett Anderson. Blackley will carry a 5-3 record, 3.75 ERA and 66/30 K/BB ratio into Thursday's start against the Rangers in Texas.