Astros will explore Loux

The Astros will explore the possibility of signing Barret Loux, who was declared a free agent today by Commissioner Bud Selig. Loux was taken No. 6 overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in this June’s First-Year Player Draft, but failed a failed a physical.

“We got notification from the Commissioner’s Office that the contract was voided and he’s a free agent, and we’ll do our due diligence and look into what was involved and the circumstances to led to free agency and go from there,” Astros general manager Ed Wade said. “We just now go the information and we’re trying to sort through the next step.”

Loux will be free to sign with any team on Sept. 1, and Arizona will receive a supplemental pick in the 2011 Draft. According to reports, the Diamondbacks backed out of a multi-million dollar agreement with Loux when a physical revealed are problems.

Loux was 11-2 with a 2.83 ERA in 17 games this year with the Aggies.