Perhaps a return to the American League will change pitcher Hideo Nomo's fortune.

The free-agent right-hander agreed Thursday to a minor-league contract with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, who extended Nomo an invitation to spring training.

Nomo went 4-11 with an 8.25 earned-run average in 18 starts with the Los Angeles Dodgers during an injury-plagued 2004.

The 10-year major-league veteran missed 72 games with a finger injury and inflammation in his right shoulder.

"I'm happy to have reached an agreement with Tampa Bay," Nomo, 36, said. "I will continue to work hard and try my best to be in the starting rotation when the season starts."

A native of Osaka, Japan, Nomo is 118-101 with a 4.05 ERA in 301 appearances (299 starts) for the New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox and Dodgers.

Nomo has won 12 or more games seven times in his career, including a career-best 16 with the Dodgers in 1996 and 2003.

Nomo broke into the majors in 1995 and was named National League rookie of the year that season.