One of the key cogs in the Dynamo's starting XI last season is coming back in 2018.

The Dynamo on Tuesday announced the signing of free agent defender A.J. DeLaGarza, who in 2017 started 30 of 34 regular season games at right back.

His next start will not be for a while – possibly all the way until summer – because he is still rehabilitating a serious knee injury. DeLaGarza tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the regular season finale on Oct. 22.

He will be three months removed from that injury when preseason camp begins on Jan. 23. He will be a little more than four months removed when the regular season begins on March 3.

"We stand with him and we believe that he is going to recover and will be a stronger player," Dynamo boss Wilmer Cabrera said in a statement. "We are happy to re-sign him. It is important for him to feel that the Houston Dynamo is his home, is his club and that we support him in all aspects. This is going to help him mentally and physically as he can now just focus on his recovery and be sure that he is going to be here for the long term. "

The Dynamo acquired DeLaGarza in a draft day trade in 2017. He had played the first eight years of his career with the LA Galaxy, winning three MLS Cup titles.

His 30 starts last season were tied for a career-high. His had only four assists in his first eight seasons but had three last year.