Astros, Lowrie agree to terms on contract
Club avoids arbitration with shortstop
HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros and shortstop Jed Lowrie have agreed to terms on a one-year contract for the 2012 season. The announcement was made by Astros General Manager Jeff Luhnow.
Lowrie, 27, was eligible for arbitration for the first time in his career. With his signing, the Astros have avoided the arbitration process with all of their eligible players this offseason.
Lowrie hit .252 (78x309) with six home runs and 36 RBI in 88 games for Boston last season. He played every infield position in 2011, making 46 starts at shortstop and 29 at third base. Lowrie has played in parts of four Major League seasons with the Red Sox (2008-11), appearing primarily as a shortstop, which included 130 starts at the position. He is a career .252 (204x808) Major League hitter with 19 home runs and 117 RBI.
Lowrie was acquired this offseason by Houston on Dec. 14, along with RHP Kyle Weiland, in exchange for RHP Mark Melancon. The switch-hitting infielder was originally a supplemental first-round selection by Boston in 2005 (45th pick overall).