Astros sign Quintero; Castro has foot surgery

HOUSTON, TX -  The Houston Astros have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with catcher Humberto Quintero, general manager Jeff Luhnow announced today.

As a result of the deal, which is worth $1 million plus bonuses, the Astros will avoid arbitration with the veteran catcher.

Quintero, 32, hit .240 in 79 games in 2011 with two home runs and 25 RBIs, setting career highs in RBIs and doubles (12). His 73 starts at catcher were one shy of his career high 74 starts in 2010. His four pickoffs in 2011 ranked second in the Majors, and his 11 pickoffs the last two seasons (2010-11) combined are tops in the big leagues.

CASTRO HAS FOOT SURGERY

Luhnow also announced that catcher Jason Castro underwent surgery on his left foot and will be sidelined for approximately three months. The procedure, which is termed as a sesamoidectomy, was performed by Dr. Kevin Varner at The Methodist Hospital in Houston on Friday.

Castro, 24, sustained the injury in his final Arizona Fall League game for the Salt River Rafters on November 16 at Phoenix. He hit .289 (11-for-38) in 12 games for the Rafters with a .404 on-base-percentage.