HOUSTON – The Houston Astros have declined a $3 million team option for right-hander reliever Matt Albers.
The team will pay $200,000 to buy out the contract of Albers, who appeared in eight games this year before missing the rest of the season with a shoulder injury.
Houston also outrighted first baseman Jesus Guzman and left-hander Rudy Owens off the team’s 40-man roster. Guzman appeared in 69 games for Houston and hit .188 with two homers and nine RBIs. Owens, who spent most of the season at Triple-A Oklahoma City, made one appearance for the Astros this season.
Also, right-hander Jorge De Leon was claimed off waivers by Oakland. De Leon made eight relief appearances for Houston after a September call-up.