Designated hitter Evan Gattis avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.4 million contract with the Houston Astros.
Gattis was asking for $3.85 million, while the Astros came it at closer to $3 million.
Gattis had sports hernia surgery and is likely to be limited if available on Opening Day.
General manager Jeff Luhnow said last week the recovery time was a very rough estimate and Gattis will play when he’s ready. That date could move up, or back, from the initial 4-6 weeks the team was given.
“There’s also the issue of preparing for the season and how many at-bats does a player need?” Luhnow told the Houston Chronicle.