Astros decline Matt Albers' 2015 option

The Houston Astros have opted not to bring right-hander Matt Albers back for 2015, instead declining his $3 million option, the club has announced. Houston will pay Albers a $200,000 buyout.

The Astros signed Albers to a one-year, $2.45 million deal (plus an option) last offseason, but the right-hander spent much of the season on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis. When on the mound he was quite good, albeit in just eight games. The 31-year-old allowed just one run, while striking out eight and walking three in 10 innings pitched. Albers is a nine-year major league veteran, having played for the Astros, Red Sox, Orioles, Diamondbacks, and Indians. He owns a 4.42 ERA, 4.43 FIP, 1.58 K/BB, and 2.7 WAR in 515.1 innings for his career.

Houston also made a trio of additional moves Thursday to clear up roster space. Right-hander Jorge De Leon was claimed on waivers by the A's, and the Astros also outrighted left-hander Rudy Owens and first baseman Jesus Guzman. All three spent time on the big league roster this season, though none of them enjoyed much success. The 30-year-old Guzman was particularly bad after coming over in a trade with the San Diego Padres prior to the season. He hit just .188/.272/.248 with a 49 OPS+ and -0.9 WAR in 184 plate appearances.