The Astros and left-hander J.A. Happ avoided arbitration on Tuesday by agreeing to terms on a one-year, $2.35 million contract.
General manager Jeff Luhnow made the announcement.
It marks a $1.876 million raise for the lefty, who entered this offseason as an arbitration-eligible player for the first time in his career.
The 29-year-old Happ posted a 6-15 record with a 5.35 ERA and 1.54 WHIP over 156 1/3 innings in 28 starts for Houston last season.
He went 4-14 with a 6.26 ERA over his first 22 starts and led the NL in losses prior to being optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Aug. 6.
Happ bounced back with a stellar 1.50 ERA over three starts at Oklahoma City and was recalled by the Astros nearly three weeks later.
The southpaw responded by going 2-1 with a 2.43 ERA in six starts down the stretch to regain momentum heading into the offseason.
He'll likely enter Spring Training next month with a spot in the starting rotation behind Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez and Bud Norris.
The Astros acquired Happ via trade from Philadelphia on July 29, 2010 as part of the deal that sent ace Roy Oswalt to the Phillies.
He's compiled a 25-24 record with a 4.00 ERA over 445 1/3 innings in 88 appearances (72 starts) over five major league seasons.
For the latest Astros news, click on the Subscribe button at the top of the page. Also, be sure to follow Houston Astros Examiner Stephen Goff on Facebook and Twitter, or email sgoff80@yahoo.com.
Comments