Injuries limited right-hander Matt Albers to just 10 innings this season and the Astros have declined the reliever’s $3 million option for 2015, buying him out for $200,000.
Albers had a very effective two-season run for the Red Sox, Diamondbacks, and Indians in 2012 and 2013, throwing a total of 123 innings with a 2.77 ERA despite just 5.8 strikeouts per nine innings.
When healthy enough to take the mound this season he remained effective, allowing just one run in eight appearances, but shoulder problems make it likely that he’ll have to accept a minor-league deal as a free agent.
