HOUSTON (AP) — 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.

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