<
>

Dustin Garneau guaranteed $100,000 in deal with Astros

HOUSTON -- Catcher Dustin Garneau is guaranteed just $100,000 as part of his one-year contract with the Houston Astros.

Garneau, who figures to compete for a backup role, would get a $650,000 salary in the major leagues and $300,000 in the minors as part of the agreement announced Tuesday.

He could earn an additional $75,000 in performance bonuses based on plate appearances and innings on defense: $25,000 each for 75 plate appearances or 200 innings and for 150 or 300 and 225 or 400.

The 32-year-old Garneau hit .244 with three homers and 14 RBI in 35 games this year for the Los Angeles Angels and Oakland, which claimed him off waivers on Aug. 3.

A five-year major league veteran, he also has played for Colorado and the Chicago White Sox.

Houston catchers Robinson Chirinos and Martin Maldonado became free agents.