Astros and reliever Tim Byrdak agree to one-year, $1.6 million deal, avoid salary arbitration

Astros agree to terms with reliever Tim Byrdak

HOUSTON — Left-hander Tim Byrdak and the Houston Astros have avoided salary arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.6 million contract.

General manager Ed Wade said in a statement Sunday that the deal includes bonuses. Byrdak made $1 million in 2009. He asked for $1.9 million and the Astros offered $1.3 million.

The 36-year-old Byrdak made a club-leading 76 relief appearances last year and was 1-2 with a 3.32 ERA. He held opponents to a .178 average, lowest in the majors among left-handers. Byrdak allowed just 39 hits in 61 1-3 innings pitched.

Starting pitcher Wandy Rodriguez is the only remaining Astros player in arbitration.