The Houston Astros on Monday announced their third free agent signing of the off-season.

Shortstop Jed Lowrie will return to the Astros after spending the past two seasons with the Oakland A's.  Lowrie will start at shortstop and be able to fill-in at the other three infield positions as needed.

According to the Houston Chronicle, Lowrie signed a three-year contract with an option for a fourth year.  The money is front-loaded too, with Lowrie receiving: $8 million in 2015, $7.5 million in 2016, $6.5 million in 2017 and $6 million or a $1 million buyout in 2018.

The Astros 2015 infield starters will be Jon Singleton at first base, Jose Altuve at second base, Lowrie at shortstop and Matt Dominguez at third base.

Lowrie's best season was in 2013 with the A's. That year he hit .290 with a .333 OBP and .446 SLG with 45 2B and 15 HR.

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