HOUSTON – Jed Lowrie and the Houston Astros avoided an arbitration hearing, agreeing to a $1.15 million, one-year contract.

The team announced the deal Wednesday. Lowrie asked for $1.5 million in arbitration, while the Astros offered $900,000. His hearing had been scheduled for Friday.

The 27-year-old shortstop was acquired from Boston on Dec. 14 along with right-hander Kyle Weiland in exchange for reliever Mark Melancon.

Lowrie, a switch hitter who was eligible for arbitration for the first time, batted .252 with six homers and 36 RBI in 88 games for the Red Sox last season. He played every infield position and made $450,000. He is expected to become Houston’s starting shortstop this year.

Lowrie can earn an additional $75,000 in performance bonuses: $25,000 each for 341, 502 and 550 plate appearances. He had 341 plate appearances last year.

MARLINS: Five days after Jose Reyes had his dreadlocks cut off on live television to comply with the team’s dress code, the auction for his hair ended with a winning bid of $10,200, the MLB Network said.

Reyes left the New York Mets in December for a $106 million, six-year deal with the Marlins.

Proceeds of the auction, which was conducted on eBay, benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Florida.

• Emilio Bonifacio became the second player to defeat Miami in salary arbitration this year.

Bonifacio was awarded a $2.2 million salary by a three-person panel rather than the Marlins’ offer of $1.95 million.

Pitcher Anibal Sanchez beat the Marlins in a case decided Monday. 

REDS: Cincinnati made a couple moves to improve its depth, signing outfielder Ryan Ludwick to a one-year contract and left-handed starter Jeff Francis to a minor league deal. 

RANGERS: Slick-fielding shortstop Elvis Andrus and Texas finalized a $14.4 million, three-year contract. 

YANKEES: Russell Branyan agreed to a minor league contract with New York and will try to win a bench job as a corner infielder during spring training.

The Yankees also signed minor league deals with right-handed reliever Manny Delcarmen and outfielder Dewayne Wise.