Astros sign Barmes, Keppinger

HOUSTON, Jan. 18 (UPI) -- Veteran infielders Clint Barmes and Jeff Keppinger signed one-year contracts with the Houston Astros Tuesday, the National League club said.

By reaching deals with the two players, the team avoided going to arbitration.

Barmes, 31, who was acquired in a trade with Colorado in November, will be paid $3.93 million

Keppinger, 30, who hit .288 with a .351 OBP in 137 games with the Astros last year, will be paid $2.3 million in the coming season. He has hit .281 in six big-league seasons with 26 home runs and 180 RBI.

He had surgery on his left foot Friday.