Major League Baseball

Jed Lowrie thrilled to be reunited with Astros after a few years away

Published Feb. 28, 2015 10:42 p.m. ET

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Houston Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow and his staff added several new faces during a whirlwind offseason designed to speed up the team's rebuilding process in 2015.They also brought back a familiar face, giving shortstop Jed Lowrie a three-year, $23 million free agent deal. 

Lowrie, who will turn 31 in April, spent 2012 in Houston. Prior to the 2013 season, he was dealt along with reliever Fernando Rodriguez to the Oakland A's in exchange for Chris Carter, Max Stassi and Brad Peacock — all three of whom are still in the Astros organization. 

At Astros camp on Friday, Lowrie spoke with the Austin American-Statesman about his return engagement with Houston. Judging by his comments, he couldn't be more excited about being back:

Lowrie had a strong and healthy 2013 season in Oakland, slashing .290/.344/.446 while slugging 15 home runs and driving in 75 runs, all the while anchoring the A's infield as their everyday shortstop. His 2014 with the A's was slightly less of a 'career year' statistically, but he stayed mostly healthy enough to be a factor for much of the season. 

New Astros manager A.J. Hinch praised Lowrie for his 'steadiness' and 'presence,' and Hinch is especially looking forward to watching Lowrie and second baseman Jose Altuve play together up the middle:

The Astros no doubt hope that Lowrie will fend off the injury bug that's bothered him a few times in his career now that he's rejoined the team. If that happens, Luhnow's decision to bring him back to Houston will likely be a smashing success. 

(H/T Austin American-Statesman)

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