Astros decline 2016 option for RHP Qualls

HOUSTON (AP) The Houston Astros have declined the 2016 option on the contract of right-handed reliever Chad Qualls.

Houston would have had to pay him $3.5 million for next season, but instead bought out his contract for $250,000.

The 37-year-old spent the last two seasons with the Astros after beginning his career in Houston in 2004. He went 3-5 with a 4.38 ERA and four saves in 60 appearances this season.

Qualls, who played for seven other teams between stints with the Astros, had a 3.33 ERA and 19 saves in 58 appearances for Houston in 2014.