The Houston Astros have avoided arbitration with Jed Lowrie, agreeing to terms with the infielder on a one-year, $1.15 million contract, according to the Associated Press.

Lowrie had asked for $1.5 million in arbitration, with the Astros counter-offering $900,000. They were slated for a Friday hearing, but they met in the middle tonight rather than head to court.

Lowrie, 27, was acquired from the Boston Red Sox on Dec. 14 along with starting pitcher Kyle Weiland in exchange for reliever Mark Melancon. He hit .252 with six homers and 36 RBIs in 88 games for the Red Sox last season.

While Lowrie played all over Boston’s infield last season, including a prolonged stint at third base in place of the injured Kevin Youkilis, he is expected to settle into the everyday shortstop job for the Astros in 2012.