HOUSTON — Carlos Correa, taken by Houston with the top pick in this week’s amateur draft, agreed to a contract with the Astros for a signing bonus of $4.8 million Thursday.
The deal for the 17-year-old shortstop is the first for a top pick since the new collective bargaining agreement that places restraints on spending for selections in the first 10 rounds. It is the lowest guarantee for a top selection since the Royals gave former Fowler High School pitcher Luke Hochevar $3.5 million in 2006.
Under the labor deal, agreed to in November, the recommended slot value for the top pick was $7.2 million. The values of the slots for a team’s picks in the first 10 rounds are added up, and teams exceeding their totals are penalized with a tax and possibly the loss of future draft picks. All selections are limited to minor-league contracts.
Correa will return to Puerto Rico to graduate from high school this weekend before joining the rookie-level Gulf Coast League on Tuesday.
“It means a lot,” he said. “I want to play baseball. I want to play for the Houston Astros. I don’t want to lose time. I feel comfortable signing early. I like this team. I just want to work hard.”
Cardinals place Garcia on DL • HOUSTON —The Cardinals placed left-hander Jaime Garcia on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder strain and recalled right-hander Fernando Salas from Triple-A Memphis. Salas led the Cardinals with 24 saves last season, but started this season 0-3 with a 6.32 ERA in 18 games.
Footnotes. The Rangers placed left-hander Derek Holland on the 15-day DL because of a fatigued left shoulder and promoted right-hander Tanner Scheppers from Triple-A Round Rock. … Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is expected to rejoin the lineup soon, after X-rays of his injured left index finger were negative. … Former Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda was released from a New York hospital three days after suffering a mild heart attack. … Athletics reliever Andrew Carignan said he needs elbow ligament replacement surgery. … Yankees right-hander Joba Chamberlain tweeted he is set to throw pitches off a mound today as he recovers from a dislocated ankle. … The Twins optioned right-hander Cole De Vries to Triple-A Rochester and said they will recall first baseman Chris Parmelee.
