Conger and the Astros avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.075 million deal Friday, Houston Chronicle writer Evan Drellich reports. Traded to Houston in November, Conger finds himself for competing for playing time against a fellow disappointing former first-round pick in Jason Castro, though Castro is likely the favorite to stay in the lead given his superior stats with batting average and power.

Conger was acquired by the Astros in exchange for Carlos Perez and Nick Tropeano. Conger hit .221/.293/.325 in 80 games for the Angels last season mainly backing up Chris Ianetta behind the plate. Jason Castro held down the catching duties for the Astros last year, but hit just .222 in 126 games, so Conger could challenge for the starting role in spring training.

Conger went 1-for-2 with a home run and two walks in a loss to the Mariners on Thursday. The homer was Conger's first since May 11. The 26-year-old is thought to be the heir apparent to the catcher position for the Halos, as he was a first-round draft pick in 2006, but his .625 OPS this season has allowed Chris Iannetta to receive the bulk of time behind the dish.

Hank Conger finished 3-for-4 with a homer and five RBI in the Angels' 9-3 rout of the Blue Jays on Sunday. Conger hit an RBI double in the fourth inning, a three-run homer in the sixth inning, and an RBI single in the ninth inning. He still isn't getting much playing time behind Chris Iannetta but has made the most of these limited opportunities, batting .314/.364/.569 with three homers and 13 RBI in 51 at-bats. The Angels (19-17) are two games over the .500 mark for the first time in two years.

Hank Conger went 2-for-3 with a walk and a home run as the Angels defeated the Indians on Wednesday. Conger swatted his second home run of the season in the second inning off of Zach McAllister, a two-run blast. Conger, the Angels' back-up catcher behind Chris Iannetta, has been remarkably productive in his limited playing time, slashing .324/.361/.588 after Wednesday's performance.

Hank Conger went 2-for-5 with his first home run of the season in a win over the Mets on Sunday. Conger had one of four home runs off Mets starter Bartolo Colon, a two-run shot in the fifth inning. He also doubled and scored two runs in the game. He's used sparingly as the backup to Chris Iannetta, but Conger's bat may eventually force the Angels to flip their roles.

Hank Conger slugged a go-ahead two-run homer in the Angels' 6-5 defeat of the Brewers on Saturday. Some late-August excitement for this disappointing Anaheim team. Josh Hamilton hit a two-out pinch-hit double and then Conger was picked to hit for reliever Dane De La Rosa and came through with a heroic blast. Conger is slugging .440 with seven homers in 191 at-bats.

Hank Conger went 1-for-3 with a walk, double, RBI and run scored in Thursday's win over the Yankees. It was Conger's first double, walk and RBI of August, and just his second run scored. Conger hasn't fulfilled his offensive potential to date, and he doesn't play enough to factor into mixed leaguer's plans. Conger, batting .239, has collected six homers and 15 RBI over 159 at-bats.

Hank Conger homered off Chris Iannetta to plate the Angels' only two runs Wednesday against the Cardinals. Conger's bat and improved throwing have him in line for more playing time behind the plate in Anaheim. The Angels should also think about DHing him once in a while, considering that he has a better OPS against right-handers than either Mark Trumbo or Albert Pujols.

Hank Conger went 2-for-4 and hit his fourth homer against the Orioles on Wednesday. Conger has three homers and a double in his last five starts. He's not going to capture much additional playing time for Chris Iannetta, but it'd be interesting to see what he could do if given the occasional start at DH.