ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Houston Astros defeated former All-Star Mark Loretta in salary arbitration today, improving teams to 5-0 against players this year and clinching the 11th consecutive winning year for management.

Loretta will be paid $2.75 million rather than the $4.9 million he requested.

The 36-year-old hit .287 with four home runs and 41 RBIs in 133 games last year. A two-time All-Star, Loretta appeared at all four infield positions, playing mostly at shortstop (72 games) after Adam Everett broke his right leg on June 14.

Loretta made $3.5 million last season, became a free agent, then accepted the Astros' offer of arbitration.

His case was heard Monday by arbitrators Margaret Brogan, Stephen Goldberg and Fredric Horowitz.

Owners also defeated pitchers Brian Fuentes of Colorado, Jose Valverde of Houston and Chien-Ming Wang of the New York Yankees, along with Washington infielder Felipe Lopez.

Three players remain in arbitration: Philadelphia first baseman Ryan Howard, Los Angeles Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez and New York Mets pitcher Oliver Perez.