TORONTO -- Infielder Julio Lugo, arrested last month for allegedly attacking his wife, signed a one-year contract Thursday with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Lugo cleared waivers Tuesday and was given his unconditional release by the Houston Astros.

The Devil Rays gave Lugo a one-year deal that includes a $1.75 million club option for 2004 with a $200,000 buyout. Houston is responsible for his $1,575,000 salary this year, except for a prorated portion of the $300,000 minimum -- which comes to $224,590.

He can earn about $500,000 more in performance bonuses in 2004 if the option is exercised.

Lugo was arrested April 30 following a loss to the Atlanta Braves and was charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly attacking his wife at Minute Maid Park before the game.

"The organization has done a tremendous amount of background work on the situation. We'll just let the judicial system run its course," general manager Chuck LaMar said. "We feel comfortable with the research that we've done."

Tampa Bay manager Lou Piniella said Lugo will start at shortstop in place of Rey Ordonez, expected to miss at least three more weeks with a strained knee.

"It gives us an experienced shortstop till we get Ordonez back," Piniella said. "He's an athletic kid that can play a few positions."

Lugo left Houston Friday for Baltimore. Lugo likely will play his first game Saturday. Lugo, who had been Houston's starting shortstop, batted .246 with two RBI in 65 at-bats this season.

"Everybody makes mistakes," Piniella said. "You learn from mistakes and you go forward. At the same time we're looking to improve our baseball team. I don't think there are too many people walking streets that wouldn't take back a couple of things that they've done in their life, including myself."

The Padres had been interested in Lugo as a backup infielder, but his agent wanted a two-year deal, San Diego general manager Kevin Towers said.