The Astros announced that they outrighted catcher J.R. Towles and right-handers Alberto Arias and Jose Valdez to Triple-A Oklahoma City after the trio cleared waivers. The move clears space on Houston’s 40-man roster, which now includes 35 players.
Arias and Valdez can both elect free agency instead of accepting the assignment, while Towles will automatically become a free agent after the World Series.
Arias would have been arbitration eligible, but he spent the 2011 on the season on the disabled list after undergoing shoulder surgery in March. The 27-year-old has a 3.74 ERA with 6.6 K/9 and 4.1 BB/9 in 74 2/3 career innings and hasn't pitched since 2009. MLBTR's Tim Dierkes recently predicted that the Astros would cut him loose.
Towles, 27, was once a highly-regarded prospect, but he has struggled to produce at the plate in parts of five MLB seasons. He has a .187/.267/.315 line in 484 MLB plate appearances since 2007. Valdez appeared in 12 games for the Astros this year, striking out 15 in 14 innings. He also posted a 5.47 ERA with 12.0 K/9 and 3.6 BB/9 in 24 2/3 minor league innings this year.
Twins sign Towles?!
…and every other catcher on the market, just in case?!
Dude these guys got rejected by the ASTROS. It’d be in your best interest to pass.
I have a feeling Arias will get himself together and come back as strong as he was in 2010 before he got hurt. The other two, trade them for equipment.
5 spots open on the 40-man? I see a free agent frenzy coming!
Doubtful, probably will be adding some AA-AAA prospects to the 40 man roster to protect them against Rule V draft(those that would be eligible to be drafted).
I’m calling it right now Jeff. Carmona and Towles on the Orioles next season. We trade Wieters for Towles.
Not nice.
Not nice.
So, am I to understand there’s now a “Towles ban?”
I always liked JR, sorry it never happened for him. Had a good September when he first came up, but little after that. Maybe a fresh start somewhere else could help.
Angels, take note… The Astros demoted their .187/.267/.315 Career Hitting Catcher…
You are absolutely right. Jason Castro and Brandon Lyon don’t count on the 40-man roster at this point, since they are both on the 60-day DL. Plus, Sergio Escalona is on the 60-day DL.
Once Castro and Lyon are activated, that’s 37, and if they still want Escalona, that’s 38.
A free-agent frenze isn’t going to happen in Houston this offseason. They will explore the Rule 5 possibility and go on the cheap.
Sarcasm indeed.
Sarcasm indeed.