The Astros have designated minor league right-hander Ross Seaton for assignment, according to Brian T. Smith (on Twitter). Smith writes that the move clears a 40-man roster spot for outfielder Marc Krauss to take the place of Trevor Crowe, who was placed on the disabled list with a sprained joint in his shoulder.
Seaton, 23, was a third-round pick by the Astros in the 2008 draft. He ranked as the club's No. 16 prospect prior to the 2012 season and No. 21 prospect prior to this season, according to Baseball America. After posting a 3.93 ERA with 6.2 K/9 and 2.0 BB/9 in 169 1/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A in 2012, however, he's posted an 8.18 ERA with 28 strikeouts and 26 walks in 55 innings between those same two levels this year.
Prior to the season, BA wrote that Seaton profiled as a back-of-the-rotation innings eater who didn't have enough stuff to get away with missing up in the zone, noting that he's prone to home runs. That was made very evident this season, as he allowed 11 long balls in his 55 innings.
