Mickey Storey claimed by Yankees; Seven added to Astros roster

The Astros have announced that right-handed reliever Mickey Storey has been claimed off waivers by the New York Yankees. Storey, 26, made his major league debut last season, appearing in 26 games out of the Houston bullpen. He was one of the most consistent relievers on the club down the stretch and I am a little surprised that he was placed on waivers.

Mickey Storey (Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE)

The Astros are moving players around on the roster in order to meet tonight’s Rule 5 deadline. Players who are Rule 5 Draft eligible must be added to the 40-man roster prior to midnight E.S.T. to avoid being subject to next month’s draft. In another move, Scott Moore was outrighted to AAA Oklahoma City, trimming the roster to 29 players. Moore, who hit nine homers for the Astros last season, has the option of declining the demotion and becoming a Free Agent.

The Astros then added seven minor leaguers to the 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft. Those seven players are: pitchers Jose Cisnero, Jarred Cosart, Chia-Jen Lo, Brett Oberholtzer, and Ross Seaton, outfielder Robbie Grossman and shortstop Jonathan Villar. That puts the roster at 36 and gives the Astros some wiggle room to add or subtract over the next few hours.

Late last month I suggested the Astros add nine players to the 40-man to keep them from being scooped up by another team in the Rule 5 Draft. Six of the seven players who were added today made my list, as did three others: Marc Krauss, Carlos Perez, and Jason Stoffel. Ross Seaton wasn’t in my top nine, but I did mention him as a possibility.

Look for the Astros to make a few more moves involving these players or perhaps others before tonight’s deadline passes.