J.D Martinez Optioned to AAA, Greene Off Team

After agreeing with terms with Ronny Cedeno just yesterday, the Astros made several more moves today. J.D. Martinez was sent to AAA this morning, after losing the battle with the other outfielders on the team. Tyler Greene was informed this morning that he won’t be on the team, and the Astros will explore their options with him, as he has no remaining options with the team. Jason Jaramillo was sent to minor league camp, which leaves 34 players in camp.

The Astros moves early this morning, gives us a better idea of the 25-man roster. With J.D. Martinez sent down, it seems like we could see Chris Carter, Justin Maxwell, and Rick Ankiel in the outfield. Fernando Martinez and Brandon Barnes will likely take the final two spots as backup outfielders. Though J.D. Martinez had a solid spring with a .298 average, that was not enough to keep him on the roster. The move is an interesting one, as he is a year removed off of a good year with the Astros. The fact that Martinez had options remaining, likely worked against him as Fernando Martinez did not have any remaining. Brandon Barnes has also had a good spring, which left the Astros with no other choice.

A day after Cedeno signing with the Astros, the Astros informed Tyler Greene that he will not be on the team. The Astros will explore trade options with Greene, and could possibly ship him out with one of their outfielders, as teams are also looking for fourth or fifth outfielders. With Greene out, the Astros will likely start Cedeno at shortstop, with Marwin Gonzalez backing him up.

With just one week until opening day, expect a flurry of action this week for the Astros. They may make a move or two in the next week, and expect several announcements regarding their utility players, backend of the rotation, and the bullpen.