Houston Astros: First roster cuts of spring training

Four Astros pitchers are among the first roster cuts of spring training.

On Friday, the Houston Astros announced their first roster cuts of spring training that included four pitchers. While Forrest Whitley and Nivaldo Rodriguez were optioned to the minor leagues, non-roster invites Alex Santos and Riley Ferrell were re-assigned to the minor leagues.

These are two different terms thrown out there since Whitley and Rodriguez currently hold 40-man roster spots and still have options for the minor leagues. Santos and Ferrell have not been added to the 40-man in their careers, meaning they can be re-assigned to different parts of the minor league system.

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These roster cuts come as expected, and while some prospect-filled lineups are being thrown out there, more spring training cuts will be in the near future. As some of these players look to make their final at bats or appearances, they are wanting to contend for the likeness of the Astros. These players will continue to train at the facilities in West Palm Beach.

Whitley, who will be having season ending Tommy John surgery, will most likely stay on the 40-man roster, so his service clock doesn’t start. Rodriguez has had a nice spring training, while posting a 3.00 ERA through 6 innings with 6 strikeouts. The right-hander should start at the alternative training site in Sugar Land. Santos didn’t make an appearance in a spring training game, while being the Astros’ top draft pick in 2020. Ferrell struggled on the mound with an ERA of 18.00 through two innings.