Astros: Marwin Gonzalez returns to Houston on minor-league deal

The Astros have signed Marwin Gonzalez to a minor-league deal.

On Friday, the Houston Astros announced that the organization had signed utility infielder Marwin Gonzalez to a minor-league contract. The switch-hitter was designated for assignment on August 13 and then released on August 16 by the Boston Red Sox.

Gonzalez slashed .202/.281/.285 with a .567 OPS through 77 games, as his bat is not close to what it once was in Houston. The switch-hitter hasn’t had an above average OPS since the 2017 season.

The 32-years-old hasn’t played since August 12, while he will start to work out on Friday at the Astros Spring Training Complex in West Palm Beach, FL.

While on a minor-league deal, the Astros won’t have to make a corresponding roster move. If Gonzalez makes the 40-man roster, then the team could look to DFA current infield depth in either Jacob Wilson or Robel Garcia.

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Gonzalez doesn’t have minor-league options, but his addition could help bolster the depth behind Aledmys Diaz. The 10-year veteran can play the whole infield and left field, which is deeper than what Wilson and Garcia bring to the table.

The roster expands to 28 in September, while Gonzalez could have a month to be evaluated if added to the active roster. It is not a guarantee that the switch-hitter returns to the Astros’ major-league roster, but his glove would be the more highly sought out attribute in his game.

Gonzalez was a fan favorite and was well liked in the clubhouse, so the Astros are getting more than just his versatility. His signing comes four days before he would become ineligible for the postseason.