3 Houston Astros non-roster invite snubs for 2022 spring training

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The Houston Astros released a list of 20 non-roster invites Saturday for spring training, while a few known names were left of the invite list.

While Major League Baseball clubs don’t want to overload the spring training dugout, right-handed pitcher Andre Scrubb, left-handed pitcher Kit Scheetz and outfielder Norel Gonzalez were players that would have benefitted from a spring with the major leaguers.

Andre Scrubb might have been removed from the 40-man, but an invite to Astros major-league spring training could have been ideal.

Scrubb was removed from the 40-man roster late November, before the MLB lockout was implemented. The 27-year-old went unclaimed through waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Sugar Land.

With two major-league seasons under his belt, Scrubb will not pitch against big leaguers this spring. His tenure and recent shoulder strain might be keeping him away from the Astros’ major-league spring training activities, while the organizations evaluates other prospects who haven’t had the opportunity Scrubb has had.

Following his return from the injured list, Scrubb pitched 15 innings in Triple-A, posting a 1.80 ERA and 20 strikeouts to 13 walks. His strikeout-to-walk ratio looks to be the splinter in his résumé, as he awaits the minor-league season to get back on track.

Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports /

Kit Scheetz, who received major-league spring training invites the last two years, remains without one in 2022.

With a smaller amount of games scheduled, the Astros might be looking at other prospects that haven’t sniffed major-league exposure yet. Scheetz, who has been invited twice, remains away from major-league camp following a 3.93 ERA in 2021.

The left-hander saw 55 innings with the Skeeters, but now 27-years-old, Scheetz hasn’t shown much consistency at the highest minor-league level. With 44 strikeouts to his 31 walks, the ratio doesn’t sound stellar, but losing a season in 2020 and pitching minimal Triple-A innings in 2019 can also be factors.

Although not invited this spring, Scheetz is still rostered for the Space Cowboys, while a lefty option out of the bullpen for manager Mickey Storey.

Mandatory Credit: The Corpus Christi Caller Times /

While climbing the system in his first minor-league season, Norel Gonzalez didn’t receive an invite from the Astros.

The Astros signed Gonzalez in January of 2021 as an international free agent, embarking on the backend of his 20s. The Cuban-born first baseman was promoted to Triple-A by August, while the injury bug limited his play in Sugar Land.

The left-hander slashed .275/.352/.481 across two levels with 15 home runs in 88 games. While at his second spring training, Gonzalez remains off the non-roster invite list but could make his name well-known with consistent play in Sugar Land.

In the field, he has shown versatility with innings at first base and the corner outfield positions. Now 27-years-old, Gonzalez could be an option for the 2023 season, pending the status of Yuli Gurriel and depth pieces behind him.

Next. Two Astros on AL Rookie of Years Odds List. dark

Astros Orbit:

Right-handed pitcher Austin Pruitt signed a minor-league deal with the Oakland A’s, Matt Kawahara of The San Fransisco Chronicle reports.

Outfielder Steven Souza signed a minor-league deal with the Seattle Mariners, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.

Shortstop Robel Garcia signed a minor-league deal with the Chicago Cubs again, Mike Rodriguez of Univision reports.

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3 Astros non-roster invite snubs for 2022 spring training

Andre Scrubb might have been removed from the 40-man, but an invite to Astros major-league spring training could have been ideal.

Kit Scheetz, who received major-league spring training invites the last two years, remains without one in 2022.

While climbing the system in his first minor-league season, Norel Gonzalez didn’t receive an invite from the Astros.

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