3 Astros non-roster invite snubs for 2022 spring training

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.