Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow announced Wednesday that Houston has claimed outfielder Fernando Martinez off waivers from the Mets and added him to the club's 40-man roster.
Right-hander Henry Villar was designated for assigment as a corresponding move to create a spot on the 40-man roster for Martinez.
The 24-year-old Villar went a combined 4-5 with a 5.45 ERA and 48 strikeouts over 76 innings in 42 games (seven starts) at Triple-A Oklahoma City and Double-A Corpus Christi last season.
ESPNDeportes.com's Enrique Rojas learned Wednesday that an NL Central team had claimed Martinez, which he believed to be Houston.
Adam Rubin of ESPNNewYork.com later confirmed the Astros were awarded the claim, since they had the first crack in the waiver process due to finishing with MLB's worst record last season.
Martinez, 23, hit .227 with a homer, two RBI, two doubles and three runs scored over 22 at-bats in 11 games for the Mets last season.
The young outfielder was once rated as the Mets' top overall prospect by Baseball America and billed as the farm system's best power hitter with the expectation of being an impact big leaguer.
However, multiple injuries, including an arthritic right knee, have severely limited Martinez's playing time over the last three seasons.
The Mets elected to place Martinez on waivers Tuesday, as well as reliever Daniel Ray Herrera, in order to clear room on the 40-man roster for free-agent additions Scott Hairston and Ronny Cedeno.
ESPN.com's Jayson Stark wrote via Twitter on Tuesday that one scout guaranteed at least five teams would likely claim Martinez.
In addition to being considered "untouchable" by the Mets at one time, Martinez ranked as one of the top 100 prospects in the game over a four-season stretch (2007-10) by Baseball America.
He's a low-risk, potential high-reward option for the Astros, especially being just 23-years-old on a club with open jobs this spring.
Luhnow recently told Examiner.com that the club's biggest competition over the course of Spring Training for Opening Day roster spots will be in the bullpen, outfield and for utility roles.
Ultimately, it's an ideal scenario for Martinez.
He's hitting .183 (24-for-131) with two home runs and 12 RBI over 47 games in three career big league seasons -- all with the Mets.
Furthermore, Martinez has posted a .274 batting average in six seasons at the minor league level after signing with the Mets organization in 2005 at the age of 16 as a non-drafted free agent.
For the latest Astros news, click on the Subscribe button at the top of the page. Also, be sure to follow Houston Astros Examiner Stephen Goff on Facebook and Twitter, or email sgoff80@yahoo.com.
Comments