The Astros designated reliever Oscar Villarreal for assignment today. The 26 year-old posted a 5.02 ERA in 37.2 innings this year. He’s been leaning more heavily on his breaking stuff this year, and the result has been fewer strikeouts, more walks, and a ridiculous number of home runs allowed (12). Villarreal is signed through 2009. He’ll either accept the assignment to Triple A or take a release/trade from the Astros.
Check out Richard Justice’s blog for commentary on Ed Wade’s acquisition and signing of Villarreal.
