Outfielder Tucker and pitcher Rogelio Armenteros, who were on the Astros‘ 40-man roster, were optioned to the minor leagues. Non-roster invitee pitchers Whitley, J. B. Bukauskas, Corbin Martin, and Brandon Bielak were reassigned to the minors, along with infielder Alex Degoti.
Whitley and Bukauskas were initially thought to be in the running for the 5th starting spot in the rotation. A. J. Hinch put that rumor to bed when he announced earlier in Spring Training that he felt they weren’t ready, and wouldn’t be starting the season in the big leagues.