Astros Opening Day Roster Finalized: Astros Purchase Joe Inglett's Contract

After their 10-0 beat down at the hands of the Boston Red Sox, the Astros made roster moves with an eye towards the start of the season. There weren’t too many surprises in the bunch, but with the purchasing of Joe Inglett’s contract, they won’t carry a real backup shortstop until Clint Barmes is back from the DL.

Enerio Del Rosario beat out Henry Villar for the last spot in the bullpen with his flawless spring training. Rule Five pick Aneury Rodriguez will stick as the long man.

The roster looks like this:

Position Players

C: J.R. Towles, Humberto Quintero
1B: Brett Wallace
2B: Bill Hall
SS: Angel Sanchez
3B: Chris Johnson
IF: Inglett, Scott Downs
LF: Carlos Lee
CF: Michael Bourn
RF: Hunter Pence
OF: Jason Michaels, Jason Bourgeois

Pitchers
SP: Brett Myers, Wandy Rodriguez, J.A. Happ, Bud Norris, Nelson Figueroa
RP: Brandon Lyon, Wilton Lopez, Mark Melancon, Fernando Abad, Jeff Fulchino, Del Rosario, A. Rodriguez

The team also announced that it reassigned Gustavo Chacin, Carlos Corporan, Anderson Hernandez, Oswaldo Navarro, J.B. Shuck, Jose Valdez, and Ross Wolf to minor league camp.

Astros Transactions: Rowland-Smith Designated For Assignment, Manzella Demoted

According to Alyson Footer, the Astros are planning to make two significant moves with the roster.

After vying for a spot in the rotation, Ed Wade and the Astros are cutting ties with Ryan Rowland-Smith. Rowland-Smith was more than unimpressive in Spring Training, and it became clear that he would not return to his 2009 form. Such a move is a bit surprising, especially with the news that J.A. Happ will miss some time. It is a matter of some conjecture who exactly the Astros would have starting games if Happ is out. Rule Five pick Aneurys Rodriguez appears to be the front runner. 

Tommy Manzella is heading back to Oklahoma City. Manzella was cut from the big league club and brought back after Clint Barmes hurt his wrist. But with Joe Inglett on board, Manzella will start the season in AAA, as the Astros appear to have soured on him completely.