Following the return of Jeff Keppinger, playing time had dried up for infielder Bill Hall. Hall had received just one start in the last eight games, and he was pulled from that game after just two at-bats in a double switch. So it should come as no surprise that the Astros finally waived Hall tonight with the purpose of granting him his unconditional release.
The signing of Hall was a bit curious from the beginning, given the fact that Keppinger was one of the more consistent Astros last season. Hall did little to dispel that myth on the field this year, hitting .224/.272/.340 in 158 plate appearances, with 55 strikeouts. Hardly terrific numbers, but he probably deserved more time given the guaranteed money and the 18 homers he hit last year.
Hall will likely not be claimed on waivers, meaning the Astros will pay the last $2 million of his contract off, as well as the $250,000 buyout for next year, while he finds a new team to play for. He will go down on Ed Wade's list of flubs with players like Kaz Matsui and Miguel Tejada.
To replace Hall on the active roster, the Astros activated Jason Bourgeois.