The Houston Astros released three more pitching prospects — Michael Horrell, Kevin Dickey and Bryan Sammons — this past week. The Triple-A season begins Friday with minor league roster assignments expected to be announced this week.
The Astros drafted Horrell in the 30th round of the 2019 MLB Draft. Joining the organization from Campbell, the righty pitched in three seasons, posting a 4.08 ERA across 99.1 innings and reaching Double-A in 2021.
Horrell missed time in 2022 with an undisclosed injury, following a career-best season in 2019 with a 2.21 ERA in 53 innings. While not a strikeout pitcher, Horrell made the best of his short career in Houston’s system, especially following the round he was selected in.
Dickey joined Houston from Seminole State in the same draft as Horrell. The lefty missed all of the 2021 season with an undisclosed injury, following a lost season in 2020. Dickey made three appearances in the Florida Complex League last season, tossing four scoreless innings.
Sammons joined the Astros this past winter, signing a minor league contract after five seasons in Minnesota’s system. The lefty climbed the hill twice in the Grapefruit League, striking out one batter over 1.1 frames. Houston eyed left-handed pitching depth in free agency and the Rule 5 Draft this offseason, but Sammons fell short.
The Astros also released outfielder Luis Guerrero on Tuesday. The 2019 eighth-round pick slashed .215/.320/.327 across three seasons in Houston’s system, reaching Double-A last year. Guerrero struck out 100 strikeouts in 65 games last season for High-A Asheville. The Astros assigned him to the spring training roster last month, but Guerrero didn’t appear in the Grapefruit League.
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