Astros’ pitcher Rafael Montero designated for assignment

Houston Astros pitcher Rafael Montero (47) delivers in the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Texas Rangers Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Richard W. Rodriguez) (Richard W. Rodriguez)

Wednesday afternoon, the Houston Astros announced that right-handed reliever Rafael Montero had been designated for assignment.

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The move comes as the team needed to make space on the roster for two newly acquired arms. Pitcher Yusei Kikuchi was traded from the Toronto Blue Jays and Caleb Ferguson was traded from the New York Yankees.

Montero, 33, is in the second year of a 3-year, $34.5 million extension with the Astros. In 41 relief appearances in 2024, he tallied a 1-2 record with a 4.70 ERA and 23 strikeouts.

The team now has a week to decide how to move forward with Montero.