Brian Bixler went 2-for-4 and homered as the Astros' leadoff man Friday in a 5-1 win over the Nationals. Bixler has spent most of his career as a middle infielder, but the Astros have him playing the outfield this spring as he attempts to make the club as a utilityman. With a .333 average, two homers, a triple and three walks in 15 at-bats, he's been as hot as anyone on the club. Still, he's not a long-term piece for the Astros and the team shouldn't be looking at him as more than a 25th man.

Brian Bixler hit a walkoff three-run homer in the 10th inning to give the Astros a 6-5 win over the Phillies on Tuesday. Bixler had an RBI single in his other at-bat today. The veteran utilityman is 3-for-8 as he attempts to claim a spot on Houston's bench.

Brian Bixler has cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Bixler was outrighted off the Astros' 40-man roster last week after batting just .205 with a .532 OPS across 94 major league plate appearances in 2011. He'll try to work his way back up during spring training.

Astros sent INF-OF Brian Bixler outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was cleared in order to make room for Jed Lowrie and Kyle Weiland on the 40-man roster. Bixler, who was claimed off waivers from the Nationals in November, batted just .205 and a .532 OPS over 94 plate appearances this past season while playing shortstop, third base, first base and all three outfield positions.

Astros claimed INF-OF Brian Bixler off waivers from the Nationals. Bixler, 29, batted just .205/.267/.265 with zero homers and a .532 OPS over 94 plate appearances with the Nationals this season. He'll try to earn a roster spot as a utility player during spring training.

Nationals recalled INF-OF Brian Bixler from Triple-A Syracuse. Bixler hit just .196/.260/.217 in 52 plate appearances with the Nationals earlier this season. He'll be counted on to fill the utility role left vacated by the trade of Jerry Hairston.

Nationals optioned SS Brian Bixler to Triple-A Syracuse. Bixler hit just .196/.260/.217 in 52 plate appearances with the Nationals this season while being used primarily as a defensive replacement. He should be back later this season.