Astros purchased the contract of RHP Henry Villar from Double-A Corpus Christi. Villar is now safe from next month's Rule 5 Draft. The 25-year-old righty registered a cool 1.16 WHIP and 30/8 K/BB ratio in 50 innings this past season in Double-A.

Astros sent RHP Henry Villar outright to Triple-A Oklahoma City. Villar was designated for assignment earlier this month but has cleared waivers and will remain in the organization. The 24-year-old registered a 5.45 ERA and 48/29 K/BB ratio last year in 76 minor league innings.

Astros designated RHP Henry Villar for assignment. Villar got the boot on Wednesday so that the Astros could clear a 40-man roster spot for young outfielder Fernando Martinez. The 24-year-old registered a 5.45 ERA and 48/29 K/BB ratio last year in 76 minor league innings.