Astros released OF Nick Stavinoha. Stavinoha has signed a contract with the Hiroshima Carp of Japan's Central League and is likely to spend the entire 2012 season overseas. He batted .270 with an .817 OPS in 133 games this past year at Triple-A Memphis.

Astros signed OF Nick Stavinoha to a minor league contract. Stavinoha batted .270 with a decent .817 OPS in 133 games this season at Triple-A Memphis, but he's a poor outfielder and is unlikely to reach the majors in Houston.