Grossman was released by the Astros on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Grossman made appearances with the Astros in each of the last three seasons, but the 26-year-old failed to make much of an impact with the big league club. He's now free to join another team during the offseason and it seems likely he will receive a non-guaranteed minor league contract from another club.

Grossman was optioned to Triple-A on Tuesday, MLB.com's Brian McTaggart reports. With George Springer getting reinstated from the DL on Wednesday, Grossman getting sent down means the Astros chose Preston Tucker over Grossman as the team's fourth outfielder. Grossman probably won't be significantly challenged at Triple-A and could be back up with Houston at some point this year, but he would need an injury to Springer, Jake Marisnick or Colby Rasmus to see significant at-bats.

Grossman, who has started four of the last five games for the Astros in the absence of George Springer (concussion), has gone 2-for-10 with a double, walk and three strikeouts during that span. In 23 appearances for the Astros this season, Grossman is hitting .152/.235/.261 with a home run and five RBI over 46 at-bats. A career .274/.383/.395 hitter in seven minor league seasons, the 25-year-old outfielder has struggled offensively at the big league level with a .241/.328/.342 slash line over 189 games. Grossman is a versatile defender, however, who is capable of playing all three outfield positions.

Grossman will start in left field and bat eighth Friday against the Rangers. With Colby Rasmus getting the day off against a tough left-hander, Grossman will get an opportunity kickstart his season after going hitless with a walk and three strikeouts over three at-bats in his first two appearances with the Astros.

Grossman will get his first start of the season Thursday against the Indians, the Houston Chronicle's Jose de Jesus Ortiz reports. Jake Marisnick will get the day off, with Colby Rasmus sliding to center field and Grossman playing left field. He is batting ninth, so given his lineup placement and the fact that he will probably only get one or two starts per week, he should be reserved for deep leagues for now.

Astros manager A.J. Hinch said Friday that Grossman (quad) is ready to play in games, MLB.com's Brian McTaggard reports. Grossman is merely dealing with a quad bruise, and he may only miss one day of action. He's still on track to open the season as Houston's fourth or fifth outfielder.

Grossman (quad) could return to spring training action Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. Grossman left Wednesday's game with a quad bruise, but it's nothing serious and Houston expects him back on the field within the next couple of days.

Grossman was removed from Wednesday's spring training game with a right quad contusion, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports. According to the team Grossman was removed solely for precautionary reasons, so it doesn't appear to be a serious issue. That said, he could be sidelined for the next few days to continue airing on the side of caution. Assuming he's back to full health by Opening Day, Grossman figures to serve as the team's fourth or fifth outfielder.

Grossman went 2-for-3 with a home run and two RBI Thursday in the Astros' 6-3 Grapefruit League win over the Phillies. Grossman led off for the Astros and made the most of his start in left field with two hits, including a solo shot off Phillippe Aumont. One nice game will not be enough to win Houston's fourth outfielder job, however, as he'll need to outperform Jake Marisnick, Alex Presley and L.J. Hoes throughout camp to earn the role.

Grossman will lead off and start in left field for the Astros' Grapefruit League opener Thursday against Philadelphia, Evan Drellich of the Houston Chronicle reports. Grossman struggled at the big league level in 2014, hitting .233/.337/.333 in 360 at-bats for the Astros. After the down campaign, the 25-year-old will compete with Jake Marisnick, Alex Presley and L.J. Hoes for Houston's fourth outfielder duties this spring.