The Astros plan to release Souza on Wednesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Souza's release strengthens Chas McCormick's hopes of claiming a spot on Houston's Opening Day roster as a fourth outfielder. The 31-year-old Souza failed to get going at the plate during Grapefruit League play, striking out in 13 of his 22 at-bats.

Souza (foot) will start in right field and will bat sixth in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Mets, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

After fouling a ball off his foot in a workout Saturday, Souza appeared in games both Sunday and Monday, but he was limited to DH duties in both contests. Now that Souza is back in the outfield, the Astros are seemingly comfortable with the health of his left foot. The injury doesn't look like it will derail Souza's bid to win a bench role on the Opening Day roster.

Souza (foot) will bat ninth as Houston's designated hitter in Monday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Souza is likely still dealing with some residual soreness after fouling a ball off his foot over the weekend, but the Astros don't seem overly concerned about the issue. He made an appearance off the bench as a pinch hitter in Sunday's 5-0 win over the Nationals, drawing a walk in his lone at-bat. He'll now get the chance to re-enter the starting nine, but the Astros will err on the side of caution and limit him to an offense-only role while he manages the injury. Expect Souza to pick up a start in the outfield in the next few days.

Manager Dusty Baker said that Souza (foot) could be available as a reserve for Sunday's Grapefruit League game against the Nationals, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Souza was pulled from his workout Saturday after fouling a ball off his left foot, but he doesn't appear to be dealing with anything more than minor soreness after X-rays cleared him of structural damage. The Astros could decide to err on the side of caution and hold him out of Sunday's contest, but he should check back into the lineup within the next day or two.

Souza is dealing with left foot soreness after fouling a ball off his foot in practice Saturday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Souza limped into the clubhouse with an issue which was originally undisclosed. Thankfully, he appears to have avoided serious injury. As long as the injury doesn't turn out to be anything worse than soreness, he should be able to get back on the field soon and continue his push for a bench spot.

Souza limped to the clubhouse with trainers during practice Saturday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The nature and severity of Souza's injury aren't yet known, but he had to be helped off the field Saturday. It's not yet clear whether the 31-year-old's injury will prevent him from suiting up during Sunday's spring game against Washington.

Souza went 1-for-2 with a two-run home run in Monday's spring game against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

Souza started in right field Monday, making his first spring start and beginning his quest to make the Astros' roster as non-roster invitee. He's competing for a job as the fourth outfielder but is also getting work at first base during spring training. "The infield is something that's not super foreign to me," Souza told Brian McTaggart of MLB.com. "I've kind of sporadically messed around over there and made sure I stayed ready because I can see the way the game has moved, and people need to be more versatile." Souza has been limited to just 83 games since the start of 2018 due to underperformance and injury.

Souza said he's healthy and ready to play all three outfield spots, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Souza has been limited to just 83 games in MLB since the end of the 2017 season due to underperformance and injury. He was limited by a hamstring injury in 2020, and the year before that it was his left knee. Houston's outfield depth was challenged during the offseason when both George Springer and Josh Reddick left town. The Astros' outfield is expected to consist of Michael Brantley in left, Myles Straw in center and Kyle Tucker in right. Souza is competing for a depth spot with prospect Chas McCormick and non-roster invitee Jose Siri. Barring injury to any of the projected starters, the likeliest path to playing time for Souza could come via underperformance by Straw at the plate.

Souza signed a minor-league contract with the Astros on Saturday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Souza briefly appeared in the majors with the Cubs in 2020, hitting .148 with five RBI and 15 strikeouts over 31 plate appearances. He'll likely compete for a spot in the Astros' major-league outfield during spring training in 2021.

The Cubs released Souza on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Souza went unclaimed off waivers after the Cubs designated him for assignment over the weekend, but the 31-year-old outfielder will pursue opportunities elsewhere rather than stick around at Chicago's alternate training site. Before being dropped from the 40-man roster, Souza appeared in 11 games and hit .148 with one home run across 27 at-bats.