The Astros announced following last night’s game that they have decided to release struggling second baseman Bill Hall.
Zachary Levine of the Houston Chronicle reports that Hall will be placed on unconditional release waivers, clearing the way for Jason Bourgeois to return from the disabled list.
While Hall thrived as a utility player with the Red Sox last season, he has struggled miserably as the regular second baseman with the Astros. The 33-year-old has batted just .224/.272/.340 with two home runs, 13 RBI and an ugly 55/8 K/BB ratio over 158 plate appearances. Jeff Keppinger recently took away his starting job, so this is essentially Ed Wade’s way of saying “my bad.”
“I don’t know that he’s going to be able to get that opportunity here with Keppinger coming back and playing real well and Sanchez needing some time too,” Mills said. “We hope that this is an opportunity to go out and get some time and play someplace.”
It’s pretty refreshing, really. Assuming Hall passes through waivers as expected, the Astros will be responsible for his entire $3 million salary this season and the $250,000 buyout on his mutual option for 2012.
