Astros designate Alex White for assignment; Hernandez and Thatcher to 40-man roster

The writing was on the wall since the Astros announced right-handed pitcher Roberto Hernandez and left-handed pitcher Joe Thatcher had made the Astros roster as Houston broke camp. At least two moves needed to happen before both pitchers could be added to the Astros 40-man roster. Houston designated outfielder Alex Presley on April 1 to open up one spot. Now, the Astros have announced the other move. They have designated right-handed pitcher Alex White:

#Astros set 25-man roster by selecting RHP Roberto Hernandez & LHP Joe Thatcher to active roster. RHP Alex White designated for assignment.

— Houston Astros (@astros) April 5, 2015

White was the 15th-overall pick in the 2009 draft by the Indians. As a member of the Rockies, the Astros traded right-handed pitcher Wilton Lopez and outfielder Jose Monzon for White and right-handed pitcher Alex Gillingham in December of 2012. White had Tommy John surgery in April of the following year.

White returned to pitching in 2014, spending the entire season with the Astros Triple A affiliate in Oklahoma City. With the RedHawks, White appeared in 25 games (10 starts) with a 6.50 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP. This spring, White allowed seven runs in 4 innings on eight hits and six walks.

The Astros have ten days to trade, release or outright him to the minors.

Hernandez earned a roster spot for his 10th season in major league baseball. He appeared in in 5 games this spring, allowing 7 runs in 17 innings.

Joe Thatcher joins Tony Sipp as the Astros options for left-handers out of the pen. Thatcher allowed just 1 run in 7.1 innings this spring.