Astros Crawfish Boil: February 10, 2016

Astros News

Astros' Gattis to miss most of spring after hernia surgery - Houston Chronicle
Astros designated hitter Evan Gattis recently underwent surgery to repair a hernia, the Chronicle has learned, taking away most of his spring training at a minimum. Gattis hit 27 home runs last season, with a .246 average, .285 on-base percentage and .463 slugging percentage.

Evan Gattis Injury: Updates on Astros DH's Recovery from Hernia Surgery | Bleacher Report
The latest Houston Astros news, trade rumors, scores, live coverage, free agent updates, power rankings, mock drafts and more

Houston Astros beat Jason Castro in arbitration, catcher gets $5 million
Houston Astros catcher Jason Castro became the first player to lose in salary arbitration this year. He will receive $5 million this season.

Recent hernia surgery to limit Astros' Evan Gattis this spring - Houston Chronicle
One of the Astros' big bats won't be taking hacks when the Astros hold their first full workout on Feb. 23.

MLB News

The Red Sox can't sign top Cuban prospect Lourdes Gurriel... yet - Over the Monster
Thanks to international signing penalties, the Red Sox aren't eligible to sign Gurriel. Things could change later this year, though.

Ranking the American League challengers to the throne - Royals Review
Who do the Royals need to keep an eye on in 2016?

The artful smoke screen of the Diamondbacks' offseason - MLB Daily Dish
Dave Stewart has undoubtedly improved his team, but it might not be enough.

The rules on takeout slides are finally going to change - SBNation.com
According to ESPN, the Players Association and Major League Baseball are getting close to a compromise on how to fix takeout slides at second base. Good.

The World Baseball Classic qualifiers begin tonight - SBNation.com
Wednesday's Say Hey, Baseball includes the start of baseball that counts, the intrigue of the Gurriel brothers, and questions about the Diamondbacks and Padres.