HOUSTON (AP) — The Houston Astros optioned infielder Brett Wallace to Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday and called up infielder Brandon Laird from the RedHawks.
Wallace started for the Astros on opening day, but went 1 for 24 with 17 strikeouts and a .042 batting average. Laird is hitting .353 with two homers and 14 RBIs in 12 games for Oklahoma City.
Laird joined the Astros last September after being claimed off waivers from the Yankees. He appeared in 17 games for Houston in 2012.
Also Thursday, Houston designated left-handed reliever Xavier Cedeno for assignment to make room for Laird on the 40-man roster. Cedeno had an 11.37 ERA in five appearances this season.
