Jose

Vallejo

Vallejo is a defensive standout at second who was hitting just .233 in 84 games for Triple-A Oklahoma. 22, Vallejo could end up as a utilityman.

Vallejo’s speed and defense at second base had already made him a fringe prospect, but it looks like he’s learn to hit as well. He’s batting .295/.352/.486 in 220 at-bats in the California League, giving him an OPS over 180 points higher than where he finished in the Midwest League last year. It seems unlikely that he’ll show the same kind of power at higher levels, but if he shows he can hit doubles with regularity, he’ll have a future in the majors.

Vallejo and Poveda were easy calls, and Bannister has something of a live arm. The 30-year-old Eyre is a surprising choice. He posted a 5.16 ERA for the Rangers in 2007 before missing last season following Tommy John surgery. He’s not really worthy of a 40-man roster spot on a team that doesn’t have many available.

Vallejo managed to pass through waivers, which is not much of a surprise since he is expected to miss most of the season after undergoing surgery to repair severed tendons on his hand in February. The 22-year-old batted .250/.293/.325 with two home runs and 38 RBI in the minors between Texas and Houston last season.

He could miss the entire season, according to Footer. Vallejo severed the tendons while preparing dinner at his home in the Dominican Republic during Christmas. The 22-year-old was acquired as the player to be named later in the Ivan Rodriguez trade last August. He batted .250/.293/.325 with two home runs and 38 RBI in the minors between Texas and Houston.

Vallejo is well ahead of scheduled after needing surgery to repair severed tendons on two fingers on his right hand in January. “That’s really good news for us,” said Astros general manager Ed Wade. “Some of us, including me, questioned if he would ever play again. The fact he’s gone from surgery in January to Double-A is pretty remarkable.” The 23-year-old is 3-for-17 (.176) over his first five games with the Hooks.