2011 3rd Round pick Jack Armstrong announced his retirement this morning, according to Brian McTaggart.
Last time we heard from Armstrong, he was working out at 1B to prepare for the 2014 season. Armstrong signed for $750,000 and never appeared in a game for the organization, after fighting through elbow and shoulder injuries.
We also find that pitchers Erick Gonzalez and Alan Abreu were released. Gonzalez was the Astros' 15th Round selection in the 2012 draft (459th overall), and in parts of two seasons had a 2.83 ERA/1.39 WHIP. In 2013 for the GCL Astros, Gonzalez allowed 29H/12ER, 19K:13BB in 27IP. Abreu was undrafted, and only threw 2IP for Greeneville last season.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
