Gamel was released by the Astros Saturday, and he finds a new home shortly after. He’ll likely head to Triple-A Toledo, and a good showing there could give him a chance to help Detroit off the bench this spring.

Astros manager Joe Espada said Saturday that Luis Guillorme and Miguel Castro have been told they won’t make Houston’s season-opening roster, but they’re presumably sticking around at Triple-A Sugar Land. It’s undoubtedly a positive development for both Brendan Rodgers and top prospect Cam Smith that two likely bench options aren’t making the club’s Opening Day roster.

Gamel has been sidelined since Thursday because of back spasms, and the team has called the injury “nothing concerning.” Gamel stands a good chance of beginning the 2025 season with the Astros assuming good health and a decent showing in Florida over the final three-plus weeks.

Passan adds that $1 million of the agreement is non-guaranteed. Gamel returns to Houston where he posted a .739 OPS with one homer in 20 contests last year before suffering a season-ending fractured fibula in mid-September. The 32-year-old veteran, who has gotten into 723 contests at the highest level dating back to 2016, provides the Astros with some extra corner outfield depth to pair with in-house right field options Chas McCormick and Taylor Trammell.