This is likely released to an opt-out or another opportunity, as Velázquez was pitching well for Triple-A Sugar Land with a 1.46 ERA and 22/8 K/BB ratio over 24 2/3 innings. 

No big surprises among this batch of cuts for the Astros. Velazquez, 32, hasn't pitched in the big leagues since 2019, but did a nice job for the Astros in Grapefruit League play, registering a 2.70 ERA and 5/3 K/BB ratio across 3 1/3 innings. He should get a chance to pitch out of the Astros bullpen at some point during the 2021 campaign.

The trade went down way back on July 29 and is finally close to a resolution. The Orioles claimed Velaquez off waivers from the Red Sox in March, but he never appeared in a game for the club, so they'll be happy to get whatever they can for him. The 31-year-old holds a 3.90 ERA over 89 appearances (including 19 starts) in the majors, all with the Red Sox.

Velazquez was outrighted off the Orioles' 40-man roster last week and has now found a new home in Houston. The 31-year-old right-hander struggled to a 5.43 ERA in 34 appearances at the major league level last season, but the Astros' pitching staff has been ravaged by injuries through the first week of the 2020 campaign. For now, Velazquez will report to the team's alternate training site in Corpus Christi.